Building-integrated photovoltaic applied Bi-facial photovoltaic module structural design

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2024-06, Vol.269, p.112758, Article 112758
• Main Authors: Noh, Yohan, Lee, Jaehyeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV); Glass-to- glass-to-glass photovoltaic structure; Light-weight structure design; Mechanical reliability; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2024.112758

Most photovoltaic modules typically exhibit a structure configuration of either glass-to-back sheet or glass-to-glass. These configurations are widely used in standard construction and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. Recent developments in building safety have underscored the need for BIPV systems to conform to the safety standards expected for construction materials. Particularly, extensive research is necessary to improve their fire safety performance. Several European and technologically advanced countries have established standards and certification regulations pertaining to fire safety in photovoltaic modules. Currently, the structure and components of photovoltaic modules are highly susceptible to fire safety issues. Among the configurations, the glass-to-glass photovoltaic modules stand out as the only option offering exceptional fire safety because they are covered with glass on both sides. However, this dual glass coverage results in increased weight, increasing the difficulty in installation, maintenance, and repair of the modules for BIPV applications. To address this issue, ongoing research focuses on developing lightweight technologies and lightweight BIPV modules. This study introduces a novel design methodology to enhance the mechanical reliability of glass-to-glass photovoltaic modules. We conducted mechanical load tests on commercially available modules and used ANSYS static structural analysis to model and simulate these tests. By varying the glass-shape parameters in the validated structural analysis model, we designed a glass-to-glass photovoltaic module configuration with an increased surface area that ensures mechanical reliability. This design enabled the development of a photovoltaic module model that is 21.33% lighter than existing commercial photovoltaic module while maintaining the requisite mechanical reliability. •Designing lightweight building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules.•Reduction of the module weight by 21.33% by the designed model.•Advancing BIPV integration and efficiency in sustainable construction.•Constructing a 3.0-mm-thick glass threshold for use in BIPV modules.•Front and rear glass both 1.5 mm thick ensures minimal stress on solar cells.