Thin-Film Transistor-Based Sensor Interface Circuits Enabling Distributed Local In-Module Solar Cell Temperature Monitoring

Accurate efficiency prediction, improved reliability, and extended lifetime of solar modules are the key driving factors for investment and research in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Enhanced performance and more refined models are realized by incorporating data derived from localized monitoring of solar modules. This work combines interface circuits designed in flexible thin-film transistors (TFTs) with distributed temperature sensors integrated into solar cell lamination enabling in-module within-cell PV monitoring. A TFT multiplexer selects between sensors and is commanded through a serial peripheral interface (SPI) to reduce the IO connections, while the low offset unity-gain TFT buffer enables precise signal transfer. The in-cell sensors together with TFT read-out circuitry demonstrate accurate outdoor temperature monitoring, comparable to silicon integrated circuits.

Automated summary

Accurate efficiency prediction, improved reliability, and extended lifetime of solar modules are key factors driving investment and research in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Incorporating data from localized monitoring of solar modules enhances performance and improves modeling. This study combines flexible thin-film transistor (TFT) interface circuits with distributed temperature sensors integrated into solar cell lamination to enable in-module within-cell PV monitoring. A TFT multiplexer selects sensors and is controlled via a serial peripheral interface (SPI) to reduce IO connections, while a low offset unity-gain TFT buffer ensures precise signal transfer. The in-cell sensors, along with the TFT read-out circuitry, demonstrate accurate outdoor temperature monitoring comparable to silicon integrated circuits.