Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'SOLAR PV MODULES'

In designing any power generation system that incorporates photovoltaics (PV) there is a basic requirement to accurately estimate the output from the proposed PV array under operating conditions. PV modules are given a power rating at standard test conditions(STC) of 1000Wm-2, AM1.5 and a module temperature of 25 °C, but these conditions do not represent what is typically experienced under outdoor operation. It is well known that different PV technologies have different seasonal patterns of behaviour. These differences are due to the variations in spectral response, the different temperature coefficients of voltage and current and, in the case of amorphous silicon (a-Si) modules, the extra effect of photo-degradation and thermal annealing. In this study a novel method has been used to obtain highly accurate energy output data from six different PV modules representing five different technologies: Single crystal silicon (c-Si). Poly-crystalline silicon (p-Si) (2 modules). Triple junction amorphous silicon (3j, a-Si). Copper indium diselenide (CIS). Laser grooved buried contact (LGBC, c-Si) crystalline silicon. This data set includes all the associated meteorological parameters and back-of-module temperatures. The monitoring system allows the simultaneous measurement of six different modules under long-term outdoor operation, which in turn allows a direct comparison of the performance of the modules. Each of the modules has been deployed for at least one year, which provides useful information about the seasonal behaviour of each technology. This data set ultimately provides system designers and consumers with valuable information on the expected output of these different module types in climates like that of Perth, Western Australia. The second part of the study uses the output data collected to assess and compare output predictions made by some currently available photovoltaic performance prediction tools or methods. These range from a generalised approach, as used in the Australian Standards, to the commercially available software packages that employ radiation, thermal and PV models of varying complexities. The results of these evaluations provide very valuable information, to PV consumers, about how complex PV output prediction tools need to be to give acceptable results.

Natural disasters and conflicts in many different parts of the world force thousands of people to get displaced from their homes and live in refugee camps temporarily or permanently. For refugee families, lack of energy access has great impact on their lives. Tarpon Solar Company has developed a solar tent which is a combination of laminated cloth and flexible solar cells. In addition to producing renewable electricity, it can create a comfortable outdoor shelter from sun, rain and wind.   The aims of this study were to define and size the solar system of the tent in both AC and DC systems and optimize the tent to work in different locations around the world. Besides designing a monitoring system for the solar tent to evaluate the performance. In addition, defining the social aspect and the consumer behavior for a better solar tent future design. As a case study, Tarpon AC solar tent in Glava, Sweden has been installed to cover the basic needs of the tent users. To understand the solar tent performance in different weather zones, 4 different locations were suggested. A monitor system was designed to monitor the tent solar system performance. The simulation software PVsyst was used to size the PV system in the different locations with different solar data.   The PVsyst simulation results showed that the current Tarpon solar tent with 32 photovoltaic modules is extremely oversized to cover the basic needs loads (Lighting, mobile charging and ventilation) in the emergency cases.   The current Tarpon solar tent has a standard number of photovoltaic modules integrated in the tent fabric while the photovoltaic modules number should vary from one location to another according to the weather data and solar irradiation. In this case the current Tarpon solar system used in Glava, Sweden can be optimized by decreasing the number of photovoltaic modules to only 6 photovoltaic modules instead of 32 modules.   The study also shows that the features of the off-grid system components (battery and charge controller) are different from one location to another according to the criteria of selection.   This study concludes that for the temporary short-term emergency use of the tent where only basic needs loads are needed, DC system is better than AC system in terms of energy efficiency, system size and cost in the different proposed locations. While AC system is better when using the tent for prolonged time in terms of user flexibility and ability to extend the system. Understanding the consumer behavior and the goal of the tent whether to be used for an emergency short term shelter or a permanent shelter for a prolonged time are important factors for a better solar tent design.

This bachelor thesis investigates the market and technical potential of combining PV-T technology with ground source heat pumps for multi-family housings in Sweden. The basic idea is to first convert ordinary solar panels to solar panels that are cooled which reduces their resistance. This makes them more efficient and increases their life expectancy. The heat extracted is then utilized to make the heat pump more efficient. This can be done in multiple ways. Different system setups are therefore considered and the most optimal one is modelled and evaluated. The model is created in Excel using weather data from Sweden. It calculates the borehole temperature, COP and simple payback time for the system, varying different interesting inputs. The conclusion is that the best system solution is to transfer the PV-T coolant heat to the borehole. The result also shows that the performance of the system is improved the most for buildings with low heat losses, but that the simple payback time is longer in those cases. The potential of a system like this is not promising due to the long simple payback time, more detailed modelling is required so that a more realistic result can be achieved to see if it becomes shorter.
Detta kandidatexamensarbete undersöker möjligheten att kombinera hybrid-solceller med bergvärmepumpar för flerfamiljebostäder i Sverige. Grundtanken är att göra om vanliga solceller till solceller som blir kylda så att de blir effektivare samt att de får längre livslängd, för att sedan använda den värmen man extraherar från cellen till att göra bergvärmepumpen effektivare. Detta kan göras på flera olika sätt och olika konfigurationer konstrueras och den bästa lösningen blir modellerad. Modellen görs i Excel och med hjälp av väder- och solcelldata från Sverige kommer den nya borrhålstemperaturen, COP-värdet samt tiden det tar innan man har fått tillbaka investeringen att beräknas. Resultatet är att det bästa sättet att kombinera dessa två system är att leda värmen direkt ner i borrhålet. Resultatet säger även att tiden det tar innan man har fått tillbaka sin investering är som kortast vid byggnader som har höga energibehov. Potentialen för detta system ser i nuläget inte lovande ut eftersom tiden det tar innan man får tillbaka investeringen är alldeles för lång, utförligare beräkningar krävs för att uppnå mer exakta resultat för att se om återbetalningstiden blir kortare.

