PVMINDS · Bottom-up PV module energy yield and integrated reliability model for site-specific design optimization

Bottom-up PV module energy yield and integrated reliability model for site-specific design optimization

Photovoltaic (PV) module reliability is a critical factor for energy yield predictability, and reduced PV cost of electricity. Today, there is limited understanding of PV reliability issues under real-field conditions; and none of the state-of-the-art energy yield models can predict their long-term performance considering lifecycle degradation and failure propagation. Ultimate objective of the planned research is to develop the first bottom-up reliability model for selected PV failure/degradation modes, coupled with advanced simulation of real-field stress factors. The implementation of PVMINDS provided the research and technical groundwork to address a two-fold innovation goal: To investigate on the bottom-up reliability testing and modelling for targeted (i.e. dominant and industry-relevant) failure and degradation mechanism(s) of PV modules. To identify the failure-/site- specific stress factors, as input parameters for coupling imec’s energy yield simulation framework with reliability models. Over these 18 months of the project, PVMINDS has achieved most of its key research goals as well as the training and public outreach goals that have been set. In view of the early termination of the project, due to family/professional reasons of the MSCA fellow, the status of the work related to the integration of specific reliability models with the energy yield simulation framework has not been completed yet; though the team at imec will continue the research that has been started. In order to best align the above goals of PVMINDS with emerging R&D challenges and needs in the PV industry, the overall research plan carried out in the project was particularly adapted and focused on the following activities-objectives: 1. As a start, to identify, through theoretical/review work, the occurrence, diagnostic patterns and impact of dominant failure modes and degradation mechanisms in fielded PV systems. 2. To investigate on the physics, stress factors and reliability testing/modelling needs associated to potential-induced degradation (PID) for bifacial PV modules. 3. To define practices for optimal reliability testing and characterization (indoor and outdoor) of dominant yet repairable failures of PV modules; thus, adding a circular economy/sustainability dimension in the aimed research. 4. To define key design and component-level stress parameters that enable: i) integration with imec’s energy yield simulation model, on one hand, and/or ii) repair/re-use for second-life PV, on the other hand.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union