WO2011089474A2

WO2011089474A2 - System and methods for monitoring, positioning, and laminating modules

Info

Publication number: WO2011089474A2
Application number: PCT/IB2010/050257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roman Polo; Beat Strebel; Jürg Zahnd; Ronald F. M. Lange
Original assignee: 3S Swiss Solar Systems Ag
Priority date: 2010-01-20
Filing date: 2010-01-20
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: WO2011089474A3

Abstract

The disclosed is a system and methods for laminating a plurality of modules. The system comprises a base capable of retaining the modules in a plurality of module areas, at least a membrane capable of forming a plurality of layers of the module together, and at least a cover, wherein the cover is capable of being supported by a support member on the base in said module areas.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MONITORING, POSITIONING, AND LAMINATING MODULES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to laminating modules, such as sandwiched bodies, and, more particularly to system and methods for monitoring, positioning, and laminating solar modules in a simple, cost effective, secure, and environmental friendly manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The conventional solar module lamination systems generally include atleast a base for retaining a solar module, a cover, a membrane for pressing the module, and a tensioning or stentering frame to give tension to the membrane. The solar module is generally built up out of a lay-up of a covering glass plate, adhesive foils, a solar cell, and a back sheet or a backing glass plate. The back sheet is placed on top of the solar cell and may be formed by foil or a glass plate such that the resulted solar module is a glass-glass module.

[0003] During the lamination of solar module, an interconnecting process takes place under the influence of heat and pressure in which the solar cells are encapsulated between the covering glass plate and the back sheet. The membrane may elongate or tensioned by influence of heat and pressure which impairs the life time of the membrane. Due to the elongation of the membrane in the pressurising phase, a lateral force is applied to the covering glass plate and the backing glass plate of the solar module by lowering the stentering frame, which may crush the modules or tear the glass plate(s) of the lay-up underneath the stentering frame. Especially if the glass plates are thick or if the back sheet is also a glass plate, this will lead to deformed modules.

[0004] Further, the covers of the existing laminating systems are not very stiff and may bend towards a vacuum chamber. To prevent the cover from bending too much towards the vacuum chamber, the cover has to be made very stiff. The stiff cover may require extra mass which increases the system costly and makes the system heavy. The moment exerted on the cover is felt in the same amount by the base. Therefore reducing the moment also enables the base to be less stiff. Typically the base has to remain more flat than the cover since the former is supporting the modules. If the base warps, the modules are bent as well. Typically the base is allowed to bend no more than several millimetres.

[0005] The prior art discloses numerous techniques for laminating sandwiched bodies or modules, like lay-up of solar modules or Photovoltaic modules (PV Module). Many such systems are too complex for reliable operation and are incapable of protecting the solar modules from getting crashed from the stentering frame and expensive membrane from the elongation/tension and harmful gases. Existing systems, also fail to provide means for positioning the solar module and monitoring the position of the module before or during the operation or lowering of the stentering frame.

[0006] The features of the conventional laminating systems disclose a complex design and bulky structural indices that hinder their performance. However, no such system is available in the commercial market at the present time which is capable of: positioning the solar module on the base or the heating plate, monitoring the position of the module before or during the operation or lowering of the stentering frame, preventing the solar modules from getting crashed from the stentering frame, and reducing elongation/ tension of the expensive membrane during pressurizing phase to prolongs the life of the membrane.

[0007] Therefore, the present scenario is necessitating the need for an improved combination of convenience and utility which is capable of overcoming disadvantages inherent in existing solar module or lay-up laminating systems and providing means for positioning the solar module on the base or the heating plate, means for monitoring the position of the module before or during the operation or lowering of the stentering frame, preventing the solar modules from getting crashed from the stentering frame, and reducing tension/elongation of the expensive membrane during the pressurizing phase to prolongs the life of the expensive membrane. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility, to include the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for monitoring, positioning, and laminating atleast a solar module. The system comprises a base capable of retaining the modules, atleast a membrane capable of forming a plurality of layers of the module together, and atleast a cover, wherein the cover is capable of being supported by a support member on the base in a plurality of module areas. A stentering frame is capable of enabling forming of atleast a vacuum chamber in atleast one compartment wherein each compartment is capable of holding atleast one module. The stentering frame is capable of forming a support member.

[00010] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring a position of atleast a module, comprises the steps of: monitoring movement of atleast any one of a stentering frame, a cover, a support member, a base; allowing movement of atleast any one of the stentering frame, the cover, the support member, the base; and stopping a laminating step. The means for monitoring may include atleast any one of a 2D-camera system, a 3D-camera system, a light barrier, light curtain, a laser scanner, a sensor, or the like.

[00011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing collisions in a system according to one of the previous claims, comprises the steps of: monitoring a position of atleast a module, and preventing the system parts from colliding with the modules. The method further comprises the steps of indicating which module is not positioned correctly.

[00012] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for positioning atleast a module, comprises the steps of: placing the module relative to atleast an indicator that correspond to the compartment formed by the stentering frame. [00013] In another aspect, the present invention provides improved combination of convenience and utility which is capable of including the advantages of the prior art and overcoming the drawbacks inherent in the prior art by providing means for positioning the solar module on the base or the heating plate, means for monitoring the position of the module before or during the operation or lowering of the stentering frame, preventing the solar modules from getting crashed from the stentering frame, and reducing tension/elongation of the expensive membrane during the pressurizing phase. The present invention may be useful in prolonging the life of the membrane and eliminating the need to change the membrane frequently. The stentering frame of the present invention may be mass produced inexpensively and provides user an easy, efficient, secure, cost effective, environment friendly and productive way of lamination.

[00014] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00015] For a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made in the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[00016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system for laminating a module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] FIG. lB-1 and 1B-2 are top plan views illustrating a plurality of solar modules placed at a base, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [00018] FIG. 1C illustrates a lay-up of a solar module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] FIG. ID illustrates a laminated solar module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00020] FIG. 2 illustrates a vacuum chamber before pressurizing the modules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00021] FIG. 3 illustrates a membrane lower on to the modules under a pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00022] FIG. 4 illustrates a stentering frame acting as a support to the membrane, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00023] FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of covers forming a plurality of vacuum chamber, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00024] FIG. 6 illustrates a support member placed between the modules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00025] FIG. 7 illustrates a tensioned membrane under a lateral force, according the state of the art;

[00026] FIG. 8 illustrates the membrane under a symmetrical force, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] FIG. 9A illustrates the membrane running over the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] FIG. 9B illustrates the membrane mounted to the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [00029] FIG. 10 illustrates a shape of the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00030] FIG. 11 illustrates a positioner provided on the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00031] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for monitoring a position of atleast one module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[00032] FIG. 13 illustrates a method for preventing collisions in the laminating system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[00033] FIG. 14 illustrates a method for positioning atleast a module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for positioning atleast one module.

[00034] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00035] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations and structure and design. It should be emphasized, however that the present invention is not limited to a particular system and methods for laminating sandwiched bodies, lay-up, solar modules, Photovoltaic modules (PV Module), as shown and described. Rather, the principles of the present invention may be used with a variety of lamination configurations and structural arrangements. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but the present invention is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the it's claims.

[00036] In the following detail description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[00037] As used herein, the terms 'a', 'an', 'atleast' do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item, and the term 'a plurality' denotes the presence of more than one referenced items. The term 'stentering frame' also referred to as 'tensioning frame' may include any frame adapted in the lamination systems.

[00038] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides improved combination of convenience and utility which is capable of including the advantages of the prior art and overcoming the drawbacks inherent in the prior art by providing means for positioning the solar module on the base, here formed by a heating plate, means for monitoring the position of the module before or during the operation or lowering of the stentering frame, preventing the solar modules from getting crashed from the stentering frame, and reducing tension/elongation of the expensive membrane during the pressurizing phase. The present invention may be useful in prolonging the life of the membrane and eliminating the need to change the membrane frequently. The stentering frame of the present invention may be mass produced inexpensively and provides user an easy, efficient, secure, cost effective, environment friendly and productive way of lamination.

[00039] Referring to FIG.1A which illustrates a perspective view of the system 100 (also referred to as 'laminator') for laminating atleast a module 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a stentering frame, a cover 50, a base 70, and a membrane 80. The membrane 80 and the base 70 are capable of forming a vacuum chamber 30. The base 70 is capable of retaining atleast the module 10 in atleast a module area and also providing the heat for the lamination of the module 10. The heat may also be provided from above or through the cover.

[00040] Referring to lB-1 which illustrates top plan view of the base 70 wherein a plurality of solar modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd may be placed in a plurality of modules areas or compartments 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, .., of a divided vacuum chamber 30, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stentering frame may be attached to the cover 50 or the base 70 and is capable of dividing the vacuum chamber 30 in a plurality of compartments 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, .., wherein a plurality of modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd, ... may be placed for lamination. Since the stentering frame divides the vacuum chamber 30 therefore modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd may no longer be placed anywhere on the base 70, for example, the stentering frame dividing the vacuum chamber 30 in four compartments 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, then only four modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd may be placed at only four positions. The covers member 50 may be supported on the base 70 in-between the modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd.

