Thermal Stress Analysis/Life Prediction of Concentrating Photovoltaic Module

Aiming at understanding the structural integrity of two representative concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) module configurations, finite element thermal stress analysis is carried out in this investigation. This study covers the nominal and extreme operating conditions, including system startup and shutdown. While the first CPV module is bonded by epoxy-type material, the bonding material for the second CPV module is lead-free solder. The analysis...