Simulation of a PV module at different set-up and operating conditions to give I-V and P-V curves

Abstract

Solar energy is among the source of energy that is reliable, available and non-harmful to the society. The output of solar photovoltaic system can be improved by means of solar tracking system either mechanically or electrically. The low conversion efficiency of PV modules, which is significantly impacted by operational conditions, is the primary constraint of PV systems. The financial risk of installing a system for maximum power output is increased by improper assessment of PV module at various configurations and operating conditions and the performance of solar modules strongly depends on the temperature of the solar modules. This present work investigates the effect of temperature on PV module using Scilab XcosTM simulation software at different setups and operating conditions to give I-V and P-V curves in order to evaluate its output performance. The results of the simulations show that the voltage across the PV module at open circuit and current produced at short circuit increased with increasing the solar irradiance harnessed by the solar module from 700W/m2 to 1000W/m2 at constant temperature of 25 oC thereby increasing the maximum output power of the PV module. The results also revealed that using standard test condition (STC) parameters at different operating conditions of PV module the increment of short circuit current is more significant as open circuit voltage than current produced at short circuit.