Lifetime analysis of semiconductor switch of MPPT for different photovoltaic technologies considering ambient conditions

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are one of the clean and sustainable energy source. The performance and lifetime of the PV system are mainly affected by maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithms, ambient conditions (e.g., radiation, temperature and wind speed) and PV technologies (i.e., monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film). In the literature, some of the power electronic converters in the PV system have been analyzed for different locations and mission profiles. However, lifetime evaluation of MPPT has not been investigated under different PV technologies. In this study, a lifetime evaluation for MPPT is presented in terms of three different PV technologies. The output power of PV technologies is obtained by PV model with a high accuracy based on measured radiation, temperature and wind speed profile. The power distribution and relative damages are calculated for each PV technology. Lifetime evaluations of MPPT have been carried out considering relative damages. MPPT lifetime is calculated as 42.5 years for monocrystalline, 46 years for polycrystalline and 47.5 years for thin film PV technology. The results reveal that PV technology has a significant impact on the lifetime of MPPT.