Work

Hot spot suppression in cell-level TCT-interconnected modules and verification by circuit simulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The output performance of photovoltaic modules with cell-level Total Cross-Tied (TCT) interconnection was compared with that of conventional Series-Parallel (SP) modules under partial shading conditions. In the SP module, partial shading reduced the short-circuit current, resulting in a significant decrease in output power. In addition, hot spots were observed in several cells. Although the TCT module exhibited a similar reduction in short-circuit current, the output power loss was smaller because of an improved fill factor (FF). The experimental results demonstrate that TCT cell interconnection effectively suppresses hot-spot formation under partial shading conditions. Circuit simulations reproduced the experimental results and enabled prediction of cell temperature rise under partial shading conditions.

Source: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.35848/1347-4065/aebb81

Authors: Ryo Shimizu, Nyoman Budiawan, Yasuyuki Ota, Tatsuya Takamoto, Kensuke NISHIOKA

Institution: University of Miyazaki

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization