Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Dennis, W. E..
Two-step process forms silicone/acrylate copolymers. Resulting acrylate functional fluid is reacted with other ingredients to produce copolymer. Films of polymer were formed by simply pouring or spraying mixture and allowing solvent to evaporate. Films showed good weatherability. Durable, clear polymer films protect photovoltaic cells.
The use of silicone materials as thin conformal coatings for the protection of photovoltaic cells is investigated. Five silicone materials ranging from soft elastomers to high modulus resins were evaluated after exposure to UV radiation, outdoor weathering, thermal cycling at high humidity and temperature cycling from -40 C to 90 C. The effects of these tests were monitored by periodically measuring the output of two-cell circuit strings encapsulated with the various materials, and one exceptional silicone coating for which no significant changes in cell output were noted after 300 days was chosen as the best of the candidates. Because only a thin coating of the substance is needed, material costs 60% lower than those of previous encapsulants are now possible.