Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/35893
Title: Stress and strain within photovoltaic modules using the finite element method: A critical review
Authors: NIVELLE, Philippe 
Tsanakas, JA
POORTMANS, Jef 
DAENEN, Michael 
Issue Date: 2021
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Source: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews, 145 (Art N° 111022)
Abstract: Simulation tools are increasingly employed towards quantifying the lifetime of photovoltaic (PV) modules while providing valuable insights into the various failure modes. The use of the finite element method (FEM) in this regard has been especially popular because of its flexibility and the ability to quantify stress levels for a large variety of scenarios ranging from process-induced stress up to field conditions. The thermo-mechanical behaviour of the module or its components is often considered due to the link with common field failures such as cell cracks, interconnection failures, glass fracture, delamination and many others. However, the approaches used, the various inputs considered and the obtained results are highly scattered and sometimes conflicting. This work provides a structured review of the reported simulation approaches and resulting insights obtained through thermo-mechanical finite element simulations on commercial as well as novel PV module technologies. The influence and validity of various inputs such as the used material models, boundary conditions and other assumptions are discussed. Learnings and best practices can be leveraged by future simulations to expand on and accelerate the design-for-reliability capabilities of finite element models for PV modules.
Keywords: Finite element method (FEM);PV modules;PV components;Thermo-mechanical stress;PV durability;PV reliability;Modelling;Solar cell interconnections
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/35893
ISSN: 1364-0321
e-ISSN: 1879-0690
DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111022
ISI #: 000663152400001
Rights: 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Category: A1
Type: Journal Contribution
Validations: ecoom 2022
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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