Accurate measurement and estimation of solar cell temperature in photovoltaic module operating in real environmental conditions

Abstract

There is a growing need for the precise outdoor performance measurement of photovoltaic (PV) modules for low-cost onsite performance measurement, monitoring, and failure diagnosis. For the precise evaluation of a PV module, an accurate temperature measurement technique is required. It is necessary to measure the temperature of the solar cell in a module structure ( junction temperature) because it determines the temperature characteristics of the PV module, rather than the temperature of the backsheet. In this study, a PV module with an internal thermocouple was fabricated. A thermocouple was inserted immediately below the solar cell so that it could be in direct contact with the cell, enabling an accurate temperature measurement. Moreover, the temperature of the solar cell in the PV module structure was predicted by heat flux calculation using the backsheet temperature, which can be measured easily. In this manner, the solar cell temperature was estimated accurately within an error of +1 °C.

A Multi-State Dynamic Thermal Model for Accurate Photovoltaic Cell Temperature Estimation

“…A simple expression to compensate for the difference was given in [17]. However, compared to the fluctuated Tb, Tc is less sensitive since the solar cells are enclosed within the module structure [18]. There were many explicit and implicit empirical correlations, as listed in [10], which express Tc as a function of the pertinent environment variables.…”

Improving the Efficiency of Stand-Alone Solar PV Power Plants

“…The estimation methods proposed by Fishman and Kiwia were applied to test the developed simulation model [15][16][17]:…”

Thermal stability of perovskite solar cells incorporated with spiro-OMeTAD and an ionic liquid dopant

“…Silicon solar panels, currently in commercial use, typically withstand temperatures of up to approximately 65 °C when exposed to outdoor conditions during the summer. 7,8) Consequently, to enable the outdoor utilization of PSCs, it is imperative to enhance their thermal stability, aiming for a temperature resistance of approximately 80 °C. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215, International Summit on Organic PV Stability (ISOS), and Perovskite PV Accelerator for Commercializing Technology (PACT) have set the benchmark for outdoor performance by subjecting solar cells to damp-heating and thermal cycle tests at 85 °C, a temperature reflective of outdoor maximums.…”