Increased use of renewable energies that is taking place all over the world is having a very important impact on the photovoltaic solar energy industry. This means of obtaining electrical energy is one of the most promising ones nowadays, thanks to the fact that it is a technology of easy installation and maintenance. However, the number of hours that a photovoltaic system works at maximum power depends almost entirely on environmental conditions, mainly in terms of solar irradiance.Solar irradiance is a magnitude that measures the power released by sunlight per unit area; the higher it is, the more power the photovoltaic system will generate.Therefore, it is very important to measure this magnitude in order to obtain data that either can give information about which is the best place to install a photovoltaic system or expect the device performance.Unfortunately, sensors used nowadays to measure this magnitude are quite expensive. The most widely used are the so-called pyranometers, with an average cost of between 8000 SEK to 10000 SEK, and solar reference cells, which can be quite cheaper (1000 SEK), but also can be the most expensive devices on the market depending on the features they have (some reference cells cost 20000 SEK).In this thesis, a solar irradiance sensor based on the treatment of a current generated by a silicon photodiode has been designed, built and calibrated. The signal generated by the device is a voltage that has been obtained by means of a current-to-voltage converter amplifier stage. Once the construction of the circuit was completed, it was tested on the roof of Hall 45 located in the University of Gävle. The testing was carried out on 13, 14 and 15 May 2019, and it consisted in the comparison of the signal generated by the new device and the signals generated by a pyranometer and a solar cell.The result is a device priced at 200 SEK, which shows acceptable levels of accuracy during central daylight hours but shows a strong angular dependence on incident light during sunrise and sunset.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior
The IxV curves tracers for PV modules are used as a method of diagnosis of problems such as shadowing, faulty connections and degradation conditions. There are several types and brands tracers commercially available, but their costs are quite high in the Brazilian market due to the need to import. This thesis describes the development and validation of a IxV curve tracer for PV modules based on the electronic load method using MOSFET as load to the module. By appropriate variation of the MOSFET gate-source voltage signal was possible to acquire the points of voltage and current of the PV modules terminals. These points were recorded using a data acquisition board with PIC18F2550, which is controlled by a computer via a USB with a graphical interface to the user. This interface was developed in MATLAB software ensuring greater flexibility and functionality to the device. For PV module temperature measurements PT100 sensors were used and measurements of solar irradiance was used a pyranometer LP02 model Hukseflux Thermal Sensor manufacturer, these sensors were connected to a supervisory system consists of a PC and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The validation process was conducted by comparing the electrical parameters provided by the developed tracer and the commercial tracer MINI-KLA. From this comparison an error was generated for each parameter. Three PV modules of different electrical characteristics (20 Wp, 87 Wp e 160 Wp) were used and there was similarity between the curves of the developed tracer with the curves of the commercial tracer. The average of errors of the electrical parameters for the 3 PV modules was less than 5% at no shading conditions. In two conditions of shading, the IxV curves provided by the two tracers for the KC 85 T PV module were compared and it was observed in the first situation that the MINI-KLA tracer could characterize only partially the curve while the tracer developed could characterize the curve fully, in the second situation there was great similarity between the curves of the two tracers with maximum percentage difference in the electrical parameters equal to 5.41%.
Os traÃadores de curva IxV para mÃdulos FV sÃo utilizados como um mÃtodo de diagnÃstico de problemas como sombreamento, conexÃes defeituosas e condiÃÃes de degradaÃÃo. Existem diversos tipos e marcas de traÃadores disponibilizados comercialmente, mas seus custos sÃo bastante elevados no mercado brasileiro devido à necessidade de importaÃÃo. A presente dissertaÃÃo aborda o desenvolvimento e a validaÃÃo de um traÃador de curva IxV para mÃdulos FV baseado no mÃtodo de carga eletrÃnica com uso de MOSFET como carga para o mÃdulo. AtravÃs da adequada variaÃÃo do sinal de tensÃo de gate-source do MOSFET foi possÃvel adquirir os pontos de tensÃo e corrente nos terminais dos mÃdulos FV. Estes pontos foram registrados atravÃs de uma placa de aquisiÃÃo de dados, com PIC18F2550, que à controlada via USB por um computador com uma interface grÃfica para usuÃrio. Esta interface foi desenvolvida com o software MATLAB, garantindo maior flexibilidade e funcionalidade ao dispositivo. Para mediÃÃes da temperatura do mÃdulo FV foram utilizados sensores PT100 e para as mediÃÃes de irradiÃncia solar foi utilizado um piranÃmetro modelo LP02 do fabricante Hukseflux Thermal Sensor; estes sensores foram utilizados atravÃs de um sistema supervisÃrio composto por um PC e um controlador lÃgico programÃvel (CLP). O processo de validaÃÃo foi realizado atravÃs da comparaÃÃo dos parÃmetros elÃtricos fornecidos pelo traÃador desenvolvido e pelo traÃador comercial MINI-KLA. A partir desta comparaÃÃo um erro foi gerado para cada parÃmetro. Foram utilizados 3 mÃdulos FV de diferentes caracterÃsticas elÃtricas (20 Wp, 87 Wp e 160 Wp) e observou-se proximidade entre as curvas do traÃador desenvolvido com as curvas do traÃador comercial. A mÃdia dos erros para os 3 mÃdulos relativa aos parÃmetros elÃtricos obtidos com os 2 traÃadores foi inferior a 5% em condiÃÃes sem sombreamento. Em duas condiÃÃes de sombreamento, as curvas IxV fornecidas pelos dois traÃadores relativas ao mÃdulo FV KC 85 T foram comparadas e observou-se na primeira situaÃÃo que o traÃador MINI-KLA conseguiu caracterizar apenas parcialmente a curva enquanto que o traÃador desenvolvido conseguiu caracterizar a curva totalmente, na segunda situaÃÃo observou-se grande proximidade entre as curvas dos dois traÃadores com diferenÃa percentual mÃxima nos parÃmetros elÃtricos igual a 5,41%.

This thesis is a study on integration of photovoltaic generators into an existing diesel-unreliable grid connected system at the Lebanese village of Khiam. The main goal of implementing PV-diesel hybrid system is to reduce diesel consumption and the import of fossil fuel used in electricity power supply. Before designing the system, it is necessary to create a load profile for 120 households and pre-design the size of the PV generator, the capacity of storage system and inverter type/size selection. The load profile data is based on the average of monthly energy consumption gathered from Khiam village households. Detailed simulations and financial analysis are performed with HOMER to compare different systems and their viability. The simulations include four different designs starting from the existing system, diesel generator with unreliable grid, followed by PV generator and unreliable grid, PV and diesel generator and ended with the complete hybrid system. Once the Hybrid system is determined a detailed design is done to optimize the lowest cost PV-diesel hybrid system. The final simulated PV-diesel hybrid system is suggested with a PV capacity of 270 kWp, existing diesel capacity with 200 kVA, an inverter output of 115 kW and battery bank nominal capacity is 1872 kWh. The system renewable fraction is 53% and the project life cycle is 25 years. The PV-diesel hybrid system is projected to produce electricity at a cost of 0.12 USD/kWh. This cost is significantly lower than the 0.26 USD/kWh paid to the diesel operator, as well as lower than 0.13 USD/kWh paid to the utility grid. In addition, and according to the given information from the owner, an estimated diesel consumption of 104000 ltr/year, the simulation result shows diesel consumption at 40000 ltr/year. The reduced carbon dioxide production by 65%, from 776 to 272 tons per year, provides further justification for the PV installation in a commercial PV-diesel hybrid system.

