A Simple Mismatch Mitigating Partial Power Processing Converter for Solar PV Modules

Partial shading affects the energy harvested from photovoltaic (PV) modules, leading to a mismatch in PV systems and causing energy losses. For this purpose, differential power processing (DPP) converters are the emerging power electronic-based topologies used to address the mismatch issues. Normally, PV modules are connected in series and DPP converters are used to extract the power from these PV modules by only processing the fraction of power called mismatched power. In this work, a switched-capacitor-inductor (SCL)-based DPP converter is presented, which mitigates the non-ideal conditions in solar PV systems. A proposed SCL-based DPP technique utilizes a simple control strategy to extract the maximum power from the partially shaded PV modules by only processing a fraction of the power. Furthermore, an operational principle and loss analysis for the proposed converter is presented. The proposed topology is examined and compared with the traditional bypass diode technique through simulations and experimental tests. The efficiency of the proposed DPP is validated by the experiment and simulation. The results demonstrate the performance in terms of higher energy yield without bypassing the low-producing PV module by using a simple control. The results indicate that achieved efficiency is higher than 98% under severe mismatch (higher than 50%).

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Reconfigurable Distributed Power Electronics Technique for Solar PV Systems

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics10091121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1121

Author(s):

Kamran Ali Khan Niazi ◽

Yongheng Yang ◽

Tamas Kerekes ◽

Dezso Sera

Keyword(s):

Energy Yield ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Charge Redistribution ◽

Pv System ◽

Partial Shading ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Simulation Based ◽

In Series ◽

A Cell ◽

Power Balancing

A reconfiguration technique using a switched-capacitor (SC)-based voltage equalizer differential power processing (DPP) concept is proposed in this paper for photovoltaic (PV) systems at a cell/subpanel/panel-level. The proposed active diffusion charge redistribution (ADCR) architecture increases the energy yield during mismatch and adds a voltage boosting capability to the PV system under no mismatch by connected the available PV cells/panels in series. The technique performs a reconfiguration by measuring the PV cell/panel voltages and their irradiances. The power balancing is achieved by charge redistribution through SC under mismatch conditions, e.g., partial shading. Moreover, PV cells/panels remain in series under no mismatch. Overall, this paper analyzes, simulates, and evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed DPP architecture through a simulation-based model prepared in PSIM. Additionally, the effectiveness is also demonstrated by comparing it with existing conventional DPP and traditional bypass diode architecture.

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Determination of the failure mechanism of stand alone solar street light

Nigerian Journal of Technology ◽

10.4314/njt.v39i2.28 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 572-576

Author(s):

E. Anoliefo ◽

O.U. Oparaku ◽

S. Egoigwe ◽

S. Olisa

Keyword(s):

Poor Performance ◽

Field Work ◽

Energy Yield ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Premature Failure ◽

Solar Systems ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Pv Module ◽

Pv Modules ◽

The Impact

Despite the acclaimed long-term benefits of solar PV systems, most stand-alone solar projects in Nigeria seem to fail within a short duration. In this work, an analysis is carried out to examine the factors that lead to such poor performance of solar projects in Nigeria. A case study of standalone solar street lights (SASSL) in Nsukka geographical region in Nigeria was explored. The field work was carried out from Dec 2016 - January 2018. Data from field indicate that in most cases, premature battery failure due to undercharging was responsible for the collapse of these stand-alone solar systems. Given that the PV module is the sole charge generator in SASSL, the energy yield of the PV modules used in the SASSLs were further investigated. Controlled experiments were carried out to determine the impact of specific environmental and installations conditions on the yield of the PV modules. The results of the experiments led to the development of a model. The weather and installation specific data were then inserted into the model and were used to determine the likely reasons for the premature failure of SASSLs. The results indicated that the within the period under review, the PV modules were capable of providing adequate energy to the battery for only 25% of the time. For another 25% of the time the energy provided were marginal while for 50% of the time the energy provided were grossly inadequate. Keywords: Failure, Battery, Dust, Solar, mechanism, Street light, Irradiance, PV Module.

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Power losses reduction of solar PV systems under partial shading conditions using re-allocation of PV module-fixed electrical connections

IEEE Access ◽

10.1109/access.2021.3093954 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

Rupendra Kumar Pachauri ◽

Isha Kansal ◽

Thanikanti Sudhakar Babu ◽

Hassan Haes Alhelou

Keyword(s):

Solar Pv ◽

Power Losses ◽

Partial Shading ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Pv Module ◽

Electrical Connections

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Design and Fabrication of Low Cost Automatic Cleaning Module for Solar PV Systems

International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering - Special Issue ◽

10.35940/ijitee.b1099.1292s219 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2S2) ◽

pp. 1112-1114

Keyword(s):

Automatic System ◽

Low Cost ◽

The Sun ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Servo Motor ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Pv Module ◽

