Toward multiple maximum power point estimation of photovoltaic systems based on semiconductor theory

Environmental conditions, such as temperature, non‐uniform irradiation, and solar shading, deeply affect the characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules in PV‐assisted generation systems. Several local maximum power points (MPPs) are found in the power–voltage curve of PV systems constructed by series/parallel‐connected PV modules under partially shaded conditions. The characteristics of PV systems change unpredictably when multiple MPPs occur, so the actual MPP tracking (MPPT) becomes a difficult task. Conventional MPPT methods for the PV systems under partially shaded conditions cannot quickly find the actual MPP such that the optimal utilization of PV systems cannot be achieved. Based on the p–n junction semiconductor theory, we develop a multipoint direct‐estimation (MPDE) method to directly estimate the multiple MPPs of the PV systems under partially shaded conditions and to cope with the mentioned difficulties. Using the proposed MPDE method, the multiple MPPs of the PV systems under partially shaded conditions can be directly determined from their irradiated current–voltage and power–voltage characteristic curves. The performances of the proposed MPDE method are evaluated by examining the characteristics of multiple MPPs of PV systems with respect to different shading strengths and numbers of the shaded PV modules and also tested using the field data. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MPDE method can simply and accurately estimate the multiple MPPs of the PV systems under partially shaded conditions. The optimization of MPP control models and the MPPT for PV systems could be achieved promisingly by applying the proposed method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A PSO‐based maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic systems under environmental and partially shaded conditions

To increase the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems, maximum power point (MPP) tracking of the solar arrays is needed. Solar arrays output power depends on the solar irradiance and temperature. Also the mismatch phenomenon caused by partial shade will affect the output power of solar systems and lead to the incorrect operation of conventional MPP tracker. Under partially shaded conditions, the solar array power–current characteristic has multiple maximum. This paper presents a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with particle swarm optimization method for PV systems under partially shaded condition. The performance of the proposed method is compared with perturb and observe (P&O), improved P&O, voltage‐based maximum power point tracking and current‐based maximum power point tracking algorithms, especially, under partially shaded condition. Simulation results confirm that proposed MPPT algorithm with high accuracy can track the peak power point under different insolation, temperature and partially shaded conditions, and it has the best performance in comparison with four mentioned MPPT algorithms. Also under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, the P&O algorithm is diverged. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

光伏系统最大功率跟踪技术的研究

基于传统的滑膜控制算法,本文采用一种改进的指数趋近律方法,来实现最大功率跟踪,使得控制输出变量可以为连续变量,再通过调制器得到开关管的控制信号,实现控制,以弥补传统方法的参数灵敏度、适用范围受限制等方面的缺陷。通过对传统算法和改进算法的仿真比较,得出了改进的滑模控制法能够快速地跟踪最大功率点,振荡幅度较小,鲁棒性较好。     

Operation of series‐connected silicon‐based photovoltaic modules under partial shading conditions

Partial shading has been recognized as a major cause of energy losses in photovoltaic (PV) power generators. Partial shading has severe effects on the electrical characteristics of the PV power generator, because it causes multiple maximum power points (MPPs) to the power‐voltage curve. Multiple maxima complicate MPP tracking, and the tracking algorithms are often unable to detect the global maximum. Considerable amount of available electrical energy may be lost, when a local MPP with low power is tracked instead of the global MPP. In this paper, the electrical characteristics of series‐connected silicon‐based PV modules under various partial shading conditions are studied by using a Matlab/Simulink simulation model. The simulation model consists of 18 series‐connected PV modules, corresponding to a single‐phase grid‐connected PV power generator. The validity of the simulation model has been verified by experimental measurements. The voltage and power characteristics of the PV power generator have been investigated under various system shading and shading strength conditions. The results can be utilized to develop new MPP tracking algorithms and in designing, for example, building integrated PV power generators. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于DSP的光伏发电系统中最大功率点跟踪算法的研究

基于DSP芯片TMS320F2812设计一种两级式光伏并网发电系统.对该系统提出了一种新型的MPPT控制算法,即在外界环境或负载突变时,先采用一种在线计算短路电流法,避免了对系统正常工作的干扰,以保证跟踪的快速性;在此基础上引入小步长的扰动观察法,对最大功率点处的稳态特性进行优化,可有效减小系统的输出功率在最大功率点的振荡现象.通过Matlab软件分别对扰动观察法、短路电流法以及所提的新型MPPT方法进行仿真,结果表明,该新型MPPT方法能够快速、准确地跟踪外部环境变化,减少了系统在最大功率点的振荡现象,提高了光伏发电系统的效率.     

