WO2025172874A1 - Photovoltaic module for insulating glass units, insulating glass unit including such a module and process to make such an insulating glass unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An insulating glass unit (10) is described, comprising a first and a second panel (5, 6), at least partially transparent; a single spacer (7) interposed between the panels (5, 6); a photovoltaic module (1), comprising a photovoltaic unit (2) that extends in a main extension plane (20), defined by a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) transverse to the first direction (X); a support (3) coupled to the photovoltaic unit (2); the support (3) has at least a first wall (301) and a second wall (302), facing opposite parts; the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the main extension plane (20); a sealant, at least partially contacting the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) and with the side of the spacer (7) facing towards a panel (5, 6). A process to make such an insulating glass unit (10) is further described.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE FOR INSULATING GLASS UNITS ,

INSULATING GLASS UNIT INCLUDING SUCH A MODULE AND

PROCESS TO MAKE SUCH AN INSULATING GLASS UNIT

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module for insulating glass units .

The present invention further relates to an insulating glass unit comprising such a photovoltaic module and to a process to make such an insulating glass unit .

Various typologies of insulating glass units compri sing integrated photovoltaic cells are known . As is known, there are di f ferent methods allowing to insert photovoltaic cells into an insulating glass unit .

According to a first methodology for making photovoltaic insulating glass units , the photovoltaic cells are laminated between two glasses , and the insulating glass unit is then made by coupling a glass with the pair o f glasses between which the photovoltaic cells have been arranged .

Disadvantageously, such a solution is complex and can only be made by speciali zed glass manufacturers , as it requires dedicated and speci fic equipment .

A second known typology of photovoltaic insulating glass units involves the use of thin films made of photovoltaic components . In such a case as wel l , such thin films are usually arranged between a pair of glasses , which is coupled with a further glass to make the insulating glass unit .

Disadvantageously, this technology involves high costs due to the making o f thin photovoltaic films . Furthermore, in such a case as well, the production process requires special equipment.

The prior art documents US 2022/360210 Al, US 2021/265942 Al, US 2011/133940 Al, and US 2021/152118 Al describe other types of photovoltaic insulating glass units.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and, in particular, to ideate a photovoltaic module for an insulating glass unit and an insulating glass unit comprising such a module, which are simple to make and adaptable to conventional methods of making the insulating glass units.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a process to make a photovoltaic insulating glass unit, which is simple and cost-effective.

These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by a photovoltaic module for an insulating glass unit, an insulating glass unit comprising such a module, having the features set forth in claim 1, and a process to make an insulating glass unit as set forth in claim 9.

Further features of the insulating glass unit according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features and advantages of a photovoltaic module, of the insulating glass unit comprising such a module, and of the process to make such insulating glass unit, according to the present invention, will be more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description, referred to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

Figure la shows a section of a side view of a photovoltaic module according to the present invention, according to a first embodiment ;

- Figure lb shows a step of the process to make an insulating glass unit according to the present invention, starting from the photovoltaic module of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 2 shows a front view o f a photovoltaic module with a support cut at 45 ° ;

- Figures 3a-3c show a section o f a side view of the photovoltaic module of Figure 1 , in which the photovoltaic unit is connected to the support according to three di f ferent ways ;

- Figure 4 shows a top view of a section along a vertical plane of an insulating glass unit with a spacer, in which a photovoltaic module i s mounted in accordance with the present invention, according to a di f ferent embodiment ;

- Figure 5 shows a top view of a section along a vertical plane of an insulating glass unit with a spacer, in which the photovoltaic module of Figure 1 is mounted;

- Figure 6 shows a top view of a section along a vertical plane of an insulating glass unit with two spacers , in which the photovoltaic module of Figures 1 and 5 is mounted;

- Figure 7 shows a top view of a section along a vertical plane of an insulating glass unit with two spacers , in which a photovoltaic module i s mounted in accordance with the present invention, according to a further embodiment .

With reference to the attached figures , a photovoltaic module 1 for an insulating glass unit 10 is described below, in accordance with the present invention.

The photovoltaic module 1, as described below, is intended for use within the production process of an insulating glass unit 10, making it capable of producing energy .

