Analysis of thermal behavior in solar panels through thermographic studies and inspections using infrared imaging
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Abstract
This study examines the thermal behavior of a photovoltaic system located in Portoviejo, Ecuador, through thermographic inspections. The objective was to identify anomalies, temperature variations, and thermal patterns, particularly hot spots, that impact the performance and durability of the solar modules. The research uses a qualitative and descriptive approach, employing a Fluke TiS65 thermal imaging camera to capture thermal images. Eighteen solar panels were inspected, and the maximum cell temperature was compared to the ambient temperature using the thermal contrast method. More than 45,000 data points were processed. The analysis used specialized software SmartView Classic 4.4, and the anomalies were classified according to their severity (normal, low, moderate, severe, or critical). The findings indicated that, although the likelihood of hot spots appearing is low, their presence has a negative effect on technological efficiency. The causes of these thermal anomalies were identified, such as dirt accumulation, partial shading, light reflections, and physical damage to the modules.
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