Characteristics of DSSC Panels with Silicone Encapsulant

Jun-Gu Kang,Jun-Tae Kim,Jin-Hee Kim,Han-Bin Jang

doi:10.1155/2015/715427

Jun-Gu Kang, Jun-Tae Kim + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/715427

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Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) allow light transmission and the application of various colors that make them especially suitable for building-integrated PV (BIPV) application. In order to apply DSSC modules to windows, the module has to be panelized: a DSSC module should be protected with toughened glass on the entire surface. Up to the present, it seems to be common to use double glazing with DSSC modules, with air gaps between the glass pane and the DSSC modules. Few studies have been conducted on the characteristics of various glazing methods with DSSC modules. This paper proposes a paneling method that uses silicone encapsulant, analyzing the performance through experimentation. Compared to a multilayered DSSC panel with an air gap, the encapsulant-applied panel showed 6% higher light transmittance and 7% higher electrical efficiency. The encapsulant also prevented electrolyte leakage by strengthening the seals in the DSSC module.

Highlights

IntroductionDye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are known to allow light transmission and can be manufactured in various colors and shapes
To solve the issues involved with the current method of Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) paneling with double layers of glazing, this study proposes a method that uses silicone encapsulants between the DSSC module layer and the glass panes
Panels with silicone encapsulant materials had a maximum transmittance of 37%, while the triple glazing unit (TGU) panels had a maximum transmittance of 31%

Summary

Introduction

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are known to allow light transmission and can be manufactured in various colors and shapes. They are relatively less sensitive to angle of incidence. Large-size PV modules seem to be more practical for building applications. The available size of DSSC modules is 300 × 300 mm at commercial scale, even though there have been efforts to make larger DSSC modules. These issues make it problematic to apply DSSC modules to buildings. The soda lime glass typically used for the modules is too weak to use as a finishing material; if the glass is damaged, glass shards may pose a danger

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