Diagnostics of PV Modules Using Time Domain Reflectometry
Abstract
In photovoltaic (PV) module diagnostics, themethods most frequently used are based on measuring DC
characteristics (mainly I-V curves). In real installations, PV
modules are combined with inverters that operate on a high
frequency and are connected to a grid. With this in mind, it
can also be very useful to know certain AC parameters of
the PV modules such as impedance. The method of
examining the distribution of the impedance of the module
(such as in the case of transmission lines) is called Time
Domain Reflectometry (TDR). By a specific distribution of
the impedance, it is possible to find the location and to
determine the nature of a defect. Moreover, this method can
also be used to differentiate modules that have the same
nameplate values.
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