Floating photovoltaic degradation mechanisms and lifetime prediction (KAPLANIE_U26EMP)

In the last decade floating photovoltaics (FPV) are experiencing an exponential growth with installations in quarry lakes, irrigation ponds, hydropower dams, while recently nearshore and few pilot FPV installations offshore; however, little is known about their lifetime performance and degradation from operation in these more complex harsh environments [1]. Performance degradation of land-based PV has been extensively studied and may be attributed to various internal and external factors, causing defects such as corrosion, EVA browning, delamination, micro-cracks, humidity ingress, etc [2]. The climatic conditions and environment at the site of operation are shown to influence the rate and mode of degradation and its severity [3].

This PhD project will investigate the degradation causes and mechanisms for FPV operating in freshwater and saline environments and their impact on the module electrical parameters and performance. The effect of environmental conditions and modes of degradation will be investigated to model degradation and predict module lifetime. This will involve simulation and experimental work, with the synergistic use of NDT techniques including light and dark I-V characterisation, infrared thermography, electroluminescence imaging, UV fluorescence imaging, and advanced techniques for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of degradation.

Accelerated ageing procedures will be developed and indoor and outdoor tests will be performed in the laboratory at UEA f