The photovoltaic module 1 in accordance with the present invention comprises a photovoltaic unit 2.

The photovoltaic unit 2 extends in a main extension plane 20, defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y, transverse to the first direction X.

Indeed, the photovoltaic unit has a thickness SI, which is negligible in a third direction Z, orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

In the context of the present description, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., do not indicate an order of importance but are used solely to distinguish different elements in different ways, based on descriptive order. In particular, the presence of, for example, a third element does not necessarily imply the presence of the first and second elements described before the third.

The photovoltaic unit 2 can be made of different types of photovoltaic materials, such as for example silicon cells, CdTE, CdS, GaAs, CIS, CIGS, perovskite, polymeric, or other known technologies.

The photovoltaic unit 2 can comprise a substrate, a photovoltaic material, and an encapsulant/coating (not illustrated) .

The photovoltaic module 1 comprises a support 3 coupled to the photovoltaic unit 2. The support 3 acts as a structural holder for the photovoltaic unit 2 .

The support 3 has at least a first wall 301 and a second wall 302 , facing opposite parts . The first wall 301 and the second wall 302 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the main extension plane 20 . In other words , the f irst wall 301 and the second wall 302 are substantially parallel to each other and opposite to each other . In use, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 face each towards a respective semi-transparent panel .

In accordance with the present invention, the first wall

301 and the second wall 302 are configured to be arranged at least partially contacting a sealant layer 4 , as shown in Figure lb .

In other words , the f irst wall 301 and the second wall

302 are apt to be arranged parallel to a first side 701 of a spacer 7 , which is intended to face towards a panel 5 , 6 at least partially transparent . In particular, the first wall 301 of the support 3 is apt to face towards such first side 701 of a spacer 7 . The first wall 301 of the support is further apt to be connected to the first side 701 of the spacer 7 using a sealant layer 4 .

The photovoltaic unit 2 extends in length along the second direction Y for a first section LI .

The first section LI i s shaped based on the amount o f energy to be generated . In particular, the larger the first section LI , the greater the energy generated .

The first section LI also depends on the dimensions of the insulating glass unit 10 in which the photovoltaic module 1 is intended to be inserted . In particular, the larger the insulating glass unit 10 , the more the first section LI can be increased . For example , the first section LI is between 0 . 1 cm and 50 cm .

The support 3 also extends along a direction parallel to the second direction Y .

In particular, the first wall 301 extends in length along a direction parallel to the second direction Y for a second section L2 . Preferably, the second section L2 i s greater than the first section LI .

The second wall 302 extends in length along a direction parallel to the second direction Y for a third section L3 . According to some embodiments , the third section L3 is not higher than the first section LI .

Preferably, the third section L3 is smaller than the first section LI . Also preferably, the third section L3 is not higher than the second section L2 .

Preferably, the support 3 comprises a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 cantilevered with respect to the first portion 31 . The second portion 32 has a third wall 303 .

The third wall 303 is substantially parallel to the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 .

In particular, the second portion 32 defines with the first portion 31 a seat 33 for the photovoltaic unit 2 . Preferably, the second wall 302 is in the first portion 31 .

Still preferably, the first portion 31 has a fourth wall 304 , substantially perpendicular to the second wall 302 . The fourth wall 304 is defined by the cantilevered second portion 32.

It should be noted that the seat 33 is preferably defined by the third wall 303 and the fourth wall 304. In particular, the photovoltaic unit 1 is coupled to the third wall 303. Indeed, the photovoltaic unit 2 remains partially enclosed between the third wall 301 below and the fourth wall 304 laterally.

Considering the support 3 as a whole and a section of the photovoltaic module 1 orthogonal to the main extension plane 20, in accordance with the present invention, either a single photovoltaic unit 2 or multiple photovoltaic units 2 placed side by side and aligned to each other in the case where the photovoltaic module 1 has a plurality of photovoltaic units 2 placed side by side and aligned to each other, are arranged between the first wall 301 and the second wall 302.

The photovoltaic unit 2 has a thickness SI, which depends on the technology employed, on the support 3 to which the photovoltaic unit 2 is coupled, and on the possible encapsulant/coating they can have. The thickness SI, for example, is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

The cantilevered second portion 32 of the support 3 has a thickness S2, apt to structurally support the photovoltaic module 1. For example, the thickness S2, i.e. the distance between the first wall 301 and the third wall 302, is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

The support 3 is preferably extruded.

