Moisture Ingress Modeling in c-Si PV Modules using Finite Element Simulations Based on Dual Transport Diffusion

In this paper, moisture ingress into different packaging materials in Photovoltaic (PV) modules is simulated by assigning water concentration values at the respective boundaries. Owing to the limitations of the conventional Fickian simulations, dual transport model-based simulations proposed in the literature are adopted. Initial simulations are carried out for simple encapsulant samples. Moisture diffusion into a typical c-Si module is considered in the later stages. Moisture ingress along the sides as well as the backside of the module is considered. The temperature dependence of diffusion coefficient follows the Arrhenius relationship. The concentration profiles of Polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) backsheets are studied. This investigation would pave the path for the study of insulation degradation in different materials used in PV modules.