PV Module Ambient Temperature Estimation Without a Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating a temperature probe into systems with photovoltaic modules to measure ambient temperature is challenging due to additional costs and integration difficulties, necessitating an alternative method to estimate temperature using the photovoltaic module itself.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an electronic processing device that measures the short-circuit current and open circuit voltage of the photovoltaic module, using a polynomial mathematical model to calculate the ambient temperature, eliminating the need for a dedicated temperature probe by directly estimating ambient temperature from these measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated temperature probe is integrated into the system to measure ambient temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient temperature measurementVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic module is made to serve dual functions: generating electrical power and measuring ambient temperature. By utilizing the module's inherent electrical characteristics (open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current) that vary with temperature, the invention eliminates the need for a separate temperature probe, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic module measures its own operating conditions and ambient temperature through its intrinsic electrical properties. The module's open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current naturally respond to temperature changes, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-measure without external sensing devices, simplifying integration and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated temperature probe is used to measure ambient temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient temperature measurementVSAvoidsystem manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic module is designed to perform multiple functions including power generation and temperature sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature probe components, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying manufacturing assembly processes while maintaining adequate measurement precision for system control applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses inexpensive electrical measurements (voltage and current) that are already part of the photovoltaic module's operational parameters. These electrical signals serve as temperature indicators without requiring expensive dedicated temperature sensing hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while providing sufficient measurement capability for system control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If polynomial mathematical models are used to calculate ambient temperature from electrical measurements, then measurement precision is maintained, but computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient temperature calculationVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs polynomial mathematical models of varying orders (from first-order to higher-order models) to calculate ambient temperature from electrical measurements. This allows the system to achieve the desired measurement precision by selecting an appropriate model complexity level, balancing computational resource consumption with accuracy requirements for different application scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach allows for precise estimation of ambient temperature with reduced computational resources, minimizing approximation errors and eliminating the need for external temperature sensors, thus simplifying system design and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

systems comprising one or more photovoltaic modules configured to power a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4230980B1Method for determining the external ambient temperature in a system comprising a photovoltaic module and corresponding system

Publication Date: 2024.02.14 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

This description relates to a method for determining the outside ambient temperature Ta in a system comprising a photovoltaic module (104), comprising the following steps: a) measuring the short-circuit current Isc and the open-circuit voltage Voc of the photovoltaic module (104); b) calculating the outside ambient temperature Ta, using an electronic processing device (110), as a function of the value of the short-circuit current Isc and the value of the open-circuit voltage Voc measured in step a), using a unique two-variable polynomial mathematical model.