The support 3 is preferably made of metallic material or plastic material, optionally reinforced with fiberglass or other composite materials. For example , the support 3 is made of aluminium or aluminium alloys .

I f made of plastic material , in some applications , some or all of the walls of the support 3 can be coated with films made of metallic material , for example aluminium, aluminium alloys , or other metals .

Each photovoltaic module 1 can comprise one or more photovoltaic units 2 . Such photovoltaic units 2 can be electrically connected in series , in parallel , or in a combination of connections . In particular, a single support 3 can be coupled to multiple photovoltaic units

2 .

In any case , i f multiple photovoltaic units 2 are comprised, these are preferably placed side by side and all aligned to each other on the third wall 303 and parallel to each other .

The coupling between the photovoltaic unit 2 and the support 3 can occur, for example , by gluing or mechanical fixing . Alternatively, the coupling between the photovoltaic unit 2 and the support 3 can be magnetic . In particular, in the case of mechanical fixing, the support 3 comprises mechanical coupling means 310 , arranged at the ends , apt to retain the photovoltaic unit 2 in the seat 33 .

In the case of gluing, the photovoltaic module 1 comprises a glue layer 8 interposed between the support

3 and the photovoltaic unit 1 .

The glue layer 8 is speci fically placed on the third wall 303 .

In Figures 3a-3b, an example of mechanical fixing and an example of fixing by glue 8 are respectively visible .

With reference to Figure 3c, preferably, the substrate 3 comprises electrical connectors 9 , to which the photovoltaic unit 2 is coupled . The electrical connectors 9 allow the connections between the photovoltaic units 2 of the photovoltaic module 1 .

The support 3 can have one or more recesses 90 . The purpose of such recesses 90 is to allow the insertion o f the electrical connectors 9 or the passage of connection cables .

The recess 90 is formed on the third wall 303 . Optionally, the recess 90 can also be formed on the first wall 301 .

According to a first embodiment, the support 3 comprises a first tab 34 at the first portion 31 . The first tab 34 extends perpendicular to the first wall 301 .

Preferably, the first tab 34 is placed at one end of the support 3 .

The first tab 34 is apt to face and contact a side 702 , 704 of the spacer 7 , intended to be perpendicular to a panel 5 , 6 at least partially transparent .

Preferably, the first tab 34 is defined by a third portion 34 ' of the support 3 , which extends cantilevered from the first portion 31 . In particular, the first tab 34 defines a fi fth wall 341 and a s ixth wall 342 of the support 3 .

The fi fth wall 341 and the sixth wall 342 are preferably perpendicular to the first wall 301 .

In particular, in use , the fi fth wall 341 faces towards the side of the spacer 7 , which is intended to be perpendicular to a panel 5, 6, while the sixth wall 342 faces a further sealant layer 12, optionally of a different nature than the sealant layer 4.

The embodiment with a first tab 34 is applicable to insulating glass units 10 with a spacer 7 or even with two spacers 7, as visible in Figures 5-7.

In accordance with a second embodiment, the support 3 also comprises a second tab 35. The second tab 35 is placed at the first portion 31. According to preferred embodiments, the second tab is aligned with the first tab 34.

The second tab 35 extends perpendicular to the first wall 301 in the opposite direction to the first tab 34. Preferably, the second tab 35 is placed at one end of the support 3, i.e. the same end where the first tab 34 is placed.

The second tab 35 is apt to face and contact a side 702, 704 of a different spacer 7, intended to be perpendicular to a panel 5, 6 at least partially transparent. In particular, the embodiment with two tabs 34, 35 is preferably applicable in the case of insulating glass units 10 with two spacers 7, as shown in Figure 7.

Preferably, the second tab 35 is defined by a fourth portion 35' of the support 3, which extends cantilevered from the first portion 31. The second tab 35, similarly to the first tab 34, defines a seventh wall 351 and an eighth wall 352.

