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

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 configurations.     

Forecasting photovoltaic array power production subject to mismatch losses

The development of photovoltaic (PV) energy throughout the world this last decade has brought to light the presence of module mismatch losses in most PV applications. Such power losses, mainly occasioned by partial shading of arrays and differences in PV modules, can be reduced by changing module interconnections of a solar array. This paper presents a novel method to forecast existing PV array production in diverse environmental conditions. In this approach, field measurement data is used to identify module parameters once and for all. The proposed method simulates PV arrays with adaptable module interconnection schemes in order to reduce mismatch losses. The model has been validated by experimental results taken on a 2.2 kW_p plant, with three different interconnection schemes, which show reliable power production forecast precision in both partially shaded and normal operating conditions. Field measurements show interest in using alternative plant configurations in PV systems for decreasing module mismatch losses.     

Impact of uneven shading and bypass diodes on energy extraction characteristics of solar photovoltaic modules and arrays

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the world's renewable energy. In order for effective energy extraction from a solar PV system, this paper investigates I–V and P–V characteristics of solar PV modules and arrays. The paper particularly focuses on I–V and P–V characteristics of PV modules and arrays under uneven shading conditions, and considers both the physics and electrical characteristics of a solar PV system in the model development. The article examines how different bypass diode arrangements could affect maximum power extraction characteristics of a solar PV module or array. It is found in this article that under uneven shading conditions, solar PV cells may perform in very different ways and a solar PV system may exhibit multiple peaks in its P–V characteristics. The study of this article also shows that the arrangement of largely distributed bypass diodes within a PV module could effectively improve efficiency and maximum power point tracking strategies for energy conversion of solar PV systems.     

A virtual reality study of surrounding obstacles on BIPV systems for estimation of long-term performance of partially shaded PV arrays

This work presents a new analytical method to evaluate the efficiency of PV systems working in partial shading conditions by taking into account the effect of surrounding obstacles. A mathematical procedure to determine the shadowed area on PV modules, depending on the location of the PV system and obstacles nearby the array has been implemented. This methodology allows the study of the power losses present in the PV systems due to partial shading conditions as well as its effect on the evolution of the maximum power point of the array. The application of this methodology on the behavior of three PV systems located in different cities of Turkey, such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, working under the same conditions of obstacle surrounding, along a year is presented.     

基于S-V特性分析的晶硅光伏组件阴影遮障诊断

针对广泛使用的晶硅光伏组件,通过Simulink建立太阳电池双二极管精确仿真模型,对实际应用中最常见的光伏组件阴影遮挡故障进行多种工况的仿真验证。根据I-V曲线拐点、台阶、曲线下积分面积（S）下降的特征,提出一种基于S-V曲线特性的光伏组件阴影遮挡故障的在线诊断方法。该方法建立S-V曲线,根据S-V曲线分叉点位置可判断光伏组件遮挡情况,通过整体积分面积进而判断遮挡比例。对温度、辐照度进行折算,使该方法在全工况下适用。结合光伏组件功率优化器验证该诊断方法有较高的准确率,并且可准确地判断阴影遮挡面积,具有很高的实际应用价值。     

An investigation on partial shading of PV modules with different connection configurations of PV cells

Partial shading is a commonly encountered issue in a PV (photovoltaic) system. In this paper, five different connection configurations of PV cells are studied to compare their performance under the condition of partial shading. They are SS (simple series), SP (series-parallel), TCT (total-cross-tied), BL (bridge-linked) and HC (honey comb) configurations. The electric network of each connection configuration is analyzed, taking into account the nonlinear nature of PV cells, by writing the Kirchhoff’s voltage and current equations. The analysis is followed by solving the simultaneous nonlinear equations using the Newton-Raphson algorithm, which allows the I-V (current-voltage) characteristic of the module with a specific configuration in response to different types and levels of partial shading to be evaluated. Comparison of the maximum power and fill factors of the five connection configurations is then carried out. Also studied is the reverse voltage across each PV cell. It is found that in most cases, the TCT configuration has a superior performance over the other four configurations in most comparison indices.     

基于并联光伏组件外特性的最大功率点跟踪方法

当阴影条件变化时,并联光伏组件的全局最大功率点(MPP)会随之改变.为了实现太阳能发电最大化,要求最大功率点跟踪(MPPT)方法始终能实时而准确地锁定住并联光伏组件的全局MPP.不同阴影条件下并联光伏组件会呈现不同的外特性特征,如多阶梯的电流电压特性以及多峰值的功率电压特性.基于此现象,该文提出一种基于并联光伏组件外特...     

