Prediction of temperature distribution in PV module using finite element method

PV module is installed in various outdoor conditions such as solar irradiation, ambient temperature, wind speed and etc. Increase in solar cell temperature within PV module aggravates the behaviour and durability of PV module. It is difficult to measure temperature among respective PV module components during PV module operating, because the temperature within PV module depends on thermal characteristics of PV module components materials as well as operating conditions such as irradiation, outdoor temperature, wind etc. In this paper, simulation by using finite element method is conducted to predict the temperature of each components within PV module installed to outdoor circumstance. PV module structure based on conventional crystalline Si module is designed and the measured values of thickness and thermal parameters of component materials are used. The validation of simulation model is confirmed by comparing the calculated results with the measured temperatures data of PV module. The simulation model is also applied to estimate the thermal radiation of PV module by front glass and back sheet.