The Effect of Cell and Module Dimensions on Thermomechanical Stress in PV Modules

Beinert, Andreas J.; Romer, Pascal; Heinrich, Martin; Mittag, M.; Aktaa, Jarir; Neuhaus, D.H.

doi:10.1109/jphotov.2019.2949875

Cited by 28 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 18 publications

(21 reference statements)

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“…For the mechanical analysis, we adapt a 3D FEM model from previous studies [8, 9] to the investigated PV module topology. The fully parameterized frame is considered in full detail, as depicted in Figure 4.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We use linear elastic, temperature‐dependent material models. For a more detailed description of the FEM model as well as the material properties, we refer to Beinert et al [9]. We simulate homogeneous mechanical push load according to the IEC 61215 standard.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To assess the mechanical stability of the frame designs, we choose the module deflection at 2400 Pa push load since it gives the more information about the mechanical stability of the frame itself compared with other values as the solar cell fracture probability used previously [9, 18].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within this study we investigate and improve exemplary PV module frame designs based on mechanical, electrical, economic, and environmental analysis. Concerning the mechanical analysis, previous studies [5][6][7][8][9] investigated the module deformation and stress distribution under mechanical pressure loads. As related previous work studies the mechanical stress of solar cells [10], we propose an approach to improve the module frame design and apply finite element method (FEM) simulations on the PV module including the aluminum frame with various designs to define the module maximum deflection under 2400 Pa push load according to the IEC 61215 standard.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Holistic design improvement of the PV module frame: Mechanical, optoelectrical, cost, and life cycle analysis

Tummalieh

Beinert

Reichel

et al. 2022

Progress in Photovoltaics

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We present a holistic approach for the photovoltaic (PV) module frame improvement that considers mechanical, electrical, economic, and ecological aspects for different frame designs. In a comprehensive study, the approach is applied to exemplary PV module frame designs. The analyses performed in this study show a potential improvement path of the module frame design. This leads to an overall better module performance and helps finding the balance point between technical performance, cost, and environmental impact. Based on the results, the PV module frame design affects the aspects analyzed in this work differently. For the comparison, we defined reference frame design with 16 and 20 mm front and rear frame widths. The improvement is reached by unitizing the frame width for both sides to 18 mm and increasing its cavity width to 12 mm instead of 8.5 mm. Tuning the frame parameters in this way leads to the best balance point for frame designs in this study regarding all aspects. The mechanical finite element method (FEM) simulation results show that

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Holistic design improvement of the PV module frame: Mechanical, optoelectrical, cost, and life cycle analysis

Tummalieh

Beinert

Reichel

et al. 2022

Progress in Photovoltaics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In 2020, Beinert et al [53] evaluated the impact of solar cell and module dimensions under the load of 2,400Pa on the thermomechanical stress within PV modules based on FEA. They changed the number of solar cells (from 60 to 140 cells) and their format (from full cells down to quarter cells) within PV modules.…”

Section: Recent Fea Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanical and economic analysis of conventional aluminum photovoltaic module frames, frames with side holes, and open-source downward-fastened frames for non-traditional racking

Sadat¹,

Vandewetering²,

Pearce³

2022

Preprint

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Using bolts through the back of a solar photovoltaic (PV) module frames to attach them to racking is time consuming and awkward, so commercial PV installations use clamping technologies on the front. Conventional and proprietary clamps are costly and demand access to supply chains for uncommon mechanical components that limits deployment velocity. To overcome these challenges, this study presents new open-source downward-fastened and side-fastened aluminum (Al) framing designs, which are easy to install and compatible with metal and wood racks. The proposed parametric open source designs are analyzed through finite element methods (FEM) simulations and economic analysis is performed to compare to conventional PV frame at both the module and system levels. The FEM results showed all the frames have acceptable mechanical reliability and stability to pass IEC 61215 standards. The results show the new frame (with bottom width of 29 mm and thickness of 1.5 mm) have about a 2% land use efficiency penalty, but have better mechanical stability (lower stress and deflections), are easier to install and have reduced material economic costs (2%) compared to conventional frames. The results are promising for the use of the new PV frame designs for distributed manufacturing targeted at specific applications.

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Thermomechanical design rules for photovoltaic modules

Beinert

Romer

Heinrich

et al. 2022

Progress in Photovoltaics

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We present a set of thermomechanical design rules to support and accelerate future (PV) module developments. The design rules are derived from a comprehensive parameter sensitivity study of different PV module layers and material properties by finite element method simulations. We develop a three dimensional finite element method (FEM) model, which models the PV module geometry in detail from busbar and ribbons up to the frame including the adhesive. The FEM simulation covers soldering, lamination, and mechanical load at various temperatures. The FEM model is validated by mechanical load tests on three 60‐cell PV modules. Here, for the first time, stress within a solar cell is measured directly using stress sensors integrated in solar cells (SenSoCells®). The results show good accordance with the simulations. The parameter sensitivity study reveals that there are two critical interactions within a PV module: (1) between ribbon and solar cell and (2) between front/back cover and interconnected solar cells. Here, the encapsulant plays a crucial role in how the single layers interact with each other. Therefore, its mechanical properties are essential, and four design rules are derived regarding the encapsulant. Also four design rules concern front and back sides, and three address the solar cells. Finally, two design rules each deal with module size and frame, respectively. Altogether we derive a set of 15 thermomechanical design rules. As a rule of thumb of how well a bill of material will work from a thermomechanical point of view, we introduce the concept of specific thermal expansion stiffness as the product of Young's modulus , coefficient of thermal expansion , joint area , and materials height . The difference between two materials is a measure of how much thermal strain one material can induce in another. A strong difference means that the material with the larger value will induce thermal strain in the other.

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The Effect of Cell and Module Dimensions on Thermomechanical Stress in PV Modules

Cited by 28 publications

References 18 publications

Holistic design improvement of the PV module frame: Mechanical, optoelectrical, cost, and life cycle analysis

Holistic design improvement of the PV module frame: Mechanical, optoelectrical, cost, and life cycle analysis

Mechanical and economic analysis of conventional aluminum photovoltaic module frames, frames with side holes, and open-source downward-fastened frames for non-traditional racking

Thermomechanical design rules for photovoltaic modules

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