The Republic of Kosovo, and its 1.8 million inhabitants, is heavily reliant on two highly pollutive lignite coal-fired power plants, Kosova A and Kosova B for energy generation. The coal-fired power plants, that cover 91% of the energy generation, are reaching the end of their operational life and are in need of either restoration or discontinuation. This implies that Kosovo is in need of energy alternatives for a more flexible energy system which could open opportunities for renewable energy. Solar power in Kosovo is still at a low percentage of less than 1%, and its future penetration is being held back by lack of investments and underdeveloped regulatory framework. Affordable and reliable energy, from solar power, could reduce poverty, lower unemployment, boost economic growth and improve people's health in Kosovo. This coincides with the sustainability goals set by the UN Agenda 2030 and specifically goal 7, ‘Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all’. The aim of the project was to design a techno-economically optimal PV-system at The University of Prishtina and to investigate the potential technical, social and economic impacts of implementing PV-systems in Kosovo to help achieve the UN 2030 Agenda, specifically SDG 7. The project consists of a quantitative part where simulations were done with the System Advisor Model (SAM) in order to calculate the energy generation and profitability of installing photovoltaic modules at The University of Prishtina with different policy-schemes. In addition, a qualitative study was done by compiling information on the policy structures in Kosovo and other european countries in order to identify obstacles and future trends in the development of renewables. The results showed that it is profitable for the University of Prishtina to install a PV-system in which the inspected financial indicators such as NPV, LCOE and payback time showed profitability for all policy-scenarios. In the base scenario with 200 kWp, which follows the current policy and capacity restrictions on the maximum allowed capacity of 100 kWp per metering point, 60% of the yearly electricity bills were covered. Two additional models were made with alternative policy-scenarios, one with a net-billing model in which sell-rates were altered and another with a higher capacity of 298.49 kWp utilizing the whole roof area. The system of 298.49 kWp gave the highest energy production and could cover 80% of the early electricity bills. The net-billing simulations indicated that profitability is also feasible for small-scale PV in a net-billing scheme with low sell-rates of electricity. LCOE ranged from $6.98 to 8.24 ¢/kWh, for all policy-scenarios, which was lower than the buy-rate of electricity for The University of Prishtina. The results from the simulations along with the qualitative study conclude that the cost- and technical potential for solar power is profitable and feasible. In addition to socio-economic factors such as job-opportunities and health benefits, solar power could be a competitive energy alternative in comparison to current forms of energy generation in Kosovo. However, due to restrictive RES-policy and potentially costly FiT’s in Kosovo a proposition, collected through qualitative studies, is to switch to auctioning schemes with possible usage of FiP’s, if needed, for large- scale PV with regulators putting an emphasis on an open, fair and competitive market. Solar power is competitive and would fare well in such schemes and its implementation should be encouraged by stakeholders and regulators in Kosovo.
Republiken Kosovo och dess 1.8 miljoner invånare är starkt beroende av de två kraftigt förorenade kolkraftverken Kosova A och B för sin energiproduktion. Kolkraftverken, som är i slutskedet av sin livslängd, utgör närmare 91% av landets energiproduktion och är i behov av antingen restaurering eller avveckling. Detta medför ett stort behov av nya, flexibla energikällor i Kosovo vilket luckrar upp möjligheter för förnybar energi, särskilt solkraft. Andelen solkraft i Kosovo utgör idag mindre än 1 % av landets energimix och hämmas avsevärt av underutvecklade regelverk och brist på investering. Ekonomiskt överkomlig och tillförlitlig energi från solkraft skulle kunna bidra till minskad fattigdom, sänkt arbetslöshet, ökad ekonomisk tillväxt samt förbättrad hälsotillstånd hos Kosovos invånare. Detta sammanfaller i sin tur med FN:s globala hållbarhetsmål stipulerade i Agenda 2030, särskilt mål 7, ”Säkerställa tillgång till ekonomiskt överkomlig, tillförlitlig, hållbar och modern energi för alla”. Syftet med arbetet var att utforma ett tekno-ekonomiskt optimalt solcellssystem vid Universitetet i Pristina, samt undersöka de potentiella tekniska, sociala och ekonomiska effekterna av att implementera solcellssystem i Kosovo. Detta i mån om FN:s hållbarhetsmål och Agenda 2030, inriktat på mål 7. Projektet består av en kvantitativ analys där energiproduktionen och lönsamheten av att installera solcellsmoduler vid Universitetet i Pristina simuleras i anknytning till olika policy regelverk med hjälp av System Advisor Model (SAM). Vidare utfördes en kvalitativ studie där information om rådande politiska strukturer och regelverk i Kosovo och andra europeiska länder sammanställdes för att identifiera aktuella hinder och framtida trender i utvecklingen av förnybar energi. Resultaten visade att det är lönsamt för Pristinas universitet att installera ett solcellssystem. De granskade finansiella indikatorerna som NPV, LCOE och payback påvisade lönsamhet för alla simulerade policy scenarion. I bas-scenariot med 200 kWp med nuvarande kapacitets och policy restriktioner på maximalt 100 kWp per mätningspunkt, täcks 60% av de årliga elräkningarna. Därutöver simuleras ytterligare två modeller med alternativa policy-scenarion. En net-billing modell med varierande el-försäljningspriser samt en modell med högre kapacitet på 298,49 kWp. I systemet med 298,49 kWp erhölls den högsta energiproduktionen som täckte närmare 80% av de årliga elräkningarna. Net-billing simuleringarna gemensamt med låga el-försäljningspriser indikerade även lönsamhet i net-billing systemet. Denna typ av elförsäljning kan därmed vara realiserbart och tillämpas för småskaliga solkraftsanläggningar i Kosovo. För alla policy scenarion varierade LCOE från $ 6,98 till 8,24 ¢/kWh, vilket var lägre än elpriserna för Universitetet i Pristina. Resultaten från simuleringarna och den kvalitativa studien antyder att den tekniska och ekonomiska potentialen för solenergi är hög. Utöver socioekonomiska faktorer som jobbmöjligheter och hälsofördelar kan solenergi vara ett konkurrenskraftigt energialternativ jämfört med nuvarande former av energiproduktion i Kosovo tack vare dess billiga kostnader. Med avseende på restriktiva regelverk gällande förnybar energi och den potentiellt dyra feed-in tariff-policyn i Kosovo är det till fördel, baserat på den kvalitativa och kvantitativa analysen, att utveckla ett auktionssystem med kompletterande feed-in premium för storskaliga solkraftsanläggningar. Detta med betoning på en öppen, rättvis och konkurrenskraftig marknad. Solkraft är billigt, konkurrenskraftig och är gynnsam för de socioekonomiska aspekterna i Kosovo. Dess implementering bör uppmuntras av intressenter och lagstiftare i Kosovo.
Në Republiken e Kosovës me 1.8 milion banorë, qytetarët e saj varen shumë nga dy termocentrale të ndotura, Kosova A dhe Kosova B. Termocentralet me linjit, që mbulojnë 91% të gjenerimit të energjisë, po arrijnë fundin e jetës së tyre operacionale dhe kanë nevojë për restaurim ose ndërprerje. Kjo nënkupton që Kosova ka nevojë për energji alternative dhe për një sistem më fleksibël, i cili mund të hapë mundësi për energji të rinovueshme. Energjia diellore në Kosovë është akoma në një përqindje të ulët të perdorimit prej më pak se 1%. Energjia diellore po frenohet nga mungesa e përpilimit të ligjeve dhe mungesa e investimeve. Nga energjia diellore Kosova mund të ketë perfitime në rritjen ekonomike dhe përmirësim të shëndetit për popullatën e Kosovës. Kjo ç ështje eshtë në perputhshmëri me qëllimet të vendosura nga agjenda e OKB-së 2030, në veqanti pika 7 në të cilën thuhet: ‘ të sigurohet aksesi në energji të përballueshme, të besueshme, të qëndrueshme dhe moderne për të gjithë ’. Qëllimi ynë me këtë studim është të hulumtojmë mundësitë për një sistem optimal fotvoltaike (PV) në Universitetin e Prishtinës ‘Hasan Prishtina’. Gjithashtu qellimi me ketë studim është të hulumtojmë ndikimet e mundshme teknike, sociale dhe ekonomike në zbatimin e sistemeve PV në Kosovë për të arritur agjendën e OKB-së 2030, posaçërisht pika 7. Projekti përbëhet nga një pjesë sasiore ku janë bërë simulime me System Advisor Model (SAM) në mënyrë që të llogaritet gjenerimi i energjisë dhe përfitimi i instalimit të moduleve PV në Universitetin e Prishtinës me skema të ndryshme rregullative. Për më tepër, është bërë një studim cilësor duke përpiluar informacione mbi strukturat rregullative në Kosovë dhe vendet e tjera evropiane në mënyrë që të identifikohen pengesat dhe tendencat e ardhshme në zhvillimin e burimeve të ripërtëritshme (BRE). Rezultatet e këtijë studimi tregojnë se, për Universitetin e Prishtinës, është veprim fitimprurëse të instalohet një sistem PV. Përmes këtijë sistemi, treguesit financiarë si NPV, LCOE dhe payback rezultojnë në përfitime ekonomike ne të gjitha skemat e provuara rregullative. Në modelin e parë bazë me 200 kWp, i cili ndjek politikat (policy) aktuale me kufizime të kapaciteteve të lejuar prej 100 kWp për një pikë matëse, mbulohen 60% e faturave vjetore të energjisë elektrike. Ndërsa në dy modelet tjera shtesë, bëmë percaktime të skemave alternative. Një nga modelet ishte net-billing në të cilin ndryshuam normat e shitjes. Tjetri model ishte një sistem PV me kapacitet më të lartë prej 298.49 kWp duke përfshirë gjithë siperfaqën e kulmit. Sistemi prej 298.49 kWp dha prodhimin më të lartë të energjisë dhe mund të mbulojë 80% të faturave të energjisë elektrike. Rezultatët e skemës së net-billing treguan se përfitimi është i mundshëm gjithashtu, me norma të ulëta të shitjes së energjisë elektrike. Kjo skemë mund të zbatohet për instalime të vogla me PV në Kosovë. Vlerat e LCOE varion nga $6.98 ¢/kWh- 8.24 ¢/kWh dollar, në të gjitha modelet. Kjo tregon se kostoja është më e ulët se norma e blerjes së energjisë elektrike për Universitetin e Prishtinës. Rezultatet nga simulimet e të gjitha modeleve së bashku me studimin cilësor arrijnë në përfundim se kostoja dhe potenciali teknik për energjinë diellore është fitimprurëse dhe i realizueshëm. Ky studim tregon se përveç faktorëve socio-ekonomikë siç janë mundësitë e punësimit dhe beneficioneve shëndetësore, energjia diellore mund të jetë një alternativë konkurruese e energjisë në krahasim me format aktuale të gjenerimit të energjisë në Kosovë. Sidoqoftë, për shkak të politikave përkufizuese të BRE-ve dhe feed-in tariff ose FiT-ve, qe janë potencialisht të kushtueshme, një rekomandim për instalime të mëdha të PV-së është kalimi në skema tender, potencialisht me përdorimin të feed-in premium ose FiP-ve. Ne ketë skeme, politikbërësitë duhet të krejojnë mundesit për një treg të hapur, të barabartë dhe konkurrues. Energjia diellore do të jetë me kosto më të ulëta në të ardhmen dhe implementimi i saj duhet të inkurajohet nga palët e interesit dhe politikbërësitë në Kosovë.

