Real-Time Series Resistance Monitoring in PV Systems Without the Need for I-V Curves

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2015 · IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2015.2478070· OSTI ID:1233691

Deceglie, Michael G. ^[1]; Silverman, Timothy J. ^[1]; Marion, Bill ^[1]; Kurtz, Sarah R. ^[1]

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1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

We apply the physical principles of a familiar method, suns-V_oc, to a new application: the real-time detection of series resistance changes in modules and systems operating outside. The real-time series resistance (RTSR) method that we describe avoids the need for collecting I-V curves or constructing full series resistance-free I-V curves. RTSR is most readily deployable at the module level on microinverters or module-integrated electronics, but it can also be extended to full strings. We found that automated detection of series resistance increases can provide early warnings of some of the most common reliability issues, which also pose fire risks, including broken ribbons, broken solder bonds, and contact problems in the junction or combiner box. We also describe the method in detail and describe a sample application to data collected from modules operating in the field.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1233691
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA-5J00-64382
• Journal Information: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, Vol. 5, Issue 6; Related Information: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics; ISSN 2156-3381
• Publisher: IEEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
monitoring
photovoltaic
reliability
series resistance