US4953577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spray encapsulation of photovoltaic modules
Assignee: BP Solar International LLC
•
Filing: 1989-07-06
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Granted: 1990-09-04
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Expires: 2009-07-06
Abstract
Abstract A method for encapsulating a photovoltaic module and an encapsulated photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes a superstrate and one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the superstrate. A barrier coating is applied to the exposed side of the photovoltaic module. The barrier coating is a mixture of a two component fluorinated polyurethane with 3-glycidoxy propyltrimethoxy silane. The photovoltaic module may also include an isolation scribe located around the perimeter of the exposed surface of the module.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack Marshall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:20
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/30; H10F19/31; H10F19/20; H10F19/80; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for encapsulating a photovoltaic module having an exposed surface, said photovoltaic module including a superstrate and one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on said superstrate, said method comprising the steps of: forming a mixture comprising a two component fluorinated polyurethane with 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxy silane; applying said mixture onto said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module; heating said photovoltaic module at a first temperature for a period sufficient to dry said mixture; and heating said photovoltaic module at a second temperature for a period sufficient to cure said mixture.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for encapsulating a photovoltaic module having an exposed surface, said photovoltaic module including a superstrate and one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on said superstrate, said method comprising the steps of: forming a mixture comprising a two component fluorinated polyurethane with 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxy silane; applying said mixture onto said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module; heating said photovoltaic module at a first temperature for a period sufficient to dry said mixture; and heating said photovoltaic module at a second temperature for a period sufficient to cure said mixture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said mixture is applied onto said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module by spraying.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of said 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxy silane in said mixture ranges from 1.0 % to 2.0% by weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said mixture further comprises a solvent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said solvent comprises methyl ethyl ketone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said mixture is applied to said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module in a single layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said mixture is applied to said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module in a plurality of layers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first temperature ranges from 50° to 90° C.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said second temperature ranges from 90° to 130° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
An encapsulated photovoltaic module comprising: a superstrate and one or more photovoltaic cells having an exposed surface disposed on said superstrate; and a barrier coating applied to said exposed surface of the one or more photovoltaic cells, said barrier coating comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a two component fluorinated polyurethane and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
An encapsulated photovoltaic module comprising: a superstrate and one or more photovoltaic cells having an exposed surface disposed on said superstrate; and a barrier coating applied to said exposed surface of the one or more photovoltaic cells, said barrier coating comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a two component fluorinated polyurethane and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The encapsulated photovoltaic module of claim 10, wherein said barrier coating has a dry film thickness ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 mils.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The encapsulated photovoltaic module of claim 10, wherein the amount of said 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxy silane in said mixture ranges from 1.0 % to 2.0%, by weight.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The encapsulated photovoltaic module of claim 10, further comprising an isolation scribe located around the perimeter of said exposed surface of the photovoltaic module.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The encapsulated photovoltaic module of claim 13, wherein said isolation scribe has a width ranging from 5 to 8 mils.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-09-03 | 1994-03-05 | 1994-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-09-03 | 1998-03-05 | 1998-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-09-03 | 2002-03-05 | 2002-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |