Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Photovoltaic Modules

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Hasan ◽  
A. F. M. Arif ◽  
M. U. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Temperature Cycle ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Single Temperature ◽  
Lamination Thickness

A Photovoltaic (PV) module consists of layers of different materials constrained together through an encapsulant polymer. During operation, it experiences mechanical and thermal loads due to seasonal and temperature variations, which cause breakage of interconnects owing to fatigue and laminate warpage. This is due to the fact that there is a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch because of the presence of unlike materials within the laminate. Therefore, thermo-mechanical stresses are induced in the module. Glass, being the thickest of all in the module, plays a significant role in the stressing of components. The lifetime of today’s PV module is expected to be 25 years and this period corresponds to the guarantee of the manufacturer. Its high reliability will help it to reach grid parity. But the problem is that it is not convenient to wait and assess its durability. Qualification standards such as ASTM E1171-09 are useful in predicting a module’s failure. In this work, material of each component of the PV module is characterized and then the implementation of material models is discussed. A Finite-Element (FE) model of 36 cell PV module is developed using 2D layered shell elements in ANSYS. A single temperature cycle of ASTM E1171-09 is simulated after lamination procedure and 24 hour storage at constant temperature. The FE model is validated by simulating an experimental procedure in the literature by determining change of cell gap during the temperature cycle. Finally, parametric studies are performed with respect to lamination thickness.

Finite Element Modeling, Analysis, and Life Prediction of Photovoltaic Modules

2013 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Hasan ◽  
A. F. M. Arif ◽  
M. U. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Copper Interconnects ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Modeling Analysis ◽  
Cte Mismatch ◽  
Lamination Process

A Photovoltaic (PV) module consists of layers of different materials constrained together through an encapsulant polymer. During its lamination and operation, it experiences mechanical and thermal loads due to seasonal and daily temperature variations, which cause breakage of interconnects owing to fatigue. This is due to the fact that there is a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch because of the presence of unlike materials within the laminate. Therefore, thermomechanical stresses are induced in the module. The lifetime of today's PV module is expected to be 25 yr and this period corresponds to the guarantee of the manufacturer. Its high reliability will help it to reach grid parity. But, the problem is that it is not convenient to wait and assess its durability. In this work, material of each component of PV module is characterized and finite-element (FE) structural analysis is performed to find the initial condition of the components of the module after manufacture. It was found that the copper interconnects undergo plastic deformation just after the lamination process. A thermal model was numerically developed and sequentially coupled to the structural model. By using the meteorological data of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, average life of PV module was estimated to be 26.5 yr.

scholarly journals Design and Structural Analysis of a Rack System for Using in Agriculture

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 641-646
Author(s):  
Miroslav Blatnický ◽  
Ján Dižo ◽  
Dalibor Barta
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Steel Tubes ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Human Power ◽  
Construction Design ◽  
Pull Out ◽  
Pressure Pipeline

The paper deals with a construction design and structural analysis of the rack system which will be used for storage of steel tubes of pressure pipeline for fodder mixtures transportation in agricultural company. Structure of the designed equipment is made by the welding of steel parts and consists of the main framework and four pull-out racks on both sides. Racks move by means of human power through a rotating crank. Every individual pull-out racks is able to carries pipes of various dimensions, both length and diameter with total weight up to 3 tons with respect to customer requests. Since it is a prototype’s structure, we have designed main dimensions of it, material and technology for production and performed also structural analyses as the integral part of every engineering design. Structural analyses were conducted by means of numeric procedure known as finite element method. With respect to the used steel profiles shell elements were used for FE model. Analyses were performed for maximal loading cases in order to identify the level of safety in the most exposed locations of the structure.

Automotive Glass Exciter Technology for Acoustic Application

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babak Ebrahimi ◽  
Amir Khajepour ◽  
Todd Deaville
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Electric Actuator ◽  
Conventional Systems ◽  
Fine Tune

This paper discusses the modeling and analysis of a novel audio subwoofer system for automotive applications using the automobile windshield glass. The use of a piezo-electric actuator coupled with a mechanical amplifier linked to a large glass panel provides a highly efficient method of producing sound. The proposed subwoofer system has the advantage over existing conventional systems of not only reducing the weight of the automobile, but also a significant power savings resulting in an increase of expected fuel economy. Among various design challenges, the glass-sealing design is of huge importance, as it affects the system dynamic response and so the output sound characteristics. The main goal in this manuscript is to evaluate different glass-sealing design configurations by providing a comprehensive Finite Element model of the system. To do so, a comprehensive, yet simplified FE model is developed, and experimental studies are performed in the component level to fine-tune and verify the model. Harmonic response of the system for each sealing configuration design is obtained in the frequency range of 0–200 Hz, and the results are compared and discussed. The finite element model is also beneficial in preliminary design of other components as well as the exciter placement, and predicting the performance of the overall system.

Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Friction Wedge Damping During Suspension Bounce Modes

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Q. Sun ◽  
C. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Static Problem ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Friction Damping ◽  
Damping Force ◽  
Friction Forces ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Damping Characteristics ◽  
Dimensional Finite Element

A two-dimensional finite element model (2D FEM) has been developed to improve the modeling and understanding of the friction damping characteristics of freight bogie suspensions. The specific suspension considered utilizes friction dampers with constant preload force as are widely used in three-piece bogie wagons in Australia. Unlike simpler models commonly used in rail vehicle dynamics, the FE model developed can accommodate distributed normal forces across the wedge surfaces. The model was tested in bounce modes and compared with the normal equations used to model wedge friction forces, which treat the forces on the wedge as a static problem. The simulation results using the 2D FEM model showed that the friction damping force is not constant and changes when the suspension is in motion. It was also shown that the force changes magnitude during the loading and unloading situations. The factors, which affect the change in friction force, are the friction characteristics on wedge contact surfaces, the direction and change in tangent force on wedge angular surface, the elastic deformation of the wedge, the wedge relative movement, and the wedge structure arrangement. The FE model assumptions are investigated and insights on wedge friction and creepage discussed.

scholarly journals Trustworthiness in Modeling Unreinforced and Reinforced T-Joints with Finite Elements

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slimane Ouakka ◽  
Nicholas Fantuzzi
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Static Strength ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Static Behavior ◽  
T Joints ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Mesh Density ◽  
Element Type ◽  
Material Discontinuities ◽  
Conclusion Section

As required by regulations, Finite Element Analyses (FEA) can be used to investigate the behavior of joints which might be complex to design due to the presence of geometrical and material discontinuities. The static behavior of such problems is mesh dependent, thus these results must be calibrated by using laboratory tests or reference data. Once the Finite Element (FE) model is correctly setup, the same settings can be used to study joints for which no reference is available. The present work analyzes the static strength of reinforced T-joints and sheds light on the following aspects: shell elements are a valid alternative to solid modeling; the best combination of element type and mesh density for several configurations is shown; the ultimate static strength of joints can be predicted, as well as when mechanical properties are roughly introduced for some FE topologies. The increase in strength of 12 unreinforced and reinforced (with collar or doubler plate) T-joints subjected to axial brace loading is studied. The present studies are compared with the literature and practical remarks are given in the conclusion section.

Finite Element Modeling of Bolted Cold-Formed Steel Storage Rack Upright Frames

2016 ◽  
Vol 846 ◽  
pp. 251-257
Author(s):  
Nima Talebian ◽  
Benoit P. Gilbert ◽  
Nadia Baldassino ◽  
Hong Guan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Experimental Test ◽  
Transverse Shear ◽  
Shear Stiffness ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Building Enclosure ◽  
Earthquake Design ◽  
Cold Formed Steel

Steel storage racks, commonly assembled from cold-formed steel profiles, are braced in the cross-aisle direction, where bracing members are typically bolted between two uprights forming an “upright frame”. Especially for high-bay racks and racks supporting the building enclosure, accurately determining the transverse shear stiffness of upright frames is essential in calculating the elastic buckling load, performing earthquake design and serviceability checks. International racking specifications recommend different approaches to evaluate the said transverse shear stiffness. The Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) Specification conservatively uses an analytical solution based on Timoshenko and Gere's theory while the European (EN15512) and Australian (AS4084) Specifications recommend testing to be conducted. Previous studies have shown that Finite Element Analyses (FEA), solely using beam elements, fail to reproduce experimental test results and may overestimate the transverse shear stiffness by a factor up to 25. This discrepancy is likely attributed to the local deformations occurring at the bolted joints. In this paper, a commercially used upright frame configuration has been modeled using shell elements in FEA and the response is verified against published experimental test results. A good correlation is found between the FEA and test results, concluding that shell elements are able to fully capture the behaviour of the upright frame. Future studies on the use of the FE model are also presented.

Modeling and Analysis of Weld Geometries, Size and Gap on Weld-Induced Thermal Stresses in a Solid Round-on-Flat Plate Fillet Weld

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhash Ghosh ◽  
Chittaranjan Sahay ◽  
Haider Al-Mamoury
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Rapid Heating ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Welding Process ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Fillet Weld ◽  
Modeling And Analysis

In this paper a finite element model is presented which describes the effects of fillet weld geometry on the thermal stresses. In a separate research, development of a finite element model for simulating welding-induced thermal stresses is discussed. This nonlinear FE model employs fully coupled three-dimensional thermo-mechanical formulation, including interfacial element to simulate the weaker solidified molten weld pool. Due to the nature of the welding process, heat generation from moving heat source, rapid heating and cooling gives rise to high stresses in the weld. This research investigates the effect of weld shape & size, weld gap, (l/d ratio) depth of weld to size ratio on the generated thermal stresses. The size of the round and flat stocks has been varied to investigate their effects of the stresses as well as to determine the thick-to-thin geometry limits based on acceptable design limits of thermal stresses.

