Tactile pressure indicating film provides a simple cost-effective method for process control and monitoring of solar module production equipment
Sensor Products Inc. introduces Pressurex®, a surface pressure indicating film that reveals pressure magnitude and distribution between any two contacting or mating surfaces. In the Photovoltaics industry,
{pagebreak}
the need to reduce peripheral cracks on solar cells has received much attention. Pressurex® surface pressure indicating film directly fits this bill by providing a low-cost solution for quality control checks during equipment setup, calibration, as well as re-qualification of a solar module production line. The film is so sensitive that it picks up defects that can’t be seen visually, such as micro cracks and surface aberrations. At least three specific assembly steps would benefit from the use of Pressurex® sensors: lamination, the frame press stage, and attachment of junction boxes. Pressurex® assures proper pressure magnitude to cause polymerization and securely bond multiple layers together during EVA and PVB lamination. During the frame press stage, Pressurex® sensor film helps verify adequate frame-to-module edge sealing.
This unique Mylar-based sensor film reveals surface pressure from 2 – 43,000 PSI (0.14 – 3,000 kg/cm²). Pressurex® film is actually placed at the interface of two contacting surfaces. When these surfaces are compressed together (in a lamination press for example) they apply a force to the sensor film. The film captures this applied force permanently and irreversibly by virtue of its changing color. Intensity of the color change is proportional to the amount of pressure applied, thus allowing for precise determination of pressure magnitude by comparing the resultant sensor film’s color to a color calibration reference chart.
During assembly operations, uneven pressure distribution on lamination and frame presses can cause edge or surface damage and micro cracks that allow moisture ingress, resulting in degraded solar module performance. Thin film modules of CDTE or CIGS on glass or flexible substrates are more susceptible to moisture ingress and require stringent quality control checks. Pressurex® sensor film is so sensitive that it picks up defects that can’t be seen visually, such as micro cracks and surface aberrations. Through the quality control process, photovoltaic efficiency is increased by reducing the production of solar modules that have been subjected to improper pressure.
To request a sample of pressure-indicating film in a range appropriate for your application and equipment, contact Sensor Products Inc. at 973.884.1755 (USA), email info@sensorprod.com or visit www.sensorprod.com/sample.
About Sensor Products Inc. (USA)
Headquartered in New Jersey and established in 1990, Sensor Products Inc. is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of tactile pressure indicating solutions. Their customized and off-the-shelf products are installed within all of the Fortune 500 industrial companies as well as thousands of smaller manufacturing firms. Their sensors are used in applications as diverse as tire testing to semiconductor manufacturing and from R&D labs to space missions. Additionally, Sensor Products Inc. provides in-house and on-site stress and pressure mapping analysis and consulting, as well as a variety of regional technical seminars.
Visit them at www.sensorprod.com
Media Contact:
Arlene Gleicher
973-884-1755 x5826
pr@sensorprod.com