[00041] Referring to IB -2, wherein a post in the middle of the base 70 is capable of forming the support member 90, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The stentering frame 20 may only run around the perimeter of the base 70.

[00042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, compartments

30a, 30b, 30c, 30d may be sealed to prevent movement of air from one compartment to the other.

[00043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, compartments

30a, 30b, 30c, 30d may be connected through atleast a conduct for facilitating movement of air from one compartment to the other. The conduct may be provided in the stentering frame.

[00044] The module 10 includes a solar module, a Photovoltaic module (PV Module), a sandwiched body, a lay-up of a plurality of material layers, or any combination thereof.

[00045] Referring to FIG.1C and FIG. ID, wherein FIG. 1C illustrates a lay-up of unlaminated solar module 10 and FIG. ID illustrates a laminated solar module 10, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The solar module 10 may be built up out of a plurality of materials including a glass plate 12, a first adhesive foil 13, at least a solar cell 14, a second adhesive foil 15, and a back sheet 16. The back sheet 16 may be made of glass. The back sheet 16 may be placed on top of the solar cell 14 and may be formed by foil or a glass plate such that the resulted solar module 10 is a glass-glass module.

[00046] Referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates a vacuum chamber 30 before pressurizing the modules 10a, 10b, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The air between the layers of the modules 10a, 10b is evacuated as much as possible before pressing the modules 10a, 10b. The evacuation may be done in the following way: once the covers member 50 closes the vacuum chamber 30, the vacuum chamber 30 is evacuated and at the same time, an upper chamber 60 is kept at a lower pressure than the vacuum chamber 30, preventing the membrane 80 from pressing on the module 10 or by making the membrane 80 stick to the covers member 50. Since the membrane 80 is not lying on the modules 10a, 10b, no pressure is applied on the modules 10a, 10b. Moreover, air between the materials of the modules 10a, 10b can escape more easily than would have been the case if the membrane 80 where pressuring them.

[00047] In an exemplary embodiment, an important aspect of the present invention is the force and moment applied to the covers member 50 and the base 70 when the membrane 80 is not pressing on the modules 10a, 10b. Since inside the vacuum chamber 30 the pressure is very low and outside of the vacuum chamber 30 the pressure is atmospheric, therefore the force applied to the covers member 50 equals Δρ x A, wherein A is the surface of the covers member 50 and Δρ is the pressure difference over the covers member 50. The moment the covers member 50 has to withstand is proportional to the lever arm and thus the distance (D) between two consecutive beams of the stentering frame. The beams of stentering frame are capable of preventing the covers member 50 from bending too much towards the vacuum chamber 30.

[00048] Referring to FIG. 3 which illustrates a membrane 80 lower on to the modules 10a, 10b under a pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. During lamination the pressure in the upper chamber 60 is raised to atmospheric pressure, making the membrane 80 lower onto the modules 10a, 10b. At this stage the pressure difference over the covers member 50 equals zero and the covers member 50 only has to withstand its own weight. Also the pressure difference over the base 70, modules 10a, 10b, and the membrane 80 equals zero.

[00049] Referring to FIG. 4 which illustrates a stentering frame acting as a support to the cover 50, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The stentering frame having a plurality of bars connected at a plurality of corners to form a rectangle and atleast a beam adapted to divide the vacuum chamber 30 in to a plurality of compartments. The bars may have a rectangular cross section and may run around the perimeter of the vacuum chamber 30. The beam of the stentering frame may have a curved upper side and may runs across the base 70. The stentering frame may be capable of enclosing the vacuum chamber 30 completely. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast a slanted face of the stentering frame may have a shallow slope for to compensate an elongation of the membrane 80. The slanted face may have a flat angle of 12.4 degrees.

[00050] Referring to FIG. 5 which illustrates a plurality of covers 50a, 50b forming a plurality of vacuum chambers 30a, 30b, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum chamber 30 may be divided into n x n number of compartments, wherein n=l,2,3,4,.... A plurality of covers 50a, 50b may be used to form a plurality of vacuum chambers 30a, 30b, for example, if the cover 50a, 50b may be divided, then multiple vacuum chambers 30a, 30b may be formed. The perimeter of the covers 50a, 50b or the stentering frame 20 may function as support to the membrane 80. The ssupport member 90 is capable of providing support to the membrane or the cover 50 between the modules 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd, ... etc, in middle of the base 70. Support member 90 may be part of stentering frame 20 or the base 70,

[00051] Referring to FIG. 6 which illustrates a separate support member 90 placed between the modules 10a, 10b, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Since the support member 90 does not move down when the covers member 50 is closed, the modules 10a, 10b may not be crushed by the support member 90. The support member 90 may be inserted into the system 100 with the modules 10a, 10b. Moreover, the support member 90 may function as a template for making the lay-ups out side the laminator. The support member 90 is capable of atleast partially forming the stentering frame 20.

