Photovoltaic System Applications Research Articles

Bibliometric Analysis of Publications on the Synthesis of Graphene and Reduced Graphene Oxide in the Scopus Research Platform

Objective: Conduct a bibliometric analysis of articles on the synthesis of graphene and graphene oxide, as well as their applications, from the documents in the last fourteen years. Method: The bibliometric analysis used data from the Scopus database to visualize the main keywords, countries, and journals, addressing the theme of graphene synthesis and its applications over the past 14 years, from 2010 to 2024. Results and Discussion: Using the Bibliometrix software combined with R programming, 1,485 documents published in English were analyzed, which includes articles in review and in their final version. The results demonstrated that despite being a widely explored theme in the scientific community, there is still a growing global relevance. Research Implications: The analysis provided significant data on the development and key trends in academic research. The study revealed a great interest in obtaining reduced graphene oxide and its application in solar cells, as well as the efficiency they produce. Originality/Value: The study aimed to contribute to academic research by demonstrating and analyzing the main trends in graphene synthesis and its applications. Demonstrating its relevance in recent years and the growth in applications in photovoltaic systems.

FUZZY LOGIC-BASED POWER MANAGEMENT IN GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

With the ever-increasing application of photovoltaic systems on the power grid, energy flow management and grid stability have become a key factor, especially under varying conditions like variable cloud cover and fluctuating load demands. The paper looks forward to proposing a fuzzy logic approach to the management of energy regarding a solar energy system connected to a grid, aiming at obtaining an optimised power distribution among PV generation, the grid, and battery storage. The proposed system will be driven by five input parameters, PV value, grid availability, load demand, battery state of charge, and tariff rate, to regulate the energy flow activity within different scenarios. The simulation results developed in the MATLAB Simulink environment proved the effectiveness of the applied controller in maintaining energy stability and fulfilling the requirements of a load within seven case studies for a 24-hour duration. The work points out the potential of fuzzy logic, besides reliability, in enhancing the efficiency of various renewable energy systems integrated with conventional energy supply grids.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0799/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Wind-induced response and control criterion of the double-layer cable support photovoltaic module system

The cable support photovoltaic module system has obvious characteristics of wind-induced vibration. In order to study the wind-induced vibration response characteristics and mechanism of the double-cable support photovoltaic module systems, and further discuss the stiffness control criterion. The wind-induced vibration response of a new type of cable-truss support photovoltaic module system with a span of 35m is studied through the aeroelastic wind tunnel test. Firstly, the scaled aeroelastic test model was established to meet the aeroelastic test requirements. Then, the effects of wind direction, PV module inclination angle, and stability cable initial prestress on the wind-induced vibration response characteristics under uniform flow and turbulent field are studied. Finally, the wind-induced vibration response mechanism and stiffness control criterion are discussed. The results show that the increase of inclination angle will lead to a decrease in critical wind speed, the 0° wind direction is the most unfavorable, and the increase of initial prestress can increase the critical wind speed but is inefficient. The critical wind speed under the turbulent flow field is about 30% higher than that of the uniform flow field. The instability vibration is the result of multi-mode coupled vibration of vertical bending and torsion. It is suggested that the stiffness control criterion is more appropriate as 1/100. The research results are of great significance for the design and application of the cable support photovoltaic module system.

Diatom biosilica modified with Ce-Tb mixed oxide twinning nanoparticles and with polyphases quasi-crystalline Tb oxide nanoparticles

In this study, we developed a novel composite material by combining natural diatom biosilica with Ce-Tb mixed oxide and polyphase quasi-crystalline Tb oxide nanoparticles. Diatom biosilica, characterised by its highly ordered three-dimensional structure and excellent thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, serves as an ideal matrix for the synthesis of advanced functional materials. The composites were extensively characterised using techniques such as SEM, TEM, TGA, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and PL spectroscopy. The results indicate significant UV absorption (250–400 nm), strong visible photoluminescence (300–500 nm), and notable anti-Stokes emission (∼420 nm) under 800 nm excitation. Additionally, the composites exhibit remarkable thermal stability and hydrophobicity, making them promising candidates for applications in optoelectronic devices, photovoltaic systems, and high-resolution display technologies.

Reduced switch single source multilevel inverter topology for renewable photovoltaic system applications

Reduced switch single source multilevel inverter topology for renewable photovoltaic system applications

A Review of Factors Affecting the Efficiency and Output of PV Systems Applied in the Tropical Climate of South-South Nigeria

The increasing adoption of renewable energy for electricity generation has led to a growing application of photovoltaic (PV) systems in residential and commercial settings across Nigeria. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the factors affecting the efficiency and output of PV systems applied in the tropical climate of South-South Nigeria. The environmental benefits of PV systems further enhance their appeal as a direct method of converting solar energy into electricity. For remote communities in South-South Nigeria, often disconnected from the national grid, PV systems offer a viable alternative electricity source. However, the efficiency and output of PV systems are significantly influenced by various environmental conditions prevalent in the tropical climate of South-South Nigeria. The methodology employed in this study includes an extensive literature review and analysis of PV system installations in the region. Data was collected from various sources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, and reports, to identify the key factors impacting PV system performance in South-South Nigeria. The findings highlight that high temperatures, humidity levels, frequent dust accumulation, and potential sea salt effects due to coastal proximity are among the critical environmental factors affecting PV system efficiency in this tropical zone. The study concludes that while the region's climate provides advantages for solar energy harvesting, it also presents unique challenges that need to be addressed when implementing PV systems in South-South Nigeria. The authors recommend strategies to mitigate the environmental challenges faced by PV systems in this tropical climate, contributing to the optimization of solar energy utilization in the region.

Prediction of power generation and maintenance using AOC‐ResNet50 network

AbstractWith the continuous expansion of the photovoltaic industry, the application of solar photovoltaic power generation systems is becoming increasingly widespread. Due to the obvious intermittency and volatility of photovoltaic power generation, integration of large‐scale photovoltaic power generation into the power grid can cause certain impacts on the security and stability of the grid. Photovoltaic power prediction is essential to solve this problem, as it can improve the quality of photovoltaic grid connection, optimize grid scheduling, and ensure the safe operation of the grid. In this article, the deep learning method is selected for photovoltaic power prediction. Based on the analysis of the OctConv (Octave Convolution) network structure, the AOctConv (Attention Octave Convolution) convolutional neural network structure is proposed, which is combined with the ResNet50 backbone network to obtain AOC‐ResNet50. It is then applied to the prediction of the generation of photovoltaic power. The prediction performance is compared with the ResNet50 network and the Oct‐ResNet50 network, and it is found that the AOC‐ResNet50 network has the best prediction performance, with an MAE of only 0.176888. Based on the exemplar work, a framework is proposed to illustrate this method. Its general application is discussed.

Hydrogen and fluorine substituted graphyne and graphdiyne sheets: Exploration of electronic and optical properties using density functional theory

This study delves into the geometrical structure, electronic characteristics, and optical properties of hydrogen (H) and fluorine (F) substituted graphyne (GY) and graphdiyne (GDY) sheets using density functional theory (DFT). The investigated sheets are denoted as R-GY and R-GDY, where R represents either H or F. Our results reveal the energetic stability of these sheets through cohesive energy calculations and confirm their thermal stability via ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. It is found that R-GY and R-GDY sheets are semiconductors. The optical characteristics of H-substituted sheets closely resemble those of F-substituted ones. The findings showcase the strong light-absorbing capabilities of R-GY and R-GDY sheets in the visible and ultraviolet regions, making them favorable materials for applications in photovoltaic systems and ultraviolet absorbers. The reflection and transmission coefficients indicate the high transparency of the sheets for light. Our findings could enhance the understanding of the electronic and optical properties of R-GY and R-GDY, potentially inspiring researchers to develop optoelectronic devices utilizing these materials.

Low-Cost Platform Implementation of Discrete Controllers for DC-DC Boost Converter

In recent years, various solutions have been developed to control power electronic converters using devices available on the market that are powerful and easy to use. These solutions, in most cases, offer high performance. However, these have high implementation costs because the required devices are expensive. For this reason, this document presents the implementation of two discrete-time controllers widely used in the literature for a boost converter implemented on a low-cost platform. The objective is to obtain a constant voltage at the converter’s output for photovoltaic system applications. The proportional-integral control is implemented as the first case, and the second case is a sliding mode control. In addition, a prior analysis is presented through simulation. Both control algorithms are implemented on the TMS320F28379D microcontroller from Texas Instruments through the same manufacturer’s integrated development software based on an optimized C/C++ language compiler. The results of the non-linear algorithm reveal better performance in reducing the time response, the overshoot of the transient state, and the steady-state error. Finally, the significant economic savings associated with the implementation costs of the controllers tested on a low-cost platform differentiate this work from other similar ones.

State Space Average Modeling, Small Signal Analysis, and Control Implementation of an Efficient Single-Switch High-Gain Multicell Boost DC-DC Converter with Low Voltage Stress

This paper presents the closed-loop control of a single-switch high-gain multicell boost DC-DC converter working in a continuous conduction mode (CCM). This converter is particularly designed for applications in photovoltaic systems. One of the main advantages of the proposed converter is that it only employs one active semiconductor switch, which decreases the converter losses and cost, increases the efficiency, and simplifies the control circuit. Moreover, the multicell nature of the proposed converter offers the possibility of obtaining the required voltage gain by selecting the number of cells. State space average (SSA) modeling and small-signal analysis are used to model the switching converter power stages of the proposed converter. The parasitic series resistances of the passive elements of the converter circuit are considered to improve the accuracy of the modeling. Small-signal analysis is used to derive the open-loop transfer functions, input-to-output and control-to-output transfer functions of the proposed converter to examine its dynamic performance. The stability of the converter is analyzed to design the parameters of the voltage controller using the proposed modeling method. The experimental prototype of the proposed single-switch two-cell boost DC-DC converter was implemented. The simulation and experimental results proved the effectiveness of the proposed boost DC-DC converter under different working conditions. It has a fast dynamic response without overshoots. A comprehensive comparison between the proposed converter and previous boost converters is provided. It guarantees a required variable and constant high voltage gain with a wider duty ratio range. It compromises between the required performance, the low number of components, low voltage stress on the components, and cost-effectiveness. The experimental efficiency of the proposed converter is about 96% at a 100 W load.

A comprehensive survey of the application of swarm intelligent optimization algorithm in photovoltaic energy storage systems

With the rapid development of renewable energy, photovoltaic energy storage systems (PV-ESS) play an important role in improving energy efficiency, ensuring grid stability and promoting energy transition. As an important part of the micro-grid system, the energy storage system can realize the stable operation of the micro-grid system through the design optimization and scheduling optimization of the photovoltaic energy storage system. The structure and characteristics of photovoltaic energy storage system are summarized. From the perspective of photovoltaic energy storage system, the optimization objectives and constraints are discussed, and the current main optimization algorithms for energy storage systems are compared and evaluated. The challenges and future development of energy storage systems are briefly described, and the research results of energy storage system optimization methods are summarized. This paper summarizes the application of swarm intelligence optimization algorithm in photovoltaic energy storage systems, including algorithm principles, optimization goals, practical application cases, challenges and future development directions, providing new ideas for better promotion and application of new energy photovoltaic energy storage systems and valuable reference.

A review on digital twin application in photovoltaic energy systems: challenges and opportunities

A review on digital twin application in photovoltaic energy systems: challenges and opportunities

Symmetrical Multilevel High Voltage-Gain Boost Converter Control Strategy for Photovoltaic Systems Applications

This paper proposes a Symmetric High Voltage-Gain (SHVG) boost converter control for photovoltaic system applications. The concept is based on a multilevel boost converter configuration, which presents an advantage compared to a classic boost converter such as the ability to transfer a high amount of power with less stress on the power electronics components in the high voltage-gain conditions. This advantage allows the power losses in the converter to be reduced. A mathematical-based voltage model of the PV system using variable series resistance depending on solar irradiance and the temperature is proposed. This model is connected to an SHVG boost converter to supply the load’s power. A control strategy of the DC-bus voltage with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) from the PV system using PI controllers is developed. The contributions of the paper are focused on the SHVG operating analysis with the passive components’ sizing, and the DC-bus voltage control with maximum power point tracking of the PV systems in dynamic operating conditions. The performances of the proposed control are evaluated through simulations, where the results are interesting for high-power photovoltaic applications.

Influence of Sputtering Power on the Properties of Magnetron Sputtered Tin Selenide Films.

The ecofriendly tin selenide (SnSe) is expected to find multiple applications in optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and thermoelectric systems. This work is focused on the thermoelectric properties of thin films. SnSe single crystals exhibit excellent thermoelectric properties, but it is not so in the case of polycrystalline bulk materials. The investigations were motivated by the fact that nanostructuring may lead to an improvement in thermoelectric efficiency, which is evaluated through a dimensionless figure of merit, ZT = S2 σ T/λ, where S is the Seebeck coefficient (V/K), σ is the electrical conductivity (S/m), λ is the thermal conductivity (W/mK), and T is the absolute temperature (K). The main objective of this work was to obtain SnSe films via magnetron sputtering of a single target. Instead of common radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with a high voltage alternating current (AC) power source, a modified direct current (DC) power supply was employed. This technique in the classical version is not suitable for sputtering targets with relatively low thermal and electrical conductivity, such as SnSe. The proposed solution enabled stable sputtering of this target without detrimental cracking and arcing and resulted in high-quality polycrystalline SnSe films with unprecedented high values of ZT equal to 0.5 at a relatively low temperature of 530 K. All parameters included in ZT were measured in one setup, i.e., Linseis Thin Film Analyzer (TFA). The SnSe films were deposited at sputtering powers of 120, 140, and 170 W. They had the same orthorhombic structure, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), but the thickness and microstructure examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were dependent on the sputtering power. It was demonstrated that thermoelectric efficiency improved with increasing sputtering power and stable values were attained after two heating-cooling cycles. This research additionally provides further insights into the DC sputtering process and opens up new possibilities for magnetron sputtering technology.

Simulation and experimental study of grid-connected photovoltaic power plants in a hot desert climate with fixed and dual-axis tracking

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the performance of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plants situated in a hot desert climate. The study employs a combination of simulation models and experimental data to assess the impact of two tracking systems – fixed and dual-axis – on the overall efficiency and energy yield of the PV installations. Through detailed simulations, we analyze the dynamic behavior of the PV systems under varying solar irradiance and the atmospheric conditions typical of hot desert environments. The dual-axis tracking system is compared against the conventional fixed-mount system to evaluate its effectiveness in maximizing energy production and improving the overall efficiency of the PV power plants. Experimental data collected from an actual grid-connected PV facility in a hot desert region is incorporated to validate the simulation results and enhance the accuracy of the study. The observed performance metrics include energy output, system reliability, and the impact of environmental factors on long-term sustainability. In general, in all weather conditions, solar tracking provides better yields than a fixed solar module, generating about 32% and 12% more energy in sunny and overcast weather conditions, respectively. Under sunny weather, the two-axis sun tracking system and a fixed tilt angle produce 333.228 kWh and 247.56 kWh of energy, respectively. The energy yield generated on a partly cloudy day by a two-axis sun tracking system and a fixed tilt angle PV system is 281.496 kWh and 257.856 kWh, respectively. In addition, the highest electricity gain for two-axis solar trackers versus fixed PV plants was found to be 34.6%, and the lowest value was found to be 9.16%. The experimental analysis shows that the efficiency of the polycrystalline PV module is 12% and 14% on sunny days and cloudy days, respectively. The comparison between fixed and dual-axis tracking systems contributes to the optimization of PV installations, enabling more informed decisions for sustainable energy production in regions characterized by high temperatures and intense solar radiation. To support the expanding applications of grid-tied PV systems with a sun tracker in the same or comparable location and climate conditions (Saharan environment), these studies have the practical utility of advising and offering helpful feedback to engineers, system designers, contractors, and investors.

A high gain Z-source boost DC–DC converter with common ground for solar PV applications

This paper proposes a high-gain dc–dc converter with common ground utilizing a Z-source network for low voltage solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. This converter features a common ground and a high output–input voltage conversion factor at a low duty cycle. These converters find their most common application in grid-tied or stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems, particularly those with low output voltages that must be increased to the required level. The presented converter operating duty ratio is within 0–0.5 and maintains similar voltage stress on Z-network components since it employs the conventional Z-source configuration. The presented converter provides a common ground between source and load, unlike conventional Z-network converter. A type-2 closed-loop voltage controller and state–space average model evaluate the converter’s dynamic behavior for reliable and steady performance. A laboratory hardware prototype of 250 Watts is built and low gate signals are generated by using a ARM cortex M4 Microcontroller (STM32F407VGT6). The experimental results confirm that the proposed converter, with a gain of 10.46 and a power of 250 Watts, has a maximum efficiency of around 93%. The experimental results validates the effectiveness of the proposed converter under both constant and shifts in amounts of solar irradiation.

Enhancing grid-connected photovoltaic system performance with novel hybrid MPPT technique in variable atmospheric conditions

This paper proposes an innovative approach to improve the performance of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems operating in environments with variable atmospheric conditions. The dynamic nature of atmospheric parameters poses challenges for traditional control methods, leading to reduced PV system efficiency and reliability. To address this issue, we introduce a novel integration of fuzzy logic and sliding mode control methodologies. Fuzzy logic enables the PV system to effectively handle imprecise and uncertain atmospheric data, allowing for decision-making based on qualitative inputs and expert knowledge. Sliding mode control, known for its robustness against disturbances and uncertainties, ensures stability and responsiveness under varying atmospheric conditions. Through the integration of these methodologies, our proposed approach offers a comprehensive solution to the complexities posed by real-world atmospheric dynamics. We anticipate applications in grid-connected PV systems across various geographical locations and climates. By harnessing the synergistic benefits of fuzzy logic and sliding mode control, this approach promises to significantly enhance the performance and reliability of grid-connected PV systems in the presence of variable atmospheric conditions. On the grid side, both PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) and GA (Genetic Algorithm) algorithms were employed to tune the current controller of the PI (Proportional-Integral) current controller (inverter control). Simulation results, conducted using MATLAB Simulink, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid MPPT technique in optimizing the performance of the PV system. The technique exhibits superior tracking efficiency, achieving a convergence time of 0.06 s and an efficiency of 99.86%, and less oscillation than the classical methods. The comparison with other MPPT techniques highlights the advantages of the proposed approach, including higher tracking efficiency and faster response times. The simulation outcomes are analyzed and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies on both sides (the PV array and the grid side). Both PSO and GA offer effective methods for tuning the parameters of a PI current controller. According to considered IEEE standards for low-voltage networks, the total current harmonic distortion values (THD) obtained are considerably high (8.33% and 10.63%, using the PSO and GA algorithms, respectively). Comparative analyses with traditional MPPT methods demonstrate the superior performance of the hybrid approach in terms of tracking efficiency, stability, and rapid response to dynamic changes.

Performance Evaluation of Single-Phase Boost-Type Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter in the Applications of Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Systems

In this paper, a new cascaded-H-bridge (CHB) inverter is proposed to enhance the input voltage of a renewable energy source to a desired level without any necessity of a dc-dc converter. The proposed topology consists of a pair of inductor and capacitor that serves as an input impedance network for the two full bridge inverters to boost the source voltage. An interleaved control scheme is proposed for the grid-tied inverter that independently supervises the duty cycle and the modulation index. The maximum power point tracking system commands the duty cycle whereas the dc-link voltage regulator maintains a constant voltage across the capacitors irrespective of the disturbances in the system. The proposed control scheme is primarily investigated in the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. Different test cases are analysed to explore the performance of the proposed inverter in the applications of photovoltaic systems. An experimental prototype is designed in the laboratory to validate the simulation results.

CONTROL OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT OF A SOLAR PANEL, USING SERVO SYSTEM CONTROLLER WITH INTEGRATOR AND PI CONTROLLER DESIGNED BY THE ROOTS LOCUS METHOD

Photovoltaic system applications require to use a solar panel, a power converter, and a load. When voltage reduction from a panel to a battery is necessary, a buck converter is usually proposed. In the specialized literature, there are a wide variety of controllers oriented to commercial panels; However, even though measuring the energy extraction of a solar panel is the main indicator, there are other metrics such as switching effort that also affect the overall performance of the PV system. The main contribution of this work is the design of two digital controllers for photovoltaic energy extraction: a servo system controller with integrator and a PI controller based on root locus techniques considering an MPPT algorithm and system perturbations to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the controllers under different system scenarios. Finally, a detailed explanation of the performance of the controllers is given, showing that the two algorithms are suitable for controlling the point of maximum power in photovoltaic panels.

Multivariate Evaluation of Photovoltaic Utilization Potential of Primary and Secondary School Buildings: A Case Study in Hainan Province, China

Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province, and to use software to simulate and calculate the photovoltaic utilization potential of primary and secondary school buildings. In China, the government is usually the manager of primary and secondary schools, and due to their architectural characteristics, these buildings can be used to assess photovoltaic applications. The aim is to drive the application of photovoltaic systems in all types of buildings and promote urban energy reform. This study summarizes the types of primary and secondary school buildings in Hainan Province and analyzes them. It evaluates rooftop photovoltaic projects at the Second Middle School and the Siyuan School in Wanning City, Hainan Province, and uses PVsyst 7.2 software to assess the photovoltaic utilization potential. The results show that the optimal orientation in Hainan Province is south-facing, and the optimal inclination angle is 10° to 20°. The most favorable orientations of facade photovoltaic systems are 20° southeast or southwest. The longest dynamic investment payback period is approximately 15 years, and the environmental benefits are $0.012/kWh. The findings indicate significant potential for photovoltaic applications in primary and secondary school buildings. A combination of facade and rooftop photovoltaics can result in the zero-energy consumption of these buildings, reducing the pressure on urban power grids and achieving sustainable utilization.