In-situ comparison of thermal measurement technologies for interpretation of PV module temperature de-rating effects

Teri Elwood, Whit Bennett, Teh Lai, Kelly Simmons-Potter

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

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is well known that the efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) module is strongly impacted by its temperature such that higher temperatures lead to lower energy conversion efficiencies. An accurate measurement of the temperature de-rating effect, therefore, is vital to the correct interpretation of PV module performance under varied environmental conditions. The current work investigates and compares methods for performing measurements of module temperature both in the lab and in field-Test environments. A comparison of several temperature measurement devices was made in order to establish the ideal sensor configuration for quantifying module operating temperature. Sensors were also placed in various locations along a string of up to eight photovoltaic modules to examine the variance in operating temperature with position in the string and within a larger array of strings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems IX
EditorsNeelkanth G. Dhere, John H. Wohlgemuth, Keiichiro Sakurai
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510602670
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems IX - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 28 2016Aug 29 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9938
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherReliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems IX
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/28/168/29/16

Keywords

  • Operating Temperature
  • PV array temperature
  • Photovoltaic
  • Temperature De-Rating
  • Temperature sensors

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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