Evaluation of moisture ingress from the perimeter of photovoltaic modules

Kempe, Michael; Dameron, Arrelaine A.; Reese, Matthew O.

doi:10.1002/pip.2374

Cited by 76 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…[ 145 ] Similar encapsulation process has been applied in monolithic ss-DSSCs based on polymer electrolytes by H. W. Han's group, [ 27 ] which effectively prevents the infl uence of moisture and oxygen on the performance of the solar modules.…”

Section: Device Encapsulationmentioning

confidence: 98%

Beyond Efficiency: the Challenge of Stability in Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

Rong

Liu

Mei

et al. 2015

Advanced Energy Materials

412

329

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Over the past five years, the rapid emergence of a new class of solar cell based on mixed organic–inorganic halide perovskite semiconductors has captured the attention of scientists and researchers in the field of energy conversion. Benefiting from the optimization of perovskite film deposition approaches, the design of new material systems, and the diversity of device concepts, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has increased from 2.19% in 2006 to a certified 20.1% in 2014, making this the fastest‐advancing solar cell technology to date. However, as a photovoltaic technology, which needs to meet the requirements of working under long‐term sunlight, PSCs suffer stability concerns for both materials and devices. Evolved from dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), PSCs usually contain a mesoporous electron transporting layer or scaffold layer, a perovskite active layer, a hole transporting layer and a back contact to construct a mesoscopic‐structured device. Using interface engineering, mesoscopic PSCs (MPSCs) have obtained exciting stability with a hole‐conductor‐free printable triple‐layer architecture or conventional heterojunction version. Herein, the achievements of mesoscopic solar cells from solid‐state DSSCs to MPSCs are outlined and summary of recent progress in the stability of MPSCs is presented. Possible degradation mechanism and solutions are presented and, finally, challenges for the commercialization of this photovoltaic technology are discussed.

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Section: Device Encapsulationmentioning

confidence: 98%

Beyond Efficiency: the Challenge of Stability in Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

Rong

Liu

Mei

et al. 2015

Advanced Energy Materials

412

329

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“…The solar cells themselves are sandwiched between two layers of EVA polymer, which serve as ion and moisture barriers [16], and are attached on a backsheet foil, while enclosed on either side by an aluminum frame. If we assume that the modules are subject to 100% relative humidity conditions outside (e.g., from frequent rain), then moisture will enter predominantly through the front side glass and EVA [17], and quickly begin corroding silver busbars on the top of the PV module. This allows us to construct a relatively simple model for the impact of corrosion, based on the equation ∆ܴ ௦ ൌ ఘ ௐሺ௧ି∆௧ሻ…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A modeling framework for potential induced degradation in PV modules

et al. 2015

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Major sources of performance degradation and failure in glass-encapsulated PV modules include moisture-induced gridline corrosion, potential-induced degradation (PID) of the cell, and stress-induced busbar delamination. Recent studies have shown that PV modules operating in damp heat at -600 V are vulnerable to large amounts of degradation, potentially up to 90% of the original power output within 200 hours. To improve module reliability and restore power production in the presence of PID and other failure mechanisms, a fundamental rethinking of accelerated testing is needed. This in turn will require an improved understanding of technology choices made early in development that impact failures later.In this work, we present an integrated approach of modeling, characterization, and validation to address these problems. A hierarchical modeling framework will allows us to clarify the mechanisms of corrosion, PID, and delamination. We will employ a physics-based compact model of the cell, topology of the electrode interconnection, geometry of the packaging stack, and environmental operating conditions to predict the current, voltage, temperature, and stress distributions in PV modules correlated with the acceleration of specific degradation modes. A self-consistent solution will capture the essential complexity of the technology-specific acceleration of PID and other degradation mechanisms as a function of illumination, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. Initial results from our model include specific lifetime predictions suitable for direct comparison with indoor and outdoor experiments, which are qualitatively validated by prior work. This approach could play a significant role in developing novel accelerated lifetime tests.

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“…No attempt was made to dry the samples out in an effort to more closely duplicate the conditions in an assembled module. Despite it being theoretically possible to dry out the edge seals after exposure, that approach has been shown to be problematic . However, during the assembly of the test samples, the polymer is heated up in a dry atmosphere that may allow for some moisture to escape off of the surfaces of the edge seal tape, but not enough to meaningfully dry the samples.…”

Section: Experimental Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The adsorption of water is either irreversible (as in CaO), or reversible (as in molecular sieves). When embedded in a polymer matrix, molecular sieves require application of prolonged exposure to high temperature to release the water to allow it to diffuse through an edge seal as discussed herein . Due to the unavailability of such high temperatures, the actual performance result are similar to irreversible desiccants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moisture ingress prediction in polyisobutylene‐based edge seal with molecular sieve desiccant

Kempe

Nobles

Postak³

et al. 2017

Progress in Photovoltaics

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Often photovoltaic modules are constructed with materials that are sensitive to water. This is most often the case with thin film technologies, including perovskite cells, where the active layers are a few microns thick and can be sensitive to moisture, liquid water or both. When moisture or liquid water can ingress, a small amount of water can lead to corrosion and depending on the resulting reactions, a larger local detrimental effect is possible. To prevent moisture from contacting photovoltaic components, impermeable frontsheets and backsheets are used with a polyisobutylene (PIB)‐based edge seal material around the perimeter. Here, we evaluate the ability of a PIB‐based edge seal using a molecular sieve desiccant to keep moisture out for the expected module lifetime. Moisture ingress is evaluated using test coupons where the edge seal is placed between 2 pieces of glass, one of which has a metallic calcium film on it, and monitoring the moisture ingress distance as a function of time. We expose samples to different temperature and humidity conditions to create permeation models useful for extrapolation to field use. This extrapolation indicates that this PIB material is capable of keeping moisture out of a module for the desired lifetime.

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Evaluation of moisture ingress from the perimeter of photovoltaic modules

Cited by 76 publications

References 32 publications

Beyond Efficiency: the Challenge of Stability in Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

Beyond Efficiency: the Challenge of Stability in Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

A modeling framework for potential induced degradation in PV modules

Moisture ingress prediction in polyisobutylene‐based edge seal with molecular sieve desiccant

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