Yparex BV has applied for a patent on solar encapsulant and this has been approved and published, both as PCT (Worldwide) as EP (Europe).
The objective for the patent: Utilization of fast curing, highly transparant and ultra stable encapsulants
Encapsulants serve to protect the (electronic parts) of the module against dirt and moisture. The current standard: EVA has a high transparency, excellent mechanical durability and low price/kg but requires long curing times (approx. 15 minutes) and is sensitive to moisture itself. Water causes the release of acetic acid which causes corrosion of metal parts, shortening the lifespan of the module.
Yparex’s core competence is modification and functionalization of poly-olefins. Higher transparency, UV resistance and ultra stable encapsulants (granulates and foils) with a lower water permeability are now developed to demonstrate faster lamination process and a significantly longer encapsulant service life. This opens the way to a longer service life and warranty period of the resulting PV modules and as well.
- The PCT (application number PCT/EP2016/051219) has been published on July 28, 2016 with number WO 2016/116554 A1
- The EP (application number 15152369.3) has been published on July 27, 2016 with number EP 3 048 649 A1
Agreement no. 322425.