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

Abstract

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.