| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/M15064/01 |
| Title: |
DEVELOPMENT OF RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR ROOF INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bahaj, Professor AS |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
School of Civil Eng and The Environment |
| Organisation: |
University of Southampton |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
22 March 1999 |
Ends: |
21 September 2002 |
Value (£): |
162,977
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Energy |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The development of PV roof tiles as an integrated building component is fundamentally constrained by the reliability of system components. A significant weak link is the electrical connector. A key objective of this research proposal is to investigate connector reliability under the conditions required for roofing integrated PV. In particular the connector should provide a continuous low contact resistance over a 20/25 year period. It is proposed therefore, to design a new type of electrical connection system specifically for PV roof tiles and small modules. The designed connector will enable quick parallel or series connection to be made without requiring any tools or an electrician to be present before commissioning. The prototype PV connectors to be investigated under this application will be subjected to various testing regimes applicable to perceived environmental circumstances under both laboratory and simulated weather conditions. The designed connectors would also be developed at target costs envisaged to be insignificant when compared to the PV roof tile. Additionally, this programme would facilitate devices which are optimised for maximum current production resulting in an enhancement of photovoltaics power generation..
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.soton.ac.uk |