Photovoltaic Module Ambient Temperature Estimation Without Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating a temperature probe into systems with photovoltaic modules to measure temperature poses difficulties and adds cost, necessitating an alternative method for temperature determination.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic control device to calculate ambient temperature based on the short-circuit current and temperature of the photovoltaic module, employing polynomial functions determined during calibration, allowing temperature and ambient temperature estimation without a dedicated probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature probe is integrated into the photovoltaic system to measure temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module serves dual functions: generating electrical energy and measuring temperature. By utilizing the module's existing electrical characteristics (short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage) for temperature measurement, the invention eliminates the need for separate temperature probes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module measures its own temperature through its inherent electrical properties without requiring external sensing equipment. The module's short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage are used as temperature indicators, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-monitor its thermal state
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature probe is integrated into the photovoltaic system, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is designed to perform multiple functions including power generation and temperature sensing. By leveraging the module's existing electrical characteristics for temperature measurement, the invention eliminates the need for additional temperature probe components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available electrical measurements (short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage) that are already part of the photovoltaic module's standard operational parameters. These measurements are obtained through simple electrical connections rather than expensive dedicated temperature sensing hardware
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
Accurately estimates temperature and ambient conditions using electrical measurements, eliminating the need for additional temperature sensors and reducing integration complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a) measuring the short-circuit current I sc of the photovoltaic module
Data Source
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AI summary
This description relates to a method for determining the outside ambient temperature Text in a system comprising a photovoltaic module (104), comprising the following steps: a) measuring the short-circuit current Isc of the photovoltaic module; b) determining the temperature T of the photovoltaic module; and c) calculating the ambient temperature Text, using an electronic processing device, as a function of the value of the short-circuit current Isc measured in step a) and the value of the temperature T of the photovoltaic module determined in step b).