Cleaning System ◽

Pv Modules ◽

Long Time

The Solar PV modules are usually engaged in dusty environments which are the condition in many tropical countries like India. The dirt gets hoarded on the superficial of the PV module and chunks the photons from the sun. It decreases the generation ability of the PV module. The power output decreases the efficiency, if the PV module is not cleaned for a long time. In order to habitually clean the dust, an automatic cleaning system has been proposed, which senses the light energy from the sun on the solar panel and also cleans the PV module automatically. This system is realized with PIC16F877A microcontroller which controls the geared servo motor. This system consists of a sensor (LDR) to make it dusk to dawn. While for cleaning the PV modules, a mechanism consists of a sliding wipers has been developed. In earlier machinery, cleaning of PV panels was done manually. But here the PV panels has been cleaned by automatic system i.e. wiping mechanism with water flow for effective cleaning

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Evaluation of Mathematical Model to Characterize the Performance of Conventional and Hybrid PV Array Topologies under Static and Dynamic Shading Patterns

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13123216 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 3216 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Manoharan Premkumar ◽

Umashankar Subramaniam ◽

Thanikanti Sudhakar Babu ◽

Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan ◽

Lucian Mihet-Popa

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Model ◽

Performance Analysis ◽

Fill Factor ◽

Partial Shading ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Pv Array ◽

Pv Module ◽

Pv Modules ◽

Power Maximization ◽

Global Peak

The analysis and the assessment of interconnected photovoltaic (PV) modules under different shading conditions and various shading patterns are presented in this paper. The partial shading conditions (PSCs) due to the various factors reduce the power output of PV arrays, and its characteristics have multiple peaks due to the mismatching losses between PV panels. The principal objective of this paper is to model, analyze, simulate and evaluate the performance of PV array topologies such as series-parallel (SP), honey-comb (HC), total-cross-tied (TCT), ladder (LD) and bridge-linked (BL) under different shading patterns to produce the maximum power by reducing the mismatching losses (MLs). Along with the conventional PV array topologies, this paper also discusses the hybrid PV array topologies such as bridge-linked honey-comb (BLHC), bridge-linked total-cross-tied (BLTCT) and series-parallel total-cross-tied (SPTCT). The performance analysis of the traditional PV array topologies along with the hybrid topologies is carried out during static and dynamic shading patterns by comparing the various parameters such as the global peak (GP), local peaks (LPs), corresponding voltage and current at GP and LPs, fill factor (FF) and ML. In addition, the voltage and current equations of the HC configuration under two shading conditions are derived, which represents one of the novelties of this paper. The various parameters of the SPR-200-BLK-U PV module are used for PV modeling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulink software. Thus, the obtained results provide useful information to the researchers for healthy operation and power maximization of PV systems.

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Simulation-Based Shading Loss Analysis of a Shingled String for High-Density Photovoltaic Modules

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app112311257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (23) ◽

pp. 11257

Author(s):

Jaesung Bae ◽

Hongsub Jee ◽

Yongseob Park ◽

Jaehyeong Lee

Keyword(s):

Solar Cell ◽

Vertical Direction ◽

Photovoltaic Modules ◽

Output Loss ◽

Loss Analysis ◽

Pv Module ◽

Simulation Based ◽

Pv Modules ◽

Divided Cell ◽

In Series

Shingled photovoltaic (PV) modules with increased output have attracted growing interest compared to conventional PV modules. However, the area per unit solar cell of shingled PV modules is smaller because these modules are manufactured by dividing and bonding solar cells, which means that shingled PV modules can easily have inferior shading characteristics. Therefore, analysis of the extent to which the shadow affects the output loss is essential, and the circuit needs to be designed accordingly. In this study, the loss resulting from the shading of the shingled string used to manufacture the shingled module was analyzed using simulation. A divided cell was modeled using a double-diode model, and a shingled string was formed by connecting the cell in series. The shading pattern was simulated according to the shading ratio of the vertical and horizontal patterns, and in the case of the shingled string, greater losses occurred in the vertical direction than the horizontal direction. In addition, it was modularized and compared with a conventional PV module and a shingled PV module. The results confirmed that the shingled PV module delivered higher shading output than the conventional PV module in less shade, and the result of the shading characteristic simulation of the shingled PV module was confirmed to be accurate within an error of 1%.

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Improvement of Stand-Alone Solar PV Systems in the Maputo Region by Adapting Necessary Parameters

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14144357 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 4357

Author(s):

Paxis Marques João Roque ◽

Shyama P. D. Chowdhury ◽

Zhongjie Huan

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Power Output ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Energy Potential ◽