Comparison of Different Radial Basis Functions in Developing Subject-Specific Infant Head Finite Element Models for Injury Biomechanics Study

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhigang Li ◽  
Jingwen Hu ◽  
Jinhuan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Interpolation Method ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Mesh Quality ◽  
Injury Biomechanics ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Mesh Morphing ◽  
Subject Specific ◽  
Radial Basis ◽  
Spatial Interpolation Method

Developing a subject-specific finite element (FE) model, especially with only high quality hexahedral solid elements and quadrilateral shell elements, is very time-consuming. Recently, template-based mesh morphing method has become popular to construct subject-specific FE models, in which a baseline FE mesh can be morphed into a FE model with subject-specific geometry. Because the mesh morphing algorithm could be programmed and run automatically, it is a very promising method for future applications of subject-specific FE models in injury biomechanics studies. Radial Basis Function (RBF) as a powerful spatial interpolation method has already been used as a mesh morphing method (1). The types of RBFs can affect the morphed mesh quality and geometry accuracy in the RBF method. However, to date, no previous study has tried to compare the differences generated by different RBFs. Therefore, in this study, different RBFs were used to morph a baseline infant head FE model into 10 different subject-specific infant head FE models based on CT images from 10 children aged from 0 to 3 months. The mesh quality and geometry accuracy of the subject-specific models generated by different RBFs were compared using statistic analysis.

Development and Validation of a 2D/3D Finite Element Model of a Composite Hemipelvis

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Egleide Y. Elenes ◽  
Esra Roan ◽  
Ruxandra C. Marinescu ◽  
Haden A. Janda
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Strain Gauge ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Cortical Layer ◽  
Fourth Generation ◽  
Strain Gauges ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Testing Procedures ◽  
Composite Bone

The use of mechanical analogue composite bone models for a range of biomechanical analyses and testing procedures has grown rapidly since their introduction by Sawbones (Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc., Vashon, WA). The advantages of these composite bones over cadaveric human bones include less variability among specimens, ready availability, lower costs and ease of handling. The fourth generation of Sawbones is now commercially available, which include human femurs, tibiae, humeri and hemipelves. A number of these composite bone models have been mechanically evaluated, i.e. the femur and tibia models, but others such as the hemipelvis have been neglected. However, the composite hemipelvis has been used in several biomechanical research studies; therefore, mechanical validation of the hemipelvis is required. For this study, a robust finite element (FE) model was constructed to investigate the mechanical behavior of a composite left hemipelvis bone model. A computer tomography (CT) scan of the analogue was obtained to produce a computer aided volumetric model. This model was imported and discretized in ABAQUS (Simulia, Providence, RI). In order to reduce computational costs, two-dimensional (2D) shell elements were used to mesh the thin cortical bone layer, while the cancellous bone region was meshed with solid, three-dimensional (3D) tetrahedral elements. A series of FE tests were performed on various shell-solid element domains, to ensure the use of 2D shell elements to model the cortical layer. Once the shell-solid approach was confirmed, a FE model of the hemipelvis was constructed and validated against strain gauge data from quasi-static loading experiments. Three rosette strain gauges (Vishay Micro-Measurements, Raleigh, NC) were mounted on regions of interest along the pubic body, inferior ramus and ischium of the composite hemipelvis. The hemipelvis was fully restrained in a custom-built fixture while quasi-statically loaded using an MTS Mini Bionix II to control the application of 600 N (MTS Systems Corp, Eden Prairie, MN). Maximum and minimum principal strains were calculated from the strain gauge readings and compared to FE predictions of strain at the mounting location of the strain gauges.

Finite Element Study of Double-Gasket Bolted Joint Connection for Different Gaskets and Bolt Torques

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Ghafouri-Azar ◽  
Rosha Banan ◽  
Miodrag (Mike) Stojakovic
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Fe Modeling ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Joint Connection ◽  
Size Type ◽  
The Right

In order to understand the behavior of bolted joints and select a right size, type and gasket load combination, a detailed analysis tool is very helpful. However, the modeling and analysis of a bolted joint connection is a complicated, complex process; particularly if multiple parts are considered in the Finite Element (FE) modeling. Analysis results are often sensitive to bolt pre-torque, gasket type, gasket thickness and other challenges of Finite Element (FE) modeling. In addition, often credible and reliable gasket deflection-load data are not readily available. The bolted joint under study was a double-gasket joint with inner gasket leakoff. The joint has leaked on several occasions, sometimes after several years of service due to warmup/cooldown cycling and sometimes immediately after installation and pressurization. A 3-D FE model was developed for assembly of tubesheet, bolt, two inner and outer gaskets, and vessel cover. Different cases were studied by changing gasket load-deflections for different gasket materials, gasket thicknesses and bolt loads. The outcome of the analyses was used to predict the behavior of bolted joints and understand the root cause of leakage. The results provided guidance for choosing the right combination of bolt pre-torque and gasket type.

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