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RESEARCH PAPER
Study on Reliability of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Connectors
 
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1
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu and Kashmir, India
 
2
Hi Physix Laboratory India Pvt. Ltd, India
 
3
National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram, New Delhi,, India
 
 
Submission date: 2024-08-24
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-11-18
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-12-23
 
 
Online publication date: 2024-12-26
 
 
Publication date: 2024-12-26
 
 
Corresponding author
Kartik Kapoor   

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu and Kashmir, India
 
 
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Testing 75 connectors life ranging from 2 to 10 years from varied climatic regions.
  • Weaknesses in insulation resistance of connector especially in cold arid and desert region.
  • Connector failure observed after contact resistance increased 200 % from its initial value
  • SEM analysis reveals evidence of material degradation in connector casings.
  • Need for Region-Specific Material Selection and Enhanced Workmanship.
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ABSTRACT
The paper presents the reliability study on field-aged photovoltaic connectors of different makes characterized by diverse climatic conditions with 2 to 10 years of operational life. A series of tests conforming to IEC 62852 conducted on field-aged connectors and control samples. The objective is to elucidate the mechanisms of aging and evaluate reliability of connectors, identify failure modes, potential hazards, changes in electrical and mechanical performance because of longstanding exposure to environmental and operational stresses. Field survey and testing reveal lack of awareness of workmanship and maintenance. Laboratory testing reveals connector less than 6 years of life shows low contact resistance and remain stable or have marginal linear increase after thermal and damp heat testing. Samples with life of 6 years or more from extreme climatic regions show high contact resistance with nonlinear pattern increasing to 300% in the thermal cycle and up to 600% in damp heat test. In SEM fretting was observed with high contact resistance with marginal polymer deterioration
eISSN:2956-3860
ISSN:1507-2711
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