Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a new method of performing photoluminescence and electroluminescence characterization in the field on photovoltaic modules, strings and arrays. The method is performed in daylight and without the use of external energy sources. Furthermore, entire strings and arrays can be captured at once, which reduces cost and improves convenience.
Photoluminescence and electroluminescence are essential characterization techniques for photovoltaic cells and modules, primarily used in the laboratory. Recently, due to the valuable nature of these techniques, various research teams and companies have developed hardware to perform these techniques in the field, using mobile implementations within vans or elaborate devices mounted to the modules. They may also be aerial images at night requiring a large power supply with a bulky network of switches or modulation external LED lights or currents. In any of these cases, either expensive equipment is required, the technique is considerably slow and demands a significant amount of manpower, or the technique requires a nighttime measurement with many hazards that come with working in the dark.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Benefit
Efficient imaging that power plant operators can use to check the health of arrays Little human intervention required Fast characterization Low cost, no nighttime operation neededMarket Application
Solar inverter manufacturersSolar monitoring system manufacturersInfrared imaging service providers
Brochure
