On the investigation of photovoltaic output power reduction due to dust accumulation and weather conditions

Certain environmental conditions such as accumulation of dust and change in weather conditions affect the amount of solar radiation received by photovoltaic (PV) panel surfaces and thus have a significant effect on panel efficiency. This study conducted an experimental investigation in Surabaya, Indonesia, on the effect of these factors on output PV power reduction from the surface of a PV module. The module was exposed to outside weather conditions and connected to a measurement system developed using a rule-based model to identify different environmental conditions. The rule-based model, a clear sky solar irradiance model that included solar position, and a PV temperature model were then used to estimate the PV output power, and tests were also conducted using an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller STM32F407 as a standalone digital controller equipped with voltage, current, temperature, and humidity sensors to measure real time PV output power. In this system, humidity was monitored to identify dusty, cloudy, and rainy conditions. Validated test results demonstrate that the prediction error of PV power output based on the model is 3.6% compared to field measurements under clean surface conditions. The effects of dust accumulation and weather conditions on PV panel power output were then analyzed after one to four weeks of exposure. Results revealed that two weeks of dust accumulation caused a PV power output reduction of 10.8% in an average relative humidity of 52.24%. Results of the experiment under rainy conditions revealed a decrease in PV output power of more than 40% in average relative humidity of 76.32%, and a decrease in output power during cloudy conditions of more than 45% in an average relative humidity of 60.45% was observed. This study reveals that local environmental conditions, i.e., dust, rain, and partial cloud, significantly reduce PV power output.     

An improved maximum power point tracker using a step-up converter with current locked loop

It is well known that for a given solar radiation intensity and solar cell temperature there exists a Maximum Power Point at which the power generated from the PV panel is at its maximum. A system designer is interested in optimal matching of the load to the PV generator so that the maximum power can be obtained during operating period. A Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) using a step up converter with a current locked loop is developed. Its performance is compared with the literature (the step down power converter using PWM technique), under different solar irradiance and ambient temperatures. It showed an improvement in the output power by 22.5% (average) over a wide range of solar irradiation in a day.     

Improvement in artificial neural network-based estimation of grid connected photovoltaic power output

This paper presents a method to improve the accuracy of artificial neural network (ANN)–based estimation of photovoltaic (PV) power output by introducing two more inputs, solar zenith angle and solar azimuth angle, in addition to the most widely used environmental information, plane-of-array irradiance and module temperature. Solar zenith angle and solar azimuth angle define the solar position in the sky; hence, the loss of modeling accuracy due to impacts of solar angle-of-incidence and solar spectrum is reduced or eliminated. The observed data from two sites where local climates are significantly different is used to train and test the proposed network. The good performance of the proposed network is verified by comparing with existing ANN model, algebraic model, and polynomial regression model which use environmental information only of plane-of-array irradiance and module temperature. Our results show that the proposed ANN model greatly improves the accuracy of estimation in the long term under various weather conditions. It is also demonstrated that the improvement in estimating outdoor PV power output by adding solar zenith angle and azimuth angle as inputs is useful for other data-driven methods like support vector machine regression and Gaussian process regression.     

A parametric study of a photovoltaic panel with cylindrical fins under still and moving air conditions in Iraq

Photovoltaic (PV) panel temperature plays a vital role in the performance of PV panels. When PV temperature increases, the electrical power and efficiency decrease. In the present study, a simple simulated model is derived and implemented for a 70‐W finned PV panel and the results are compared with those for a reference (unfinned) PV panel. The effect of various parameters including fin diameter, fin height, ambient temperature, fin coverage‐to‐area ratio, and solar irradiance level on PV performance are examined. It is concluded that more electrical power is generated under moving air than under still air conditions as solar irradiance increases. The optimum values for fin diameter, fin height, and fin coverage‐to‐area ratio are 0.005 m, 0.25 m, and 50%, respectively. The maximum simulated power difference between the finned and unfinned PV panels is 5 W under realistic weather conditions. The amount of power generated during the summer season would be about 3.32 kW·h greater than that by the reference PV panel over the same period. The root square percent deviation values between the results of the proposed model and previously published experimental data for panel temperature, electrical power, and electrical efficiency are 3.36%, 5.26%, and 5.48%, respectively.     

