Failure classification of defective PV Modules based on maximum power point analysis

Fecher F, Pickel T, Buerhop-Lutz C, Camus C, Brabec C (2016)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2016

Pages Range: 2252 - 2254

Conference Proceedings Title: 32nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

Event location: München DE

ISBN: 3-936338-41-8

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC20162016-5BV.4.27

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are often affected by defects caused by transport and installation or by field
degradation due to environmental conditions. If a power reduction is observed in the inverter data, a detailed error
cause analysis is often very cost-intensive even when using imaging methods like thermography or
electroluminescence. We present a method to classify the defect type of PV modules only by evaluating the
maximum power output (Pmpp) for different irradiances. Thereby, low parallel resistance, high series resistance and
broken cells can be distinguished from each other. Simulations and consistent explanations confirm the experimental
findings. The method works particularly well for parallel resistance problems like potential induced degradation
(PID). Thus, this failure type can easily be diagnosed in modules. The method should also be applicable to data of
module strings and to thermography-based failure analysis in field which will be investigated in the future.

Authors with CRIS profile

Frank Fecher Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET) Christoph Brabec Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET)

Involved external institutions

Bayerisches Zentrum für Angewandte Energieforschung e.V. (ZAE Bayern) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Fecher, F., Pickel, T., Buerhop-Lutz, C., Camus, C., & Brabec, C. (2016). Failure classification of defective PV Modules based on maximum power point analysis. In 32nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (pp. 2252 - 2254). München, DE.

MLA:

Fecher, Frank, et al. "Failure classification of defective PV Modules based on maximum power point analysis." Proceedings of the 32nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, München 2016. 2252 - 2254.

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