Gulf Construction Online - DuPont’s innovations cater to PV sector

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Photovoltaic panels ... huge demand.

DuPont’s innovations cater to PV sector

01 February 2009

In view of the growing demand for photovoltaics (PV), which is estimated to have grown by more 50 per cent recently, DuPont showcased its latest offerings designed to benefit PV solar and wind turbine energy systems, at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last month (January 19 to 21).

The company, a global leader in market-based science products and services, highlighted a wide range of highly specialised solutions, products and services for the unique challenges of the renewable energy industry at the summit held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec).
Commenting on renewable energy, Stephan Padlewski, market and programme leader for DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, says: “The need for truly sustainable options for 21st century life remains one of the most critical challenges facing the global community. That is why DuPont continues to deliver some of the world’s most innovative materials for renewable energy.”
Through new innovation and investments in materials, technology development and manufacturing, DuPont is accelerating its ability to deliver innovations that will improve the lifetime and efficiency of photovoltaic modules, and to deliver enough production capability to help keep pace with the fast rising global demand.

DuPont's photovoltaic module explained.

Products from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions are key to the manufacturing of both crystalline silicon and thin film solar cells and modules. These include films, resins, encapsulation sheets, flexible substrates and conductive pastes, as well as high-performance seals for solar cell manufacturing equipment. Key products highlighted at WFES include:
• DuPont Teflon fluoropolymer film for front sheets and flexible panels, which offer mechanical strength and durability against cracking and abrasion, flexibility and nearly 100 per cent transparency;
• DuPont Elvax EVA resins for the encapsulant sheet, which cushions individual cells from impact and enables the transmission of sunlight to the cells;
• DuPont PV encapsulant sheets: ranging from soft to structural. Clear DuPont PV5200 and PV5300 Series encapsulant sheets offer proven safety and laminating performance, and deliver long-term protection for the most sensitive portions of PV modules, he says;
• DuPont Solamet thick film metallisation pastes, which increase the efficiency and yield of solar cells.
• Kalrez perfluoroelastomer parts from DuPont Performance Elastomers, which are said to provide excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures to help reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance; and
• DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride films, which deliver long-lasting ultraviolet (UV) and weather-resistant back sheets. The newest Tedlar PV2100 Series films provide increased dimensional stability, and higher reflectance, which improves output and efficiency.
DuPont also has solutions for wind turbine systems, designed to increase component reliability, reduce weight, and lower installation and maintenance costs. These include coating and electrical insulation solutions for wind energy, such as DuPont Kevlar Mechanical Paper, Voltatex and Voltron core sheet varnishes, wire enamels and impregnating resins; DuPont Teflon fluoropolymer films and sheets; DuPont Zytel high-performance polyamide; and DuPont Nafion perfluorinated membranes used in Vanadium Redox Batteries (VRBs), which are typically coupled to wind turbines as energy storage mechanisms.
In addition, DuPont has clean technologies, which provide an integrated approach to help oil and gas refineries meet strict environmental requirements to reduce sulphur emissions.
Founded in 1802 and operating in more than 75 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.