Smart soiling sensor for PV modules. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simonazzi, M.; Chiorboli, G.; Cova, P.; Menozzi, R.; Santoro, D.; Sapienza, S.; Sciancalepore, C.; Sozzi, G.; Delmonte, N.
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 114(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2020.113789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: In this work we propose a new sensor concept to evaluate the degradation of PV arrays due to soiling. It is based on I-V curve analysis coupled with artificial vision inspection of a reference PV module to quantify and identify the type of dirt. In order to assess the usefulness of this approach in the automatic scheduling of maintenance interventions in smart-grid PV modules, we developed a Simulink model of a DC nanogrid to test different control strategies. Early experimental results are also shown demonstrating the feasibility of the approach. Highlights: A new sensor concept to evaluate the degradation of PV arrays due to soiling is presented. Different strategies are simulated assessing the usefulness of knowledge of PV modules soiling for maintenance optimization. I-V curve analysis and optical inspection are performed to quantify and qualify the dirt accumulated on PV modules.