698 research outputs found

    Analysis of spatial fixed PV arrays configurations to maximize energy harvesting in BIPV applications

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    This paper presents a new approach for efficient utilization of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems under partial shading conditions in urban areas. The aim of this study is to find out the best electrical configuration by analyzing annual energy generation of the same BIPV system, in terms of nominal power, without changing physical locations of the PV modules in the PV arrays. For this purpose, the spatial structure of the PV system including the PV modules and the surrounding obstacles is taken into account on the basis of virtual reality environment. In this study, chimneys which are located on the residential roof-top area are considered to create the effect of shading over the PV array. The locations of PV modules are kept stationary, which is the main point of this paper, while comparing the performances of the configurations with the same surrounding obstacles that causes partial shading conditions. The same spatial structure with twelve distinct PV array configurations is considered. The same settling conditions on the roof-top area allow fair comparisons between PV array configurations. The payback time analysis is also performed with considering local and global maximum power points (MPPs) of PV arrays by comparing the annual energy yield of the different configurationsPeer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

    Analytical modeling of partially shaded photovoltaic systems

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    As of today, the considerable influence of select environmental variables, especially irradiance intensity, must still be accounted for whenever discussing the performance of a solar system. Therefore, an extensive, dependable modeling method is required in investigating the most suitable Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method under different conditions. Following these requirements, MATLAB-programmed modeling and simulation of photovoltaic systems is presented here, by focusing on the effects of partial shading on the output of the photovoltaic (PV) systems. End results prove the reliability of the proposed model in replicating the aforementioned output characteristics in the prescribed setting. The proposed model is chosen because it can, conveniently, simulate the behavior of different ranges of PV systems from a single PV module through the multidimensional PV structure

    Review of mismatch mitigation techniques for PV modules

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    The installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems is continuously increasing in both standalone and grid-connected applications. The energy conversion from solar PV modules is not very efficient, but it is clean and green, which makes it valuable. The energy output from the PV modules is highly affected by the operating conditions. Varying operating conditions may lead to faults in PV modules, e.g. the mismatch faults, which may occur due to shadows over the modules. Consequently, the entire PV system performance in terms of energy production and lifetime is degraded. To address this issue, mismatch mitigation techniques have been developed in the literature. In this context, this study provides a review of the state-of-the-art mismatch mitigation techniques, and operational principles of both passive and active techniques are briefed for better understanding. A comparison is presented among all the techniques in terms of component count, complexity, efficiency, cost, control, functional reliability, and appearance of local maximums. Selected techniques are also benchmarked through simulations. This review serves as a guide to select suitable techniques according to the corresponding requirements and applications. More importantly, it is expected to spark new ideas to develop advanced mismatch mitigation techniques.</p

    Modeling and Performance Investigations of Partially Shaded Solar PV Arrays with Cell Partition Technique based Modules

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    Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules consist of solar cells connected in series to provide the required output power. The solar PV system is experiencing major challenges, which are mainly due to the partial shadows on the photovoltaic modules leading to mismatching power loss and hot spot problems. Hotspots have become a major cause of PV module failure. The Cell Partition Technique (CPT) is proposed to reduce hotspots and minimize mismatch losses caused by partial shadings. Specifically, each solar PV cell (Full cell) in a solar PV module is divided or partitioned into two half cells (known as Half-Cut Cells or HC) and three equal cells (known as Tri-Cut Cells or TC) in accordance with the proposed technique. The HC and TC types of cells are connected in a strings of series-parallel connection, and bypass diode is placed in middle of the solar PV module to ensure proper operation. The primary aim of this research is to model, evaluate, and investigate the performance of solar PV arrays using new PV modules are developed based on Cell Partition Technique (PVM-CPT), such as half-cut cell modules (HCM), and tri-cut cell modules (TCM) and compared with full-sized cell modules (FCM). These PVM-CPT are connected in Series–Parallel (SP), Total-Cross-Tied (TCT), and proposed static shade dispersion based TCT reconfiguration (SD-TCTR) for the array sizes of 3x4, 4x3 and 4x4, respectively. The purpose is to select the most appropriate solar PV array configurations in terms of the highest global maximum power and thus the lowest mismatch power losses under short and narrow, short and wide, long and narrow, long and wide type of cell level partial shadings. The Matlab/Simulink software is used to simulate and analyze all of the shading cases. The results show that, when compared to conventional module configurations under different shading conditions, the proposed static SD-TCTR arrangement with TC modules (SDTCTR-TCM) exhibits the lowest mismatch power losses and the greatest improvement in array power.Citation:

    On the Impact of Partial Shading on PV Output Power

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    It is a well-documented fact that partial shading of a photovoltaic array reduces it output power capability. However, the relative amount of such degradation in energy production cannot be determined in a straight forward manner, as it is often not proportional to the shaded area. This paper clarifies the mechanism of partial PV shading on a number of PV cells connected in series and/or parallel with and without bypass diodes. The analysis is presented in simple terms and can be useful to someone who wishes to determine the impact of some shading geometry on a PV system. The analysis is illustrated by measurements on a commercial 70 W panel, and a 14.4 kW PV array

    Effect of Nonuniform Partial Shading on the Performance of Photovoltaic Systems

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    This paper deals with the influence of the shading problem on the electrical production of a photovoltaic generator based on the analysis of the I-V and P-V characteristics of the PV generator for different operating scenarios. The shading problem not only causes energy losses but also increases the non-linearity of the I-V and P-V characteristics of photovoltaic systems. The choice of the model is an essential step to allow analysis and evaluation of the performance of photovoltaic generators. The single diode model was presented in the MATLAB / SIMULINK software. The study began with the presentation of the characteristics of a module, a comparison was made between the values of the obtained electrical parameters and those supplied by the manufacturer. To show the effect of shading on photovoltaic systems another comparative study was presented between a group of series-connected modules and another connected in parallel, both exposed to nonuniform partial shading. The obtained simulation results show that the influence of shading on a set of modules connected in series is greater than that of a set of modules connected in parallel under the same operating conditions

    Characteristic Study of Solar Photovoltaic Array under Different Partial Shading Conditions

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    © The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Photovoltaic (PV) systems are frequently exposed to partial or complete shading phenomena. Partial shading has a profound impact on the performance of solar power generation. The operational performance of PV arrays under partial shading shows multiple maximum power point peaks, therefore it is challenging to identify the actual maximum power point. This paper investigates the impact of partial shading location on the output power of solar photovoltaic arrays with various configurations. Multiple photovoltaic strings, in both parallel and series configurations, are considered. Different random shading patterns are considered and analyzed to determine which configuration has higher maximum power point. The sensitivity of the partial shading can change according to the partial shading types, shading pattern, and the configuration used to connect all PV modules. Moreover, the study also investigates the output of the PV array with shading two random models, two consecutive models, and three random and consecutive modules. Experimental results validate the analysis and demonstrate the effect of various partial shading on the eficiency and performance of the PV system.Peer reviewe

    A Comprehensive Study of Module Layouts for Silicon Solar Cells Under Partial Shading

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    Integrated applications for solar energy production becomes increasingly important. The electrification of car bodies and building facades are only two prominent examples. In such applications shading becomes a challenging problem, since the classic serial interconnection of solar cells in terms of power output is highly vulnerable to partial shading. In this article, we investigate the three most common module layouts in the market (conventional, butterfly, and shingle string) and add a fourth layout (shingle matrix) to be introduced to the market in the future. We discuss an approach to cluster shadings occurring in urban surroundings into basic shapes like “rectangular” and “random”. Choosing a Monte Carlo technique in combination with latin hypercube sampling (LHS), we consider more than 3000 scenarios in total. For the evaluation of the scenarios, we conduct circuit simulations using LTspice. Furthermore, we define a normalization base, which considers only partial shading as a quantitative baseline for comparison. Our results show, that already for 200–400 scenarios the obtained output values stabilize. Among the investigated module layouts, the shingle matrix interconnection achieves the highest score, followed by a shingle string, half-cell butterfly and the conventional full-cell layout
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