Durability And Reliability Of Polymers And Other Materials In Photovoltaic Modules

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues. Provides comprehensive coverage of photovoltaic polymers, from fundamental degradation mechanisms, to specific case studies of durability and materials failure Offers practical, actionable information in relation to service life prediction of photovoltaic modules and accelerated testing for materials selection Includes up-to-date information and interpretation of safety regulations and testing of photovoltaic modules and materials

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues. Provides comprehensive coverage of photovoltaic polymers, from fundamental degradation mechanisms, to specific case studies of durability and materials failure Offers practical, actionable information in relation to service life prediction of photovoltaic modules and accelerated testing for materials selection Includes up-to-date information and interpretation of safety regulations and testing of photovoltaic modules and materials

Photovoltaic Modules: Technology and Reliability provides unique insights into concepts, material design strategies, manufacturing techniques, quality and service life analysis of wafer-based photovoltaic modules. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the authors focus on two main topics. Part I – Crystalline Silicone Module Technology offers photovoltaics fundamentals: solar cell properties, module design, materials and production, basic module characterization, module power as well as efficiency and module performance. Part II, on the other hand, illustrates the state-of-the-art of module reliability by characterization of modules and degradation effects, examination of PV-Module loads, accelerated aging tests as well as reliability testing of materials and modules. A separate chapter is dedicated to PV module and component certification.

Provides practical guidance on the latest quality assurance and accelerated stress test methods for improved long-term performance prediction of PV modules This book has been written from a historical perspective to guide readers through how the PV industry learned what the failure and degradation modes of PV modules were, how accelerated tests were developed to cause the same failures and degradations in the laboratory, and then how these tests were used as tools to guide the design and fabrication of reliable and long-life modules. Photovoltaic Module Reliability starts with a brief history of photovoltaics, discussing some of the different types of materials and devices used for commercial solar cells. It then goes on to offer chapters on: Module Failure Modes; Development of Accelerated Stress Tests; Qualification Testing; and Failure Analysis Tools. Next, it examines the use of quality management systems to manufacture PV modules. Subsequent chapters cover the PVQAT Effort; the Conformity Assessment and IECRE; and Predicting PV Module Service Life. The book finishes with a look at what the future holds for PV. A comprehensive treatment of current photovoltaic (PV) technology reliability and necessary improvement to become a significant part of the electric utility supply system Well documented with experimental and practical cases throughout, enhancing relevance to both scientific community and industry Timely contribution to the harmonization of methodological aspects of PV reliability evaluation with test procedures implemented to certify PV module quality Written by a leading international authority in PV module reliability Photovoltaic Module Reliability is an excellent book for anyone interested in PV module reliability, including those working directly on PV module and system reliability and preparing to purchase modules for deployment.

Polymers for Vibration Damping Applications is a detailed guide on the use of polymers and polymer composites for vibration and shock damping. The book begins with two chapters that introduce the fundamentals of both vibration and shock damping. The next part of the book presents in-depth coverage of polymeric materials for vibration damping, including viscoelastic properties, design of polymer systems, and modes and applications. Finally, measurement techniques are discussed in detail. Throughout the book, the different perspectives of materials and engineering are considered, and both mathematical and conceptual approaches are used. This is an essential resource for all those looking to understand the application of polymers for vibration damping, including researchers, scientists and advanced students in polymer science, plastics engineering, materials science and mechanical engineering, as well as engineers and R&D personnel in the automotive, marine, defense and construction industries. Equips the reader with a complete, fundamental understanding of vibration and shock damping Explains the viscoelastic properties, design and applications of polymeric materials for vibration damping applications Includes cutting-edge research on the use of polymers for advanced civil and defense applications

Polymers for 3D Printing: Methods, Properties, and Characteristics provides a detailed guide to polymers for 3D printing, bridging the gap between research and practice, and enabling engineers, technicians and designers to utilise and implement this technology for their products or applications. Presents the properties, attributes, and potential applications of the polymeric materials used in 3D printing Analyses and compares the available methods for 3D printing, with an emphasis on the latest cutting-edge technologies Enables the reader to select and implement the correct 3D printing technology, according to polymer properties or product requirements

Fractography in Failure Analysis of Polymers, Second Edition, provides a practical guide to the science of fractography and its application in the failure analysis of plastic components. In addition to a brief background on the theory of fractography, the authors discuss the various fractographic tools and techniques used to identify key fracture characteristics. The Second Edition includes additional material related to polymer life prediction testing and analysis. Case studies have been expanded, including a wide range of polymer types, new technologies, applications, and failure modes, as well as best practice guidelines enabling engineers to apply these lessons to their own work. Detailed images and their appropriate context are presented for reference in failure investigations. This text is vital for engineers who must determine the root causes of failure when it occurs, helping them further study the ramifications of product liability claims, environmental concerns, and brand image. This is also a valuable resource for all plastics professionals, including manufacturers, product designers, and consultants, forensic investigators, as well as educators in materials science. Presents comprehensive coverage of applied fractography, enabling improved reliability and longevity of plastic parts and products Includes case studies that demonstrate material selection decisions and how to reduce failure rates Provides best practice on how to analyze the cause of material failures, along with guidelines on improving design and manufacturing decisions

Applications of Polymers and Plastics in Medical Devices: Design, Manufacture, and Performance is a comprehensive guide to plastic materials for medical devices, covering fundamentals, materials, applications and regulatory requirements. Sections cover the role of plastics in medical devices, socioeconomic factors, the classification of medical devices. The performance of, medical grades and suppliers of polymer materials, which are categorized by performance level are also explored, along with manufacturing processes for device components, including extrusion, casting, injection molding and assembly processes. The book then covers applications in detail, examining each device and the role that polymers and plastics play in its construction and function. This is an essential resource for engineers, R&D, and other professionals working on plastics for medical devices and those in the plastics industry, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, packaging and biotechnology. In an academic setting, this book is of interest to researchers and advanced students in medical plastics, plastics engineering, polymer science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and materials science. Offers systematic coverage of the major classes of polymers used in medical devices, including properties, characteristics, performance, medical grades and suppliers Reviews regulatory requirements of the FDA and other global agencies, as well as considering quality control and socioeconomic factors Includes the latest advances in plastics for medical devices, such as novel applications, use of bio-based polymers, and processing of reusable medical devices