The seventh wall 351 and the eighth wall 352 are preferably perpendicular to the first wall 301. According to preferred embodiments, the eighth wall 352 extends seamlessly from the sixth wall 342.

In particular, in use, the seventh wall 351 faces towards the side of the spacer 7, which is intended to be perpendicular to a panel 5, 6, while the eighth wall 352 faces towards a further sealant layer 12.

The main technical advantage related to such a second embodiment relates to the possibility of applying the sealant layer 4 on the spacers 7, rather than on the support 3, during the process of making the insulating glass unit 10, as described below.

The embodiments with tabs 34, 35 can be applied to spacers 7 having a polygonal section.

Preferably, the sixth wall 342 extends for a fourth section L4 along a direction parallel to the third direction Z. Still preferably, the eighth wall 352 extends for a fifth section L5 along a direction parallel to the third direction Z.

The fourth section L4 and the fifth section L5 can be different from each other. Alternatively, the fourth section L4 and the fifth section L5 are equal to each other .

More preferably, the fourth section L4 is at least equal to the sum of SI, S2, and the length of the fifth wall 341.

In accordance with a third embodiment, the support 3 can also not comprise tabs, as shown in Figure 4. Such a third embodiment can also be applied to spacers 7 having a polygonal section.

Such a third embodiment provides a support 3 having a substantially U-shaped section. In particular, the cantilevered second portion 32 extends between the first portion 31 and a fifth portion 330 .

The support 3 comprises such a fi fth portion 330 . The fi fth portion 330 defines part of the first wall 301 and further has a ninth wall 331 .

Preferably, the ninth wall 331 faces the same part as the second wall 302 and the opposite part of the first wall 301 . Still preferably, the ninth wall 331 is substantially planar and substantially parallel to the extension plane 20 . It should be noted that the ninth wall 331 is configured to be arranged at least partially contacting a sealant layer 4 . The ninth wall 331 , in use , faces towards a panel 5 at least partial ly transparent and is connected thereto using said sealant layer .

In such a third embodiment , the seat 33 is also defined by a tenth wall 332 , which is part of the third portion 330 and is parallel and faces the fourth wall 304 .

Part of the present invention is also an insulating glass unit 10 comprising the module described above .

In accordance with the present invention, the insulating glass unit 10 comprises a first panel 5 at least partially transparent .

The insulating glass unit 10 further comprises a second panel 6 at least partially transparent . The first and second panels 5 , 6 are spaced from each other .

The first panel 5 and the second panel 6 are , for example , made of glass .

The insulating glass unit 10 can comprise more than two panels at least partially transparent , for example , three .

The insulating glass unit 10 comprises at least one spacer 7 interposed between the panels 5 , 6 .

Preferably, the insulating glass unit 10 comprises only one spacer 7 interposed between the panels 5 , 6 .

"Only one" spacer 7 means that between two adj acent panels , there is a single spacer for each side along the perimeter of the insulating glass unit 10 . For example , in the case of an insulating glass unit having a square or rectangular shape , and thus four sides , there can be a single spacer, folded at 90 ° along all four sides , or four spacers , one for each side .

I f the insulating glass unit 10 comprises more than two panels , the insulating glass unit 10 will comprise a base unit composed by the first panel 5 and the second panel 6 , between which the single spacer 7 i s arranged, and one or more further panels parallel and placed side by side to each other arranged laterally to one of the first panel 5 or the second panel 6 , with the interposition of a further spacer between each panel and the next one .

The spacer 7 is preferably of the conventional type .

For example , the spacer 7 has a substantially rectangular or, in general , polygonal section .

Each spacer 7 has a first side 701 and a third side 703 , opposite to the first side 701 . Each of the first side 701 and the third side 703 faces towards a respective panel 5 , 6 . In particular, the f irst side 701 and the third side 703 are arranged parallel to the second direction Y . Each spacer 7 further has a second side 702 and a fourth side 704 , opposite to each other and perpendicular to the first side 701 .

The insulating glass unit 10 comprises a photovoltaic module 1 as described above .

In particular, the photovoltaic module 1 is coupled to the spacer 7 after being pre-assembled with wiring .

