Cell-Level PV Module Temperature Estimation Method

In this article, we analyze the characteristics of current-voltage (I-V) curves of photovoltaic (PV) modules in the hotspot state, determine characteristic quantities for identifying specific hotspot state information in the utilized module, and establish an inverse solution model for estimating the normal module temperature according to the electrical characteristics of the module. We combine this inverse solution model with a heat balance model to estimate the temperature of a faulty cell and obtain the overall temperature distribution in the module. Finally, infrared data on hotspot modules collected at a power plant in Hubei are used to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the temperature estimation algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed PV cell temperature estimation method can determine the temperature distributions in different module areas and provide technical support for module-associated fire warnings.

Automated summary

In this article, the characteristics of current-voltage curves of photovoltaic modules in the hotspot state are analyzed. A reverse solution model is established to estimate the normal module temperature based on the electrical characteristics of the module. Combined with a heat balance model, the temperature of a faulty cell and the overall temperature distribution in the module are obtained. The feasibility and accuracy of the temperature estimation algorithm are verified using infrared data collected from hotspot modules at a power plant in Hubei.