On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography

Elias Roumpakias; Fotis Bouroutzikas; Anastassios Stamatelos

doi:doi:10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

| Peer-Reviewed

On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography

Elias Roumpakias, Fotis Bouroutzikas, Anastassios Stamatelos

Published in Advances in Applied Sciences (Volume 1, Issue 3)

Received: 4 October 2016 Accepted: 14 October 2016 Published: 7 November 2016

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Greece ranks 5^th worldwide in per capita installed PV capacity and Photovoltaics covered about 7% of the country's electricity demand in 2014. Since the majority of installed Photovoltaic parks in Greece are 3 to 5 years old, their inspection and maintenance needs are increasing fast. Thus, it becomes necessary to systematically characterize and classify the types of defects and correlate to possible causes. This paper attempts a systematic compilation of defects along with a simple procedure to spot them by means of optical and infrared inspection as well as electrical inspection. Furthermore, an attempt is made to initiate the development of a complete methodology and guide for on-site PV inspection that may also be employed for a pre-check of newly installed PV panels on site.

Published in	Advances in Applied Sciences (Volume 1, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
Page(s)	53-62
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2016. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Optical Inspection, Infrared Thermography, Defects of Solar Modules, Hotspots

References

[1]	Tsanakas, J. A., et al., Fault diagnosis of photovoltaic modules through image processing and Canny edge detection on field thermographic measurements. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 2013.
[2]	Parretta, A., et al., Optical degradation of long-term, field-aged c-Si photovoltaic modules. Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 2005. 86: p. 349-364.
[3]	Carr, A. J. and T. L. Prior, A comparison of the performance of different PV module types in temperate climates. Solar Energy, 2004. 76: p. 285-294.
[4]	Kang, G. Investigation of aging phenomenon and power drop rate with field exposed PV modules. in 25th EUPVSCE. 2010. Valencia.
[5]	Ndiaye, A., et al., Degradations of silicon photovoltaic modules: A literature review. Solar Energy, 2013. 96: p. 140-151.
[6]	Oreski, G. and G. M. Wallner, Evaluation of the aging behavior of ethylene copolymer films for solar applications under accelerated weathering conditions. Solar Energy, 2009. 83: p. 1040-1047.
[7]	Sharma, V. and S. S. Chandel, Performance and degradation analysis for long term reliability of solar photovoltaic systems: A review. Renewable Sustainable Energy Review, 2013. 27: p. 753-767.
[8]	Jordan, D. C. and S. R. Kurtz, Photovoltaic Degradation Rates — An Analytical Review. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 2012.
[9]	Hoyer, U., et al., Analysis of PV modules by electroluminescence and IR thermography, in 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference. 2009: Hamburg, Germany.
[10]	Acciani, G., O. Falcone, and S. Vergura. Typical Defects of PV-Cells. in IEEE international symposium on industrial electronics (ISIE). 2010. Bari, Italy.
[11]	Berghold, J., et al., Potential Induced Degradation of solar cells and panels.
[12]	Martinez-Moreno, F., et al. On-site tests for the detection of potential induced degradation in modules. in 28th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC). Paris.
[13]	Marc Köntges, S. K., Ulrike Jahn,Karl A. Berger, Kazuhiko Kato, Thomas Friesen, Haitao Liu, Mike Van Iseghem, Review of Failures of Photovoltaic Modules. 2014.
[14]	Munoz, M. A., et al., Early degradation of silicon PV modules and guaranty conditions. Solar Energy 2011.
[15]	Kaplani, E., Detection of Degradation Effects in Field-Aged c-Si Solar Cells through IR Thermography and Digital Image Processing. International Journal of Photoenergy, 2012.
[16]	Ancuta, F. and C. Cepisca, Failure Analysis Capabilities for PV Systems. Models and Methods in Applied Sciences.
[17]	Corinne, E., et al., Development of a Visual Inspection Data Collection Tool for Evaluation of Fielded PV Module Condition. 2012, National Rewenable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
[18]	FLIR. Thermal imaging cameras: a fast and reliable tool for testing solar panels. Available from: http://www.flir.co.uk/instruments/building/display/?id=41872.
[19]	IEC, Grid connected photovoltaic systems – Minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection. 2009, IEC: Geneva, Switzerland.
[20]	AB, F. S., ThermaCAM Researcher Pro 2.8 SR-3. 2006, FLIR Systems.
[21]	Djordjevic, S., D. Parlevliet, and P. Jennings, Detectable faults on recently installed solar modules in Western Australia. Renewable Energy, 2013. 67: p. 215-221.
[22]	Herrmann, W., W. Wiesner, and W. Vaaßen, HOT SPOT INVESTIGATIONS ON PV MODULES - NEW CONCEPTS FOR A TEST STANDARD AND CONSEQUENCES FOR MODULE DESIGN WITH RESPECT TO BYPASS DIODES.
[23]	Pern, F. J. and A. W. Czanderna, Characterization of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant: Effects of thermal processing and weathering degradation on its discoloration. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 1992. 25: p. 3-23.
[24]	Chandel, S. S., et al., Degradation analysis of 28 year field exposed mono-c-Si photovoltaic modules of a direct coupled solar water pumping system in western Himalayan region of India. Renewable Energy, 2015. 78: p. 193-202.
[25]	Institute, I. Standard for Infrared Inspection of Installed Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. 2014; Available from: http://www.infraspection.com/infrared-standards.html.
[26]	International Solar Energy Society, G. S. Thermografie – Auffälligkeiten erkennen, bevor Leistungsminderungen auftreten oder Schäden entstehen. 2014; Available from: http://www.dgs-berlin.de/en/projects/bundesweitabgeschlossen/dkethermografie.html.
[27]	Köntges, M. Reviewing the practicality and utility of electroluminescence and thermography. 2014; Available from: http://www.nrel.gov/pv/pdfs/2014_pvmrw_33_kontges.pdf.
[28]	Kaden, T., K. Lammers, and H. J. Möller, Power loss prognosis from thermographic images of PID affected silicon solar modules. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2015. 142: p. 24-28.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Elias Roumpakias, Fotis Bouroutzikas, Anastassios Stamatelos. (2016). On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Advances in Applied Sciences, 1(3), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Elias Roumpakias; Fotis Bouroutzikas; Anastassios Stamatelos. On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Adv. Appl. Sci. 2016, 1(3), 53-62. doi: 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Elias Roumpakias, Fotis Bouroutzikas, Anastassios Stamatelos. On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Adv Appl Sci. 2016;1(3):53-62. doi: 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12,
  author = {Elias Roumpakias and Fotis Bouroutzikas and Anastassios Stamatelos},
  title = {On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography},
  journal = {Advances in Applied Sciences},
  volume = {1},
  number = {3},
  pages = {53-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aas.20160103.12},
  abstract = {Greece ranks 5th worldwide in per capita installed PV capacity and Photovoltaics covered about 7% of the country's electricity demand in 2014. Since the majority of installed Photovoltaic parks in Greece are 3 to 5 years old, their inspection and maintenance needs are increasing fast. Thus, it becomes necessary to systematically characterize and classify the types of defects and correlate to possible causes. This paper attempts a systematic compilation of defects along with a simple procedure to spot them by means of optical and infrared inspection as well as electrical inspection. Furthermore, an attempt is made to initiate the development of a complete methodology and guide for on-site PV inspection that may also be employed for a pre-check of newly installed PV panels on site.},
 year = {2016}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography
AU  - Elias Roumpakias
AU  - Fotis Bouroutzikas
AU  - Anastassios Stamatelos
Y1  - 2016/11/07
PY  - 2016
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
T2  - Advances in Applied Sciences
JF  - Advances in Applied Sciences
JO  - Advances in Applied Sciences
SP  - 53
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1514
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
AB  - Greece ranks 5th worldwide in per capita installed PV capacity and Photovoltaics covered about 7% of the country's electricity demand in 2014. Since the majority of installed Photovoltaic parks in Greece are 3 to 5 years old, their inspection and maintenance needs are increasing fast. Thus, it becomes necessary to systematically characterize and classify the types of defects and correlate to possible causes. This paper attempts a systematic compilation of defects along with a simple procedure to spot them by means of optical and infrared inspection as well as electrical inspection. Furthermore, an attempt is made to initiate the development of a complete methodology and guide for on-site PV inspection that may also be employed for a pre-check of newly installed PV panels on site.
VL  - 1
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Elias Roumpakias