Reliable and efficient approach for mitigating the shading effect on photovoltaic module based on Modified Artificial Bee Colony algorithm

The operation and performance of a photovoltaic system (PV) are affected by some factors such as; solar radiation, ambient temperature, PV array configuration and shadow which may be either completely or partially. The partially shadow is caused by clouds, trees due to wind, neighboring buildings and utilities. The shadow effect causes the multiple local maximum power points in the PV module voltage-power characteristics and only one Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP); additionally the shadowing causes high power loss in the shaded cells and produces hot spot. In this paper a new optimization approach based on proposed Modified Artificial Bee Colony (MABC) algorithm is used to solve a proposed constrained objective function of PV module power loss and mitigate the shading effect. The proposed MABC is compared with GA, PSO and ABC. The obtained results proved that the MABC is the most efficient algorithm in solving the objective function that mitigating the power loss in the PV module under partially shading effect.     

A comprehensive MATLAB Simulink PV system simulator with partial shading capability based on two-diode model

This paper proposes a comprehensive MATLAB Simulink simulator for photovoltaic (PV) system. The simulator utilizes a new two-diode model to represent the PV cell. This model is known to have better accuracy at low irradiance level that allows for a more accurate prediction of PV system performance during partial shading condition. To reduce computational time, only four parameters are extracted for the model. The values of R_p and R_s are computed by an efficient iteration method. Furthermore, all the inputs to the simulators are information available on standard PV module datasheet. The simulator supports a large array combination that can be interfaced to MPPT algorithms and power electronic converters. The accurateness of the simulator is verified by applying the model to five PV modules of different types (multi-crystalline, mono-crystalline, and thin-film) from various manufacturers. It is envisaged that the proposed work can be very useful for PV professionals who require simple, fast, and accurate PV simulator to design their systems. The developed simulator is freely available for download.     

Calculating the shading reduction coefficient of photovoltaic system efficiency using the anisotropic sky scattering model

The front-row shading reduction coefficient is a key parameter used to calculate the system efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) power station. Based on the Hay anisotropic sky scattering model, the variation rule of solar radiation intensity on the surface of the PV array during the shaded period is simulated, combined with the voltage–current characteristics of the PV modules, and the shadow occlusion operating mode of the PV array is modeled. A method for calculating the loss coefficient of front shadow occlusion based on the division of the PV cell string unit and Hay anisotropic sky scattering model is proposed. This algorithm can accurately evaluate the degree of influence of the PV array layout, wiring mode, array spacing, PV module specifications, and solar radiation on PV power station system efficiency. It provides a basis for optimizing the PV array layout, reducing system loss, and improving PV system efficiency.     

A cell-to-module-to-array detailed model for photovoltaic panels

This paper presents a modified current–voltage relationship for the single-diode model. The single-diode model has been derived from the well-known equivalent circuit for a single photovoltaic (PV) cell. A cell is defined as the semiconductor device that converts sunlight into electricity. A PV module refers to a number of cells connected in series and in a PV array, modules are connected in series and in parallel. The modification presented in this paper accounts for both parallel and series connections in an array. Derivation of the modified current–voltage relationships begins with a single solar cell and is expanded to a PV module and finally an array. Development of the modified current–voltage relationship was based on a five-parameter model, which requires data typically available from the manufacturer. The model accurately predicts voltage–current (V–I) curves, power–voltage (P–V) curves, maximum power point values, short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage across a range of irradiation levels and cell temperatures. The versatility of the model lies in its accurate prediction of the aforementioned criteria for panels of different types, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon. The model is flexible in the sense that it can be applied to PV arrays of any size, as well as in simulation programs such as EMTDC/PSCAD and MatLab/Simulink. Accuracy of the model was validated through a series of experiments performed outdoors for different configurations of a PV array.     

Optimal Su-Do-Ku based interconnection scheme for increased power output from PV array under partial shading conditions

Partial shading is a common phenomenon in PV arrays. They drastically reduce the power output because of mismatch losses, which are reliant on the shape of the shade as well as the locations of shaded panels in the array. The power output can be improved by distributing the shade over various rows to maximize the current entering the node. A Su-Do-Ku configuration can be used to rearrange the physical locations of the PV modules in a total cross tied PV array with the electrical connections left unchanged. However, this arrangement increases the length of the wire required to interconnect the panels thus increasing the line losses. In this paper, an improved Su-Do-Ku arrangement that reduces the length of the wire required for the connection is proposed. The system is designed and simulated in a Matlab/Simulink environment for various shading patterns and the efficacies of various arrangements are compared. The results prove that the power output is higher in the proposed improved Su-Do-Ku reconfiguration technique compared to the earlier proposed Su-Do-Ku technique.     

