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Breakdown of organic insulatorsSolar cells and their associated electrical interconnects and leads were encapsulated in transparent elastomeric materials. Their purpose in a photovoltaic module, one of the most important for these elastomeric encapsulation materials, is to function as electrical insulation. This includes internal insulation between adjacent solar cells, between other encapsulated electrical parts, and between the total internal electrical circuitry and external metal frames, grounded areas, and module surfaces. Catastrophic electrical breakdown of the encapsulant insulation materials or electrical current through these materials or module edges to external locations can lead to module failure and can create hazards to humans. Electrical insulation stability, advanced elastomeric encapsulation materials are developed which are intended to be intrinsically free of in-situ ionic impurities, have ultralow water absorption, be weather-stable (UV, oxygen), and have high mechanical flexibility. Efforts to develop a method of assessing the life potential of organic insulation materials in photovoltaic modules are described.
Document ID
19840024623
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cuddihy, E. F.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Proc. of the Flat-Plate Solar Array Proj. Res. Forum on the Design of Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Arrays for Central Sta.
Subject Category
Electronics And Electrical Engineering
Accession Number
84N32694
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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