Analysis of Performance Loss Through I&V Characteristics Curves of Photovoltaic Modules in the Dark.
Abstract
The characteristic I-V curves under standard conditions constitute the most effective method for assessing the health status of a given photovoltaic (PV) module. These curves enable the determination of a module's maximum power output. Furthermore, an I-V curve measured under dark conditions also provides significant information regarding the quality of the PV module under investigation. Recent scientific literature has demonstrated the existence of easily applicable techniques for diagnosing performance degradation in fullcell PV modules connected entirely in series. However, the most widely commercialized PV modules nowadays utilize a half-cell design with a series-parallel connection scheme, which may exhibit a different response to these diagnostic techniques. This work presents observations concerning the variations in experimentally determined characteristic curves, obtained through dark measurements and the flash test, for a 530W half-cell module subjected to mechanical damage of progressive intensities.
Keywords
PV module, I-V dark, PV fault evaluation, PV diagnosis, V10, Damage assessment