局部阴影下光伏阵列全局MPPT控制方法

在局部阴影条件下,由带旁路二极管光伏组件构成的光伏阵列的功率-电压特性曲线可能有多个局部最大功率点。为保证寻找到光伏阵列的全局最大功率点,提出了一种基于扰动观测法和导纳增量法的改进全局最大功率点跟踪的控制方法。通过建立仿真模型和试验,验证了该方法的有效性。与基于普通扰动观测法的控制策略比较分析表明,改进算法具有更好的跟踪效果与更小的功率振荡损失。     

遮挡状态下光伏组件多峰输出特性的参数计算与分析

基于太阳电池正反向输出特性,建立光伏组件输出特性模型,针对遮挡状态下的多峰输出特性,提出一种模型参数计算方法,研究不同遮挡状态对I-V特性曲线和模型参数的影响作用。通过仿真和实验,分析组件中各单元所受遮挡光强和电池片遮挡数量的变化对模型参数的影响规律。研究结果表明：模型参数计算结果和基于模型参数获得的I-V特性曲线,有较高精度;所建立的组件输出特性模型和参数计算方法,对于实现光伏组件和组串的故障诊断,具有良好的工程应用前景。     

Positioning of PV panels for reduction in line losses and mismatch losses in PV array

Partial shading decreases the power output of PV arrays due to mismatch losses. These losses are dependent on the shading pattern and the relative positions of shaded modules in the array. Various static and dynamic reconfiguration techniques have earlier been proposed to mitigate these losses. In an earlier proposed static reconfiguration technique, the power generation is enhanced by altering the physical location of the PV panels using a random Sudoku configuration without modifying the TCT (Total-Cross-Tied) based electrical connections. However, this arrangement faces drawbacks due to ineffective dispersion of shade and significant increase in wiring required. In this work, an optimal Sudoku arrangement to overcome these drawbacks is formulated. Further analysis indicate that the global peak of the optimal Sudoku based PV array occurs as the right most peak in the curve for most shading conditions, thus evidently obviating the need for complex MPPT (Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking) algorithms. The proposed configuration is compared with various other existing reconfiguration schemes in terms of power output and the comparison is presented. In addition, a general formulation is proposed to expand this pattern to any generic array. A strategy is also proposed to make such an interconnection practicable for very large size PV arrays.     

灰尘导致的光伏电站发电损失的对比实验

对地面光伏电站的2个采取不同清洁策略方阵的运行数据和辐照数据分成上午数据和下午数据,分别进行处理和分析.介绍去除数据集中的异常数据和不可信数据的预处理的方法.之后,对比组串的发电数据,发现了2个方阵中发电异常的2个组串.为了研究清洁增益的效果,计算不同太阳辐照度下2个方阵的功率比值.发现对于不同的辐照度,清洁增益的效果...     

Differentiation of multiple maximum power points of partially shaded photovoltaic power generators

Partial shading conditions have a major effect on the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) power generators. In this paper, the effects of partial shading on maximum power points (MPPs) of a PV power generator have been systematically studied by using Simulink simulation model of a PV power generator composed of 18 series-connected PV modules. It is shown that the local MPPs can be classified into MPPs at low and high voltages based on the MPP operating point of the PV generator. The results also show that based on the MPP current and voltage it is possible to directly know if the MPP at high voltages is a local or a global MPP. The differentiation between local and global MPPs at high voltages is based on the voltage difference between the actual MPP voltage at high voltages and the theoretical MPP voltage under corresponding uniform conditions. This differentiation method was also tested to work correctly by utilizing experimental measurements of the Tampere University of Technology Solar PV Power Station Research Plant. By using this method, it can be identified if the system is operating at a local or a global MPP. This method can further be utilized to develop global MPP tracking algorithms.     

相同参数不同形状局部阴影对光伏阵列输出特性的影响

对包括并联结构(SP)、网状结构(TCT)、桥式结构(BL)和蜂巢结构(HC)在内的4种光伏阵列结构在相同面积、不同形状类型局部阴影下的输出特性进行对比研究。结果表明:透光因子和面积相同、形状类型不同的局部阴影对4种结构光伏阵列输出特性的影响各不相同,其中TCT结构受离散型局部阴影的影响最小,而SP、BL和HC结构受竖向规则型局部阴影的影响最小,且BL和HC结构在功率输出和成本之间都建立了较好的平衡性。     

Development of a suitable model for characterizing photovoltaic arrays with shaded solar cells

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of non-uniform solar irradiation distribution on energy output of different interconnected configurations in photovoltaic (PV) arrays. In order to find which configuration is less susceptible to mismatch effects, a PV module model is developed. This model can take into consideration the effects of bypass diodes and the variation of the equivalent circuit parameters with respect to operating conditions. The proposed model can provide sufficient degree of precision as well as solar cell-based analysis in analyzing large scale PV arrays without increasing the computational effort. In order to produce more reliable and robust simulations, improved and extended algorithms are presented. Some results are discussed in detail and some recommendations are extracted by testing several shading scenarios.     

局部阴影下光伏阵列的建模与仿真分析

为研究局部阴影效应对光伏发电系统的影响,首先建立了光伏阵列工程数学模型,分析局部阴影条件下光伏阵列的输出特性。为了便于工程分析,该文利用PVSYST软件分析比较单晶硅、多晶硅和薄膜电池等3种不同材料光伏电池在局部阴影条件下的输出功率,为工程应用提供了良好的指导作用。最后提出了几种提高光伏阵列抗局部阴影能力的措施。