Thermo-mechanical behavior assessment of smart wire connected and busbarPV modules during production, transportation, and subsequent field loading stages

Li, Guiqiang; Akram, M.W.; Jin, Yi; Chen, Xiao; Zhu, Changan; Ahmad, Ashfaq; Arshad, R.H.; Zhao, Xudong

Abstract

Thermo-mechanical loads induce stresses in photovoltaic (PV) modules, leading to crack formation. In this context, the understanding of module’s thermo-mechanical behavior is important. To investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of smart wire connected technology (SWCT) and busbar PV modules throughout their entire life, the present study is conducted that probes the stress distribution and deformation during production, transportation, and subsequent mechanical and thermal loading stages in a consecutive step-by-step manner using finite element modelling approach. Pre-stresses and non-linearities are considered in simulation models. Stresses and displacements experienced by different parts/layers are examined, and crack sensitive regions are identified. In addition, the SWCT and busbar modules are compared, and it is found that SWCT interconnection is relatively a less stress inducing process and less susceptible to thermal and dynamic affects. During production stage, stresses of 39.3 MPa and 40.4 MPa are generated in SWCT cells and copper wires respectively; while, stresses of 60 MPa and 87 MPa are generated in busbar cells and busbar respectively. Similarly, lower stresses are induced in SWCT PV modules during subsequent stages. The comparison results show advantages of SWCT module in terms of mechanical stability which can lead to improve the performance and reliability of PV modules.

Citation

Li, G., Akram, M., Jin, Y., Chen, X., Zhu, C., Ahmad, A., Arshad, R., & Zhao, X. (2019). Thermo-mechanical behavior assessment of smart wire connected and busbarPV modules during production, transportation, and subsequent field loading stages. Energy, 168, 931-945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.12.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 4, 2018
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Dec 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 5, 2019
• Journal: Energy
• Print ISSN: 0360-5442
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 168
• Pages: 931-945
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.12.002
• Keywords: General Energy; Pollution; Thermo-mechanical behaviour; Smart wire connected technology (SWCT) PV modules; Busbar PV modules; Production; Transportation; Mechanical and thermal loads
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1173909
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544218323685?via%3Dihub
• Contract Date: Dec 6, 2018