ANALYSIS OF GLASS THICKNESS AND FRAME-GLASS INTERFACE IN BIFACIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59627/cbens.2024.2480Keywords:
bifacial modules, photovoltaic solar panels, glass breakageAbstract
The test plant located at Fotovoltaica-UFSC in Florianópolis/SC (27º S, 48º W) has an installed capacity of approximately 100 kWp and was initially designed to evaluate and demonstrate the potential for maximizing the operational life and energy generation (MWh) per installed power (MWp) of glass//glass bifacial modules. However, this research project was surprised by glass breakage in the bifacial photovoltaic modules well above the expected. Approximately 50% of the installed modules showed glass failures after only nine months of plant operation. This study emerged as one of the research lines aimed at seeking a better understanding of the origin of these failures. Theanalysis was divided into two investigative stages to investigate stress concentration points along the interface formed between the glass and the aluminum frame. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the glass thickness and the interface along the entire module profile were analyzed, identifying areas where the glass thickness is less than the manufacturer's specification, as well as manufacturing defects in the interface formed between the glass and the aluminum frame. This study, although preliminary, highlights the need for more comprehensive research to understand the causes of the cracks observed in large plants and suggests additional analyses for a more complete understanding of the problem.
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References
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