| Title |
Hail Impact resistance of next-generation lightweight photovoltaic modules reinforced with honeycomb sandwich structures |
| Authors |
Makarskas, Vytautas ; Dragašius, Egidijus ; Matijošius, Jonas ; Kilikevičienė, Kristina ; Kilikevičius, Artūras ; Milovančevič, Miloš |
| DOI |
10.22190/FUME260410011M |
| Full Text |
|
| Is Part of |
Facta Universitatis series: Mechanical engineering.. Niš : University of Niš. 2026, Early access, p. 1-22.. ISSN 0354-2025. eISSN 2335-0164 |
| Keywords [eng] |
Lightweight photovoltaic modules ; Honeycomb sandwich structures ; Dynamic parameters ; Hail impact |
| Abstract [eng] |
The demand for lightweight photovoltaic (PV) modules is increasing due to the expansion of building-integrated and mobile PV applications, where conventional glass-based modules are limited by weight and rigidity. Honeycomb sandwich reinforcement offers high stiffness-to-weight ratio. However, its dynamic response under extreme impact loading remains insufficiently understood. This study outlines both experimental and numerical investigations of a flexible photovoltaic module enhanced by a honeycomb structure. An experimental modal analysis was conducted to determine natural frequencies and mode shapes, alongside the creation and validation of a finite element model, which showed eigenfrequency deviations below 10% for the first four modes, with most modes remaining below approximately 7%. The validated model was subsequently utilized to simulate the impacts of hail and evaluate the distribution of stress across the multilayer structure. The peak von Mises stresses were localized within the brittle silicon solar cell layer. In contrast to the non-reinforced configuration, the honeycomb-reinforced module demonstrated marginally elevated peak stresses, reaching approximately 149 MPa, which can be ascribed to enhanced structural stiffness and diminished global deformation. The suggested methodology offers a profound understanding of stress transfer mechanisms in lightweight photovoltaic modules and facilitates structural optimization aimed at enhancing hail resistance. |
| Published |
Niš : University of Niš |
| Type |
Journal article |
| Language |
English |
| Publication date |
2026 |
| CC license |
|