[00052] Referring to FIG. 7 which illustrates a tensioned membrane 80 under a lateral force, according to the state of the art. According to the state of the art, in the pressurizing phase, the membrane 80 gets tensioned and elongated. Due to the elongation of the membrane 80, a lateral force is applied to the glass plates 12a and 12b tearing them of the lay-up. Especially if the glass plates 12a and 12b are thick or if the back sheet 16 is also a glass plate, this will lead to deformed modules 10a, 10b. With the stentering frame of the present invention, this problem may be eliminated, because the membrane 80 is less elongated and the force applied to the glass plate is symmetrical.

[00053] Referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates a membrane 80 with reduced tension and reduced elongation under a symmetrical force, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The stentering frame of the present invention is capable of reducing the tension in the membrane 80 and applying a symmetrical force on the module 10 during the pressurizing phase. The tension in the membrane 80 may be reduced by reducing a distance (d) between the stentering frame and the modules 10a, 10b. The tension in the membrane 80 may also be reduced by adjusting a height of the stentering frame to the modules 10a, 10b. The force applied to the glass plate is symmetrical. Due to reduced tension and elongation of the membrane 80, the force applied to the glass plates 12a and 12b (as shown in FIG. 7) of the lay-up of the modules 10a, 10b 10a, 10b may be symmetrical. The symmetrical force prevents tearing of the glass plates 12a and 12b of the lay-up and deformation of the module 10, for example, if the glass plates 12a and 12b are thick or if the back sheet 16 is also a glass plate, then symmetrical force prevents deformation of the module 10. If the tension in the membrane 80 is less or the membrane 80 is less elongated, then the life of the membrane 80 may be extended as well.

[00054] Referring to FIG. 9A which illustrates the membrane 80 running over the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The membrane 80 may run over the stentering frame, thus being squeezed between the stentering frame and the covers member 50. The membrane 80 may also be mounted to the stentering frame, as shown in FIG. 9B such that the membrane 80 may not extend between the stentering frame and the cover. The membrane 80 may be mounted to atleast any one of the stentering frame 20 and the support member 90 to prevent an elongation of the membrane 80 between the stentering frame 20 and the cover 50.

[00055] Referring to FIG. 10 which illustrates a shape of the stentering frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The stentering frame may be shaped so that is more easily inserted between the modules 10a, 10b. A slight misalignment of the stentering frame may be corrected by the wedge shape of the frame.

[00056] Referring to FIG. 11 which illustrates a positioner 40, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The materials of the modules 10a, 10b are normally piled up outside the laminator on a transport sheet. Once the materials are in place, the lay-up is moved into the laminator and the lamination process starts. Since the modules 10a, 10b must fit into the compartments formed by the stentering frame, they must be positioned more accurately than before. The positioner 40 may be capable of positioning the modules 10a, 10b by pushing the modules 10a, 10b to their ideal position. The positioner 40 may be provided on the stentering frame to. The positioner 40 may be connected to any part of a group stentering frame 20, the cover 50 and the base 70.The positioner 40 includes a flexible positioner, a marker, or any combination thereof.

[00057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention, the stentering frame of the present invention is capable of reducing a bending moment the covers member 50 which the covers member 50 has to withstand, thereby making possible to reduce the mass of the covers member 50 and thus the material cost of the covers member 50. According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides means to prevent the modules 10a, 10b from sliding when they are moved into the laminator. Atleast a membrane support member 45 may be adapted to prevent the membrane 80 from bending in an undesired fashion. The membrane support member 45 may be connected to any part of the group stentering frame 20, the cover 50, and the base 70. [00058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a monitor for monitoring the position of the module 10 before or during the lowering of the stentering frame. The monitor may be capable of monitoring the position of the modules 10a, 10b such that the modules 10a, 10b will not be crushed underneath the stentering frame, for example, if the stentering frame is lowered by releasing pressure from hydraulic cylinders, the movement of the stentering frame may be monitored. If the stentering frame stops moving or greatly reduces speed before the stentering frame lies on the base 70, pressure in the cylinders may be increased and the laminating step stopped because the stentering frame may be potentially resting on the module 10.

