Investigations of PV modules benefit from electroluminescence (EL) imaging technique is widely used indoors and outdoors. This technique enables to identify inactive and defective cell areas as well as varying series resistance contributions. PV modules are measured in forward bias condition, i.e., by forcing current flow through the module with an external power supply. The EL signal is then detected by a camera.

An electric DC power supply capable of applying Isc of the module of interest is required. The power supply must be able to provide sufficient voltage to achieve the short-circuit current ISC of the module (typically around 10 A). Depending on the module technology, the required voltage may be approximately equal to the open circuit voltage VOC of the module (typically around 50 V).

This project will develop a portable EL measurement system enabling for measuring individual modules. To enhance image quality, a modulation needs to be integrated (illustrated in the figure below): A sequence of “dark” (no current through module) and “bright” (current through module) are taken. The average of the difference (bright – dark) of this image sequence allows to filter out noisy background.

If you are interested in this project, please get in contact: marco.ernst@anu.edu.au