A novel analytical model for determining the maximum power point of thin film photovoltaic module

Achieving the maximum power output from photovoltaic (PV) modules is indispensable for the operation of grid‐connected PV power systems under varied atmospheric conditions. In recent years, the study of PV energy for different applications has attracted more and more attention because solar energy is clean and renewable. We propose an efficient direct‐prediction method to enhance the utilization efficiency of thin film PV modules by tackling the problem of tracking time and overcoming the difficulty of calculation. The proposed method is based on the p–n junction recombination mechanism and can be applied to all kinds of PV modules. Its performance is not influenced by weather conditions such as illumination or temperature. The experimental results show that the proposed method provides high‐accuracy estimation of the maximum power point (MPP) for thin film PV modules with an average error of 1.68% and 1.65% under various irradiation intensities and temperatures, respectively. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method can simply and accurately estimate the MPP for thin film PV modules under various irradiation intensities and temperatures. In future, the proposed method will be used to shed light on the optimization of the MPP tracking control model in PV systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Six‐element circuit for maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic‐motor systems with variable‐frequency drives

A low‐cost circuit was developed for stable and efficient maximum power point (MPP) tracking in autonomous photovoltaic‐motor systems with variable‐frequency drives (VFDs). The circuit is made of two resistors, two capacitors, and two Zener diodes. Its input is the photovoltaic (PV) array voltage and its output feeds the proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller usually integrated into the drive. The steady‐state frequency–voltage oscillations induced by the circuit were treated in a simplified mathematical model, which was validated by widely characterizing a PV‐powered centrifugal pump. General procedures for circuit and controller tuning were recommended based on model equations. The tracking circuit presented here is widely applicable to PV‐motor system with VFDs, offering an efficient open‐access technology of unique simplicity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of one‐axis tracking strategies for PV systems in Europe

We present a method for estimating the energy output from one‐axis tracking non‐concentrating PV systems and compare the yields from different configurations. The method is based on the use of solar radiation and temperature databases and models for the performance of PV modules under given geographic conditions. In the resulting maps of energy yield for Europe it is found that there are two different one‐axis configurations that perform almost as well as a full two‐axis sun‐tracking system: one with a vertical axis and inclined modules, and the other with an inclined axis directed north–south and modules in the plane of the axis. When the inclination angles of the modules are optimized, these two configurations have an energy yield compared to an optimal fixed mounting that is approximately 30% higher in southern Europe, about 20–25% higher in central Europe, and up to 50% higher in northern Scandinavia. Compared to the two‐axis tracking, the yields are only 1–4% lower, making such one‐axis tracking systems very attractive in terms of performance relative to technical complexity and price. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tracking control of high‐concentration photovoltaic systems for minimizing power losses

This paper presents three key factors that cause system mismatches and power losses in high‐concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) systems. The first factor is the I–V mismatch within a module, similar to the manufacturing mismatches in conventional photovoltaic modules. The second factor is the misalignments amongst modules, and the third factor is the tracking control. Unlike in the conventional photovoltaic systems, the second and the third factors in HCPV systems introduce larger electro‐optical mismatches due to narrow acceptance angles. We have developed a model to address these three factors. It allows an accurate estimation of power losses in HCPV systems, which enabled us to propose configurations to reduce power losses without adding additional electrical components to the system. Simulation results show that the power harvest can be increased as much as 8.5% for a system using open‐loop controls by simply increasing the number of strings at the time of calibration. Experimental test results are presented for validation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hill climbing hysteresis of perovskite‐based solar cells: a maximum power point tracking investigation

