Flexible solar cells offer more versatile applications than traditional photovoltaics. In development, the structural and electrical integrity of the cells must be tested in response to mechanical stresses. This project aims to develop a fixture to test the effects of fatigue, bending at various radii, and stretching on flexible solar cell prototypes. The test fixture offers repeatable, consistent, and precise experiments to assess efficiencies and material responses in controlled environments. The design consists of a dry box for testing in different atmospheric conditions, a linear actuator to control and iterate bending radii, and an automation system for fatigue testing. A prototype was fabricated and tested with flexible solar cells to observe the effect of bending and fatigue.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bauer, Laura Ashley
• Wallace, Alexandra B.
• Turnquist, Carl A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042319-114418

Advisor

• Rao, Pratap M.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-23

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright