I need to get a power supply to do Electroluminescence on PV Arrays on utility-scale. Based on the scale of the array Am I supposed to get a power supply of 1500V and 10 A? (because of the maximum open circuit voltage of an array and the highest short circuit of the solar modules) Or is possible to do it with a smaller rating power supply in order to see the emission of pv modules?
Hello Félix Saucedo ,
Can you explain what you mean by the process of performing electroluminecscence on photovoltaic arrays?
Regards,
Tom Cuff
It simple. You use electroluminescence to identify flaws in solar panels. The intensity of the light given off is proportional to the voltage, so poorly contacted and inactive regions show up as dark areas.... Have A think about what it would take "proportionally" to have a voltage that would expose the dark areas?
https://www.pveducation.org/sites/default/files/PVCDROM/Characterisation/Images/ELWafer.png
The cell is a diode. If you were to light up a cell like a diode, what voltage would it take?
Obviously something close to the nominal voltage of the solar panel....
I would advise removing the schottky diodes in the panel.....,
Dear Felix,
If you are going to apply about 8A through the whole PV string, then, yes, you will need a power supply with a continuous rating of 1500 V 10 A (provided the open circuit voltage is lower than 1500 V).
If you are interested in low current electroluminescence, 1 A for example, then you will need a power supply with a continuous rating of 1500 V 1 A.
This is because electroluminescence takes time (more than 10 seconds) to complete. If the test time was less than 10 seconds, you could buy a power supply with a lower continuous rating but with high short time rating. For example, it could be a power supply with a continuous rating of 1500 V 1 A and a short time rating of 1500 V 10 A. The 10 seconds test time is an example, you have to consult the manufacturer for the actual short time rating of the power supply.