Impact of cracks on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules temperature distribution

Niyaz, Humaid Mohammed; Meena, Roopmati; Gupta, Rajesh

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2021.07.038

Cited by 33 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…In addition to encapsulant and metallization degradation, some modules also had micro‐cracks, which were visible due to delamination along their length as shown in Figure 3D.i. The micro‐cracks can originate at various stages of PV module lifespan ranging from manufacturing, transportation, installation and operation in the field 42 . These micro‐cracks provide a preferential path for moisture and air ingression, which can lead to corrosion of cell metallization and interconnect ribbon lying along its length as shown in Figure 3D.ii.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of dominant degradation mode in field‐aged photovoltaic modules using novel differential current‐voltage analysis approach

Meena

Kumar

Gupta

2022

Progress in Photovoltaics

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Photovoltaic (PV) modules are susceptible to various types of defects and degradations (D&Ds) under field‐operating conditions, which affect their performance and reliability. These D&Ds have non‐uniform distribution in the PV modules, which makes it difficult to distinguish amongst multiple D&Ds using a single characterization technique. In the present work, a simple non‐destructive characterization approach called differential current‐voltage (DIV) analysis using current‐voltage (I‐V) measurements have been developed for investigation of the dominant degradation mode in the cells of modules, wherein consecutive cells have been partially shaded while measuring the I‐V curve of the modules. For this purpose, a batch of crystalline silicon PV modules operating under hot and humid climatic conditions for 20 years has been investigated. A correlation has been established between the trend of percentage change in modules' electrical parameters during DIV measurements and the dominant degradation mode present in the cell under investigation. The trend of change in short circuit current and voltage at maximum power point has been identified as key electrical parameters to identify the dominant degradation mode in the cell. To analyse the trends of DIV analysis, the effect of prominent degradation modes on the module parameters has been investigated using electrical simulations. The investigated PV modules have been cross‐characterized through microscopic inspection and electroluminescence imaging to identify various D&Ds present in the investigated modules. The results of cross‐characterization substantiate the findings of DIV analysis. The presented DIV approach can be used for the analysis of non‐uniform degradation in the PV plants under field‐operating conditions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of dominant degradation mode in field‐aged photovoltaic modules using novel differential current‐voltage analysis approach

Meena

Kumar

Gupta

2022

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…Photovoltaic (PV) modules are subjected to mechanical and thermomechanical strains in outside settings, according to Niyaz et al, which causes the solar cells to develop fractures. Cracks can cause electrical outputs between cells to become imbalanced, which causes an uneven distribution of temperature and has a rapid impact on the performance and long-term dependability of PV modules [83]. Cracks make the solar cell uneven and serve as locations for carrier recombination that reduce EL emission.…”

Section: Cracks and Hotspotsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Objectives Contribution Identification Methods [77] Impact of a crack on PV performance Only 60% of the total crack has a significant impact on the power deduction in the investigated PV modules Statistical approach [83] Impact of cracks on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules' temperature distribution…”

Section: Refsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management

et al. 2023

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The degradation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is caused by a number of factors that have an impact on their effectiveness, performance, and lifetime. One of the reasons contributing to the decline in solar PV performance is the aging issue. This study comprehensively examines the effects and difficulties associated with aging and degradation in solar PV applications. In light of this, this article examines and analyzes many aging factors, including temperature, humidity, dust, discoloration, cracks, and delamination. Additionally, the effects of aging factors on solar PV performance, including the lifetime, efficiency, material degradation, overheating, and mismatching, are critically investigated. Furthermore, the main drawbacks, issues, and challenges associated with solar PV aging are addressed to identify any unfulfilled research needs. Finally, this paper provides new directions for future research, best practices, and recommendations to overcome aging issues and achieve the sustainable management and operation of solar energy systems. For PV engineers, manufacturers, and industrialists, this review’s critical analysis, evaluation, and future research directions will be useful in paving the way for conducting additional research and development on aging issues to increase the lifespan and efficiency of solar PV.

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“…Cracks are often invisible to the naked eye, and the current standard procedure is to detect them via EL imaging 23 . They could lead to electrically disconnected cell regions, causing a decrease in short-circuit current and shunt resistance 24 , subsequently reducing the module's power output 25 . Cracks may also develop in the PV module if there are localised hotspots 26,27 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating defects and annual degradation in UK solar PV installations through thermographic and electroluminescent surveys

Dhimish

Badran

2023

npj Mater Degrad

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As the adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic (PV) solar, has increased, the need for effective inspection and data analytics techniques to detect early-stage defects, faults, and malfunctions has become critical for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of PV systems. In this study, we analysed thermal defects in 3.3 million PV modules located in the UK. Our findings show that 36.5% of all PV modules had thermal defects, with 900,000 displaying single or multiple hotspots and ~250,000 exhibiting heated substrings. We also observed an average temperature increase of 21.7 °C in defective PV modules. Additionally, two PV assets with 19.25 and 8.59% thermal defects were examined for PV degradation, and results revealed a higher degradation rate when more defects are present. These results demonstrate the importance of implementing cost-effective inspection procedures and data analytics platforms to extend the lifetime and improve the performance of PV systems.

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Impact of cracks on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules temperature distribution

Cited by 33 publications

References 47 publications

Investigation of dominant degradation mode in field‐aged photovoltaic modules using novel differential current‐voltage analysis approach

Investigation of dominant degradation mode in field‐aged photovoltaic modules using novel differential current‐voltage analysis approach

Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management

Investigating defects and annual degradation in UK solar PV installations through thermographic and electroluminescent surveys

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