D2 Meeting 4/8

Budget: We were thinking around $6000 - $7000 per semester.

Regarding Solar Cells:

I wanted to see how the connections route to the pseudo-square and what the placement of the pseudo-square is relative to the modules. We were under the impression that it is going to be located between modules. It would be helpful to see a picture. 

1. Are you able to confirm that we are able to get the modules built with the Maxeon Generation III (me3) Cells? They do have the cells in house.

2. The goal for ordering the modules was late April and early May. For module size, we are currently using 2x4 for the majority of the modules, and a few modules that are 2x3. Would it be cheaper to go larger? It would not be cheaper to go larger. It can also be more damaging to go large because we lose efficiency of more cells if something goes wrong.

Regarding Diodes:

1. Are you able to confirm that we can laminate diodes into the array? They said it might be hard to laminate the diodes in because they seem somewhat thick.

   1. Do it with 500 micron on each side to see how that would work. If it doesn’t work then they could put additional encapsulant.

2. Optimal Thickness that works for lamination: 3 mm.

3. What do you mean by experiment with laminating the diodes in, in terms of time and cost? What does this process look like? We can send them the diodes and then can run them through a laminator and see what happens.

4. Do you laminate heat sinks behind the diodes? They don’t usually put heat sinks, so we will just go with none then.

Regarding Connections:

1. Could you send us a photograph of the pseduosquare? The pseudosquare is litterally just the negative space in the corners of the cells. We can put the irradience sensor through the pseudosquare and connect between the pannels.

Regarding Backing and Module Materials:

1. Backing would be useful for transport to make sure that the cells are safe when move them around. Rigidity of the backing (8000 micron). Not more rigid than the cell so it shouldn’t change the curvature of the laminate too much.

   1. Different types of backing sheets: Coveme

   2. PET Backsheet Dymate

2. How thick is the module after lamination with backing: ~2-3 mm (650 micron encapsulate, cells, 650 micron encapsulate, backing sheet)

3. What material is the laminate made from? Similar to Teflon. POE Polyolithin or EVA (more uv resistant) is usually used. He wasn’t sure. EVA on top and POE behind is an option.

Regarding Layout:

1. What is the distance between cells in a module?

2. What are your recommendations on how to attach the module to the topshell?

   1. We were thinking about possibly routing the attachments between the modules through the topshell by drilling a hole and connecting the leads below. Our main concern is ensuring that leads don't stick out on the topshell.

   2. They didn’t say anything is wrong with the VHB Tape so we can just go with that for now

TODO: