Solder fatigue reduction in point focus photovoltaic concentrator modules
Solder fatigue tests have been conducted on point focus photovoltaic concentration cell assemblies to identify a baseline fatigue life and to quantify the fatigue life improvements that result using a copper-molybdenum-copper low-expansion insert between the solar cell and copper heat spreader. Solder microstructural changes and fatigue crack growth were identified using cross sections and ultrasonic scans of the fatigue solder joints. The Coffin-Manson and Total Strain fatigue models for low-cycle fatigue were evaluated for use in fatigue life predictions. Since both of these models require strain calculations, two strain calculation methods were compared: hand-calculated shear strain and a finite element method shear strain. At present, the available theoretical models for low-cycle solder fatigue are limited in their ability to predict failure; consequently, extensive thermal cycling is continuing to define the fatigue life for point focus photovoltaic cell assemblies. 9 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5208152
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-91-0462C; CONF-911055--5; ON: DE92002006
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101 -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
360103 -- Metals & Alloys-- Mechanical Properties
COPPER
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FATIGUE
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
JOINING
JOINTS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALS
MOLYBDENUM
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
SHEAR
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLDERED JOINTS
SOLDERING
STRAINS
STRESSES
TESTING
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WELDING