Reduction of Operating Temperatures of PV Modules using Thermally Conductive Backsheets: Site Dependence

Ashwini Pavgi, Jaewon Oh, George Kelly, Govindasamy Tamizhmani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) packaging materials impact the module operating temperatures. This paper compares the thermal performance of thermally conductive backsheets (TCB) with the benchmark tedlar-polyester-tedlar (TPT) backsheet. In this work, the nine-cell modules with TCB-A and TCB-B typically operate at lower cell temperatures under desert climatic conditions with low wind speed whereas TCB-C and TCB-D modules operate at lower backsheet temperatures but at almost similar cell temperatures under temperate climatic conditions. The Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) of modules with thermally conductive backsheet is lower than TPT with a temperature difference as high as 2 °C. All TCBs have higher thermal conductivity values as compared to TPT. TCBs can perform better, worse or equal compared to TPT depending on the dynamic site conditions. This paper presents only the thermal performance of backsheets and does not present any data on reliability and durability of these backsheets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2019 IEEE 46th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages544-549
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781728104942
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2019
Event46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Jun 16 2019Jun 21 2019

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period6/16/196/21/19

Keywords

  • NOCT
  • backsheet and cell temperature
  • seasonal trend
  • thermally conductive backsheet

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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