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Quantitative Comparison of Infrared Thermography, Visual Inspection, and Electrical Analysis Techniques on Photovoltaic Modules: A Case Study

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  • Leonardo Cardinale-Villalobos

    (Electronics Engineering School, Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica, Cartago 159-7050, Costa Rica)

  • Carlos Meza

    (Electronics Engineering School, Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica, Cartago 159-7050, Costa Rica
    Department of Electrical, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06366 Köthen, Germany)

  • Abel Méndez-Porras

    (Computer Engineering Department, Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica, Cartago 159-7050, Costa Rica)

  • Luis D. Murillo-Soto

    (Electromechanic Engineering School, Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica, Cartago 159-7050, Costa Rica)

Abstract

This paper compares multiple techniques to detect suboptimal conditions in the PV system. Detection of suboptimal conditions in the PV system is required to achieve optimal photovoltaic (PV) systems. Therefore, maintenance managers need to choose the most suitable techniques objectively. However, there is a lack of objective information comparing the effectiveness of the methods. This article calculates and compares the effectiveness of Infrared thermography (IRT), visual inspection (VI), and electrical analysis (EA) in detecting soiling, partial shadows, and electrical faults experimentally. The results showed that the VI was the best at detecting soiling and partial shading with 100% of effectiveness. IRT and EA had an effectiveness of 78% and 73%, respectively, detecting the three types of conditions under study. It was not possible to achieve maximum detection using only one of the techniques, but that VI must be combined with IR or EA. This research represents a significant contribution by achieving an objective comparison between techniques for detecting suboptimal conditions, being very useful to guide PV system maintainers and designers of fault detection techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonardo Cardinale-Villalobos & Carlos Meza & Abel Méndez-Porras & Luis D. Murillo-Soto, 2022. "Quantitative Comparison of Infrared Thermography, Visual Inspection, and Electrical Analysis Techniques on Photovoltaic Modules: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1841-:d:762485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mellit, A. & Tina, G.M. & Kalogirou, S.A., 2018. "Fault detection and diagnosis methods for photovoltaic systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1-17.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
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