Consideration Of Encapsulants For Photovoltaic Arrays In Terrestrial Applications

Edward F. Cuddihy; William F. Carroll

doi:10.1117/12.954935

15 February 1977 Consideration Of Encapsulants For Photovoltaic Arrays In Terrestrial Applications

Edward F. Cuddihy, William F. Carroll

Proceedings Volume 0085, Solar Energy Utilization II; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.954935
Event: 20th Annual Technical Symposium, 1976, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Long-term survivability of photovoltaic arrays and components in terrestrial environments will require development of adequate protective systems. Highly considered are polymeric encapsulants, a method which was successfully employed in space and aerospace applications to protect critical electrical circuitry. To be employable, however, the polymer encapsulants must themselves be chemically and mechanically resistant to failure in terrestrial service. Chemical resistance includes stability to the degrading actions of ultraviolet light, oxygen, moisture and elevated temperatures in sun rich areas. Programs are underway to identify and develop chemically stable encapsulant candidates. Chemical considerations aside, mechanical failures of the encapsulants must also be avoided in array designs. This paper discusses design considerations for avoiding mechanical failures of polymeric encapsulants, with emphasis on biaxial properties, thermal fatigue, and anisotropy and nonhomogeneity of material properties. The general principles to be presented evolved from actual failures of polymeric materials in engineering applications. Also included are brief remarks on the permeability of polymer materials to atmospheric gases.

Citation Download Citation

Edward F. Cuddihy and William F. Carroll "Consideration Of Encapsulants For Photovoltaic Arrays In Terrestrial Applications", Proc. SPIE 0085, Solar Energy Utilization II, (15 February 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.954935

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available