Phd defence of Ichrak Rahmoun

Ichrak Rahmoun defends her PhD in Computational Mechanics and Materials on May 19th, 22

Thermomechanical modelling of photovoltaic module manufacturing processes

Ichrak Rahmoun conducted her PhD work in the CSM team. She defends her PhD in Computational Mechanics and Materials on May 19th, 2022 in front of the following jury:

– Prof. Veronica Bermudez, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute

– Prof. Cyrille Sollogoub, CNAM

– Prof. Corinne Alonso, Université de Toulouse Paul Sabatier III

– Prof. Fabrice Schmidt, Mines Albi

– Prof. Jean-Luc Bouvard, Mines Paris

– Prof. Pierre-Olivier Bouchard, Mines Paris

– IR Aude Derrier, CEA Liten

Abstract:

Photovoltaic (PV) modules consist of active photovoltaic layers (Silicon, passivation), protective encapsulation layers (polymers) and glass plates. The performance and service life of PV modules depends on their ability to withstand various environmental constraints related to thermomechanical, physical, chemical and / or electrical phenomena. In the context of this work, we will focus on the residual stresses induced during manufacturing. This comprises the electrical interconnection between the PV module cells, by welding or adhesive bonding of conductive lines, and the protective encapsulation by layers of polymers and glasses using lamination process (hot pressing). The induced residual stresses can be at the origin of failures observed on the modules (delamination, cell cracking, breakage of interconnections …etc.), either at the manufacturing stage or during the lifetime of the modules due to the service constraints. The objective of this PhD thesis will be to model the encapsulation and interconnection processes of cells to better understand their influence on the main failures observed on the modules.

Keywords: Photovoltaic module, lamination process, interconnection process, thermomechanical modelling, residual stresses