Image analysis of PV module electroluminescence

T. Lai, C. Ramirez, B. G. Potter, K. Simmons-Potter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electroluminescence imaging can be used as a non-invasive method to spatially assess performance degradation in photovoltaic (PV) modules. Cells, or regions of cells, that do not produce an infra-red luminescence signal under electrical excitation indicate potential damage in the module. In this study, an Andor iKon-M camera and an image acquisition tool provided by Andor have been utilized to obtain electroluminescent images of a full-sized multicrystalline PV module at regular intervals throughout an accelerated lifecycle test (ALC) performed in a large-scale environmental degradation chamber. Computer aided digital image analysis methods were then used to automate degradation assessment in the modules. Initial preprocessing of the images was designed to remove both background noise and barrel distortion in the image data. Image areas were then mapped so that changes in luminescent intensity across both individual cells and the full module could be identified. Two primary techniques for image analysis were subsequently investigated. In the first case, pixel intensity distributions were evaluated over each individual PV cell and changes to the intensities of the cells over the course of an ALC test were evaluated. In the second approach, intensity line scans of each of the cells in a PV module were performed and variations in line scan data were identified during the module ALC test. In this report, both the image acquisition and preprocessing technique and the contribution of each image analysis approach to an assessment of degradation behavior will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems X
EditorsMichael D. Kempe, Neelkanth G. Dhere, Keiichiro Sakurai
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510611979
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems X 2017 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 6 2017Aug 7 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10370
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems X 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/6/178/7/17

Keywords

  • Degradation
  • Electroluminescence
  • Imaging
  • Multicrystalline
  • Photovoltaic
  • Polycrystalline
  • Silicon

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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