Choose the Best Material for a Glass/Glass PV/T System

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on selecting the best material for the interface between a glass/glass photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) module and a heat mat, focusing on thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties. Participants explore various material options and their implications for the efficiency of the hybrid system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks suggestions for materials with high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity for the PV/T system interface.
  • Another participant suggests consulting resources like the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics for material properties.
  • A participant clarifies that the aluminum backsheet has already been chosen for a specific layer and emphasizes the need for a suitable insulating material to enhance efficiency.
  • Participants mention specific materials under consideration, including hexagonal boron nitride, Al2O3, and silicone rubbers.
  • One participant discusses Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) as a common encapsulant and notes that fillers can significantly enhance its thermal conductivity.
  • Another participant expresses interest in using filled epoxy as an alternative to EVA, citing its higher operating temperature.
  • A participant indicates they are conducting further research to find and order samples for experimentation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best material choice, as multiple options and approaches are being explored, and differing opinions on the suitability of materials remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of using different materials, including the impact of fillers on thermal conductivity and the specific requirements for electrical insulation.

Ali Haider
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Hello! I am a materials engineering BSc student currently writing my bachelor thesis. The topic of my thesis is regarding the PV/T system and the best material choice for the interface between the glass/glass PV module and the heat mat. I would appreciate any ideas for material with best thermal conductivity and least electrical conductivity for this hybrid system.
 
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Have you checked first with references such as the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics?

I'm sure that there are many online and offline sources that let you scan by material properties.
 
Ali Haider said:
Hello! I am a materials engineering BSc student currently writing my bachelor thesis. The topic of my thesis is regarding the PV/T system and the best material choice for the interface between the glass/glass PV module and the heat mat. I would appreciate any ideas for material with best thermal conductivity and least electrical conductivity for this hybrid system.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Do you mean Layer 5 in the diagram from Wikipedia?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_thermal_hybrid_solar_collector

upload_2019-1-29_11-24-17.png
 

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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Do you mean Layer 5 in the diagram from Wikipedia?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_thermal_hybrid_solar_collector

View attachment 238003
No, material for layer 5 has already been decided. Aluminium backsheet shall be used there. A suitable material in between the PV module and the aluminum backsheet is required which conducts the heat from the PV module to the heat mat. This material should also be an electrical insulator for maximum efficiency of the PV/T system
 
What materials have you looked at?
 
The image that @berkeman posted shows EVA as the encapsulant. The full name is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and it is used as a construction adhesive and, when foamed, as insoles in athletic shoes.

A search of https://www.google.com/search?&q=thermal+conductivity+of+ethylene+vinyl+acetate
shows that adding fillers such as Boron Nitride or Carbon based nanoparticles can increase thermal conductivity by a factor 3 to 20, depending on how much technology and money you wish to add!

Another possibility is to use a filled Epoxy. More expensive than plain EVA but has a substantially higher operating temperature.

Cheers,
Tom
 
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anorlunda said:
What materials have you looked at?
hexagonal boron nitride, Al2O3 and silicone rubbers. I am currently doing more research to find and eventually order some samples for my experiment
 
Tom.G said:
The image that @berkeman posted shows EVA as the encapsulant. The full name is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and it is used as a construction adhesive and, when foamed, as insoles in athletic shoes.

A search of https://www.google.com/search?&q=thermal+conductivity+of+ethylene+vinyl+acetate
shows that adding fillers such as Boron Nitride or Carbon based nanoparticles can increase thermal conductivity by a factor 3 to 20, depending on how much technology and money you wish to add!

Another possibility is to use a filled Epoxy. More expensive than plain EVA but has a substantially higher operating temperature.

Cheers,
Tom
I appreciate your feedback, Tom. The PV module to be used in my experiment is based on neutral gas i.e. no encapsulant (EVA). I am thinking to go ahead with fillers in a polymer matrix, just want something concrete to go ahead with. This forum has been really helpful, Cheers!
 
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