Effect of temperature coefficient of a PV module

The temperature of the solar PV module has a direct effect on its ability to generate electricity which is expressed as the percentage decrease in output for every 1-degree Celsius (°C) increase in temperature from 25°C.

The temperature coefficient measures how solar cell performance (efficiency, voltage, current, or power) changes with variations in temperature.

Types of Temperature Coefficients
1. Temperature Coefficient of Efficiency
2. Temperature Coefficient of Voltage
3. Temperature Coefficient of Current
4. Temperature Coefficient of Power

Typical Values for Silicon Solar Cells
1. TCE: -0.30 to -0.50 %/°C
2. TCV: -2 to -3 mV/°C
3. TCC: 0.1 to 0.3 %/°C
4. TCP: -0.40 to -0.60 %/°C

Test Conditions
1. Temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
2. Illumination: 1000 W/m² (AM 1.5G)
3. Voltage bias: Open-circuit voltage (Voc) or maximum power point (MPP)
4. Current bias: Short-circuit current (Isc) or MPP
5. Humidity: 60% ± 20%

Measurement Techniques
1. IV curve tracing
2. Voltage-temperature (V-T) measurements
3. Current-temperature (I-T) measurements
4. Power-temperature (P-T) measurements

Effects of Temperature on Solar Cells
1. Efficiency decreases as temperature increases.
2. Voltage decreases as temperature increases.
3. Current increases slightly with temperature (up to a certain point).
4. Power output decreases as temperature increases.

Challenges and Considerations
1. Ensuring accurate temperature control
2. Minimizing measurement uncertainty
3. Maintaining uniform illumination during testing
4. Accounting for thermal expansion and contraction

Mitigation Strategies
1. Use improved materials and cell designs.
2. Incorporate enhanced cooling systems.
3. Utilize concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems.
4. Implement thermal management techniques.

Implementing effective cooling techniques is crucial for mitigating temperature effects and enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Passive Cooling Techniques:

1. Natural Ventilation
2. Heat Sinks
3. Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Active Cooling Techniques:

1. Air Cooling
2. Liquid Cooling
3. Hybrid Cooling Systems
4. Thermoelectric Cooling

To address these environmental and economic concerns, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving the temperature tolerance of PV cells and modules, as well as developing more efficient and cost-effective cooling technologies.