Calculation of the polycrystalline PV module temperature using a simple method of energy balance

The performance of a photovoltaic module is studied versus environmental variables such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature and wind speed. Two types of simplified models are studied in this paper: a PV module temperature model and a PV module electrical efficiency model. These models have been validated utilizing experimental data from two experiments: a 850 Wp grid connected photovoltaic system and a p-Si module with eight temperature sensors integrated into the module. Both models have been coupled to determine the PV array output power versus the three meteorological parameters. This simple model using a simple energy balance and neglecting the radiation effects is in good agreement with the experimental data.     

抛物面聚光太阳能PV/T系统的热电性能分析

建立了带有散热翅片的聚光太阳能PV/T热电联产系统内部传热过程的一维稳态数学模型,对传热过程进行了数值模拟,分析了空气质量流速、入射光强度、聚光比、环境温度、上部通道高度及翅片参数对系统的空气温度、电池板温度及系统热、电效率的影响.结果表明:随着入射光强、聚光比的增加,空气出口温度和电池板温度都会增加,系统热电总效率增加;通过增空气流量可以有效降低电池温度,提高电池的光电转换效率和系统的总能量利用效率;吸热板背面的翅片可以强化通道内空气的传热过程,降低电池板的温度,系统效率可增加约2%;在相同的光照条件下,人口空气温度越低,上部通道越窄,系统热效率越高.研究结果为聚光太阳能PV/T热电联产系统的设计和运行提供了理论依据.     

Thermal management of solar photovoltaics modules for enhanced power generation

Industry and government interest in solar energy has increased in recent years in the Middle East. However, despite high levels of solar irradiance in the Arabian Gulf, harsh climatic conditions adversely affect the electrical performance of solar photovoltaics (PV). The objective of this study is to compare the annual performance characteristics of solar PV modules that utilize either sun-tracking or water cooling to increase electrical power generation relative to that of stationary, passively cooled modules in the Middle East climatic conditions. This is achieved using an electro-thermal model developed and validated against experimental data acquired in this study. The model is used to predict the annual electrical power output of a 140 W PV module in Abu Dhabi (24.43°N, 54.45°E) under four operating conditions: (i) stationary geographical south facing orientation with passive air cooling, (ii) sun-tracked orientation with passive air cooling, (iii) stationary geographical south facing orientation with water cooling at ambient air temperature, and (iv) stationary geographical south facing orientation with water refrigerated at either 10 °C or 20 °C below ambient air temperature. For water cooled modules, annual electrical power output increases by 22% for water at ambient air temperature, and by 28% and 31% for water refrigerated at 10 °C and 20 °C below ambient air temperature, respectively. 80% of the annual output enhancement obtained using water cooling occurs between the months of May and October. Finally, whereas the annual yield enhancement obtained with water cooling at ambient air temperature from May to October is of 18% relative to stationary passive cooling conditions, sun-tracking over the complete year produces an enhancement of only 15% relative to stationary passive cooling conditions.     

考虑多变量因素影响的光伏PEM制氢系统建模与分析

针对复杂工况对光伏制氢系统性能产生不确定性的影响,提出考虑多变量因素影响的光伏制氢系统模型,探索辐照度、温度、膜厚、压力等因素对光伏质子交换膜（PEM）制氢系统的影响。系统首先建立考虑辐照度、温度、膜厚、压力等因素影响的光伏-质子交换膜电解槽-氢储罐的光伏制氢模型,之后对系统进行定量计算和定性分析,并依据实际光伏数据进行实验验证。结果表明,在额定功率范围内,太阳电池输出电流和功率随辐照度的增加而增大,随温度的升高而降低。质子交换膜电解槽电压随辐照度、膜厚、压力的增加而增大,随温度的升高而减小。太阳电池输出功率、质子交换膜电解槽电压的变化趋势与辐照度变化趋势具有一致性。最终计算得到太阳电池系统、质子交换膜电解槽系统和总系统效率分别为16.8%、72.2%和12.1%。     

