Embedded Optical Sensors for PV Polymer Degradation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer layers in polymer-based photovoltaic modules degrade due to UV light and heat exposure, leading to reduced light transmission and performance, with existing technologies lacking effective monitoring and maintenance solutions.
Innovation Solution
Embedding optical sensors within polymer layers of photovoltaic modules to monitor transmittance and detect degradation, allowing for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are embedded in polymer layers to monitor degradation in real-time, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is embedded within the polymer layer itself, nesting the sensing function inside the structural material. This integration allows transmittance monitoring directly at the degradation site without adding external monitoring components, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer layer serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, enables light transmission for photovoltaic operation, and houses the optical sensor for degradation monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring components, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining precision
2Reliability
If optical sensors are embedded in all photovoltaic modules in a string, then measurement coverage and reliability improve, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of embedding sensors in all modules, the system uses partial action by placing sensors in selected representative modules within a string. This approach provides sufficient monitoring coverage to assess overall system degradation trends while significantly simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The degradation patterns observed in modules with embedded sensors serve as copies or indicators of degradation in adjacent modules without sensors. This allows reliable inference of system-wide degradation status from partial measurements, maintaining reliability while easing manufacture
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are embedded in different positions within the same module, then measurement precision and degradation detection accuracy improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are positioned at specific locations within the polymer layer where degradation is most likely to occur or where it would have the greatest impact on performance. This targeted placement optimizes spatial detection precision while minimizing the number of sensors needed, thus easing manufacturing compared to uniform distribution
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the frequency of inspections, predicts durability, and lowers maintenance costs by detecting faults and optimizing resource allocation, while maintaining mechanical stability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
Covalent bonds in the polymer chains can absorb ultra-violet (UV) light and undergo chain succession reactions which embrittle and/or yellow the polymers
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic cell including first, second and third polymer layers... configured to convert sunlight into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides systems and methods to monitor the degradation of polymer layers in polymer based photovoltaic modules using an optical sensor. The optical sensor is embedded in a polymer layer of the polymer based photovoltaic module.