Thesis "FEM Analysis for Low-Stress Wire Interconnection"

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1,400 employees work towards a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research focuses on energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industry projects, company spin-offs, and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

In the “Module Technology” department, we deal with the interconnection of crystalline silicon solar cells, their encapsulation in PV modules, detailed efficiency analysis, the simulation of thermo-mechanical reliability, the development of new module concepts for application-oriented use, for example in vehicle-integrated or building-integrated photovoltaics. We develop the associated manufacturing processes, evaluate new materials and carry out finite element method (FEM) simulations. Our developments focus on higher efficiencies, more cost-effective manufacturing processes and materials, improved long-term stability and new products.

The interconnection of solar cells in photovoltaic modules is predominantly carried out by soldering. The resulting thermomechanical stresses lead to challenges for the interconnection of new solar cell technologies and the long-term stability of photovoltaic modules. The use of the finite element method allowes to simulatively investigate and evaluate the interconnection process, including the variation of materials. Corresponding models are developed with which the mechanical stresses of the interconnection are determined in order to identify optimizations in the process control and material selection to enable minimal stress possible for the interconnection of the solar cells.

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and write your thesis in this area? With us you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals.

For our “Module Technology” department, we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis at the earliest possible date.