Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Analysis of Ribbon Wire/Ag Electrode Interfaces for PV Module

In this presentation, We monitored weather data, such as global irradiance, ambient temperature, temperature of PV module, relative humidity and windspeed for 2 years, for determining accelerated test condition. then, we determined the temperature limit of accelerated test through weather data and FEM analysis. Detailed procedures will be summarized in this work. After analysing outdoor stress such as thermal stress, we decided main failure modes and mechanisms of PV module, especially solder joint of ribbon wire. we carried out the measurement of material properties such as thermal expansion coefficient for planning of accelerated test. we designed accelerated test based on FEM analysis results. we carried out thermal cycling test with 1 cell mini module for 3 months. We monitored the change of electrical performance every 1 week such as Voc, Isc, Pmax, etc. and then, we analized the ribbon wire/electrode intefaces. Detailed results will be summarized in this work.