Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Panel or array
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-30
2001-12-11
Diamond, Alan (Department: 1753)
Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric
Photoelectric
Panel or array
C136S256000, C136S291000, C136S244000, C257S433000, C257S434000, C438S064000, C438S066000, C428S412000, C428S421000, C428S422000, C428S424400, C428S424600, C428S074000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06329588
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to photovoltaic modules which contain one or more layers of a multilayered composite film and their use for producing electricity in stationary and mobile situations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Glass is used almost exclusively as a covering for rigid photovoltaic modules. Coverings made of glass are characterised by low mechanical strength.
Coverings of transparent plastics instead of glass have been disclosed. They consist mainly of polycarbonate sheets. They are used when a higher mechanical strength is required as is the case for example on sailing ships. Here the modules are used in the deck structures so that it cannot be excluded, for instance, that the modules may be trodden on. Modules with polycarbonate as a covering have the disadvantage that they are not very weather resistant. In addition they are permeable to water vapour so the photovoltaic modules can corrode. This means that these modules have to be replaced after a relatively short time.
The use of fluorinated polymers as transparent covering films in lightweight, flexible photovoltaic modules has already been disclosed. Here, either pure fluorinated polymers such as e.g. polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), or modified fluorinated polymers such as ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymers (ETFE), are used. Tedlar® or Tefzel®, both commercial products from the DuPont Co., are used as films for the purpose mentioned above.
Three-layered films with the sequential structure polyvinyl fluoride/polyester/polyvinyl fluoride are also used as backing films for photovoltaic modules. An example of these is Icosolar®, a commercial product from the Isovolta Co.
Photovoltaic modules with coverings made from fluorinated polymer films have low mechanical strength. Also, it is difficult to print on fluorinated polymer films.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention is based on the problem of providing photovoltaic modules with improved properties. In the first instance, the printability should be improved, as compared with photovoltaic modules made with fluorinated polymers. In addition, the mechanical strength should be improved. Compared with photovoltaic modules with glass coverings, weight should be saved and the resistance to breakage increased. Compared with photovoltaic modules with polycarbonate as covering, the weather resistance, impermeability to water vapour and scratch resistance should be improved. The low thermal stability of photovoltaic modules with fluorinated polymers as covering should be raised.
The object according to the invention is achieved by photovoltaic modules which are characterised in that they contain one or more layers consisting of a multilayered composite film which contains at least one layer of polycarbonate and at least one layer of a fluorine-containing polymer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5650019 (1997-07-01), Yamada et al.
patent: 5728230 (1998-03-01), Komori et al.
patent: 4443317-A1 (1996-06-01), None
patent: 629004-A1 (1994-12-01), None
patent: 680 097 (1995-11-01), None
patent: 769818 (1997-04-01), None
English Abstract for JP 1-59201, Patent Abstracts of Japan, Mar.-1989.
Braun Hans
Fugger Ulrich
Schlegel Lothar
Zander Klaus
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
Diamond Alan
Franks James R.
Gil Joseph C.
LandOfFree
Photovoltaic modules with composite sheets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Photovoltaic modules with composite sheets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photovoltaic modules with composite sheets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2584038