FEM-simulation of water vapor ingress into glass-glass-modules with polymeric edge sealant and a new experimental set up for permeation tests for sealing material

PV module designs using glass plates as front and as back covers are often used to minimize moisture ingress. Both effects, moisture ingress and moisture leakage are found to contribute to the degradation of the PV-modules. The moisture transport for different material combinations for PV modules was numerically simulated by Finite Element Methods (FEM) and validated by permeation tests [1]. Previously simulated water vapor ingress through back sheets is compared to simulations on water vapor ingress through edge sealants. Edge sealant properties were determined in a literature survey. Finally, a new in-house developed upgrade for the permeation test method enables measurements of edge sealants based on the existing permeation equipment.