Title:	VIPV: Process Development of Integrated Photovoltaic Cells in a Double-Curved Composite Structure for Automotive Application
Author(s):	T. Duigou, V. Boichon, X. Brancaz, F. Chabuel, P. Francescato, J. Gaume, G. Habchi, M. Lagache, P. Saffre, L. Tenchine
Keywords:	Module Manufacturing, Qualification and Testing, Modelling / Modeling, Design, Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics
Topic:	PV Applications and Integration
Subtopic:	Industrial Applications of PV
Event:	37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	6EO.1.2
Pages:	1787 - 1790
ISBN:	3-936338-73-6
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20202020-6EO.1.2
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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In response to the marked increase in research activity and publications about Vehicle Integrated PhotoVoltaics (VIPV), this article is an attempt to identify the main constraints relative to the manufacturing of curved PV modules for automotive application and the interests of composite modules in this context. Two processes have been selected as better adapted to the automotive industrialization and in-mold integration of PV cells: Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and thermocompression. A finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the mechanical strength of the resulting module is proposed. The aim of this numerical approach is to optimize the mechanical performance of the structure. First results were validated by a comparison of simulation outputs with 3-point bending test measurements.