Thermal-Mechanical-Electrical Model for PV Module-Level Failure Mechanisms

DuraMAT's thermal-mechanical-electrical model simulates how photovoltaic (PV) module deployment environments induce the damaging thermal and mechanical stresses leading to module degradation via delamination, cell fracture, solder bond fatigue, and other mechanisms.

The module-scale model will capture key degradation physics at the length- and time- scales of interest. It's tightly coupled with experimental material and module characterization efforts to receive information for model inputs and validation while enriching interpretation of measurement results.

Currently, we've developed proof-of-concept models that accept direct environmental loads on a full-size module including:

• Wind pressure
• Temperature changes
• Rack mounting constraints
• Gravity.

We can couple cell-scale sub-models to full module results for resolving detailed mechanisms including interconnect thermal-mechanical fatigue and delamination stresses. Additionally, we're developing coupled electrical models to predict thermal loads and hotspot effects in operational modules. All models may be utilized parametrically for optimization, uncertainty quantification, and sensitivity studies.

This final validated and informed modeling capability will enable more accurate lifetime predictions and more representative accelerated test specifications. It will also allow for optimized module material selection and design for durability.