The insulating glass unit 10 comprises a sealant 4 , arranged at least between the f irst side 701 and the photovoltaic module 1 . In other words , the sealant 4 is interposed between the spacer 7 and the photovoltaic module 1 . In particular, in accordance with the present invention, the photovoltaic module 1 is directly fixed to the first side 701 of the spacer 7 using the sealant 4 .

The photovoltaic module 1 is therefore j uxtaposed between the spacer 7 and the f irst panel 5 , with the only interposition of the sealant 4 .

In particular, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 of the photovoltaic module 1 at least partial ly contact a sealant layer 4 .

The sealant 4 is preferably of the butyl type .

The insulating glass unit 10 comprises or is connectable to electric cables (not illustrated) apt to transport the current produced by the photovoltaic unit out of the insulating glass unit 10 itsel f . For example , the insulating glass unit 10 can be connected using such electric cables to an electrical energy storage system, for example a battery, connectable or connected to a device or system of electronic or electric devices . Alternatively, the insulating glass unit 10 can comprise electric cables directly connected to a device or system of electronic or electric devices. For example, the system of electronic or electric devices can be a lighting system comprising a plurality of LED lamps. Such a system can be positioned, for example, on wall 301, on wall 303, or in other positions inside or outside the insulating glass unit.

Alternatively, the insulating glass unit 10 can be connected to an electrical grid to input any excess- produced energy directly into the grid.

In accordance with one embodiment, the insulating glass unit 10 comprises two spacers 7 interposed between the panels 5, 6, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

The spacers 7 can have the same or different geometry. In accordance with such an embodiment, the photovoltaic module 1 comprises the first tab 34 and/or the second tab 35.

In accordance with such an embodiment, the photovoltaic module 1 is arranged so that the first tab 34 and/or the second tab 35 face towards the second side 702 of the respective spacer 7.

In the case where two tabs 34, 35 are provided, each tab 34, 35 faces a different spacer 7.

The fifth wall 341 and/or the seventh wall 351 face towards the second side 702 of the respective spacer 7. Preferably, the third section L3 is comparable to the length of the first side 701 of the spacer 7, i.e. to the typical lengths of commercially known spacers.

In this way, it is possible to make the insulating glass unit 10 employing the traditional sealing process .

The insulating glass unit 10 also comprises a further sealant layer 12 . The further sealant layer 12 is optionally of a di f ferent nature from the sealant layer 4 contacting the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 . Such further sealant layer 12 is arranged between the panels 5 , 6 , the spacer 7 , and the photovoltaic module 1 , as visible in Figures 4-7 .

I f one or more of the tabs 34 , 35 are provided, the sixth wall 342 and/or the eighth wall 352 face towards the further sealant layer 12 .

In accordance with the third embodiment of the photovoltaic module 1 , the configuration of the further sealant layer 12 in the insulating glass unit 10 di f fers from that in the first and second embodiments , as visible in Figures 4-7 . Indeed, in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the photovoltaic module 1 , the photovoltaic module 1 preferably remains protruding with respect to the spacer 7 and the sealant layers 4 .

In accordance with the third embodiment , instead, the photovoltaic module 1 is aligned with the spacer 7 .

Preferably, the insulating glass unit 10 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules 1 . The photovoltaic modules 1 can be connected in series , in parallel , or in a combination of connections . In particular, the photovoltaic modules 1 can be arranged on only one side of the perimeter of the insulating glass unit 10 , or on two or more sides of the perimeter of the insulating glass unit 10 . The supports 3 and the photovoltaic units 2 can be di f ferent on the various sides ; for example , they can have different dimensions.

In such a case, the insulating glass unit 10 comprises a plurality of supports 3 adjacent to each other.

The supports 3 are custom-made according to the dimensions and shape of the insulating glass unit 10 to be made .

For example, one or more supports 3 can be cut at 45 degrees to make a frame surrounding the entire profile of the panel 5, 6, for example in the case of rectangular or square insulating glass units 10.

The supports 3 can be cut at any angle other than 45 degrees .

In some embodiments, some photovoltaic units 2, arranged at the corners of the frame made using supports 3, can be applied in contact with both supports 3 adjacent thereto .

Finally, a part of the present invention is also a process to make an insulating glass unit 10 comprising the photovoltaic module 1 described above.

