Detecting defects in photovoltaic cells and panels with the help of time-resolved thermography under outdoor environmental conditions

Christian Schuss, Kari Remes, Kimmo Leppanen, Juha Saarela, Tapio Fabritius, Bernd Eichberger, Timo Rahkonen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper investigates defects in photovoltaic (PV) cell and panels, in particular, the size and location of defects. We concentrate on characterising photovoltaics under outdoor environmental conditions with the help of synchronized thermography (ST) and time-resolved thermography (TRT). Infrared (IR) images are obtained under changing solar radiation levels and moderate wind speeds with the help of a table IR-camera. We demonstrate that IR-images obtained outdoors by ST and TRT provide the same information in the same accuracy as IR-images recorded indoors. We elaborate the differences in parameters such as measurement time and region-of-interest (ROI) which need to be adjusted when moving from indoor to outdoor environments. Our technique allows maintenance staff to carry out measurements on the site of a PV power plant to identify PV panels with defects in an easy way.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationI2MTC 2020 - International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISBN (Electronic)9781728144603
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2020
Event2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, I2MTC 2020 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Duration: 25 May 202029 May 2020

Publication series

NameI2MTC 2020 - International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Proceedings

Conference

Conference2020 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, I2MTC 2020
Country/TerritoryCroatia
CityDubrovnik
Period25/05/2029/05/20

Keywords

  • Defect
  • Indoor environment
  • Infrared
  • Outdoor environment
  • Photovoltaic cell
  • Photovoltaic panel
  • Solar energy
  • Synchronized thermography
  • Time-resolved thermography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Instrumentation

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