Development of thermo-electrical model of photovoltaic panel under hot-spot conditions with experimental validation

Abstract

This work was focused on development of thermo-electrical numerical model for circumstance of free-standing photovoltaic (PV) panel exposed to hot-spot effect. The model was developed for partial hot-spot situation and for serial cell connection. The developed 3D model uses a novel approach via two-way coupling of thermal and electrical models. The model was experimentally validated for geographical location of Mediterranean climate, using the readings from temperature sensors, as well as thermal imaging data. The comparison of results between measured and simulated values were shown to be well matched, with deviation not more than 1.5 °C. The model could be useful for optimization of the bypass diodes and better understanding of hot-spot coupled with other thermal effects. Also, the model can be used for examinations in the case of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), since hot-spot effects could be utilized as additional heat sources that could be properly managed. The effect of temperature non-uniformity could be also examined with herein proposed modelling approach and which is beneficial in the case of cooled PV panels.