Huntsman Advanced Materials develops new encapsulating materials for hot climates

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  Huntsman Probimmer 77

Product Briefing Outline: Huntsman has cooperated with industry partners to develop new materials and processing technologies that will enable actively temperature-controlled PV modules with increased efficiency. The 'Araldite' AY 4583/HY 4583 liquid system enables an energy-saving encapsulation process at low temperatures and eliminates the critical lamination process with EVA. The new technology is ideal for use in hot southern climates and deserts.

Problem: The decrease of efficiency with temperature, grid parity, cost factors and aging stability raise the demand for new innovative concepts for PV modules.

Solution: Heat conductive, electrical insulating adhesives enable a new module design and construction with improved heat transfer and efficiency. The system claims excellent strength and bonding properties, while the flexible and thermal conductive adhesives protect the flexibility of solar cells. 'Probimer' 77 White, a highly reflective, white solder mask, contributes to the increase of the efficiency of the PV module by enabling more and multiple reflection, thus increasing the ratio of sunlight reaching the cells.

Applications: Araldite AY 4583/HY 4583 enables an energy-saving encapsulation process at low temperatures and eliminates the critical lamination process with EVA.

Platform: The new materials and technologies are said to have the potential to increase the efficiency of innovative PV modules by more than 50%. As processing is significantly simplified, costs are reduced and aging stability is improved. Use of the new materials range would allow the installation of PV plants in southern areas, which could ideally be combined with solar fuel generators where electrical energy is used to convert CO₂ and H₂O into natural gas. 

Availability: The complete technology package will be commercially available by 2011.