A computationally derived framework for predicting the probability of photovoltaic module glass breakage by hail impact

DuraMAT 2.0

Multi-Scale, Multi-Physics Model

Category: Mechanics and Cracking

Recipient SNL(PI: Hartley, James)

Subs CFV Labs, Kiwa PVEL

Status Awarded

Abstract This project seeks to apply destructive experiments combined with computational simulations to identify the specific combination of simulated stressors corresponding to PV module glass failure probability. The intended outcome is a set of contour maps of glass failure probability on the face of a prototypic module, as a function of incident hail size and impact angle, to provide module-level resolution to hail risk models and facilitate optimal decisions around insuring and operating PV in hail-prone locations.