Hygro-thermo-mechanical modeling of thin-walled photovoltaic laminates with polymeric interfaces

A three-dimensional hygro-thermo-mechanical computational framework for photovoltaic (PV) laminates as well its numerical implementation are established in this work. Aiming at an efficient thermo-mechanical modeling of thin-walled structures with polymeric interfaces, the solid shell element, which incorporates enhanced assumed strain (EAS) method and natural (ANS) alleviation locking pathologies, interface element thermo-visco-elastic cohesive zone model using fractional calculus formulated. Besides, finite (FE) moisture diffusion 3D setting along interfaces is also derived consideration spatial temporal variation diffusivity due to temperature material decohesion dependencies. Given difference between time scales problems, a staggered scheme proposed solution coupled governing equations. Specifically, relative displacement fields firstly solved from analysis, then projected FE determine coefficient subsequent analysis. The applied simulation three international standard tests PV modules, namely damp heat test, humidity freeze thermal cycling predictions compared analytical case constant boundary condition, experimental electroluminescence (EL) images obtained test cyclic condition. very satisfactory consistency demonstrates effectiveness reliability framework.