The surge of the power conversion efficiency of metal halide lead perovskite solar cells comes with concerns, such as the long‐term ecotoxicity of lead compounds, their sensitivity toward moisture and oxygen, or the scarcity of some of their components. Most perovskite solar cells still suffer from serious stability problems when measured under real working conditions (maximum power point tracking at 60°C). In the long run, stability will certainly decide on the fate of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ and related lead perovskites for their use in photovoltaic modules. Herein, we show an effective and inexpensive strategy to perform ageing of perovskite solar cells under maximum power point tracking. For the first time, we analyze the issue of power extraction from solar cells exhibiting hysteresis. We show that a standard tracking algorithm such as perturb and observe fails to converge to the maximum power point of the solar cell if it exhibits j (V ) hysteresis, and we present an effective strategy to stabilize the algorithm. We show that enforcing oscillations in forward bias can boost the mean power output of some perovskite solar cells by more than 10%, in contrast to a reference crystalline silicon solar cell. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of potential solar electricity output from fixed‐inclined and two‐axis tracking photovoltaic modules in Europe

We present an approach to determine the potential energy gains of flat plate non‐concentrating photovoltaic systems for the case of two‐axis tracking and two inclination angles with fixed orientation (assuming biannual adjustment) compared to the configuration of single fixed optimum angle. The calculation is based on the Photovoltaic Geographic Information System (PVGIS), which integrates modelling tools with the pan‐European solar radiation database. The results indicate that in the case of a PV system with two seasonal inclination angles, the maximum yearly gains, compared to the single fixed optimum angle, do not exceed 60–70 kWh per kW_p in the Mediterranean region, while in the Baltic and North Sea regions this configuration gives less than 20 kWh extra. For the case of two‐axis tracking, the relative energy gain compared to single fixed optimum angle is highest in the Northern latitudes but the absolute gain is much higher in the South. Typical yearly gains in Portugal and the Mediterranean region are in the range of 400–600 kWh per kW_p. The smallest absolute increase is found in the Northwest and Central Europe including the British Isles, where it is lower than 250 kWh per kW_p. For crystalline silicon we also investigate the effects of temperature and shallow‐angle reflectivity on the comparison between fixed and tracking systems. While both effects reduce the overall energy output, the temperature degradation is stronger for tracking systems while the reflectivity reduces output more for fixed systems. The combined effect is almost equal for fixed and two‐axis tracking systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于双并联Boost电路的光伏系统最大功率点跟踪控制方法

光伏电池的输出功率取决于外界环境（温度和光照条件）和负载状况,需采用最大功率点跟踪（MPPT）电路,才能使光伏电池始终输出最大功率,从而充分发挥光伏器件的光电转换效能.在比较了常用光伏发电系统控制的优缺点后,依据MPPT控制算法的基本工作原理,主电路采用双并联Boost电路,具有电压提升功能,并且能够提高DC-DC环节的额定功率和减小直流母线电压的纹波.针对传统扰动观察法存在的振荡和误判问题,提出了一种新型的基于双并联Boost电路的改进扰动观察法最大功率跟踪策略.在Matlab/Simulink下进行了建模与仿真,仿真结果表明,当外界环境发生变化时,系统能快速准确跟踪此变化,避免算法误判现象的发生,通过改变当前的负载阻抗,使之与光伏电池的输出阻抗等值相匹配采满足最大功率输出的要求,使系统始终工作在最大功率点处,并且在最大功率点处具有很好的稳态性能.最后通过实验验证了该算法的有效性.     

R‐11‐based power control approach for overlaid femtocell networks

Short range, low power, plug‐and‐play femtocell has carved a niche for itself because of its potential for higher rate indoor voice and data service, coverage enhancement over cell edges, high network capacity, and negligible greenhouse gas emission. The frequency reuse phenomenon in two‐tier cellular network subjects the cell‐edge macrouser to severe downlink interference from co‐channel deployed femtocells in the same province. Downlink power control approach is a recommended remedy to overcome such type of interferences. This paper proposes release‐11‐based maximum downlink power control (R‐11‐based MDPC) approach to protect macrouser's service from co‐channel interference. The feedback strategy incorporated in this paper is formulated by R‐11 of 3rd Generation Partnership Program for Long Term Evolution standard. Implementation of new R‐11‐based feedback strategy between femto‐base station and macro‐base station with MDPC approach ensures instantaneous power control with minimal feedback delay, higher signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR), simple receiver module design, and better service availability. Simulation results of R‐11‐based MDPC approach clearly indicate reduced feedback delay, better power control with minimal interference, improved SINR, and negligible outage probability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种基于改进羊群算法的光伏系统最大功率跟踪策略

针对传统控制算法在局部遮蔽条件下无法持续准确地跟踪最大输出功率点,提出一种基于改进羊群算法的光伏系统最大功率跟踪策略.在羊群算法中引入扰动算子、反向种群和自适应放牧概率,以增强算法的局部开发能力,提高算法的寻优精度.均匀光照、局部遮蔽和变照度3种条件下的实验结果表明,改进羊群算法在不同环境条件下均能持续稳定地跟踪最大功率点,在收敛时间和收敛精度上均有较大优势,验证了该算法在最大功率点跟踪控制中的可行性.     

Anti‐reflection and hydrophobic characteristics of M‐PDMS based moth‐eye nano‐patterns on protection glass of photovoltaic systems

To maximize the incident light, moth‐eye nano‐patterns were formed on a glass plate that was used as the protection glass for photovoltaic systems. These moth‐eye nano‐patterns were formed using a nano‐imprint lithography process and increased the transmittance of the glass plate by minimizing the reflection of light at the surface. After the formation of the moth‐eye nano‐patterns, the surface was coated with a trichloro‐silane based self‐assembled monolayer in order to create a hydrophobic surface because the hydrophobic surface induced a self‐cleaning effect. The transmittance of the glass plate increased from 91 to 94% at wavelength of 500 nm after the moth‐eye structure was introduced. Thus, the short circuit current (J_SC) of the I–V characteristics and the charged capacity of the photovoltaic system increased up to 6% after replacing the conventional protection glass with the moth‐eye nano‐patterned glass. The durability of the moth‐eye nano‐patterns was evaluated with respect to an acidic environment, high temperatures and UV irradiation. From these evaluation results, the values of the transmittance and contact angle did not decrease after the nano‐patterns were soaked in sulfuric acid solutions with a pH of 2.0 for 48 h, exposed to a temperature of 120°C for 48 h, and irradiated 10 times with UV light for 4 h. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reflector materials for two‐dimensional low‐concentrating photovoltaic systems: the effect of specular versus diffuse reflectance on the module efficiency

Photovoltaic modules in two‐dimensional low‐concentrating systems with specular parabolic reflectors often experience high local irradiance that causes high local currents and cell temperatures. This generally results in power losses. The use of low‐angle scattering reflectors gives a smoother irradiance distribution, which results in a higher fill factor. In order to study how the choice of reflector material influences system performance, two different reflector materials (anodised aluminium and lacquered rolled aluminium laminated on a plastic substrate) were compared. The total and diffuse reflectance spectra of the reflector materials were measured, the integrated hemispherical and specular solar reflectance values calculated, and the angular distributions of scattered light investigated. Two geometrically identical 3× concentrating photovoltaic systems with semi‐parabolic over edge reflectors of the different materials were tested outdoors. While the anodised aluminium reflector, which had higher hemispherical and specular solar reflectance, resulted in a higher short‐circuit current, the low‐angle scattering lacquered foil gave a higher fill factor, due to a smoother image of the sun on the module surface, and an equally high calculated annual electricity production. Given its low price, the latter reflector should thus be more cost‐effective in low‐concentrating photovoltaic systems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel MAC protocol for IDMA‐based multi‐beam satellite communication systems

Considering the limitations of satellite communication systems and advantages of new emerging interleave‐division multiple access (IDMA) technology, IDMA is introduced into the satellite systems, providing a new solution for multiple access techniques of satellite systems. To further validate the IDMA into satellite systems, a novel medium access control (MAC) scheme is proposed. In the random access channel, the interleave‐division slotted ALOHA method is adopted to alleviate the collision of access requests. Furthermore, a novel minimum power allocation scheme based on signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) evolution is proposed to maximize the capacity of such an interference‐sensitive system. By virtue of SINR evolution, our proposed scheme can accurately estimate multi‐user detection efficiency with low computational cost and further reduce the transmitted power, illustrating the high power efficiency of IDMA. To further enhance the performance of the MAC protocol, an effective call admission control scheme considering the effect of power control error is designed and combined into our MAC protocol. Analysis and simulation results show that, by taking full advantage of the chip‐by‐chip multi‐user detection technique, the proposed IDMA MAC protocol achieves high throughput and low average packet delay simultaneously, with low onboard processing complexity in the multi‐beam satellite communication systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.