Huntsman develops a new encapsulating system for PV Inverters

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Huntsman Advanced Materials has launched a new product for potting of solar inverters. The polyurethane system ‘Arathane’ CW 5660 / HY 5610 has been designed to meet the key requirements of inverters for PV applications. Fast processing, high thermal endurance combined with low temperature flexibility and high thermal conductivity are the key features of the new system.

Problem

Fast and efficient processing at ambient temperatures requires an encapsulant with excellent flowability together with a reasonable low mix viscosity. On the other hand the encapsulant should provide a reasonable high thermal conductivity to remove produced heat in a fast and efficient way. Long-term thermal endurance at higher temperatures combined with low temperature flexibility is one of the main challenges for the development.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution

High thermal conductivity is one key element for encapsulants in the design of inverters allowing fast dissipation of produced heat. For that reason the system has been formulated using mineral filler with an acceptable high filler load keeping required low viscosity in mind. The system offers a thermal conductivity of 0.7W/mK together with a mix viscosity of only 1900 mPa s at room temperature. High thermal endurance combined with low modulus of elasticity has been balanced through an appropriate polymer backbone. First storage trials at high temperatures indicate a possible thermal class F material according to IEC 60085.

Applications

Arathane CW 5660 / HY 5610 is an optimally filled casting system for processing and curing at room temperature.

Platform

The system enables fast and efficient casting of large PV inverters. Arathane CW 5660 / HY 5610 is a flexible multipurpose polyurethane system for pressure sensitive devices, encapsulation of Printed Circuit Boards and inductivities. It is expected to UL recognized to UL 94 with a V-0 rating and investigation of RTI according UL 746 is planned. A Thermal Class F can be expected according IEC 60085.

Availability

January 2013 onwards. 

Read Next

June 30, 2025
Eni subsidiary Plentiude has started operations at the northern block of its 330MW Renopool solar portfolio in Spain.
June 30, 2025
Voting on the US tax reconciliation bill is expected to begin in the Senate today, following a draft published on Friday that hit clean energy tax credits hard.
June 30, 2025
The Spanish government has launched a €100 million (US$117 million) aid programme to help promote the recycling and reuse of materials from renewable energy projects.
June 30, 2025
US clean energy developer Clearway Energy Group has received corporate credit facilities over US$1 billion.
June 30, 2025
Australian module manufacturer Tindo Solar has secured a 30MW solar module supply agreement to power Australia's first "net zero pipeline”.
June 27, 2025
Indian solar manufacturer Premier Energies has commissioned its 1.2GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing line at Fab City, Hyderabad, Telangana.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico