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Daylight photoluminescence imaging of photovoltaic systems using inverter-based switching
  • +6
  • t trupke,
  • Juergen W. Weber,
  • Oliver Kunz,
  • C. Knaack,
  • D. Chung,
  • A. Barson,
  • A. Slade,
  • Z. Ouyang,
  • H. Gottlieb
t trupke
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Juergen W. Weber
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
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Oliver Kunz
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
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C. Knaack
SMA Solar Technology AG
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D. Chung
SMA Solar Technology AG
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A. Barson
Gentari / Wirsol
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A. Slade
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
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Z. Ouyang
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
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H. Gottlieb
University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
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Abstract

Daylight photoluminescence imaging of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules is demonstrated for modules embedded in rooftop and utility-scale systems, using inverters to electrically switch the operating point of the array. The method enables rapid and high-quality luminescence image acquisition during the day, unlocking efficient performance and quality monitoring without the need to connect specific electrical hardware or to make any modifications to the system wiring. The principle of the measurement approach is discussed and experimental results from a 10 kW DC residential rooftop system and from a 149 MW DC utility-scale photovoltaic power plant are presented. Measurements were performed using commercial inverters without modifications to the inverter hardware or firmware. In the case of the utility-scale power plant, the daylight photoluminescence image acquisition of modules connected to a central inverter was obtained from a remote piloted aircraft. Data analysis includes the conversion of photoluminescence image data into implied voltage differences.