Computational multi-scale and multi-physics methods for the prediction of fracture processes in photovoltaic systems

Renewable energy plays a key role in socio-economic development, driven by the need to reduce energy deficits, with photovoltaic (PV) technology being the dominant option. This study proposes a numerical approach based on the finite element method to assess the impact of cracks in solar cells on the mechanical response of photovoltaic panels. Specifically, polycrystalline Silicon (SiSC) laminates are analyzed. The proposed computational scheme integrates the solid-shell element formulation with the Phase-Field (PF) technique for fracture modeling. The process begins with a large-scale global finite element model of the composite laminate for structural analysis. Subsequently, the displacements calculated at the edges of each solar cell are transferred, through a projection scheme, as boundary conditions to a small-scale 3D local finite element model of the laminates. In this direction, a series of representative numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the durability of PV modules under bending conditions, providing a robust framework for improving the design and sustainability of these systems.