Page 32 - Energize January 2021

TECHNICAL
Vertex double-glass 166 series double-glass
Model
DEG18MC.20 DEG17MC.20
analysis, Trina Solar has conducted
simulation tests on different Vertex Test Condition 5,400 Pa load on the front side
designs to verify load performance.
Description of installation Shared - Cross beam support
The testing results show that the
Vertex glass-glass module is equivalent to Frame-and-glass features 35 mm frame, 2 mm glass 30 mm frame, 2 mm glass
the 166 series glass-glass module with
respect to load performance.
Under the test conditions specified in
IEC 61215, the Vertex module was tested Total deformation
and qualified for hot spot durability. It can
operate safely, even under the worst
light, while still being able to deliver high
power output.
It should be noted that the Vertex can Short-side deformation
guarantee that indicators such as module
output, open-circuit voltage and
mechanical load conform to downstream
technical safety specifications. The Vertex
is also compatible with mainstream
inverter and mounting systems for Numerical value of
seamless integration with the mainstream Short-side deformation (mm) 29.3 31.7
PV system designs.
For changes in the Vertex generation Figure 2: Trina Solar's 166-series vs. Vertex: Finite element analysis of mechanical load performance.
parameters, the DC fuse on the DC side
of a centralised inverter and the rated
current of the load switch are required to PV modules of >500 W will be popularised in the new decade
meet the usage standards. Capacity Over the past 20 years, PV module efficiency and output improvements have been
expansion can be easily achieved by pushing down the LCOE in the PV industry. With declining subsidies and PPAs in this
changing module types. field around the world, PV LCOE will continue to drop. In this context, 500 W+ modules
As for mounting, the Vertex can be will be popularised in the new decade. These high-efficiency modules have great
installed in a variety of ways to fit both development potential.
fixed-tilt (horizontal and vertical) and Being the first of its kind in the history of Trina Solar, the 500 W-plus Vertex is a product
tracker mounting. connecting the past and the future. The Vertex should be a highly compatible module,
Thanks to the 5 x 30 layout, the capable of generating greater investment values.
Vertex is not much different in size and To maximise the product value, Trina Solar has calculated the initial investment cost and
weight (5 to 6%) from the 72-cell 166 mm system generation capacities of the Vertex, with the goal of bringing about additional
series modules. Either installation method benefits to both owners and investors.
(whether the beam is perpendicular to, or According to measurement data from large ground-mount plants in China’s Heilongjiang
is parallel to, the long side) can meet the Province, the 500 W Vertex bifacial glass-glass module, boasting a great advantage in cost
mechanical load requirements for fixed- reduction, can reduce BOS costs by 6 to 8% and LCOE by 3 to 4%, when compared to the
tilt mounting. conventional 410 W module of the same type.
The parameter data shows that the Because of its excellent low irradiation performance and temperature coefficient, the
surface area of the Vertex is 2,41m 2 Vertex can also bring additional generation benefits to a PV system.
(2187 mm x 1102 mm), a 17,5% Thanks to the small optical loss and excellent temperature coefficient, the simulation
increase compared to that of a 158 mm test results of the 410 W, 450 W and 500 W modules in three different cities have
series module (2024 mm x 1002 mm). demonstrated that the generation capacity of the 500 W module is approximately 0,08 to
The module weight has grown from 26 2,15% higher than that of the other two modules.
to 30 kg, a 14,6% increase. “With the development and improvement of the industrial supply chain, especially
1 V and 2 V installation methods are because of the perfection of glass supply capacity, the Vertex module efficiency could top
available for tracker mounting. 600 W by adding one row of cells to the original five. At the same time, with the
Mechanical calculation results show industrialisation of PERC+ technology, cell conversion efficiency is expected to top 24%.
that, due to the enlarged module area Promoted by the corresponding module design optimisation, load capacity enhancement
and increased weight, the driving force and downstream installation progress, the Vertex's efficiency will continue to be improved,
parameters of the 1 V solution can paving the way for PV module evolution. PV system costs and LCOE will be further driven
support stricter parameter down, accelerating PV power adoption around the world,” says Yin. n
requirements, with no adjustment
needed. The 2 V scheme needs a new Acknowledgement
type of driving force plan however, This article was first published by PV-Tech.
which is already available from
mainstream tracker manufacturers. Send your comments to rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

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