Early detection of errors in photovoltaic systems

Published on: September 17, 2020 / update from: September 17, 2020 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Sudden errors in the system and the gradual deterioration in system performance can lead to a loss of performance. With the “OptPV4.0” project, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is working with six project partners on a solution for the energy transition and thus wants to contribute to tackling climate change.

Early detection of errors in photovoltaic systems. PV system with weather station and sensor upgrade kit – Image: Silicon Austria Labs

Silicon Austria Labs optimizes the operation of photovoltaic systems with a sensor kit

With the “OptPV4.0” project, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is working with six project partners on a solution for the energy transition and thus wants to contribute to tackling climate change. The focus of the research project is on the early detection of errors and gradual degradation in photovoltaic systems. As part of the project, SAL developed a sensor upgrade kit, which has now been installed in VERBUND's new photovoltaic pilot system at the Feistritz-Ludmannsdorf Drau power plant.

Photovoltaics has long since developed from a niche industry into one of the most important renewable energy sources. In order to further expand the global shift towards renewable energy sources, it is important to ensure and optimize the performance of photovoltaic systems. Suddenly occurring errors in the system and the gradual deterioration in system performance can lead to a loss of performance - this is what the “OptPV4.0” project aims to prevent.

Together with the project partners ENcome Energy Performance GmbH, Fronius International GmbH, Montanuniversität Leoben, the peak lab. GmbH & Co. KG, Uptime Engineering GmbH and VERBUND Green Power GmbH, Silicon Austria Labs is trying to detect possible errors earlier in order to minimize downtimes through appropriate countermeasures to be able to. To this end, systematic steps were taken in the project: On the one hand, error patterns in the existing system data were standardized and, on the other hand, a sensor upgrade kit was developed to collect important system data. This kit is tested on real PV systems. With the help of the data obtained, analysis models can be developed to identify suddenly occurring errors more quickly.

The sensor upgrade kit has now been installed in Verbund's new pilot plant, directly on the site of the Feistritz Ludmannsdorf Drau power plant. “With the completion of this pilot plant, VERBUND is starting its expansion course in the areas of photovoltaics and wind. By 2030, we want to supplement hydropower generation to around 25 percent with PV and wind power generation and thus make an important contribution to achieving #mission2030,” explains Thomas Burchhart, head of the “OptPV4.0” project at VERBUND.

In addition to the early detection of errors and degradation, the data from the kit is also intended to make PV operation more cost-effective. “In order to fully establish photovoltaics in the Austrian electricity system, a reduction in electricity production costs is essential. The development of the sensor upgrade kit together with the algorithms for early damage detection will make a significant contribution to increasing annual energy production with lower electricity production costs,” says Wolfgang Mühleisen, head of the “OptPV4.0” project at SAL.

The results of the project represent an important basis for making the operation of photovoltaic systems of all sizes more economical and predictable - two important prerequisites for further promoting the spread of PV systems and their contribution to the energy transition and climate protection.