In accordance with the present invention, the process to make an insulating glass unit 10 comprises the following steps. The execution order of the different steps can differ from the sequence set forth below.

The process comprises a first step of making a spacer 7. In accordance with a first embodiment, the spacer 7 may be of the conventional type, i.e. made by cutting and bending a bar according to a specific shape. In accordance with a second embodiment, the spacer 7 can be of the extruded type, directly on a panel at least partially transparent, for example, a glass panel. The process comprises a subsequent step of applying a sealant layer 4 on the spacer 7 .

The process comprises a step of providing a first panel 5 at least partially transparent .

In particular, in the case of a conventional-type spacer 7 , after the step of applying a sealant layer 4 on the spacer 7 , the process comprises a step of applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 on the first panel 5 . Alternatively, in the case of a spacer 7 extruded directly on the first panel 5 , the step o f applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 to the first panel 5 is not provided . Indeed, in accordance with the second embodiment , the spacer 7 is arranged on the first panel 5 at the time of its making, and subsequently, the sealant is applied on the spacer 7 , as previously mentioned .

Alternatively, the spacer 7 can be applied to the photovoltaic module 1 , which has already been applied to the first panel 5 .

The process comprises a step of providing a photovoltaic module 1 as described above .

The process comprises a step of applying the sealant 4 to the photovoltaic module 1 . In particular, the sealant 4 is arranged at least on the second wall 302 in order to connect the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 .

In accordance with the first embodiment , after the step of applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 to the first panel 5 , the process comprises a step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the f irst panel 5 , on which the spacer 7 with sealant 4 is arranged .

In accordance with the second embodiment , after the step of applying a sealant layer 4 to the spacer 7 , the process comprises the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 , on which the spacer 7 with sealant 4 is arranged .

The photovoltaic module 1 can be applied first to the first panel 5 and subsequently to the spacer 7 , or vice versa, by j oining the photovoltaic module 1 and the spacer 7 to the first panel 5 after j oining the photovoltaic module 1 and the spacer 7 together .

In any case , the method comprises a step of applying the spacer 7 to the photovoltaic module 1 , fixing the photovoltaic module 1 directly to the spacer 7 through the sealant 4 .

For all embodiments , after the step of applying the photovoltaic module , the process comprises a step o f applying a second panel 6 at least partially transparent to the first panel 5.

After the step of applying the second panel 6 , the process comprises a step of pressing the panels 5 , 6 to keep them j oined .

Advantageously, the photovoltaic module 1 can be inserted into the production process of an insulating glass unit without needing speci fic systems .

Preferably, in the case of an insulating glass unit 10 comprising a single spacer 7 , before the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 , the process comprises a step of applying a sealant layer 4 on the photovoltaic module 1 . In particular, the photovoltaic module 1 is applied to the first panel 5 with at least one sealant layer 4 already appl ied, preferably both sealant layers , on a respective wall between the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 .

In practice , with respect to a standard procedure for making an insulating glass unit 10 , the process provides the step of applying a sealant layer 4 to the photovoltaic module 1 and the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 .

Due to the present invention, however, such steps can be performed using the same techniques and the same machineries normally used for making insulating glass units . This is due to the geometry of the photovoltaic module 1 according to the present invention . In particular, the presence of a first and a second wall 301 , 302 parallel to each other allows the use of butyl sealer typically employed in the process of constructing the insulating glass units 10 . Such butyl sealers are provided with two noz zles positioned in front of each other, to inj ect butyl on both sides of the spacer 7 or, as in the case described here , on both sides of the photovoltaic module 1 , as symbolically illustrated in Figure lb .

According to the embodiment that involves two spacers 7 , the process preferably comprises a step of applying a sealant layer 4 to a first spacer 7 , before the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 . Such a process is preferably applied to spacers 7 o f the conventional type .

The process also comprises a step of applying a sealant layer on a second spacer 7 , which is then applied to the photovoltaic module 1 .

Advantageously, the photovoltaic module 1 can be inserted into the insulating glass unit 10 without needing to apply the sealant 4 directly on it , as it i s applied to both spacers 7 .

