Abstract
This study provides important design guidance to the Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel development efforts using the finite element based computations of the PV module under the mechanical loadings. We consider specialty thin glass (Corning Eagle XG®) as superstrate of the PV module, while a standard tempered Soda-Lime-Silica Glass (SLG) is considered as bottom support. The reliability calculations for the module were performed based on the stress magnitudes obtained from the FEA computations. The PV solar panel considered in this study are supported by C-chanel rails that run along the longitudinal direction. The optimum values for the C-chanel rail support location and height were determined using FEA driven reliability calculations. A methodology involving back calculation of the limiting stresses from the reliability constraints is briefly discussed, that can save the time consuming FEA iterations and tedious post processing of FEA results thereafter to calculate reliability. Analysis shows that the best rail position is between 17% to 20% of the module width (L) from the edge. The channel located at close to L/5 from the free edges was found to give mechanical reliability of 99%. Rail height greater than or equal to 23.5 mm can be used to achieve 95% reliability for the heavy snow load test. Lower modulus encapsulants such as silicone decrease the stress on top glass Eagle EG (EXG) and increase the stress on SLG (bottom glass) to a bit over the temper stress level. The butyl perimeter seal has a minimal impact on glass stress levels.
Highlights
Solar power can be employed to meet the growing energy demand and reduce the carbon foot print
The current study aims to address the reliability of thin-glass PV module laminates having support structure that are subjected to IEC testing protocols
This study finds the optimal design parameters of the support structure consisting of two C-Chanel that support the Glass-Glass PV module having thin glass on top and Silica Glass (SLG) at the bottom
Summary
Solar power can be employed to meet the growing energy demand and reduce the carbon foot print. Solar power utilizes either direct (Photovoltaic (PV) cells) or indirect (lens/mirror tracking) method to convert the sunlight energy into electricity (Chu and Meisen, 2011). PV cells are sandwiched between two glass substrates and the sandwich panel is installed and positioned towards sunlight. The PV panel is subjected to rigorous loading cases designed to predict the mechanical reliability before it can be approved for a commercial use. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 61646 Standard, 2008) lay down requirements for the design qualification and approvals for terrestrial PV modules that can be used in snow, wind and hail impact environments. The purpose of this study is to provide module design guidelines using FEA and mechanical reliability calculations to achieve better life expectancy of the glass components used in the module under wind and snow loadings. Experimental evaluation of the various quantities is planned in the future
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