Abstract: A multi-layer backsheet for a photovoltaic module comprising a first layer having a reflectance of more than 25% of a light with a wavelength anywhere from about 1000 nm to about 2100 nm, and a reflectance of less than 35% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm; and a second layer having a reflectance of more than 50% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 2000 nm. A photovoltaic module comprising the multi-layer backsheet, a method of making the photovoltaic module, and a method of converting sunlight into electricity by exposing the photovoltaic module to sun light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phase change materials (PCMs) which may be used with photovoltaic (PV) modules. More specifically, solid/solid PCMs having a polyolefin backbone polymer and a crystallizable side chain are provided. Preferably, the solid/solid PCM has a copolymer backbone having a polyolefin repeating unit, and the crystallizable side chains are grafted onto the copolymer backbone. Most preferably, the copolymer is poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PE-co-GMA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the crystallizable side chain. Photovoltaic modules and backsheets for photovoltaic modules having solid/solid PCMs are also provided.

Abstract: A preheating device is installed to the pipeline connecting between an air pressure source and a humidifier to increase the temperature of the gas entering the humidifier and to reduce the relative humidity. The gas can fully mix with vapor generated by a heated water carrier within a short time, thereby preventing the humidifier from excessively outputting condensed water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phase change materials (PCMs) which may be used with photovoltaic (PV) modules. More specifically, solid/solid PCMs having a polyolefin backbone polymer and a crystallizable side chain are provided. Preferably, the solid/solid PCM has a copolymer backbone having a polyolefin repeating unit, and the crystallizable side chains are grafted onto the copolymer backbone. Most preferably, the copolymer is poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PE-co-GMA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the crystallizable side chain. Photovoltaic modules and backsheets for photovoltaic modules having solid/solid PCMs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to backsheets containing formulated thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) which may be used with photovoltaic modules. More specifically, the backsheets of the present invention have a first exterior layer that comprises TPO and a polyamide, such that a residual fusion heat after lamination of that layer is at least 40 J/g. Using such a layer, sufficient bonding to the encapsulant of a photovoltaic module can be achieved, while maintaining high heat resistance, having low distortion at high operating temperatures, and having relatively low high water vapor transmission rate. The present invention also relates to photovoltaic modules containing the backsheets of the present invention, as well as to methods for making the backsheets of the present invention.

Abstract: A multi-layer backsheet for a photovoltaic module comprising a first layer having a reflectance of more than 25% of a light with a wavelength anywhere from about 1000 nm to about 2100 nm, and a reflectance of less than 35% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm; and a second layer having a reflectance of more than 50% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 2000 nm. A photovoltaic module comprising the multi-layer backsheet, a method of making the photovoltaic module, and a method of converting sunlight into electricity by exposing the photovoltaic module to sun light.