Advantageously, such a process is even more easily integrable in the production process of the insulating glass unit 10 . Also in this case , where two spacers 7 are provided, it is possible to employ the butyl sealer typically used in the process of constructing the insulating glass units 10 .

Some advantages of the invention are listed below .

The photovoltaic module i s insertable into the standard production process for making the insulating glass units .

Fixing the photovoltaic module in the insulating glass unit is achieved through the pressing process , which is already adopted in the production of traditional insulating glass units .

Advantageously, no further systems for adhering the photovoltaic module to the insulating glass unit are required .

Due to its geometry, the photovoltaic module described can be applied to any type of insulating glass unit , in particular regardless of its shape and si ze , and i s compatible with any typology of spacer, glasses , or sealant .

Advantageously, the process according to the present invention is actuable by any glass manufacturer at low costs .

Still advantageously, there are no limitations on the dimensions of the insulating glass unit that can be obtained . Due to the present invention, it is also possible to make insulating glass units with any polygonal shape , by appropriately cutting the support 3 .

The present invention has been described for illustrative but non-limiting purposes , according to its preferred embodiments , illustrated in the attached drawings , but it should be understood that any variation and/or modi fication obvious to those skilled in the art should be considered included within the scope o f protection of the invention, as defined in the attached claims .

Claims

1. Insulating glass unit (10) comprising:

- a first panel (5) at least partially transparent;

- a second panel (6) at least partially transparent;

- only one spacer (7) interposed between said panels (5, 6) , each spacer (7) having a first side (701) and a third side (703) opposed to the first side (701) , each between the first side (701) and the third side (703) facing towards a respective panel (5, 6) ; the spacer (7) having a second side (702) and a fourth side (704) opposed to each other and perpendicular to the first side (701) ;

- a photovoltaic module (1) comprising: a photovoltaic unit (2) extending in a main extension plane (20) defined by a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) transverse to the first direction (X) ;

- a support (3) coupled to the photovoltaic unit (200) ; said support (3) having at least a first wall (301) and a second wall (302) facing opposite parts, said first wall (301) and second wall (302) being substantially planar and substantially parallel to said extension plane (20) ;

- a sealant (4, 12) arranged at least between the first side (701) and the photovoltaic module (1) ; the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) of the photovoltaic module (1) at least partially contacting a sealant layer (4) .

2. Insulating glass unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said photovoltaic unit (2) extends in length along said second direction (Y) for a first section (LI) ; said first wall (301) extends in length along a direction parallel to the second direction (Y) for a second section (L2) greater than said first section (LI) ; said second wall (302) extends in length along a direction parallel to the second direction (Y) for a third section (L3) not higher than the second section (L2) .

3. Insulating glass unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (3) comprises a first portion (31) and a second portion (32) cantilevered with respect to said first portion (31) , said second portion (32) having a third wall (303) ; said third wall (303) being substantially parallel to the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) ; said second portion (32) defining with said first portion (31) a seat (33) for said photovoltaic unit (2) .

4. Insulating glass unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second wall (302) is in said first portion ( 31 ) .

5. Insulating glass unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (3) comprises a first tab (34) at the first portion (31) and extending perpendicular to the first wall (301) .

6. Insulating glass unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising or connectable to electric cables apt to transport the current produced by the photovoltaic unit (2) out of the insulating glass unit (10) itself.

7. Insulating glass unit (10) according the preceding claim, comprising electric cables connected to an electrical energy storage system, said electrical energy storage system being connected to a device or system of electronic or electric devices.

8. Insulating glass unit (10) according to claim 6, comprising electric cables directly connected to a device or system of electronic or electric devices.

9. Process to make an insulating glass unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

- making a spacer (7) ;

- applying a sealant layer (4) on the spacer (7) ; providing a first panel (5) at least partially transparent ;

- providing a photovoltaic module (1) ;

- applying the sealant (4) to the photovoltaic module (1) ;

- applying the photovoltaic module (1) to the first panel (5) ;

- applying the spacer (7) to the photovoltaic module (1) fixing the photovoltaic module (1) directly to the spacer (7) using the sealant (4) ; applying a second panel (6) at least partially transparent to the first panel (5) ;

- pressing the panels (5, 6) to keep them joined.