Photovoltaic Systems in Sweden has longbeen heavily dependent on subsidies and grants to bring in a profit for the investor. Production of excess electricity is a major reason for this as the compensation for excess electricity today is low. However, there are businesses that have an electricityneed that are particularly suitable for solar electricity. These businesses have an electricity demand when the sun shines the brightest and if the Photovoltaic System is properly scaled, the excess electricity can be minimized. A golf club is that kind of a business and this thesis aims to examinate the solar power potential for golf businesses in Sweden. Nine golf clubs was selected from different locations in Sweden. The load profiles from these golf clubs was simulated in the software HOMER against solar radiation data from each site. The system sizes that produces 5% excess electricity was calculated for each club. Finally the profitability for these systems was evaluated. The result shows that the golf clubs in Sweden can make profitable investments in PV systems without subsidies and grants. When the excess production is allowed to be 5% of the total production, solar electricity covers about 20 % of the yearly electricity need. For many of the clubs, the netpresent value is greater than the investment after 40 years. This means that the investment has more than doubled its value. Production price will be about 80 Swedish cents per kWh and the payback time is estimated to be 18 years.
Sveriges energisystem står inför en förändring. Enligt dagens miljöpolitik ska förnybara energikällor som vindkraft, bioenergi och solenergi på sikt ersätta kärnkraft och fossila energikällor. Solel står idag för en nästan obefintlig del av den svenska elmixen vilket främst beror på att priserna på solcellssystem tidigare har varit för höga. Höga subventioner har varit nödvändiga för att en investering inte ska innebära en förlust. Idag har systempriserna sjunkit till en nivå där en ekonomisk vinst är möjlig även utan subventioner. En förutsättning för en ekonomisk vinst är att solcellerna integreras på rätt sätt i verksamheten. För att en investering i ett solcellssystem ska vara ekonomiskt lönsam utan subventioner krävs det att producenten själv konsumerar den producerade elen. Det beror på att ersättningen för överproducerad el, så kallad överskottsel, i dagsläget inte motsvarar lönsamheten som uppstår då elen konsumeras av verksamheten själv. För att kunna få en låg andel överskottsel i produktionen krävs det att verksamheten i fråga har ett elbehov vid den tid då solcellerna producerar el, alltså då solen skiner som starkast. Examensarbetet är inriktat mot att studera verksamheter som, till skillnad från en normal villa, har ett elbehov under dagtid och under sommarhalvåret. En golfverksamhet har ett sådant elbehov och dessutom finns det stora markytor och flera byggnader i verksamheten, vilket är ett stort plus vid installation av solceller. Det fördelaktiga elbehovet medför att relativt stora solcellsanläggningar kan integreras i golfverksamheterna utan att det produceras för mycket överskottsel. För att bestämma golfverksamheters lämplighet för solelsproduktion i Sverige har 9 golfklubbars elbehov analyserats mot solinstrålningsdata från respektive plats. De nio klubbarna är valda från olika delar av landet för att påvisa skillnader i produktion och lönsamhet beroende på lokalisation. För varje golfklubb framtogs systemstorlekar som producerar omkring 5 % respektive 10 % överskottsel per år. I rapporten presenteras huvudsakligen resultaten för systemstorlekar med 5 % överskottsel eftersom en sådan mängd anses vara försumbar. Ekonomin för de framtagna systemen analyserades och presenteras i form av nettonuvärde vid livslängdens slut, produktionspris samt återbetalningstid. Resultaten från undersökningen visar att golfverksamheter i Sverige kan göra lönsamma investeringar i solcellssystem även utan subventioner eller bidrag. För många klubbar är nettonuvärdet större än investeringen efter 40 år, vilket innebär att investeringen har mer än dubblerat sitt värde. Produktionspriset hamnar på runt 80 öre per kWh och återbetalningstiden blir omkring 18 år. Med investeringsstöd är nettonuvärdet större än investeringen redan efter 25 år. Produktionspriset blir runt 60 öre per kWh och återbetalningstiden sjunker till omkring 10 år. Att göra en investering i solceller innebär inte bara en ekonomisk lönsamhet för investeraren. En investering medför också positiva fördelar för miljön då solceller producerar förnybar el. Stora delar av världen arbetar idag aktivt för att få in mer förnybar el i energisystemet. Sverige har som mål att 50 % av energianvändningen i Sverige ska försörjas av förnybara energikällor år 2020. Idag är drygt 40 % av energiförsörjningen förnybar, vilket innebär att det återstår en del arbete tills målet är uppfyllt. Om golfklubbar i Sverige utnyttjar sitt fördelaktiga elbehov och investerar i solceller kan de bidra till att målet uppnås samtidigt som de gör en god ekonomisk affär. Därför rekommenderas det att Sveriges golfklubbar ser över sina möjligheter att integrera solcellsystem i sina verksamheter.

In this thesis, multiple activities have been carried out in order to improve the process of CIGSS solar cell fabrication on a 4" x 4" substrate. The process of CIGSS solar cell fabrication at FSEC's PV Materials Lab involves a series of steps that were all carried out manually in the past. A LABVIEW program has been written to carry out automated sputter deposition of Mo back contact, CuGa, In metallic precursors on a soda lime glass substrate using a stepper motor control for better uniformity. Further, selenization/ sulfurization of these precursors was carried out using rapid thermal processing (RTP). CIGS films were sulfurized using chemical bath deposition (CBD). ZnO:Al was deposited on the CIGSS films using RF sputtering. A separate LABVIEW program was written to automate the process of ZnO:Al deposition. Ni/Al contact fingers were deposited on the ZnO:Al layer using the e-beam evaporation technique. Further, in order to test these solar cells in-house, a simple current-voltage (IV) tracer was fabricated using LABVIEW. A quantum efficiency (QE) measurement setup was built with guidance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Lastly, analysis of data from photovoltaic (PV) modules installed on the FSEC test site has been carried out using a LABVIEW program in order to find out their rate of degradation as time progresses. A 'C' program has also been written as an aid for keeping a daily log of errors in data and for troubleshooting of the same.
M.S.E.E.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering and Computer Science
Electrical Engineering

Abstract This thesis study is on designing and analysing the “Electric Power System of an Emergency Energy Module”. KTH is running a project to create a mobile system for power supply in refugee camps and during the recovery of natural disasters. This is an independent power system comprising solar, wind and biomass based power generations and control. The design and analysis of electric power system is mainly focused on increasing the renewable energy efficiency of the system while saving excess power on the battery bank and controlling the battery discharging.   The analysis of the designed electric power system is done with using actual site data of solar irradiation and wind for one week period. Further, it has been developed a program based on MS Excel for analysing the module performances at any site in the world.   Keywords: Emergency Energy Module; Integration of wind and solar PV
Emergency Energy Module Project

As fossil fuel sources continue to diminish, oil prices continue to increase, and global warming and CO2 emissions keep impacting the environment, it has been necessary to shift energy consumption and generation to a different path. Solar energy has proven to be one of the most promising sources of renewable energy because it is environmentally friendly, available anywhere in the world, and cost competitive. For photovoltaic (PV) system engineers, designing a PV system is not an easy task. Research demonstrates that different PV technologies behave differently under certain conditions; therefore energy production varies not only with capacity of the system but also with the type of module. For years, researchers have also studied how these different technologies perform for long periods of time, when exposed out in the field. In this study, data collected by the Florida Solar Energy Center for periods of over four years was analyzed using two techniques, widely accepted by researchers and industry, to evaluate the long‐term performance of five systems. The performance ratio analysis normalizes system capacity and enables the comparison of performance between multiple systems. In PVUSA Regression analysis, regression coefficients are calculated which correspond to the effect of irradiance, wind speed, and ambient temperature, and these coefficients are then used to calculate power at a predetermined set of conditions. This study allows manufacturers to address the difficulties found on system lifetime when their modules are installed out on the field. Also allows for the further development and improvement of the different PV technologies already commercially available.
M.S.
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering and Computer Science
Electrical Engineering MSEE

The current energy situation is taking a turn towards renewable energies, due to the new pacts to curb global warming. These agreements, together with governmental aid, are facilitating an escalation in the production and improvement of new energy systems and the price decrease due to a larger-scale production. Within these energy alternatives, solar energy is found, specifically the subject to be treated in this project is photovoltaic energy, due to its exponential growth in the last 10 years, new tools are being developed for its monitoring and modelling. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis is to develop a method  for installation testing of a PV-system. The method should give the installed nominal power of the system and show if the maximum power point trackers work as expected. A large PV-system was installed on the roof of Gävle Arenaby during 2017. A measurement system for monitoring of the power of the system and of the solar irradiance was installed. Different parameters have been taken into account for the adjustment of the model that vary the performance of the system. These factors are: the irradiance received, the module temperature and the angle of incidence. It has been concluded that the results obtained indicate a correct adjustment of the theoretical power against the real power, which means, a correct operation of the generated model. Besides, the expected power follows a linear trend, reaching the power set by the manufacturer for Standard Test Conditions. The results show that the monitored modules-strings fulffill the promised performance and the method for installation testing work as expected. The linear correlation between corrected power and irradiance means that the maximum power point tracker in the inverter works independent of the power.

This study aims to develop a simulation and optimisation tool for bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules based on the open-source code OptiCE and evaluate dynamic and static albedo impact on a bifacial PV system. Further, a review of the market price development of bifacial PVs' and an optimisation to maximise energy output was conducted. Two case studies with bifacial PV modules, a single-axis tracker in Denver, USA, and a vertical and a tilted system installed at a farm outside Västerås, Sweden, were analysed in this study. The results showed that an hourly dynamic albedo value could provide more accurate simulation results of the rear side irradiance for the bifacial single-axis tracker than a static albedo value. The developed model showed an R2 accuracy of 93% and 91% for the front and rear sides, respectively, when simulated with an hourly albedo value for the bifacial single-axis tracker system. The optimisation was based on weather data from 2020. The results showed that the tilted reference system could increase its energy output by 8.5% by adjusting its tilt from 30° to 54° and its azimuth angle from 0 to -39°. In contrast, the vertical system would increase its energy output by 2.1% by rotating the azimuth angle from -90° to -66°. Conclusions that could be drawn are that bifacial PV price has closed in on the high-performance monofacial PV price the last five years and may continue to decrease in the coming years. Further, it was concluded that detailed dynamic albedo values lead to more accurate simulations of the ground-reflected irradiance. The availability of measured albedo data at the location is essential when the ground-reflected irradiance stands for a significant share of the irradiance. It was determined that during 2020 the optimal configurations of a vertical and tilted bifacial PV system in Västerås would save 11 300 SEK by consuming self-produced electricity and earn 11 600 SEK from selling the surplus of electricity for the farm outside Västerås.

Dans un contexte de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre et de raréfaction des ressources fossiles et fissiles, l'énergie solaire est l'une des sources d'énergie les plus prometteuses. La quantité d'énergie renouvelable dans le futur paysage énergétique dépend de sa disponibilité, de son coût et de son niveau d'efficacité. Plusieurs enjeux limitent actuellement le développement de l'énergie solaire. Parmi eux, l'élévation de la température des cellules induit une dégradation du productible d'environ 12% dans le cas général. En dépit de ce constat, la structure actuel des modules PV n'a pas variée depuis sa création dans les années 70. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'évaluer les facteurs d’impact qui gouverne l'élévation de la température du module PV en vue d’identifier les moyens de la réduire de manière significative. Un modèle multi-physique est construit pour prédire le comportement du module dans les conditions environnementales de production. Le modèle thermique est basé sur la radiation en milieu semi-transparent. Cette caractéristique conduit à déterminer les équations généralisées de Fresnel pour les milieux absorbants. Cela nous autorise à déterminer la caractéristique spectrale et angulaire de l’émissivité du verre. Le modèle de couplage optique-thermique-électrique est comparé aux mesures en conditions réelles et est capable de prédire le comportement du module sur une période de vingt-quatre heures. Le modèle est en mesure d’évaluer le gain obtenu en optimisant les composants du module. Une étude paramétrique identifie enfin les différentes améliorations permettant d’obtenir une réduction de la température de fonctionnement des modules PV. Cette thèse inclut un état de l'art (chapitre 1), une étude du transfert de chaleur radiative à l'échelle du module PV (chapitre 2), la description détaillée du modèle multiphysique (chapitre 3), l'étude du module PV au travers de la modélisation (chapitre 4), une étude paramétrique (chapitre 5) et une conclusion (chapitre 6)
In the context of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil and fissile resources depletion, solar energy is one of the most promising sources of power. The amount of renewable energies in the future energy mix depends on their availability, on their cost and on their level of efficiency. Various issues still limit the development of the solar energy. Among them, the temperature elevation into the module induces an efficiency degradation of 12% in standard cases. In spite of this statement, the actual solar module structure has not changed since its creation in the seventies, and the technologies are still evaluated at room temperature. The objective of this thesis is to study the impact factors which govern the module temperature elevation in order to identify ways to apply a significant reduction. A multi-physics modeling is built in order to predict the module behavior depending on the environmental conditions. The thermal modeling is grounded on the radiation into participating media. This feature leads to the determination of generalized Fresnel equation for absorbing media. It allows us to determine a spectral and hemispherical value of the glass emissivity. The optical-electrical-thermal modeling has been compared to measurement in real conditions and is able to predict the module behavior over a one-day period. It allows the evaluation of the gain obtained by optimizing the module components. A parametrical study identifies several improvements to lower the module operating temperature. The PhD work includes a state-of-the-art study (chapter 1), a study of the radiation heat transfer at PV module scale (chapter 2), the details of the multiphysics modeling (chapter 3), the study of the PV module through the modeling (chapter 4), a parametrical study (chapter 5) and a conclusion (chapter 6)

Der derzeitige technische Fortschritt stützt sich maßgeblich auf die Nutzung von elektrischem Strom. Der Anteil der Stromerzeugung aus Sonnenlicht hat mittlerweile in Deutschland den der Wasserkraft überschritten, der 1990 noch der größte regenerative Energielieferant war. Die Technologie der Photovoltaik (PV) wandelt die hochenergetische Strahlung der Sonne in elektrischen Strom um und nutzt dabei häufig Glasplatten als tragende Struktur. Der Hauptanspruch dieser Arbeit liegt in der Entwicklung und Untersuchung eines Befestigungssystems mit einer höher- oder hochmoduligen Klebverbindung zum gläsernen PV-Modul sowie einer möglichst universell einsetzbaren Fügeverbindung zur Unterkonstrukion. Die systematische Enwicklung der Fügeverbindung zum PV-Modul basiert auf dem Ansatz eines flexiblen, stützenden \\hbox{Ringes} für das Fügeelement (Halter), um die durch eine mechanische Belastung der Module induzierten Zugspannungen im Glas über der Fügeelementkante zu reduzieren. Eine neuartige, kombinierte Klammer-Keil-Verbindung sichert die Befestigung auf einer von ihr unabhängigen Unterkonstruktion sowohl quer als auch längs zur Schienenrichtung. Experimentelle Arbeiten charakterisieren die eingesetzte Klebverbindung unter verschiedenen Beanspruchungsszenarien, um sowohl konstruktions- als auch klebstoffbedingte Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Fügeverbindung für die vorliegende Anwendung zu identifizieren. Die Untersuchungen weisen zudem geeignete Vorbehandlungsmaßnahmen der Aluminiumoberflächen aus. Sowohl numerische Simulationen als auch die neuartig eingesetzte Nahbereichsphotogrammetrie bestätigen in Bauteiluntersuchungen die vorteilige Wirkung des flexiblen, höhermodulig geklebten Ringes. Die vorliegende Arbeit setzt sich hierbei auch kritisch mit unterschiedlichen Einflüssen auf die Ergebnisse auseinander, die einerseits durch verschiedene Prüfstände hervorgerufen werden können und andererseits auch den verwendeten Methoden zugrunde liegen
Today much of technical advances are due to the usage of electricity. The contribution of solar power to the production of electricity in Germany currently surpasses water powered electricity which was in 1990 the almost exclusive renewable energy source. The technology of photovoltaic systems based on high-powered sun radiation, often utilizes glass plates as a supporting structure. This dissertation primarily focuses on the research and development of a mounting system with a higher or high modulus adhesively bonded joint to the PV-module as well as an all-purpose connection to the substructure. The systematical development process of the connection to the PV-module is based on the approach of a flexible supporting ring-shaped mounting element. This reduces the tension within the glass surface at the edge of the mounting element when mechanically loading the PV-module. A novel connection using a clamp-wedge combination ensures the ability to mount the PV-module horizontally or vertically to the rail substructure. Through the development process, the bonded joint is exposed to various scenarios where the construction as well as the adhesive possibilities and limitations under each scenario are analyzed. Research outcomes yield recommendations for appropriate pre-treatment of the aluminum surfaces. Numerical simulations as well as the novel use of the near-field photogrammetry method confirmed beneficial action of the flexible ring-shaped mounting element within assembly testing of large glass specimens. This dissertation discusses how different variables can have a considerable effect on results when introduced through the testing device and through monitoring methods

The main point of this thesis is the extension of the complex solar radiation simulator, the creation of new functionalities, and the cooperation of this complex simulator with the PV power plant. This work builds on the work done in the area of solar radiation modeling. The thesis deals with the continuation, or improvement of some shortcomings, removing shortcomings, such as fixing the beginnings and ends of the simulation, correcting the calculation of sunrise and sunset, but also adding different types of clouds, combinations of different preset cloud situations, or data input, and more. These deficiencies are found in the bachelor's thesis "Complex Simulator of the solar irradiance", and PSCAD is the main tool in this work. Another important point of this work is the realization of the simulation where an improved solar radiation simulator works in cooperation with a model of a photovoltaic panel or a PV power plant, respectively. It has different operating states created in PSCAD. These include, for example, cloud crossings, both over the entire power plant and only partial. In addition, there are experiments that prove the fact that the direction of the incoming cloud plays a role in the power of the PV power plant.

O objetivo deste trabalho é modelar a arquitetura de uma usina solar fotovoltaica arrefecida intitulada UFVa, utilizando um protótipo de verificação. A metodologia se baseia na medição, verificação e análise dos dados de temperatura e produção de energia elétrica dos strings de teste (arrefecido) e comparação (não arrefecido), estudo do comportamento da alimentação de água do sistema de arrefecimento e o impacto das condições climáticas na operação do protótipo de UFVa. Por meio das análises dos dados constatou-se que, para o período entre as 09h00min e as 17h30min, os módulos PV do string de teste sempre operam com temperaturas inferiores aos módulos PV do string de comparação. Durante o período de testes, no qual a temperatura dos módulos PV do string de comparação operou acima de 55,0°C, as temperaturas médias e máximas registradas nos módulos PV do string de teste foram inferiores a 37,0 °C, operando sempre abaixo da temperatura nominal de operação da célula (NOCT). A produção de energia elétrica no string de teste superou a do string de comparação em 3,0kWh/dia. Portanto, o sistema de arrefecimento reduz a temperatura de operação dos módulos PV, principalmente no período de máxima geração elétrica, que corresponde ao período das 11h00min às 15h00min, proporcionando ganhos médios de rendimento de 5,9% na produção de energia, 10,3% na potência e 5,4% no FC.
In this work we use a verification prototype to model the architecture of a solar photovoltaic power plant equipped with a cooling system. The power plant we model is called UFVa. The methodology is based on the measurement, verification, and data analysis of temperature, electricity generation, test strings (cooled) and comparison strings (not cooled), along with a study of the water feeding behavior of the cooling system, and the impact of climatic conditions in the UFVa prototype operation. By analyzing the data we observed that, for the period between 09:00am and 5:30pm, the PV modules of the test string operate at temperatures below those of the PV modules of the comparison string. During the tests, in which the temperature of the PV modules of the comparison string operated above 55.0°C, the average and the maximum temperatures recorded in the PV modules of the testing string lied below 37.0°C, operating below the NOCT. Regarding the generation of electricity, the test string generated 3.0 kWh/day more than the comparison string. Hence, the cooling system decreases the operating temperature of the PV modules, particularly during the maximum power generation period which is from 11am to 3pm. This leads to efficiency average gains of up to 5.9% in the generation of electricity, 10.3% in the power, and 5.3% in the PR and PF.

The aim of this work is informed first about photovoltaics universally, works to inform the photovoltaic panels and complete plants. The work also includes instructions on how to implement PVP in accordance with law. Another part is the rough draft of the photovoltaic power 30 kWp, which can be placed on the house, computation and calculation of investment and them profitable investments to time. Design is made in two separate forms of the Fronius Solar and Sunny Design, their outputs are compared. The practical part of this work cooperates with the company SOLARTEC Ltd. for experimental measurements of the photovoltaic system and develop a methodology for setting the properties of real solar systems in operation from the measured data then stored in a database. These data further evaluate and compare the similar operating conditions. This data will show as the course of production of electricity during the typical day in percentage terms, depending on the incident irradiance, cell temperature, angle of incident radiation, etc. We can compare what it looks like an ideal day in terms of production of photovoltaic power, with the other days. Further are in work mentioned histograms achievement panel behind classical day and behind all - time investigation.

碩士
國立彰化師範大學
電機工程學系
106
With the development of science and technology, increase in life demands and pursuit for comfortable environment, the electric power has already become an indispensable energy in the life. However, the energies stored on the earth become fewer. As the environmental awareness rises and the green energies are advocated, the renewable energies have been actively developed, especially the solar energy. The life cycle of photovoltaic module (PV module) is about 20-30 years. When the service life of these PV modules expires or they need to be replaced by the new ones due to poor power generation efficiency, the improper disposal of these wastes will cause the environmental burden and pollution. At present, the recycling acts and management system related to PV module have not been made perfectly in Taiwan. Aimed at PV module operators, this research adopted interview method and text analysis method to conduct the empirical research, so as to comprehensively summarize the recycling problems of PV module in practice. After the comprehensive analysis, this research proposed that the fund operation mode to recycle and dispose wasted solar cells and PV modules should be set up to improve the manufacturers’ intention in autonomous management, recycling and disposal. The incentive measures should be taken to promote the recycling and disposal system and reduce the environmental pollution caused by PV module wastes. By reference to EU’s PV Cycle Association, this study proposed the specific suggestion that the upstream, midstream and downstream manufacturers of solar industry, system installation manufacturers and recycling and proposal manufacturers should be incorporated into the recycling system to provide the reference to the operators and government agencies to make the policies related to solar energy.

abstract: This is a two-part thesis assessing the long-term reliability of photovoltaic modules. Part 1: Manufacturing dependent reliability - Adapting FMECA for quality control in PV module manufacturing This part is aimed at introducing a statistical tool in quality assessments in PV module manufacturing. Developed jointly by ASU-PRL and Clean Energy Associates, this work adapts the Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA, IEC 60812) to quantify the impact of failure modes observed at the time of manufacturing. The method was developed through analysis of nearly 9000 modules at the pre-shipment evaluation stage in module manufacturing facilities across south east Asia. Numerous projects were analyzed to generate RPN (Risk Priority Number) scores for projects. In this manner, it was possibly to quantitatively assess the risk being carried the project at the time of shipment of modules. The objective of this work was to develop a benchmarking system that would allow for accurate quantitative estimations of risk mitigation and project bankability. Part 2: Climate dependent reliability - Activation energy determination for climate specific degradation modes This work attempts to model the parameter (Isc or Rs) degradation rate of modules as a function of the climatic parameters (i.e. temperature, relative humidity and ultraviolet radiation) at the site. The objective of this work was to look beyond the power degradation rate and model based on the performance parameter directly affected by the degradation mode under investigation (encapsulant browning or IMS degradation of solder bonds). Different physical models were tested and validated through comparing the activation energy obtained for each degradation mode. It was concluded that, for the degradation of the solder bonds within the module, the Pecks equation (function of temperature and relative humidity) modelled with Rs increase was the best fit; the activation energy ranging from 0.4 – 0.7 eV based on the climate type. For encapsulant browning, the Modified Arrhenius equation (function of temperature and UV) seemed to be the best fit presently, yielding an activation energy of 0.3 eV. The work was concluded by suggesting possible modifications to the models based on degradation pathways unaccounted for in the present work.
Dissertation/Thesis
Masters Thesis Chemical Engineering 2017

