Thermal imaging-based fault detection and energy efficiency analysis in a 1.6 MW photovoltaic system in Bağyurdu OIZ, Türkiye

Cihan  Yalçın

doi:10.59400/esc1984

Thermal imaging-based fault detection and energy efficiency analysis in a 1.6 MW photovoltaic system in Bağyurdu OIZ, Türkiye

Cihan Yalçın Department of Exploration, SRG Engineering Consulting Ltd. Şti, Denizli 20100, Turkey

Article ID: 1984

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/esc1984

Keywords: thermal imaging; photovoltaic systems; fault detection; energy efficiency; dc/ac ratio optimization; solar energy

Abstract

The present study assesses the influence of thermal imaging defect detection on the energy efficiency of a 1.6 MW solar power facility in the Bağyurdu Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) in İzmir, Turkey. Thermal imaging has demonstrated efficacy in detecting serious problems in photovoltaic (PV) panels, including hot spots, inoperative modules, faulty connections, and shadowing, which substantially impact system performance. A comprehensive investigation revealed that around 15% of the photovoltaic panels displayed defects, resulting in a 16% decrease in system performance and an estimated yearly energy loss of 0.35 GWh. The study emphasizes the benefits of thermal imaging compared to conventional fault detection techniques, including its capacity for swift and non-invasive identification of localized overheating, which may lead to fires, and its ability to discern fluctuations in energy output due to shading or malfunctioning modules. The results underscore the necessity for routine thermal evaluations and maintenance to guarantee photovoltaic systems’ operational efficacy and dependability. This study enhances the sparse data on large-scale photovoltaic systems in Türkiye and illustrates the effectiveness of thermal imaging as an economical and accurate diagnostic instrument. Future studies should amalgamate thermal imaging with sophisticated diagnostic techniques, like electroluminescence testing and machine learning, to augment fault detection precision and optimize photovoltaic system efficacy.

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Published

2025-01-14

How to Cite

Yalçın, C. (2025). Thermal imaging-based fault detection and energy efficiency analysis in a 1.6 MW photovoltaic system in Bağyurdu OIZ, Türkiye. Energy Storage and Conversion, 3(1), 1984. https://doi.org/10.59400/esc1984

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