Innovative Sensorless Approach for Monitoring PV Panel Temperature

Researchers at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) R&D Center have introduced a groundbreaking sensorless self-thermometry approach to estimate PV module operating temperature. The Shift-Factor method, as it is called, analyzes changes in open-circuit voltage (Voc) or maximum power point voltage (Vmp) to achieve accurate estimations. By comparing these electrical responses with irradiance and module temperature, this method not only offers a non-intrusive temperature estimate but also enhances traditional sensor-based measurements’ reliability. The study, ‘Self-Thermometry of PV Modules: Shift-Factor Approach Compared to Sandia, Faiman, and IEC 60904-5 Models,’ was published in Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications. The research aimed to create a self-sufficient approach to estimating module temperature, reducing reliance on external meteorological inputs while ensuring performance evaluation accuracy.