Test stand for measurements of characteristical parameters of photovoltaic modules under outdoor weather conditions

Project title: Test stand for measurements of characteristical parameters of photovoltaic modules under outdoor weather conditions

Agreement number: SKN/SP/569256/2023

Project implementation period: 16.05.2023 - 15.05.2024

Principal Investigator: dr Sławomir Gułkowski

Project value: 60 000,00 PLN

Funds granted for Lublin University of Technology: 60 000,00 PLN

Abstract: In the last few years, the Polish photovoltaics (PV) sector has been characterized by exceptionally dynamic development due to the rising costs of energy and the need to switch to its ecological production. With an increasing number of PV installations, there is a demand for services related to the analysis of the efficiency of photovoltaic systems and the detection of damage to PV modules. An important activity is the characterization of photovoltaic modules by examining their characteristic parameters, including efficiency. The main activity within the project will be the development of an alternative method for characterizing photovoltaic (PV) modules using a test stand for measuring current-voltage characteristics (I-V curves) of PV modules with simultaneous recording of atmospheric conditions. Measurements made using the developed method will allow to assess the degree of change in the characteristic parameters of PV modules as a result of natural degradation processes or damage.

Characterization of photovoltaic modules is usually performed in a specially designed laboratory that guarantees appropriate conditions, with the use of advanced and expensive devices such as solar simulators, which can be afforded mainly by module manufacturers. The subject of the project is the construction of a test stand for determining the characteristic parameters of photovoltaic modules in outdoor conditions. The test stand will enable continuous measurement and recording of current-voltage characteristics of PV modules with simultaneous measurement of solar radiation intensity, module temperature, external temperature and wind speed. Monitoring of atmospheric parameters during the measurement of I-V characteristics will allow for subsequent computer modeling of data in terms of obtaining optimal measurement conditions for I-V curves in accordance with the applicable standard. The use of computer modeling methods will enable the conversion of the measured I-V curves to standard conditions (STC, Standard Test Conditions), i.e. those in which PV modules are tested by manufacturers. The assessment of the measurement accuracy of the developed stand will be made using a new module in crystalline silicon technology by comparing the measurement results of characteristic parameters with the manufacturer's data.