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2006.
Advisor: Yaw A. Owusu, Florida State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Industrial Engineering. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Jan. 18, 2007). Document formatted into pages; contains x, 70 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

abstract: This study evaluates two photovoltaic (PV) power plants based on electrical performance measurements, diode checks, visual inspections and infrared scanning. The purpose of this study is to measure degradation rates of performance parameters (Pmax, Isc, Voc, Vmax, Imax and FF) and to identify the failure modes in a "hot-dry desert" climatic condition along with quantitative determination of safety failure rates and reliability failure rates. The data obtained from this study can be used by module manufacturers in determining the warranty limits of their modules and also by banks, investors, project developers and users in determining appropriate financing or decommissioning models. In addition, the data obtained in this study will be helpful in selecting appropriate accelerated stress tests which would replicate the field failures for the new modules and would predict the lifetime for new PV modules. The study was conducted at two, single axis tracking monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) power plants, Site 3 and Site 4c of Salt River Project (SRP). The Site 3 power plant is located in Glendale, Arizona and the Site 4c power plant is located in Mesa, Arizona both considered a "hot-dry" field condition. The Site 3 power plant has 2,352 modules (named as Model-G) which was rated at 250 kW DC output. The mean and median degradation of these 12 years old modules are 0.95%/year and 0.96%/year, respectively. The major cause of degradation found in Site 3 is due to high series resistance (potentially due to solder-bond thermo-mechanical fatigue) and the failure mode is ribbon-ribbon solder bond failure/breakage. The Site 4c power plant has 1,280 modules (named as Model-H) which provide 243 kW DC output. The mean and median degradation of these 4 years old modules are 0.96%/year and 1%/year, respectively. At Site 4c, practically, none of the module failures are observed. The average soiling loss is 6.9% in Site 3 and 5.5% in Site 4c. The difference in soiling level is attributed to the rural and urban surroundings of these two power plants.
Dissertation/Thesis
M.S.Tech Engineering 2013

abstract: Global photovoltaic (PV) module installation in 2018 is estimated to exceed 100 GW, and crystalline Si (c-Si) solar cell-based modules have a share more than 90% of the global PV market. To reduce the social cost of PV electricity, further developments in reliability of solar panels are expected. These will lead to realize longer module lifetime and reduced levelized cost of energy. As many as 86 failure modes are observed in PV modules [1] and series resistance increase is one of the major durability issues of all. Series resistance constitutes emitter sheet resistance, metal-semiconductor contact resistance, and resistance across the metal-solder ribbon. Solder bond degradation at the cell interconnect is one of the primary causes for increase in series resistance, which is also considered to be an invisible defect [1]. Combination of intermetallic compounds (IMC) formation during soldering and their growth due to solid state diffusion over its lifetime result in formation of weak interfaces between the solar cell and the interconnect. Thermal cycling under regular operating conditions induce thermo-mechanical fatigue over these weak interfaces resulting in contact reduction or loss. Contact reduction or loss leads to increase in series resistance which further manifests into power and fill factor loss. The degree of intermixing of metallic interfaces and contact loss depends on climatic conditions as temperature and humidity (moisture ingression into the PV module laminate) play a vital role in reaction kinetics of these layers. Modules from Arizona and Florida served as a good sample set to analyze the effects of hot and humid climatic conditions respectively. The results obtained in the current thesis quantifies the thickness of IMC formation from SEM-EDS profiles, where similar modules obtained from different climatic conditions were compared. The results indicate the thickness of the IMC and detachment degree to be growing with age and operating temperatures of the module. This can be seen in CuxSny IMC which is thicker in the case of Arizona module. The results obtained from FL ii aged modules also show that humidity accelerates the formation of IMC as they showed thicker AgxSny layer and weak interconnect-contact interfaces as compared to Arizona modules. It is also shown that climatic conditions have different effects on rate at which CuxSny and AgxSny intermetallic compounds are formed.
Dissertation/Thesis
Masters Thesis Materials Science and Engineering 2018

abstract: The object of this study was a 26 year old residential Photovoltaic (PV) monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) power plant, called Solar One, built by developer John F. Long in Phoenix, Arizona (a hot-dry field condition). The task for Arizona State University Photovoltaic Reliability Laboratory (ASU-PRL) graduate students was to evaluate the power plant through visual inspection, electrical performance, and infrared thermography. The purpose of this evaluation was to measure and understand the extent of degradation to the system along with the identification of the failure modes in this hot-dry climatic condition. This 4000 module bipolar system was originally installed with a 200 kW DC output of PV array (17 degree fixed tilt) and an AC output of 175 kVA. The system was shown to degrade approximately at a rate of 2.3% per year with no apparent potential induced degradation (PID) effect. The power plant is made of two arrays, the north array and the south array. Due to a limited time frame to execute this large project, this work was performed by two masters students (Jonathan Belmont and Kolapo Olakonu) and the test results are presented in two masters theses. This thesis presents the results obtained on the north array and the other thesis presents the results obtained on the south array. The resulting study showed that PV module design, array configuration, vandalism, installation methods and Arizona environmental conditions have had an effect on this system's longevity and reliability. Ultimately, encapsulation browning, higher series resistance (potentially due to solder bond fatigue) and non-cell interconnect ribbon breakages outside the modules were determined to be the primary causes for the power loss.
Dissertation/Thesis
M.S.Tech Electrical Engineering 2013

abstract: This study evaluates two 16 year old photovoltaic power (PV) plants to ascertain degradation rates and various failure modes which occur in a "hot-dry" climate. The data obtained from this study can be used by module manufacturers in determining the warranty limits of their modules and also by banks, investors, project developers and users in determining appropriate financing or decommissioning models. In addition, the data obtained in this study will be helpful in selecting appropriate accelerated stress tests which would replicate the field failures for the new modules and would predict the lifetime for new PV modules. The two power plants referred to as Site 4A and -4B with (1512 modules each) were initially installed on a single axis tracking system in Gilbert, Arizona for the first seven years and have been operating at their current location in Mesa, Arizona for the last nine years at fixed horizontal tilt Both sites experience hot-dry desert climate. Average degradation rate is 0.85%/year for the best modules and 1.1%/year for all the modules (excluding the safety failed modules). Primary safety failure mode is the backsheet delamination though it is small (less than 1.7%). Primary degradation mode and reliability failure mode may potentially be attributed to encapsulant browning leading to transmittance/current loss and thermo-mechanical solder bond fatigue (cell-ribbon and ribbon-ribbon) leading to series resistance increase. Average soiling loss of horizontal tilt based modules is 11.1%. About 0.5-1.7% of the modules qualify for the safety returns under the typical 20/20 warranty terms, 73-76% of the modules qualify for the warranty claims under the typical 20/20 power warranty terms and 24-26% of the modules are meeting the typical 20/20 power warranty terms.
Dissertation/Thesis
M.S.Tech Engineering 2013

The project proposes FPGA implementation of a novel approach to track maximum power point of solar photovoltaic array and a novel approach to track the solar position and find a suitable position to attain more energy in comparison with those in a fixed position. The approach uses Kalman Filter algorithm to track maximum power point, motor position and piston position. The finite state machine is Melay type and includes five states. Using the proposed technique, the MPPT can be tracked up to the efficiency of 97% within a time of about 4.5ms. The position of PV array is tracked to an error of ±2%mostly. Experiments have been carried out in partially shaded, falling irradiance level conditions. The proposed method is simple and cost effective in comparison to systems using GPS to track the position.

