Encapsulant free-surfaces and interfaces: Critical parameters in controlling cell corrosionResults are reported of studying the interaction of moisture with photovoltaic (PV) modules and custom-built test coupons in both laboratory and outdoor ambient environments. Characteristics measured included module cell-to-frame leakage currents, encapsulant bulk and surface currents, glass surface currents, and encapsulant/glass interface currents as functions of temperature and humidity. Using a computer model of interelectrode conduction, preferential conduction paths in PVB- and EVA-encapsulated modules are identified. In comparing the results of field and laboratory test environments on identical samples, comments are made about the greater severity of the outdoor environment. Several aspects of water-module interaction, including design strategies and continuing research, are discussed.
Document ID
19880047193
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mon, G. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Wen, L. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Ross, R., Jr. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)