Solar cells efficiency variations with varying atmospheric conditions

The resuls of model simulations and analyses of operating solar cell efficiencies are reported. Defined as the ratio (%) between the electrical output power of the device and the total incident radiant power, this efficiency is somewhat ambiguous as it ignores the effects of temperature, total irradiance, and the spectral distribution of the light source. Since the total intensity and spectral distribution of sunlight varies with atmospheric conditions such as cloudiness, total column ozone, turbidity, and precipitable water, the efficiency of a cell operating in a field installation may also be a function of the above factors. This paper examines variation of modeled and observed cell efficiencies with atmospheric variations. Variations in turbidity and water vapor content drive the SPCTRAL2 solar spectral radiation model of Bird and Riordan (1986). Model output, coupled with prescribed spectral response functions representing monocrystalline and amorphous solar cells, is used to model the efficiency of these cell types. The modeled efficiency rises with increasing humidity, especially for the simulated amorphous cell. Simulated efficiency decreases with increasing turbidity for both modeled cell types. The amount of increase or decrease dependents on the spectral response specified. The measured performance of different solar cells operating at the PVUSA site in Davis, California is also analyzed. The major factors found to cause variations in operational efficiency are ambient temperature and total irradiance intensity. The authors also observed increases of the apparent efficiency of amorphous cells with decreasing energy in the red portion of the solar spectrum which are consistent with model predictions.     

非晶硅与晶硅太阳电池在太阳能光伏发电应用中热性能的研究

对在北京地区屋面上固定角度安装(目前光伏发电应用中最常见的安装形式)的非晶硅和多晶硅太阳电池组件进行了近二年的数据采集,纪录了北京地区温度数据和太阳电池阵列的实际发电量,分析了它们各自的特点,为用户更为关心的户外使用情况提供了参考依据;认为如果仅从温度特性考虑,是否采用非晶硅替代晶体硅电池在不同地区应有不同考虑,如果再考虑到人们普遍认为的非晶硅电池没有解决的稳定性问题,表面玻璃的非钢化、效率低等其它问题,非晶硅的使用应慎重,不应盲从.同时在使用中不论何种电池都不应忽视组件的通风问题.     

Influence of photovoltaic generation model and time resolution on the reliability evaluation of distribution systems

This paper aims to investigate the influence of photovoltaic (PV) generation on reliability evaluation of distribution systems. Two PV generation models are used to predict the output power injected into the grid, taking into account the main relevant environmental variables, the irradiance and ambient temperature. Issues that directly affect the output power, such as the spatial smoothing effect due to the plant size and the influence of the irradiance and temperature measurement interval are taken into consideration. Using measurement time series of irradiance and local temperature, the models are used to generate power series in 4‐minute and hourly resolutions. The generated power series are used in a reliability assessment model, with the objective of evaluating the impact of solar resource variability on the reliability indices of the system. Case studies on the IEEE RBTS‐Bus 2 and on the real distribution system of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil are presented and discussed, for power plants of different capacities, considering the effect of the PV generation models, the temporal resolution of the time series and the spatial smoothing of the power output fluctuations. The results show that the power time series in hourly resolution significantly underestimates the frequency of interruptions. For the real system, this index is underestimated at the system level (up to 43%) and at the load points (up to 72%). On the other hand, for the interruption duration index, the temporal aggregation results in a small underestimation (just 4%). The results also indicates that the smoothing effect is irrelevant for typical PV system sizes of distribution systems with discretization equal to or above 4 minutes.     

A power-rating model for crystalline silicon PV modules

A model for the performance of generic crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules is proposed. The model represents the output power of the module as a function of module temperature and in-plane irradiance, with a number of coefficients to be determined by fitting to measured performance data from indoor or outdoor measurements. The model has been validated using data from 3 different modules characterized through extensive measurements in outdoor conditions over several seasons. The model was then applied to indoor measurement data for 18 different PV modules to investigate the variability in modeled output from different module types. It was found that for a Central European climate the modeled output of the 18 modules varies with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.22%, but that the between-module variation is higher at low irradiance (SD of 3.8%). The variability between modules of different types is thus smaller than the uncertainty normally found in the total solar irradiation per year for a given site. We conclude that the model can therefore be used for generalized estimates of PV performance with only a relatively small impact on the overall uncertainty of such estimates resulting from different module types.     

