Development and validation of Dye-sensitized solar cell finite element model for sealing failure investigation

Large-scaled Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) modules are recently developed for BIPV applications. In the modules, two glasses with electrodes and dye are joined for electrolyte and sealed together to prevent the leakage of electrolyte. Test of the module in a high temperature environment discloses several symptoms of electrolyte leakage through sealing failure. A finite element model is developed for the DSC module to investigate the sealing failure from the different thermal expansions. The accuracy of the model is validated by experimenting the deformation patterns of the module in high temperature and comparing with the model results. Finally, the sensitivities of the cell width and glass thickness are studied and optimal configuration is suggested for preventing the sealing failure of DSC.