Presentation Details
| Backsheet-Steel Adhesion for Integrated Photovoltaic Façades: A Comparative Study Nikolina Pervan1, 2, 3, Lukas Geymayer4, Martin Fleischanderl4, Hannes Kurz4, Gregor Kitzberger 4, Friedrich Füreder-Kitzmüller4, Gernot Oreski1, 2. 1Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH, Leoben, Austria.2Chair of Materials Science and Testing of Polymers, Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria.3UHasselt, Institute for Materials Research (IUMAT), Hasselt, Belgium.4voestalpine Stahl GmbH, Linz, Austria |
Abstract
The integration of photovoltaics (PV) into building façades enables the expansion of renewable energy generation without additional land use. This work investigates a lightweight PV module concept designed for integration into large-scale steel façade elements. The proposed architecture omits front glass, using a transparent polymeric film as a frontsheet, while the structural steel façade sheet is integrated at the rear of the module during manufacturing. A key challenge for this concept is achieving durable adhesion between the polymeric backsheet and the hot-dip galvanized steel (HDGS) substrate. Three different adhesion approaches were investigated and comparatively evaluated. Approach A (conventional) relies on bonding the backsheet to the HDGS using an encapsulant layer, while approach B (modified) uses a thin adhesive layer at the interface. Approach C (proprietary) on the other hand, eliminates intermediate layer, and employs an alternative interfacial design developed in collaboration with industrial partner. Adhesion strength was assessed using 180° peel test, and durability was studied under accelerated aging conditions, including damp heat exposure (85 °C / 85% relative humidity) and thermal cycling (− 40 to 85 °C). Peel tests were conducted before and after aging. Results demonstrate that while all three approaches achieved robust initial adhesion to HDGS, exposure to damp heat led to significant degradation at the POE-PET interface in approach A and the cohesive failure of the adhesive layer in approach B after 1000 hours. Approach C emerged as the most durable solution, maintaining superior interfacial integrity and mechanical performance across all accelerated aging tests.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.