蓄冷降温式太阳电池组件的实验研究

根据太阳电池温度特性,研究通过工程热物理途径来提高太阳电池光电转换效率的方法,开发出新型蓄冷降温式太阳电池组件,利用夜间大气自然冷量吸收太阳电池热量,降低其工作温度。室外试验于07年10月～08年11月在广州地区进行,测试分析了该组件及对照组平板式太阳电池组件的温度—电能输出及转换效率特性。结果表明:与平板式组件相比,蓄冷降温式太阳电池组件工作温度大大降低,效率相应提高。蓄冷降温式组件最大温降达26.5℃,瞬时电能输出相对提高18%,全天电能输出增长14%以上。     

Output variation of photovoltaic modules with environmental factors — II: seasonal variation

This study investigated how seasonal changes in cell temperature and spectral solar radiation effect the seasonal variation in photovoltaic (PV) module conversion efficieny for CdS–CdTe and two-layer tandem-amorphous silicon (for simplicity referred to as CdS and 2L A Si, respectively). First, using the measured data, the ratio of the spectral solar radiation available for solar cell utilization to the global solar radiation (denoted hereafter as “available spectral ratio”), the mean cell temperature, and the conversion efficiency for each month were obtained, and seasonal variations were analyzed. Mean cell temperature and available spectral ratio seasonal changes were found to be 9% for CdS and 16% for 2L A Si.The CdS conversion efficiency increased during summer by 7%, whereas 2L A Si exhibited a more substantial 14% variation. During summer, although the spectral ratio available to CdS increases, the conversion efficiency does not increase by the same amount, because of an increase in cell temperature. Similarly, although 2L A Si, experienced a much greater increase in available spectral ratio and had a better overall performance, there was still only a 2% variation, because of the cell temperature increases.If the basic characteristics of solar cell output for various types are compared with the variation in environmental factors, such as irradiance, cell temperature and spectral solar radiation, it is possible to calculate the precise output of a solar cell. Accordingly, it is possible to evaluate the seasonal variation in conversion efficiency for each solar cell type and utilize this information to optimize the PV power system.     

Outdoor testing of single crystal silicon solar cells

The evaluation and assessment of the performance of photovoltaic (PV) cells requires the measurement of the current as a function of voltage, temperature, intensity, wind speed and radiation spectrum. Most noticeable of these parameters is the PV conversion efficiency η (defined as the maximum electrical power P_max produced by the PV cell divided by the incident photon power P_in) which is measured with respect to standard test conditions (STC). These conditions refer to the solar spectrum , solar radiation intensity , cell temperature and wind speed (2 mph). Tests under STC are carried out in laboratory-controlled environment.With an increase of ambient temperature, there is a deficiency in the electrical energy that the solar cell can supply. This situation is especially important in hot climates. Outdoor exposure tests of solar cells have been conducted in the Department of Physics, University of Brunei Darussalam. Preliminary results demonstrate that the efficiency of the single crystal silicon solar cell strongly depends on its operating temperature. It has been noted that at the operating temperature of 64 °C, there was a decrease of 69% in the efficiency of the solar cell compared with that measured at STC. Investigation of the effect of variation in intensities of sunlight on the solar cell performance showed that the efficiency of the cell is reduced as intensities of sunlight are reduced but at a rate different from the reduction in intensities.     

Integrating photovoltaic and power converter characteristics for energy extraction study of solar PV systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the world’s renewable energy. A grid-connected solar PV system consists of solar cells for energy extraction from the sun and power converters for grid interface. In order for effective integration of the solar PV systems with the electric power grid, this paper presents solar PV energy extraction and conversion study by combining the two characteristics together to examine various factors that may affect the design of solar PV systems. The energy extraction characteristics of solar PV cells are examined by considering several practical issues such as series and parallel connections, change of temperatures and irradiance levels, shading of sunlight, and bypassing and blocking diodes. The electrical characteristics of power converters are studied by considering physical system constraints such as rated current and converter linear modulation limits. Then, the two characteristics are analyzed in a joint environment. An open-loop transient simulation using SimPowerSystem is developed to validate the effectiveness of the characteristic study and to further inspect the solar PV system behavior in a transient environment. Extensive simulation study is conducted to investigate performance of solar PV arrays under different conditions.     

A new integrated single‐diode solar cell model for photovoltaic power prediction with experimental validation under real outdoor conditions

The output power prediction by a photovoltaic (PV) system is an important research area for which different techniques have been used. Solar cell modeling is one of the most used methods for power prediction, the accuracy of which strongly depends on the selection of cell parameters. In this study, a new integrated single‐diode solar cell model based on three, four, and five solar cell parameters is developed for the prediction of PV power generation. The experimental validation of the predicted results is done under outdoor climatic conditions for an Indian location. The predicted power by three models is found close to measured values within 4.29% to 4.76% accuracy range. The comparative power estimation analysis by these models shows that the three‐parameter model gives higher accuracy for low solar irradiance values <150 W/m², the four‐parameter model in the range of 150 to 500 W/m², and the five‐parameter model for >500 W/m². The present model is also compared with other models in literature and is found to be more accurate with less percentage error. The overall results also show that the power produced depends on temperature and solar radiation levels at a particular location. Thus, single solar cell model developed can be used with sufficient accuracy for power forecast of PV systems for any location worldwide. The follow‐up research areas are also identified.     

A new method for estimating the longevity and degradation of photovoltaic systems considering weather states

The power output of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is affected by solar radiation and ambient temperature. The commonly used evaluation techniques usually overlook the four weather states which are clear, cloudy, foggy, and rainy. In this paper, an ovel analytical model of the four weather conditions based on the Markov chain is proposed. The Markov method is well suited to estimate the reliability and availability of systems based on a continuous stochastic process. The proposed method is generic enough to be applied to reliability evaluation of PV systems and even other applications. Further aspects investigated include the new degradation model for reliability predication of PV modules. The results indicate that the PV module degradation over years, failures, and solar radiation must be considered in choosing an efficient PV system with an optimal design to achieve the maximum benefit of the PV system. For each aspect, a method is proposed, and the complete focusing methodology is expounded and validated using simulated point targets. The results also demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method for effective modeling of the chronological aspects and stochastic characteristics of solar cells as well as the optimal configuration and sizing of large PV plants in terms of cost and reliability.     

Concentrating solar module with horizontal reflectors

A non-sun-tracking concentrating solar module is described that is designed to achieve photovoltaic (PV) systems with higher generation power density. The proposed concentrating module consists of a solar panel having a higher tilt angle than that of a conventional one and with a solar reflector placed in front of the solar panel on a downward inclination angle towards the panel. As a result of this configuration, the solar panel receives reflected as well as direct sunlight so that maximum irradiance and short-circuit current were increased. This configuration is expected to reduce the area required for solar panels, resulting in lower cost PV system.     

Enhancement of grid-connected photovoltaic system using ANFIS-GA under different circumstances

In recent years, many different techniques are applied in order to draw maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) modules for changing solar irradiance and temperature conditions. Generally, the output power generation of the PV system depends on the intermittent solar insolation, cell temperature, efficiency of the PV panel and its output voltage level. Consequently, it is essential to track the generated power of the PV system and utilize the collected solar energy optimally. The aim of this paper is to simulate and control a grid-connected PV source by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA) controller. The data are optimized by GA and then, these optimum values are used in network training. The simulation results indicate that the ANFIS-GA controller can meet the need of load easily with less fluctuation around the maximum power point (MPP) and can increase the convergence speed to achieve the MPP rather than the conventional method. Moreover, to control both line voltage and current, a grid side P/Q controller has been applied. A dynamic modeling, control and simulation study of the PV system is performed with the Matlab/Simulink program.