Pv System ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Pv Module ◽

Pv Modules ◽

Solar Pv System ◽

Operation Parameters

With the energy crisis and the constant blackout in the Mozambique Power Company grid, the option of applying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has been one of the most used alternatives in the neighborhoods of the Maputo region. However, inefficient power delivery caused by unproper sizing and installation of stand-alone solar PV systems has been contributing to the low utilization of solar energy potential in the Maputo region. The optimal sizing and installation of the solar PV system is addressed to evaluate the influence of installation and operation parameters on the power output of PV modules. In this topic, PV modules parameters such as cell temperature, the module′s slope and azimuth angles, the losses caused by excessive heating of the module cells, shadows and dust on the PV module and the cooling process at the back of the module are assessed in order to find out the consequence of inadequate installation and operation parameters of solar PV systems in the Maputo region. The proper sizing and installation of the stand-alone solar PV system is fundamental to guarantee the continuous and efficient supply of power and, thus, different tools and techniques have been applied. This study will deal with the hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER) and system advisor model (SAM), to size and improve power generation of solar PV systems. This study concluded that for the Maputo region, the optimal tilt angle is 23 ± 2 and the azimuth angle is 11 ± 2. In addition, for optimization of the tilt and azimuth angles, it also examined the effect of module backside ventilation and proved that the system′s power generation increases with the rise of spacing between the module and the wall, since the strategy prevents the decline of the module cells efficiency. However, the maximum recommended spacing between the PV module and the mounting wall is about 0.4 m, since an effort to increase the spacing up to this level results in an insignificant growth of power output.

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Different Techniques to Mitigate Partial Shading in Photovoltaic Panels

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14133863 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (13) ◽

pp. 3863

Author(s):

Tiago Alves ◽

João Paulo N. Torres ◽

Ricardo A. Marques Lameirinhas ◽

Carlos A. F. Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Cell Model ◽

Research Work ◽

Experimental Tests ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Pv System ◽

Partial Shading ◽

System Architectures ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Pv Panel

The effect of partial shading in photovoltaic (PV) panels is one of the biggest problems regarding power losses in PV systems. When the irradiance pattern throughout a PV panel is inequal, some cells with the possibility of higher power production will produce less and start to deteriorate. The objective of this research work is to present, test and discuss different techniques to help mitigate partial shading in PV panels, observing and commenting the advantages and disadvantages for different PV technologies under different operating conditions. The motivation is to contribute with research, simulation, and experimental work. Several state-of-the-artsolutions to the problem will be presented: different topologies in the interconnection of the panels; different PV system architectures, and also introducing new solution hypotheses, such as different cell interconnections topologies. Alongside, benefits and limitations will be discussed. To obtain actual results, the simulation work was conducted by creating MATLAB/Simulink models for each different technique tested, all centered around the 1M5P PV cell model. The several techniques tested will also take into account different patterns and sizes of partial shading, different PV panel technologies, different values of source irradiation, and different PV array sizes. The results will be discussed and validated by experimental tests.

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Operation of TUT Solar PV Power Station Research Plant under Partial Shading Caused by Snow and Buildings

International Journal of Photoenergy ◽

10.1155/2013/837310 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Diego Torres Lobera ◽

Anssi Mäki ◽

Juha Huusari ◽

Kari Lappalainen ◽

Teuvo Suntio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Measuring System ◽

Climatic Data ◽

Building Structures ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Research Facility ◽

Electrical Measurements ◽

Pv System ◽

Partial Shading ◽

Power Characteristics ◽

Pv Modules

A grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) research facility equipped with comprehensive climatic and electric measuring systems has been designed and built in the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). The climatic measuring system is composed of an accurate weather station, solar radiation measurements, and a mesh of irradiance and PV module temperature measurements located throughout the solar PV facility. Furthermore, electrical measurements can be taken from single PV modules and strings of modules synchronized with the climatic data. All measured parameters are sampled continuously at 10 Hz with a data-acquisition system based on swappable I/O card technology and stored in a database for later analysis. The used sampling frequency was defined by thorough analyses of the PV system time dependence. Climatic and electrical measurements of the first operation year of the research facility are analyzed in this paper. Moreover, operation of PV systems under partial shading conditions caused by snow and building structures is studied by means of the measured current and power characteristics of PV modules and strings.

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Modeling of Photovoltaic Module Using the MATLAB

Journal of Natural Resources and Development ◽

10.5027/jnrd.v9i0.06 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 59-69

Author(s):

Alok Dhaundiyal ◽

Divine Atsu

Keyword(s):

Standard Test ◽

Electrical Performance ◽

Photovoltaic Module ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Pv Module ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Current Voltage ◽

Pv Modules ◽

The Impact ◽

The Mathematical Model

This paper presents the modeling and simulation of the characteristics and electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. Genetic coding is applied to obtain the optimized values of parameters within the constraint limit using the software MATLAB. A single diode model is proposed, considering the series and shunt resistances, to study the impact of solar irradiance and temperature on the power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and predict the output of solar PV modules. The validation of the model under the standard test conditions (STC) and different values of temperature and insolation is performed, as well as an evaluation using experimentally obtained data from outdoor operating PV modules. The obtained results are also subjected to comply with the manufacturer’s data to ensure that the proposed model does not violate the prescribed tolerance range. The range of variation in current and voltage lies in the domain of 8.21 – 8.5 A and 22 – 23 V, respectively; while the predicted solutions for current and voltage vary from 8.28 – 8.68 A and 23.79 – 24.44 V, respectively. The measured experimental power of the PV module estimated to be 148 – 152 W is predicted from the mathematical model and the obtained values of simulated solution are in the domain of 149 – 157 W. The proposed scheme was found to be very effective at determining the influence of input factors on the modules, which is difficult to determine through experimental means.

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