Predicting edge seal performance from accelerated testing

Kedar Hardikar; Dan Vitkavage; Ajay Saproo; Todd Krajewski

doi:10.1117/12.2061126

8 October 2014 Predicting edge seal performance from accelerated testing

Kedar Hardikar, Dan Vitkavage, Ajay Saproo, Todd Krajewski

Proceedings Volume 9179, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems VII; 91790N (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061126
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Degradation in performance of a PV module attributable to moisture ingress has received significant attention in PV reliability research. Assessment of field performance of PV modules against moisture ingress through product-level testing in temperature-humidity control chambers poses challenges. Development of a meaningful acceleration factor model is challenging due to different rates of degradation of components embedded in a PV module, when exposed to moisture. Test results are typically a convolution of moisture barrier performance of the edge seal and degradation of laminated components when exposed to moisture. It is desirable to have an alternate method by which moisture barrier performance of the edge seal in its end product form can be assessed in any given field conditions, independent of particular cell design. In this work, a relatively inexpensive test technique was developed to test the edge seal in its end product form in a manner that is decoupled from other components of the PV module. A theoretical framework was developed to assess moisture barrier performance of edge seal with desiccants subjected to different conditions. This framework enables the analysis of test results from accelerated tests and prediction of the field performance of the edge seal. Results from this study lead to the conclusion that the edge seal on certain Miasole glass-glass modules studied is effective for the most aggressive weather conditions examined, beyond the intended service.

Citation Download Citation

Kedar Hardikar, Dan Vitkavage, Ajay Saproo, and Todd Krajewski "Predicting edge seal performance from accelerated testing", Proc. SPIE 9179, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems VII, 91790N (8 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061126

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