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PVcomB

Investigation of solar modules under "real" conditions

The outdoor test bed

At the outdoor test bed we investigate the characteristics of solar mini modules under operating conditions. During the course of the year the modules are exposed to snow and freeze as well as to hot temperatures and a varying spectral irradiance.

One focus of the investigations lies on the analysis of data (e.g. yield) of solar modules in setups with rather non-ideal irradiation. Such setups are relevant to the application in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), e.g. North orientations, steep tilts.

outdoor setup - enlarged view

The flexible module tables enable an individual setup of the cardinal direction and tilt. Each of the tables holds space for 5 samples. Currently 6 module tables are in operation and 30 samples can be measured. An extension of the test bed to an area of up to 70 m² is scheduled. The module tables are designed such that mini modules of various size, encapsulation and technology can be investigated. We can, thus, analyze different module types produced in-house as well as modules from cooperating partners.

IV-curves of the modules are automatically acquired in regular time intervals. Simultaneously, the rear side temperature of each individual sample is detected by a temperature sensor.

variable installations - enlarged view

Fig. 1: By using independent flexible module tables various solar module samples can be installed under different orientations at the same time.


Shadow on pyranomater - enlarged view

Fig. 2: The diffuse horizontal irradiance is measured using a pyranometer with shadow ring.

A weather station records parameters such as the ambient temperature, wind speed, and humidity. Two pyranometers measure global and diffuse irradiance on the horizontal plane. Additionally, there is a monitor cell that measures the in-plane-irradiance on each module table.

The collected data can be exported for further evaluation in the specific configurations as needed. Furthermore, a web client allows for viewing the live data of IV-curves and derived characteristic quantities of the modules.


Specifications

Climate data are acquired every second

  • Air temperature
  • Air pressure
  • Humidity
  • Irradiance, global and diffuse
  • Wind speed

Modul data are acquired successively

  • IV-curve (up to 1A)
  • Module rear temperature
  • Plane of module irradiance
  • Climate data at time of acquisition