Poster exhibited at GPSC Student Showcase, February 24th, 2016, University of Arizona.
To make photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) more practical forms of alternative energy, creative innovations to current solar energy methods must be employed. The PVMirror – a new technology – is our solution to that problem. The PVMirror combines PV and CSP technologies by splitting the spectrum of sunlight using a dichroic mirror film. Light that is not transmitted to the solar cell is to instead be reflected to a focus, by way of a curved mirror. This hybrid of technologies is competitive, as it is both efficient and affordable compared to many other innovations in renewable energy. The PVMirror is designed to be an easy and cost-effective replacement to the reflectors used in existing CSP plants. Ultimately, we hope to demonstrate this PVMirror technology on a large scale and market it. As validated from interviewing with industry professionals, this technology has the potential to impact the world of solar energy because many industrial companies and utility-scale CSP project developers are interested in pairing CSP and PV to increase efficiency. Currently, using an outdoor sun tracker, we are testing an 18 inch by 18 inch prototype with four solar cells.

abstract: In the current photovoltaic (PV) industry, the O&M (operations and maintenance) personnel in the field primarily utilize three approaches to identify the underperforming or defective modules in a string: i) EL (electroluminescence) imaging of all the modules in the string; ii) IR (infrared) thermal imaging of all the modules in the string; and, iii) current-voltage (I-V) curve tracing of all the modules in the string. In the first and second approaches, the EL images are used to detect the modules with broken cells, and the IR images are used to detect the modules with hotspot cells, respectively. These two methods may identify the modules with defective cells only semi-qualitatively, but not accurately and quantitatively. The third method, I-V curve tracing, is a quantitative method to identify the underperforming modules in a string, but it is an extremely time consuming, labor-intensive, and highly ambient conditions dependent method. Since the I-V curves of individual modules in a string are obtained by disconnecting them individually at different irradiance levels, module operating temperatures, angle of incidences (AOI) and air-masses/spectra, all these measured curves are required to be translated to a single reporting condition (SRC) of a single irradiance, single temperature, single AOI and single spectrum. These translations are not only time consuming but are also prone to inaccuracy due to inherent issues in the translation models. Therefore, the current challenges in using the traditional I-V tracers are related to: i) obtaining I-V curves simultaneously of all the modules and substrings in a string at a single irradiance, operating temperature, irradiance spectrum and angle of incidence due to changing weather parameters and sun positions during the measurements, ii) safety of field personnel when disconnecting and reconnecting of cables in high voltage systems (especially field aged connectors), and iii) enormous time and hardship for the test personnel in harsh outdoor climatic conditions. In this thesis work, a non-contact I-V (NCIV) curve tracing tool has been integrated and implemented to address the above mentioned three challenges of the traditional I-V tracers. This work compares I-V curves obtained using a traditional I-V curve tracer with the I-V curves obtained using a NCIV curve tracer for the string, substring and individual modules of crystalline silicon (c-Si) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) technologies. The NCIV curve tracer equipment used in this study was integrated using three commercially available components: non-contact voltmeters (NCV) with voltage probes to measure the voltages of substrings/modules in a string, a hall sensor to measure the string current and a DAS (data acquisition system) for simultaneous collection of the voltage data obtained from the NCVs and the current data obtained from the hall sensor. This study demonstrates the concept and accuracy of the NCIV curve tracer by comparing the I-V curves obtained using a traditional capacitor-based tracer and the NCIV curve tracer in a three-module string of c-Si modules and of CdTe modules under natural sunlight with uniform light conditions on all the modules in the string and with partially shading one or more of the modules in the string to simulate and quantitatively detect the underperforming module(s) in a string.
Dissertation/Thesis
Masters Thesis Engineering 2020

abstract: In recent years, solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has seen lots of improvements in technology and of growth in market with crystalline silicon PV modules being the most widely used technology. Plant inspections are gaining much importance to identify and quantitatively determine the impacts of various visual defects on performance. There are about 86 different types of defects found in the PV modules installed in various climates and most of them can be visually observed. However, a quantitative determination of impact or risk of each of identified defect on performance is challenging. Thus, it is utmost important to quantify the risk for each of the visual defects without any human subjectivity. The best way to quantify the risk of each defect is to perform current-voltage measurements of the defective modules installed in the plant but it requires disruption of plant operation, expensive measuring equipment and intensive human resources. One of the most riskiest and dominant visual defects is encapsulant browning which affects the PV module performance in the form of current degradation. The present study deals with developing an automated image processing tool which can address the issues of human subjectivity on browning level impacting performance. The image processing tool developed in this work can be directly used to quantify the impact of browning on performance without intrusively disconnecting the modules from the plant. In this work, the quantified browning level impact on performance has also been experimentally validated through a correlation study using short-circuit current and reflectance/transmittance measurements of browned PV modules retrieved from aged plants/systems installed in diverse climatic conditions. The primary goal of the image processing tool developed in this work is to determine the performance impact of encapsulant browning without interrupting the plant operation for I-V measurements. The use of image processing tool provides a single numerical value, called browning index (BI), which can accurately quantify browning levels on modules and also correlate with the performance and reflectance/transmittance parameters of the modules.
Dissertation/Thesis
Masters Thesis Mechanical Engineering 2016

Der derzeitige technische Fortschritt stützt sich maßgeblich auf die Nutzung von elektrischem Strom. Der Anteil der Stromerzeugung aus Sonnenlicht hat mittlerweile in Deutschland den der Wasserkraft überschritten, der 1990 noch der größte regenerative Energielieferant war. Die Technologie der Photovoltaik (PV) wandelt die hochenergetische Strahlung der Sonne in elektrischen Strom um und nutzt dabei häufig Glasplatten als tragende Struktur. Der Hauptanspruch dieser Arbeit liegt in der Entwicklung und Untersuchung eines Befestigungssystems mit einer höher- oder hochmoduligen Klebverbindung zum gläsernen PV-Modul sowie einer möglichst universell einsetzbaren Fügeverbindung zur Unterkonstrukion. Die systematische Enwicklung der Fügeverbindung zum PV-Modul basiert auf dem Ansatz eines flexiblen, stützenden \\hbox{Ringes} für das Fügeelement (Halter), um die durch eine mechanische Belastung der Module induzierten Zugspannungen im Glas über der Fügeelementkante zu reduzieren. Eine neuartige, kombinierte Klammer-Keil-Verbindung sichert die Befestigung auf einer von ihr unabhängigen Unterkonstruktion sowohl quer als auch längs zur Schienenrichtung. Experimentelle Arbeiten charakterisieren die eingesetzte Klebverbindung unter verschiedenen Beanspruchungsszenarien, um sowohl konstruktions- als auch klebstoffbedingte Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Fügeverbindung für die vorliegende Anwendung zu identifizieren. Die Untersuchungen weisen zudem geeignete Vorbehandlungsmaßnahmen der Aluminiumoberflächen aus. Sowohl numerische Simulationen als auch die neuartig eingesetzte Nahbereichsphotogrammetrie bestätigen in Bauteiluntersuchungen die vorteilige Wirkung des flexiblen, höhermodulig geklebten Ringes. Die vorliegende Arbeit setzt sich hierbei auch kritisch mit unterschiedlichen Einflüssen auf die Ergebnisse auseinander, die einerseits durch verschiedene Prüfstände hervorgerufen werden können und andererseits auch den verwendeten Methoden zugrunde liegen.
Today much of technical advances are due to the usage of electricity. The contribution of solar power to the production of electricity in Germany currently surpasses water powered electricity which was in 1990 the almost exclusive renewable energy source. The technology of photovoltaic systems based on high-powered sun radiation, often utilizes glass plates as a supporting structure. This dissertation primarily focuses on the research and development of a mounting system with a higher or high modulus adhesively bonded joint to the PV-module as well as an all-purpose connection to the substructure. The systematical development process of the connection to the PV-module is based on the approach of a flexible supporting ring-shaped mounting element. This reduces the tension within the glass surface at the edge of the mounting element when mechanically loading the PV-module. A novel connection using a clamp-wedge combination ensures the ability to mount the PV-module horizontally or vertically to the rail substructure. Through the development process, the bonded joint is exposed to various scenarios where the construction as well as the adhesive possibilities and limitations under each scenario are analyzed. Research outcomes yield recommendations for appropriate pre-treatment of the aluminum surfaces. Numerical simulations as well as the novel use of the near-field photogrammetry method confirmed beneficial action of the flexible ring-shaped mounting element within assembly testing of large glass specimens. This dissertation discusses how different variables can have a considerable effect on results when introduced through the testing device and through monitoring methods.