[00059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method 200 for monitoring a position of atleast a module in the system 100, comprises the steps of: monitoring movement of atleast any one of a stentering frame 20, a cover 50, a support member 90, a base 70 at step 210; allowing atleast any one of the stentering frame 20, the cover 50, the support member 90 to move towards the base 70 at step 220; and stopping a laminating at step 230.

[00060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method 300 for preventing collisions in the system 100 comprises the steps of: monitoring a position of atleast a module at step 310, and preventing the system parts from colliding with the modules at step 320. The method 300 further comprises the steps of indicating which module is not positioned correctly at step 330.

[00061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method 400 for positioning atleast a module in the system 100, comprises the steps of: placing the module relative to atleast an indicator that correspond to atleast a compartment formed by the stentering frame 20 and/or the position of the support member 90.

[00062] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in sizes and dimensions, variances in terms of shape may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00063] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A system for laminating a plurality of modules, comprising:

a base capable of retaining the modules in a plurality of module areas;

atleast a membrane capable of forming a plurality of layers of the module together; and

atleast a cover,

wherein the cover is capable of being supported by a support member on the base in between the module areas.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the support member is capable of providing support to the cover between the module areas in middle of the base, wherein the support member is part of the stentering frame, part of the cover, part of the membrane, part of the base, a separate element or a combination thereof.

3. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a stentering frame is capable of dividing the base in a plurality of compartments, wherein the stentering frame is capable of enabling forming of atleast a vacuum chamber in atleast one compartment, wherein each compartment is capable of holding atleast one module.

4. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane is attached to atleast any one of the stentering frame, the base, the cover, the support member, or any combination thereof.

5. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane is capable of running over to atleast any one of the stentering frame, the base, the cover, the support member or any combination thereof.

6. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane and the base are capable of forming the vacuum chamber.

7. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said compartments are sealed to prevent movement of air and gasses from one compartment to the other.

8. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said compartments are connected through atleast a conduct for facilitating movement of air and gasses from one compartment to the other.

9. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a method for evacuating air and gasses between a plurality of layers of the modules comprise the steps of: closing the vacuum chamber such as to support the cover on the base; keeping an upper chamber at a lower pressure than the vacuum chamber, thereby preventing the membrane from pressing on the module.

10. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a moment atleast any one of the cover and the base has to withstand is proportional to a distance between a plurality of elements selected from said beams of the stentering frame, the support member, the base, and the cover, or any of said elements individually or in any combination thereof.

11. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the stentering frame having a plurality of bars connected at a plurality of corners to form a rectangle and atleast a beam adapted to divide the vacuum chamber in to said compartments.

12. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said beams are capable of supporting atleast any one of the cover and the base, wherein said beams are capable of preventing atleast any one of the cover and the base from bending too much towards the vacuum chamber.

13. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein atleast any one of the stentering frame, the base, the cover and the support member is capable of reducing a tension in the membrane and applying a symmetrical force on the module.

14. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tension in the membrane is reduced by adjusting a height of atleast any one of the stentering frame, the base, the cover, and the support member.

15. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tension in the membrane is reduced by reducing a distance between atleast any one of the stentering frame and the modules, stentering frame and the support member, the support member and the modules, or by any combination thereof.

16. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein atleast any one of the stentering frame and the support member is capable of reducing a bending moment which atleast any one of the cover and the base have to withstand.

17. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane is mounted to atleast any one of the stentering frame, the base, he cover, and the support member to prevent an elongation of the membrane between the stentering frame and the cover.

18. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein atleast a positioner is adapted to push the modules in to their ideal position, the positioner is connected to any part of the group stentering frame, the support member, the cover, and the base.

19. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a perimeter of atleast any one of the cover, stentering frame, the base, and the support member is capable of functioning as support to the membrane.

20. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support member is placed between the modules, the support member is capable of functioning as a template for making the lay-ups out side the system.

21. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a position monitor is adapted for monitoring the position of the module.

22. A method for preventing collisions in a system according to one of the previous claims, comprising the steps of: monitoring a position of atleast a module; and preventing the system parts from colliding with the modules.

23. A method for preventing collisions in a system or method according to one of the previous claims, further comprises the steps of indicating which modules is not positioned correctly.

24. A method for monitoring a position of atleast a module, comprises the steps of: monitoring movement of atleast any one of a stentering frame, a cover, a support member, a base; allowing atleast any one of the stentering frame, the cover, the support member to move towards the base; and stopping a laminating step.

25. A method for positioning atleast a module in a system according to one of the previous claims, further comprises the steps of placing the module relative to indicators that correspond to the segments formed by atleast any one of the stentering frame, the support member, and the cover.

26. A method according to claim 26 further comprising the steps from claims 22 thru 24.