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Calculating Module Voltages

The document provides examples of how to calculate photovoltaic module voltages at different temperatures by using the module's rated voltage at standard test conditions (STC), its voltage temperature coefficient, and the actual or expected operating cell temperature. The calculations allow determining the module voltage under minimum, maximum, and any intermediate operating temperatures.

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Tiu Ronnel
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76 views

Calculating Module Voltages

The document provides examples of how to calculate photovoltaic module voltages at different temperatures by using the module's rated voltage at standard test conditions (STC), its voltage temperature coefficient, and the actual or expected operating cell temperature. The calculations allow determining the module voltage under minimum, maximum, and any intermediate operating temperatures.

Uploaded by

Tiu Ronnel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Calculating the PV Module Voltage for a Particular

Temperature
Example:
A PV module has a VMP of 35.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.16V/°C.
What is the VMP of the module at 55°C?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 55°C – 25°C = 30°C

2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 30°C x 0.16V/°C = 4.8V

3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 35.4V – 4.8V = 30.6V

Calculating the Minimum PV Module Voltage


(Maximum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VMP of 36.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.17V/°C. The maximum cell
temperature is 70°C. What is the minimum expected voltage of the module?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 70°C – 25°C = 45°C

2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 45°C x 0.17V/°C = 7.65V

3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 36.4V – 7.65V = 28.75V

Calculating the Maximum PV Module Voltage


(Minimum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VOC of 45.8V and a VOC temperature coefficient of 0.13V/°C. The minimum cell
temperature is 0°C. What is the maximum expected voltage of the module?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 0°C – 25°C = 25°C

2. Multiply this by the VOC temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 25°C x 0.13V/°C = 3.25V

3. Add this to the rated VOC (temperature is below 25°C) 45.8V + 3.25V = 49.05V

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011


Calculating the Minimum Number of Modules in a String
(Maximum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VMP of 35.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.16V/°C. In order for the
inverter to operate a minimum voltage input of 140V is required. The maximum cell temperature
is expected to be 75°C. Assume that there is a voltage drop of 1% in the cables on the DC side.

To find the minimum number of modules that can be connected:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 75°C – 25°C = 50°C

2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 50°C x 0.16V/°C = 8.0V

3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 35.4V – 8.0V = 27.4V

4. Multiply this by 0.99 to account for the 1% voltage drop 27.4 x 0.99 = 27.13V

5. Multiply the inverter minimum voltage by 1.1


140 x 1.1 = 154V
(10% safety margin)
6. Divide the inverter minimum voltage with the safety margin by
154 ÷ 27.13 = 5.67
the minimum module voltage (including voltage drop)

7. Round this number UP 6 modules minimum

Calculating the Maximum Number of Modules in a String


(Minimum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VOC of 44.2V and a VOC temperature coefficient of 0.14V/°C. The inverter that it
is to be connected to has a maximum voltage input of 600V. The minimum cell temperature is
expected to be -5°C. To find the maximum number of modules that can be connected:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC -5°C – 25°C = (-)30°C

2. Multiply this by the VOC temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 30°C x 0.14V/°C = 4.2V

3. Add this to the rated VOC (temperature is below 25°C) 44.2V + 4.2V = 48.4V

4. Do not include a voltage drop, as the circuit is open, and hence


no current flows
5. Multiply the inverter maximum voltage by 0.95
600 x 0.95 = 570V
(5% safety margin)
6. Divide the inverter maximum voltage with the safety margin by
570 ÷ 48.4 = 11.78
the maximum module voltage

7. Round this number DOWN 11 modules maximum

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011

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