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
Fotis Bouroutzikas

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
Anastassios Stamatelos

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Elias Roumpakias, Fotis Bouroutzikas, Anastassios Stamatelos. (2016). On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Advances in Applied Sciences, 1(3), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Elias Roumpakias; Fotis Bouroutzikas; Anastassios Stamatelos. On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Adv. Appl. Sci. 2016, 1(3), 53-62. doi: 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Elias Roumpakias, Fotis Bouroutzikas, Anastassios Stamatelos. On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography. Adv Appl Sci. 2016;1(3):53-62. doi: 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12,
  author = {Elias Roumpakias and Fotis Bouroutzikas and Anastassios Stamatelos},
  title = {On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography},
  journal = {Advances in Applied Sciences},
  volume = {1},
  number = {3},
  pages = {53-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aas.20160103.12},
  abstract = {Greece ranks 5th worldwide in per capita installed PV capacity and Photovoltaics covered about 7% of the country's electricity demand in 2014. Since the majority of installed Photovoltaic parks in Greece are 3 to 5 years old, their inspection and maintenance needs are increasing fast. Thus, it becomes necessary to systematically characterize and classify the types of defects and correlate to possible causes. This paper attempts a systematic compilation of defects along with a simple procedure to spot them by means of optical and infrared inspection as well as electrical inspection. Furthermore, an attempt is made to initiate the development of a complete methodology and guide for on-site PV inspection that may also be employed for a pre-check of newly installed PV panels on site.},
 year = {2016}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - On-site Inspection of PV Panels, Aided by Infrared Thermography
AU  - Elias Roumpakias
AU  - Fotis Bouroutzikas
AU  - Anastassios Stamatelos
Y1  - 2016/11/07
PY  - 2016
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
T2  - Advances in Applied Sciences
JF  - Advances in Applied Sciences
JO  - Advances in Applied Sciences
SP  - 53
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1514
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20160103.12
AB  - Greece ranks 5th worldwide in per capita installed PV capacity and Photovoltaics covered about 7% of the country's electricity demand in 2014. Since the majority of installed Photovoltaic parks in Greece are 3 to 5 years old, their inspection and maintenance needs are increasing fast. Thus, it becomes necessary to systematically characterize and classify the types of defects and correlate to possible causes. This paper attempts a systematic compilation of defects along with a simple procedure to spot them by means of optical and infrared inspection as well as electrical inspection. Furthermore, an attempt is made to initiate the development of a complete methodology and guide for on-site PV inspection that may also be employed for a pre-check of newly installed PV panels on site.
VL  - 1
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download