Thesis: Simulation and modelling of thermal and mechanical behaviour of Silicon photovoltaic panels under nominal and real-time conditions

PhD defense: Mehdi SAHLI

Title: Simulation and modelling of thermal and mechanical behaviour of Silicon photovoltaic panels under nominal and real-time conditions

Team: MMB

Abstract: The work presented in this thesis deals with the development of a numerical multi-physics model, designed to study the optical, electrical and thermal behaviour of a photovoltaic module. The optical behaviour was evaluated using stochastic modelling based on Markov chains, whereas the electrical behaviour was drawn specifically for Silicon based photovoltaic panels using numerical optimization methods. The thermal behaviour was developed in 1D over the thickness of the module, and the multi-physics module was weakly coupled in MATLAB. The behaviour of commercial panels under nominal operation conditions was validated using data declared by the manufacturers. This model was used to perform a parametric study on the effect of solar irradiances in steady state. It was also validated for real use conditions by comparing it to experimental temperature and electrical power output. A thermomechanical study in 2D in ABAQUS/CAE based in the multi-physics model was carried out in nominal operating conditions, as well as in fatigue thermal cycling according to the IEC 61215 Standard to predict the stresses that are imposed on the panel.

The jury comprises of:

• M. AHZI Saïd, ICube, Université de Strasbourg (Director)
• Mme. TOUCHAL Siham, ICube, Université de Strasbourg (Co-Director)
• M. DE MAGALHAES CORREIA Joao Pedro,  ICube, Université de Strasbourg (Supervisor)
• M. DOLLET Alain,  PROMES, Université de Perpignan (Reporter)
• M. MERCIER Sébastien, Université de Lorraine (Reporter)
• M. OUGAZZADEN Abdallah, Georgia Institute of Technology (Examiner)
• REMOND Yves, Université de Strasbourg (Guest)

The defense will be held in English on Thursday October the 24th 2019 at 3:00 PM at l'amphithéâtre Alain Beretz, nouveau patio (20 rue René-Descartes - Campus Esplanade - Strasbourg).