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Inspection Data Collection Tool for Field Testing of Photovoltaic Modules in the Atacama Desert

Author

Listed:
  • Pía Vásquez

    (Centro de Energía, DIE, FCFM, Universidad de Chile, Av. Tupper 2007 (4th Floor), Santiago 8370451, Chile)

  • Ignacia Devoto

    (Centro de Energía, DIE, FCFM, Universidad de Chile, Av. Tupper 2007 (4th Floor), Santiago 8370451, Chile)

  • Pablo Ferrada

    (Centro de Desarrollo en Energías Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Universidad de Antofagasta #02800, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile)

  • Abel Taquichiri

    (Centro de Desarrollo en Energías Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Universidad de Antofagasta #02800, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile)

  • Carlos Portillo

    (Centro de Desarrollo en Energías Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Universidad de Antofagasta #02800, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Palma-Behnke

    (Centro de Energía, DIE, FCFM, Universidad de Chile, Av. Tupper 2007 (4th Floor), Santiago 8370451, Chile
    Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Chile, Av. Tupper 2007, Santiago 8370451, Chile)

Abstract

The Atacama Desert receives the highest levels of solar irradiance in the world with an annual average of 2500 kWh/m 2 for the global horizontal irradiance and 3500 kWh/m 2 for the direct normal irradiance. One of the challenges is the large portion of ultraviolet light. This part of the spectrum be detrimental for the encapsulant materials, reducing their lifetime. To develop a module adapted to the Atacama Desert conditions, it is imperative to have standardized information from first-hand about the typical faults experienced by photovoltaic modules operating in the desert. This work reports on the design and implementation of the Inspection Data Collection Tool to evaluate crystalline silicon-based moules operating in desert climates. The tool brings together novel features of compatibility with current standards, efficient mobile-type instrumentation (equipment and tools), clear procedures/protocols for non-expert users and low development costs. A total of 95 modules were inspected to characterize failure/degradation issues. Three components of the solar modules were assessed: front cover glass, ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant and solar cells. Seven abnormalities were analyzed: Soiling, front cover glass discoloration, encapsulant delamination, hotspots, partial shading, cell fracture and faulty soldering. Soiling was the most common issue, showing correlation between dust deposition and location.

Suggested Citation

  • Pía Vásquez & Ignacia Devoto & Pablo Ferrada & Abel Taquichiri & Carlos Portillo & Rodrigo Palma-Behnke, 2021. "Inspection Data Collection Tool for Field Testing of Photovoltaic Modules in the Atacama Desert," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:9:p:2409-:d:542033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ogbomo, Osarumen O. & Amalu, Emeka H. & Ekere, N.N. & Olagbegi, P.O., 2017. "A review of photovoltaic module technologies for increased performance in tropical climate," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 1225-1238.
    2. Tsanakas, John A. & Ha, Long & Buerhop, Claudia, 2016. "Faults and infrared thermographic diagnosis in operating c-Si photovoltaic modules: A review of research and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 695-709.
    3. Guan, Yanling & Zhang, Hao & Xiao, Bin & Zhou, Zhi & Yan, Xuzhou, 2017. "In-situ investigation of the effect of dust deposition on the performance of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 1273-1284.
    4. Douglas Olivares & Pablo Ferrada & Jonathan Bijman & Sebastián Rodríguez & Mauricio Trigo-González & Aitor Marzo & Jorge Rabanal-Arabach & Joaquín Alonso-Montesinos & Francisco Javier Batlles & Edward, 2020. "Determination of the Soiling Impact on Photovoltaic Modules at the Coastal Area of the Atacama Desert," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Maghami, Mohammad Reza & Hizam, Hashim & Gomes, Chandima & Radzi, Mohd Amran & Rezadad, Mohammad Ismael & Hajighorbani, Shahrooz, 2016. "Power loss due to soiling on solar panel: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1307-1316.
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