A analysis group in Spain has demonstrated the technical feasibility of utilizing repaired photo voltaic modules with passable outcomes. It additionally warns, nonetheless, that there’s an pressing must outline a protocol for evaluating the options of a “viable” repaired panel.
A bunch of researchers led by Spain’s Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) assessed the efficiency of 23 partially repaired crystalline silicon photo voltaic modules in a 12-year-old PV plant in Spain and found- an that these panels can work little or no. losses.
“This analysis makes use of a complete standardized methodology,” the scientists defined. “It combines visible inspection, electrical testing, electroluminescence imaging, and thermal imaging methods to carefully look at the practical standing of those modules and outline the character and extent of defects that persist after restore.”
The take a look at is carried out in accordance with the IEC 61215 normal of 18 monocrystalline panels and 5 polycrystalline units. Monocrystalline merchandise come from two totally different producers. All panels have a backsheet-glass configuration and their weight ranges from 21 kg to 25 kg. The group additionally applies the MQT 03 and MQT 15 Module Quality Test requirements.
Module failures are recognized based on the next classification: snail trails; browned EVA and damaged cell; burnt cell; delamination and corrosion on account of EVA degradation; formation of bubbles, cracking and burning of the backsheet. “This categorization describes the progress of energy loss from the preliminary stage to a sure level within the operational lifespan of a PV module,” specified the teachers.
Through visible inspections, the group discovered that the modules confirmed optical degradation because of delamination and discoloration of the encapsulant. In addition, it additionally determines all the 23 PV modules evaluated handed the dry insulation take a look at, whereas just one handed the moist leakage present take a look at.
“All the modules analyzed confirmed uncovered welds on the again sheet, as a result of restore of the bus bar interruption,” the researchers emphasised. “This state of affairs shouldn’t be a failure as a result of injury of the module itself however a consequence of the following partial restore, which brought on the insulation to fail, making {the electrical} isolation not possible. To restore the insulation of those modules , it’s essential to proceed with repairing the backsheet, sealing the uncovered solder joints and retesting the modules for moist leakage present.
IV Curve measurements present that the modules don’t endure from anomalies, even with decreased energy, whereas electroluminescence imaging (EL) reveals that round 73% of the panels present microcracks and are darker areas on the periphery of photo voltaic cells.
When they used infrared thermography imaging, the researchers discovered that “sturdy sizzling spots” had been discovered for 4.35% of the analyzed panels, whereas “gentle sizzling spots” had been recognized for 74% of modules. “In this final group, we discovered that 47% had excessive temperatures within the junction packing containers, because of diode activation and elevated vitality dissipation,” they added.
In common, the evaluation reveals that the most typical defect in repaired modules is moisture-induced degradation (MID), adopted by cracked cells and disconnected areas of cells.
“However, regardless of the presence of defects, about 87% of those modules present a discount of lower than 20% in energy,” the scientists say. “This vital discovering means that the repaired modules efficiently meet the producer’s guarantee standards, indicating their potential for reuse.”
The group additionally cautioned, nonetheless, that there’s an pressing must outline a protocol for evaluating the options of a “viable” repaired panel. “Furthermore, it’s essential to lift consciousness about worldwide requirements and Cradle-to-Cradle certification, as this has the potential to stimulate market demand for second-hand modules with improved sustainability and traits of circularity,” it concluded.
Their findings are on paper”Improving Photovoltaic Module Sustainability: Defect Analysis of Partially Repaired Modules from Spanish PV Plants,” revealed in Journal of Clean Production.
Another analysis group at CIEMAT has lately developed a set of methods to restore ribbon busbar interruptions in PV panels with out resorting to costly electroluminescence photos.
This content material is protected by copyright and is probably not reused. If you need to cooperate with us and need to reuse a few of our content material, please contact: [email protected].
