Acquisition of a test facility for photovoltaic modules

• Subject Area: Measurement Systems ; Electrical Energy Systems, Power Management, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines and Drives
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533268552

In the Department of Engineering and Mathematics at Bielefeld University, several institutes and research groups are working on the investigation and optimization of the aging processes of materials and systems, ranging from molds for injection molding and the thermal cyclic load capacity of 3D-printed polymers to the remanufacturing and recycling of dye- and Si-based solar cells. The test facility for photovoltaic modules applied for here enables for the first time non-destructive testing of the potential of circular module prototypes and second-life modules by characteristic curve measurements under STC conditions with an LED solar simulator, electro¬luminescence tests, hipot tests and grounding tests. Nowadays, more and more intact modules are being uninstalled after the funding expires. These modules currently end up in a downcycling process due to low reuse structures and recycling-unfriendly design. The proposed facility is intended to enable more sustainable use of photovoltaic modules by characterizing PV modules and their components. Initially, the characterization of second-life modules will enable a sustainable extension of module life. The long-term goal is to develop a circular module design based on a performance database and aging studies and to test prototypes with the test facility. During the five-year project period, the research assistant who has also applied for the grant will initially commission the test facility and then manage and organize the use of the equipment. This includes advising the persons involved in the application as well as their employees, the joint development of the scientific questions, the establishment of the measurement methods as well as the execution and evaluation of the tests. The scientific findings obtained with the facility will be published in peer-reviewed publications and/or patent applications and presented at national and international conferences. The expected patents and possibly company foundations for new products and processes are in line with the patent and exploitation strategy of Bielefeld University. In addition, the participating institutes ITES and BifAM will contribute with the technology to further research activities in the OWL region and thus strengthen the research strategy of the university.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: Prüfanlage für Photovoltaikmodule
• Instrumentation Group: 2690 Sonstige Geräte der elektrischen Energietechnik
• Applicant Institution: Hochschule Bielefeld
• Leader: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp
• Participating Persons: Professorin Dr. Andrea Ehrmann; Professor Dr. Bruno Hüsgen; Fabian Schoden