Infrared thermography based performance analysis of photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Interest on generating power from photovoltaic (PV) system is increasing day by day. Power generation from such systems is affected by some factors that can be detected in early stage through proper monitoring. Infrared (IR) thermography is a well-known non-destructive technique which can detect localized heating and quantify hotspot area. In this study active thermography has been applied to detect possible anomalies based on the prediction of visual inspection data along with establishing a relation between temperature dependence on possible performance degradation. Then hotspot been detected using python and openCV and area of the hotspot calculated. One of the main findings is that PV modules have some post manufacturing defects which is visually observable. Junction box creates heat that may impact on the module performance. Also difference between hotspot point temperature and the ambient temperature is found increase linearly with respect to module performance degradation. And the hotspot is mostly generated in the gridlines and more area of defect doesn’t result in more performance degradation.