Identifying PV module mismatch faults by a thermography-based temperature distribution analysis

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation is proven to be effective and sustainable but is currently hampered by relatively high costs and low conversion efficiency. This paper addresses both issues by presenting a low-cost and efficient temperature distribution analysis for identifying PV module mismatch faults by thermography. Mismatch faults reduce the power output and cause potential damage to PV cells. This paper first defines three fault categories in terms of fault levels, which lead to different terminal characteristics of the PV modules. The investigation of three faults is also conducted analytically and experimentally, and maintenance suggestions are also provided for different fault types. The proposed methodology is developed to combine the electrical and thermal characteristics of PV cells subjected to different fault mechanisms through simulation and experimental tests. Furthermore, the fault diagnosis method can be incorporated into the maximum power point tracking schemes to shift the operating point of the PV string. The developed technology has improved over the existing ones in locating the faulty cell by a thermal camera, providing a remedial measure, and maximizing the power output under faulty conditions.

Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Additional Information: © 2014 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Uncontrolled Keywords: degradation,fault diagnosis,photovoltaic power system,temperature,thermography
Publication ISSN: 1558-2574
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2024 08:14
Date Deposited: 07 Jul 2016 13:05
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2014-12
Published Online Date: 2014-08-14
Accepted Date: 2014-08-04
Submitted Date: 2014-01-28
Authors: Hu, Yihua
Cao, Wenping (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-8133-3020)
Ma, Jien
Finney, Stephen J.
Li, David

Download

[img]

Version: Accepted Version


Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record