Determination of temperature profile inside a PV module operating under specific conditions using a model coupling internal heating to optical absorption

Abstract

In this study, the complex dynamics behind heat transfer within photovoltaic (PV) solar modules under spectral solar illumination are investigated. A new model coupling internal heating to optical absorption is derived from equations governing light-matter interaction throughout PV module multilayered structure. Reflection and transmission at each interface between two neighboring layers inside a PV module as well as absorption in each layer are taken into account. Dielectric properties of each interface are used to calculate its wavelength dependent reflectance and transmittance according TE and TM light polarization modes. Optical properties of each layer are utilized to determine its absorption coefficient and internal source of warming. Effects of incidence angle and light polarization modes on internal heat function are also analyzed. Heat equation is then solved in steady state limiting case and Temperature profiles inside a PV module under STC and NOCT conditions are determined.