Radio Frequency Lamination for Photovoltaic Panels

MS&T 2009 Presentation

Abstract

Materials Science and Technology Conference
Pittsbug, PA
Authors: Shawn Allan, Morgana Fall, Holly Shulman
Presenter: Shawn Allan

Radio frequency (RF) lamination is a new patented technology designed to accelerate production of laminated glass products. The RF process resulted in dramatic time reduction and energy savings, compared to autoclaving and vacuum techniques. The process uses RF energy to directly heat vinyl or polyurethane interlayers between structural glass, ceramic, or plastic. Solar technology is an especially interesting application for this technology. The RF lamination process occurs in an RF press, where uniaxial pressure is applied simultaneously with RF energy. With the RF process, lamination was completed in less than 1 minute. The process allowed for solder-free electrical connection of solar cells. Lamination of solar cells with full and partial coverage (ie., window with embedded PV cells) in glass was investigated. Strategies for overcoming residual stress in interlayers surrounding embedded PV cells will be discussed. Working prototypes of RF laminated solar panels will be presented.