Photovoltaic Module Temperature Measurement via Electrical Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating a temperature probe within systems comprising photovoltaic modules poses difficulties due to additional costs and integration challenges, necessitating an alternative method to measure temperature for controlling system elements.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures the open circuit voltage and short-circuit current of a photovoltaic module, using polynomial relationships to calculate temperature values, allowing for temperature estimation without a dedicated probe, and subsequently controlling system elements based on these calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated temperature probe is integrated within the system, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurementVSAvoidintegration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic module is made to serve dual functions: generating electrical energy and measuring temperature. By utilizing the module's existing electrical characteristics (open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current) for temperature measurement, the system eliminates the need for separate temperature probes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic module measures its own temperature through its inherent electrical properties without requiring external measurement devices. The module's open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are used as temperature indicators, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-monitor temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated temperature probe is integrated within the system, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The method uses inexpensive electrical measurements (voltage and current) that are already part of the photovoltaic module's operation, replacing expensive dedicated temperature sensing hardware. The calibration data stored in memory provides a cost-effective solution that eliminates additional sensor costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If open circuit voltage and short circuit current measurements are used to calculate temperature, then the need for dedicated probes is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe integrationVSAvoidtemperature accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A calibration phase is performed beforehand to establish the relationship between electrical measurements (open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current) and temperature. The calibration data, including polynomial coefficients, is stored in memory for later use, enabling accurate temperature calculations during actual operation without requiring real-time complex computations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the measured open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current to calculate temperature through calibrated relationships. The calculated temperature can be used to control system elements, creating a feedback loop that optimizes system performance based on thermal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate temperature estimation of the photovoltaic module and ambient temperature, reducing the need for dedicated probes and simplifying system control, while being computationally efficient for on-board electronic control circuits.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3974614B1Method and system for measuring temperature by means of a photovoltaic module

Publication Date: 2023.02.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

Method and system for measuring temperature using a photovoltaic module This description relates to a method for measuring temperature in a system comprising a photovoltaic module and an electronic control device, comprising the following steps: • a) measure (301) the open-circuit voltage Voc of the photovoltaic module; • b) measure (303) the short-circuit current Isc of the photovoltaic module; and • c) calculate (305), using an electronic control device, a value T representative of the temperature of the photovoltaic module, as a function of the value of the open-circuit voltage Voc measured in step a) and the value of the short-circuit current Isc measured in step b).