Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Photovoltaic systems are a key component of the energy transition – also at the regional level. However, little is known about how real-world environmental conditions affect the service life and reliability of these systems in the long term. As a result, quality defects are often detected too late, leading to high follow-up costs. This is precisely where the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP's research project “KliMaTE” comes in: It aims to develop new, site-specific methods for realistically predicting the service life and reliability of photovoltaic systems.
The project focuses on microstructural changes in photovoltaic materials, i.e., changes at the smallest level, the analysis of which provides valuable insights into system performance. This will enable weak points to be identified at an early stage and specifically avoided before they lead to costly failures. Instead of relying on standardized laboratory tests, which often do not reflect actual loads, “KliMaTE” is the first solution to combine materials research, environmental analysis, and digital simulations.
The scientists from Halle (Saale) combine laboratory analyses with practical environmental stressors: Microstructural precursor reactions in the materials are identified and specifically accelerated in order to realistically map aging processes. At the same time, an automated system diagnostics system is being developed that evaluates operating data from photovoltaic systems and compares it with material-based fault signatures. This creates a data-based picture of the system's health in real time. “Only when we understand how materials age in real-world operation can we design photovoltaic systems that are more robust and sustainable,” says David Daßler, project team member at Fraunhofer CSP.
The first step of the project is to develop a geographic information system (GIS-based application) for analyzing solar potential in urban areas. This software solution not only takes into account available roof and open spaces, but also integrates relevant meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature profiles, and humidity. The aim is to identify potential locations for photovoltaic systems with a view to maximum efficiency and longevity. The location profiles obtained in this way serve as the basis for all further investigations in the project.
Detailed microclimates are modeled based on the location data. These describe the specific climatic conditions to which PV systems are exposed in daily operation, such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and UV radiation. This information is used to derive mission profiles: load-specific scenarios that simulate realistic environmental conditions over the lifetime of a PV system. They form the basis for the targeted investigation of aging processes and the derivation of reliability parameters.
Building on this, the microclimatic influencing factors determined are linked to material-based aging processes and operating data from real PV systems. Aspects of storage integration and grid stability are also included in the analysis. The aim is to develop a comprehensive, multidimensional model for evaluating system reliability. This will be used both for risk assessment and for optimizing design and maintenance strategies for PV systems.
The state of Saxony-Anhalt is providing funding for the project “Climate-specific PV material systems for the digital transformation of the regional energy transition (KliMaTE)” from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in accordance with the funding guidelines for research and innovation. The funding volume amounts to €344,723, and the project is scheduled to run from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.