Analysis and enhancement of PV efficiency with incremental conductance MPPT technique under non-linear loading conditions

This paper presents experimental evaluations for variation in the efficiency of energy extracted from a photovoltaic (PV) module (under non-linear loading) incorporated with an incremental conductance(IC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The focus is on the evaluation of the PV panel under non-linear loading conditions using the experimental installation of a 100W_p photovoltaic array connected to a DC–DC converter and a KVA inverter feeding a non-linear load. Under the conditions of non-linear loading, both the simulation and experiment show that the MPPT technique fails to attain maximum power point due to the presence of ripples in the current leading eventually to a reduction in efficiency. In this paper, panel current is taken as a function of load impedance in the MPPT algorithm to eradicate power variation, as load impedance varies with supply voltage under non-linear conditions. The system is simulated for different non-linear loads using MATLAB-Simulink. A TMDSSOLAREXPKIT was used for MPPT control. In case 2, the inverter is connected to a single phase grid. When a voltage swell occurs in the grid, PV power drops. This power loss is reduced using the proposed MPPT method. The results of simulations and experimental measurements and cost efficiency calculations are presented.     

An analytical-numerical approach for parameter determination of a five-parameter single-diode model of photovoltaic cells and modules

Parameter extraction of the five-parameter single-diode model of solar cells and modules from experimental data is a challenging problem. These parameters are evaluated from a set of nonlinear equations that cannot be solved analytically. On the other hand, a numerical solution of such equations needs a suitable initial guess to converge to a solution. This paper presents a new set of approximate analytical solutions for the parameters of a five-parameter single-diode model of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The proposed solutions provide a good initial point which guarantees numerical analysis convergence. The proposed technique needs only a few data from the PV current-voltage characteristics, i.e. open circuit voltage V_oc, short circuit current I_sc and maximum power point current and voltage I_m; V_m making it a fast and low cost parameter determination technique. The accuracy of the presented theoretical I–V curves is verified by experimental data.     

A novel on-line MPP search algorithm for PV arrays

A novel maximum power point (MPP) search algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) array power systems is introduced. The proposed algorithm determines the maximum power point of a PV array for any temperature and solar irradiation level using an online procedure. The method needs only the online values of the PV array output voltage and current, which can be obtained easily by using just current and voltage transducers. The algorithm requires neither the measurement of temperature and solar irradiation level nor a PV array model that is mostly used in look-up table based algorithms. Satisfactory results were obtained with the proposed algorithm in a laboratory prototype implementation scheme consisting of a PV array computer emulation model, a chopper controlled permanent magnet DC motor, and a DT2827 data acquisition board with the ATLAB software drivers for interfacing     

A maximum power tracking algorithm based on Impp = f(Pmax) function for matching passive and active loads to a photovoltaic generator

In this paper, a method that forces a photovoltaic generator (PVG) to operate at its maximum power point under variable load and insolation conditions is developed. The method is based on closed loop current control, in which the reference current is determined from the fitted function of I_mpp versus P_max, points of a particular PVG. A simplified computer model of the PVG is given and computer simulations for demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm are presented. The method has also been applied using a PC with IO interface card in the laboratory. From the results of the simulations and experimental studies, it is concluded that the proposed approach can be used as a robust and fast acting maximum power point tracker.     

Secular degradation of crystalline photovoltaic modules

The performance of crystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules has been measured once a year in field exposure. Their maximum power output (P_max) decreases 4.8% for single-crystalline PV modules and 2.0% for the poly-crystalline case in comparison with their initial P_max at ex-work after five years' field exposure.This paper describes the secular degradation of crystalline PV modules.     

A study of a two stage maximum power point tracking control of a photovoltaic system under partially shaded insolation conditions

A photovoltaic (PV) array shows relatively low output power density, and has a greatly drooping current–voltage (I–V) characteristic. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control is used to maximize the output power of the PV array. Many papers have been reported in relation to MPPT. However, the current–power (I–P) curve sometimes shows multi-local maximum point mode under non-uniform insolation conditions. The operating point of the PV system tends to converge to a local maximum output point which is not the real maximal output point on the I–P curve. Some papers have been also reported, trying to avoid this difficulty. However, most of those control systems become rather complicated. Then, the two stage MPPT control method is proposed in this paper to realize a relatively simple control system which can track the real maximum power point even under non-uniform insolation conditions. The feasibility of this control concept is confirmed for steady insolation as well as for rapidly changing insolation by simulation study using software PSIM and LabVIEW.     

A better solar module performance obtained by employing an infrared water filter

In this work the authors report the results obtained from the characterization of a S_i photovoltaic module, which was protected with an infrared filter (water filter). The photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit current (I_sc), open circuit voltage (V_oc), maximum current (I_m), maximum voltage (V_m), fill factor, efficiency (η) and maximum power of the module were determined and compared with and without an infrared filter. A noticeable improvement in the photovoltaic parameters of the module was observed when a water filter was employed.     

On evaluating the effects of the incident angle on the energy harvesting performance and MPP estimation of PV modules

The incident angle is a critical factor impacting the performance of fixed photovoltaic (PV) modules. Off‐normal incidence leads to significant changes in the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and serious deterioration in the performance of fixed PV modules, resulting in difficulties in achieving optimal use of the available solar energy and retaining the maximum power output. To investigate this problem in depth, we develop a theoretical method based on the material properties and recombination mechanisms of the semiconductor, which can be used to directly evaluate the incident angle dependence of the energy harvesting performance and the maximum power point (MPP) estimation of PV modules composed of different materials from their I–V characteristic curves under irradiation. The proposed method is a simple approach with a low calculation burden. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by examining the characteristics of the open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current, MPP, and the maximum output power of PV modules constructed of different semiconductor materials with respect to the various incident angles. The results are discussed in detail. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method could be used to optimize the performance of fixed PV modules and realize MPP control of PV systems during practical operation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adaptive fuzzy control with an optimization by using genetic algorithms for grid connected a hybrid photovoltaic–hydrogen generation system

The integration of significant amounts of renewable-storage hybrid power generation systems to the electric grid poses a unique set of challenges to utilities and system operators. This article deals with the designing methodology of an intelligent control based grid-connected a hybrid system composed of renewable energy source (RES) and storage system (SS). RES is a photovoltaic (PV) source and SS is a process of hydrogen transformation system (H₂TS) which composed of alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) for decomposition water by using the PV power, a tank used for gas storage and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell (FC) to transform the H₂ to the electrical energy. The interconnection of the grid with the power generation system (PGS) is ensured through using a DC/AC hysteresis converter and it can synchronize current with the grid voltage among an independent control of active (P) and reactive (Q) power through a possibility of the Q compensation. In the proposed system, three algorithms are applied; two used inside generation and the third is used inside the grid. Perturb and observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control algorithm always finds optimal power in the PV generator. A simple cascade controls loop of DC-DC boost converter and operate the FC generator to ensure maximum power and to regulate the DC Bus voltage. In addition, adaptive fuzzy logic control (FLC) unit is developed to control the DC/AC inverter, with adopting an off-line optimization based on genetic algorithms (GAs) applauded for tune different issues as scaling factors of the FLC and PIDs gains of the PV and the H₂TS control loops. Simulated results prove a big success of the proposed controls of the grid connected the hybrid PV-H₂TS with good performance.     

Identification of PV solar cells and modules parameters using the genetic algorithms: Application to maximum power extraction

In this paper, we propose to perform a numerical technique based on genetic algorithms (GAs) to identify the electrical parameters (I_s, I_ph, R_s, R_sh, and n) of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules. These parameters were used to determine the corresponding maximum power point (MPP) from the illuminated current-voltage (I-V) characteristic. The one diode type approach is used to model the AM1.5 I-V characteristic of the solar cell. To extract electrical parameters, the approach is formulated as a non convex optimization problem. The GAs approach was used as a numerical technique in order to overcome problems involved in the local minima in the case of non convex optimization criteria. Compared to other methods, we find that the GAs is a very efficient technique to estimate the electrical parameters of PV solar cells and modules. Indeed, the race of the algorithm stopped after five generations in the case of PV solar cells and seven generations in the case of PV modules. The identified parameters are then used to extract the maximum power working points for both cell and module.     

光伏发电的最大功率跟踪算法研究

太阳能光伏阵列的输出特性受外界环境因素的影响,为了跟踪太阳能光伏阵列输出功率最大点,实现光伏阵列和负载的匹配,常在系统中加入最大功率跟踪器。准确跟踪太阳能光伏阵列的最大输出功率点依赖于有效的搜索算法。分析了传统的扰动观察法和增量电导法的特点,并提出了一种新的变步长寻优算法。通过验证表明,这种算法能够快速准确地跟踪最大功率点。     

Relevance vector-machine-based solar cell model

This paper proposes an advanced machine learning method, relevance vector machines (RVMs), to model photovoltaic (PV) cells with a few measured data, over a range of expected operating conditions. RVMs are established on a Bayesian formulation which results in usage of less number of relevance vectors leading to much more sparse representation than the support vector machine. The RVM model can be used to predict short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage and thereby maximum power point for any unknown temperature and irradiation. Coordinate translation technique is used to plot the nonlinear I–V characteristics of PV cells. The proposed method matches the measured data more accurately than the pure neural network model and the neuro-fuzzy model.     

A Novel Auto-Scaling MPPT Algorithm based on Perturb and Observe Method for Photovoltaic Modules under Partial Shading Conditions

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller is required in a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to deliver the maximum power to load from PV module. This paper proposes a novel stepped MPPT method to realize a simple MPPT controller, which can track the real maximum power point (RMPP) even under partial shading conditions. The proposed algorithm is started by scanning the characteristic curve of the PV modules to detect the global maximum power point and then the algorithm will be switched to the conventional P&O algorithm to track the true maximum power point. The obtained simulation results, using Power electronic simulation software (PSIM), are compared with those found using the P&O method to confirm the performance of our proposed MPPT method even under non-uniform solar irradiation.     

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.     

Enhanced heat dissipation of V-trough PV modules for better performance

A concentrator photovoltaic (PV) module, in which solar cells are integrated in V-troughs, is designed for better heat dissipation. All channels in the V-trough channels are made using thin single Al metal sheet to achieve better heat dissipation from the cells under concentration. Six PV module strips each containing single row of 6 mono-crystalline Si cells are fabricated and mounted in 6 V-trough channels to get concentrator V-trough PV module of 36 cells with maximum power point under standard test condition (STC) of 44.5 W. The V-trough walls are used for light concentration as well as heat dissipation from the cells which provides 4 times higher heat dissipation area than the case when V-trough walls are not used for cooling. The cell temperature in the V-trough module remains nearly same as that in a flat plate PV module, despite light concentration. The controlled temperature and increased current density in concentrator V-trough cells results in higher V_oc of the module.     

Optimization of a fuzzy logic controller for PV grid inverter control using S-function based PSO

This paper presents implementation of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm as a C-Mex S-function. The algorithm is used to optimize a 9-rule fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter. The FLC generates DC bus voltage reference for MPPT. A digital PI current control scheme in rotating dq-reference frame is used to regulate the DC bus voltage and reactive power. The proposed technique simplifies optimal controller design and ensures fast simulation speeds due to seamless integration with the simulation platform. Validity of the proposed method was verified using co-simulation in PSIM and MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show that the optimized FLC gives a better performance compared to fixed-step MPPT.     

A fast classification method of retired electric vehicle battery modules and their energy storage application in photovoltaic generation

The fading characteristics of 60 Ah decommissioned electric vehicle battery modules were assessed employing capacity calibration, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and voltage measurement of parallel bricks inside modules. The correlation between capacity and internal resistance or voltage was analyzed. Then, 10 consistent retired modules were packed and configured in a photovoltaic (PV) power station to verify the practicability of their photovoltaic energy storage application. The results show that the capacity attenuation of most retired modules is not severe in a pack while minor modules with state of health (SOH) less than 80% bring about the retirement of the whole pack as a result of the buckets effect. There is no obvious correlation between capacities of retired battery modules and their lithium-ion diffusion coefficients or charge transfer resistance or ohmic resistance, whose reliability is low as the consistency indexes of decommissioning battery modules. The maximum off load voltage difference ΔU_max at low state of charge (SOC) values has a good negative linear correlation with the capacity of retired modules, suggesting that the ΔU_max value at low SOC values can be considered as a characteristic index for fast classification of retired battery modules for large-scale second-life application. A PV power station equipped with retired battery energy storage system (RBESS) can maximize the photovoltaic self-utilization rate. It is an important way to reutilization of retired battery that RBESSs are configured with distributed PV power stations.     

Optimization of Solar Hydrogen Systems Based on Hydrogen Production Cost

Hydrogen is regarded as a potential future energy carrier. It can be produced by the electrolysis of water with the required power supplied by a photovoltaic module. The hydrogen in this study was produced using a hydrogen generator with a solid polymer electrolyte. The required power was supplied by a photovoltaic module rated at 3.4 V, 27.45 A. The experimental system was designed and constructed so that the photovoltaic module was directly coupled to the hydrogen generator. The system characteristics: quantity of hydrogen produced, current/voltage output characteristics of the PV module, PV module and H₂ generator temperatures were measured and analyzed. A method to design a solar hydrogen energy system, providing the most cost effective hydrogen generation, was developed. In this method, the design point is chosen based on the irradiance during system operation under rated capacity. The data supplied by the experimental system clearly showed the importance of considering the ratio of photovoltaic module cost to hydrogen generator cost when designing an optimum solar hydrogen system.     

多目标粒子群优化算法在光伏MPPT中的应用

为提高光伏电池的利用率,需要进行光伏阵列的最大功率点跟踪(MPPT),针对传统粒子群优化算法在多目标优化中的不足,提出了基于最小粒子角度的多目标粒子群优化算法,利用目标空间中不同粒子之间的角度进行粒子全局极值更新,通过比较粒子的浓度值给出粒子群及粒子个体极值更新方法,并在Matlab/Simulink下进行了建模与仿真。仿真结果显示,该算法在外界环境变化时能快速准确地跟踪太阳能电池的最大功率点,并能保证系统的稳定性。     

Photovoltaic field emulation including dynamic and partial shadow conditions

In this paper the development of a new laboratory prototype for the emulation of a photovoltaic (PV) field is presented. The proposed system is based on a DC/DC step-down converter topology and allows to obtain the solar array I–V curves, taking into account the environmental changes in solar irradiance and cell temperature. The DC/DC converter control strategy is deduced by using a comprehensive mathematical model of the PV field whose parameters are obtained from the knowledge of: (a) maximum power point data, measured when the PV plant power converter is running, (b) open circuit voltage and short-circuit current, measured off-line. This approach allows the most accurate representation of the PV source. Computer simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed circuit acts as a highly accurate and efficient laboratory simulator of the photovoltaic array electrical characteristics both in steady state and transient conditions. Partial shading and fluctuating conditions can be reproduced too. Moreover the dynamic behaviour of the proposed laboratory emulator is suitable to its effective connection to power electronic interface to the utility or to load through a DC/DC boost converter.