Photovoltaic Panel Electroluminescence Imaging With Reverse Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic panels in real-world environments face challenges in evaluating their physical state due to connection with power converters and system controllers, making it difficult to detect damage such as cracks, manufacturing defects, and hot spots, which can affect performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using electroluminescence imaging and dark I-V curve measurements are performed when the panels do not produce power, utilizing a power device with an auxiliary power circuit that receives power from either the panel or a power source to provide a reverse current, enabling on-site evaluation of panel characteristics and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic panels are connected to power converters and system controllers for power generation, then power generation capability is improved, but the ability to evaluate physical state and detect damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs electroluminescence imaging and dark I-V curve measurements during nighttime or low-irradiance conditions before the panels are exposed to full sunlight operation. This preliminary evaluation allows detection of cracks, manufacturing defects, and hot spots before they can affect power generation performance, resolving the contradiction by evaluating physical state when panels are not actively generating power.
Solution Approach 2:
The power device serves as an intermediary that provides auxiliary power to illuminate the photovoltaic panel during nighttime electroluminescence imaging. This intermediary power source enables the imaging process without requiring the panel to be actively generating power from sunlight, thus allowing damage detection while maintaining the power generation system's operational integrity.
2Measurement precision
If electroluminescence imaging is performed during nighttime, then panel damage detection capability is improved, but power device operation is worsened due to lack of panel power output
Solution Approach 1:
The power device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in dual modes: during daytime it functions as a power converter processing electricity from the photovoltaic panel, and during nighttime it functions as an auxiliary power source to illuminate the panel for electroluminescence imaging. This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling the power device to provide both power conversion and imaging illumination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power device uses its own operational capabilities to serve the imaging function by providing auxiliary power from its power source to illuminate the photovoltaic panel during nighttime. This self-service approach allows the system to perform self-diagnosis without external intervention, resolving the energy availability issue by making the power device self-sufficient for both power conversion and imaging functions.
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 on-site detection of panel damage and performance parameters, enhancing system reliability and safety by capturing images and analyzing current-voltage curves during low irradiance conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Both electroluminescence imaging and dark I-V curve measurements may be performed when the photovoltaic panel does not produce power
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for providing power for enabling electroluminescence imaging of photovoltaic panels. The system may comprise a diode in a power converter, where the diode may restrict reverse current flow to the photovoltaic panel. The system may comprise a power device configured to be coupled to a photovoltaic panel. The power device may comprise an auxiliary power circuit which may provide power to the power device from the photovoltaic panel or form a power source connected to a power system controller. The power device may control a switch to provide a current path for reverse current to flow to the photovoltaic panel. An imager may capture an image of the panel.