Photovoltaic Module Area Research Articles

Energy Assessment & Comparative Study of Mono and Poly Solar PV Technologies Using Advanced PVsyst Software

This study evaluates and compares the energy output of mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, under specific climatic conditions, with the help of advanced PVsyst software. This study aims to provide realizations into selecting the most effective PV technology by considering specific climatic and geographical conditions. In this study, monthly and yearly output energy, along with performance ratios, are evaluated for two conditions: firstly, for a 10.23KWp system, and subsequently, for a 58.2m² solar panel area. Both conditions demonstrate that mono-crystalline solar PV technology consistently outperforms poly-crystalline technology in terms of monthly and yearly output energy as well as performance ratio. Specifically, mono-crystalline panels generate 78 kWh more electricity annually in a 10.23 KWp system and 2469 kWh more in a system based on a specified PV module area. Additionally, they exhibit high-performance ratios in both scenarios. These findings strongly advocate for the preference of mono-crystalline technology within this region. Furthermore, the study offers valuable insights for addressing similar energy challenges in regions with comparable conditions, as far as solar panels energy outputs are affected by the climate conditions at most; so that for similar climate conditions in region would be effective. This research significantly contributes to facilitating well-informed decision-making processes, thereby augmenting energy accessibility.

A comparative performance analysis of sensible thermal energy storage (with concentrated solar field and sCO2 Brayton Cycle) and hydrogen energy storage (with solar PV field)

Utility scale energy storage is an integral part of renewable energy installations to achieve sustainable and reliable transition to a net zero energy economy. There exists a myriad of such storage solutions each having unique characteristics. This paper attempts at a systems level quantitative study and comparison between two different energy storage technologies, Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) which is already mature, and Hydrogen Energy Storage System (HESS) which gained a lot of momentum recently, with the former coupled with a concentrated parabolic trough solar field using molten salt as heat transfer fluid and a power block running on high efficiency sCO2 Brayton cycle while the latter is coupled with a solar photovoltaic (PV) field. So that comparisons can be made on similar scale, both the systems are normalized on the total equipment area used for capturing incident solar irradiation, i.e., total aperture area for the PTC field and total flat surface area of PV modules. Both the systems are subjected to year-long variations of ambient conditions and solar irradiance and off-design performances are simulated over various seasons. The results show superior performance of TESS in terms of roundtrip efficiency (96% as opposed to 32% with HESS) which also results in superior capacity utilization factor (CUF of 64.5% and 48% for TESS and HESS respectively) and better specific energy and energy density. However, HESS offers virtually infinite idling time where TESS has a shorter self-discharge time (17 h), and better power performance (specific power and power density) in 10MWe output range.

A PV-driven multifunctional dehumidification/hydrogen-production system based on PEM: Experimental investigation and performance analysis

The combination of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis and solar energy can offer many advantages. This paper developed a photovoltaic (PV)-driven multifunctional air dehumidification/hydrogen-production system. Its all-day operating performance under different solar irradiance was experimentally studied. The influence of PV operating voltage, area, and shading ratio on system performance was also investigated. The results demonstrated that the multifunctional system had good operational stability, despite the considerable fluctuation in solar irradiance throughout the day. When the system was driven by a 6 V PV module on sunny days (average solar irradiance during 12:00–14:00: 186–753 W/m2), it operated at a stable moisture removal rate (0.13–0.16 × 10−4 g/s). As the operating voltage increased, the dehumidification rate first increased and then decreased, displaying a maximum value of 0.21 × 10−4 g/s at 9.3 V. However, the hydrogen concentration of the cathode air (767 ppm at 3 V) showed a decrease trend in applied voltage. The solar utilization efficiency also exhibited a maximum value (2.8% at 75.9 cm2) as the PV module area was increased. When PV was partially shaded (shading ratio 1/12), the dehumidification deteriorated, while the hydrogen concentration increased by 33.3%. Exergy analysis showed that during operation, PV module (85.5%) and shunt current (6.2%) caused great losses, while the exergy consumed by the electrode polarization and electrolytic reaction of PEM module was only 3.0% and 1.1%, respectively. Thus, possible optimizations are provided.

TiO2 nano-coated thin film PV glazing with superior thermal resistance, self-cleaning, electricity generation and adaptive optical control

Abstract A unique nano-coated photovoltaic (PV) glazing technology with superior multifunctional features, thermally resistive PV glazing (TRPVG), is introduced, and for three different configurations of TRPVG (TRPVG-Air12, TRPVG-Ar12, TRPVG-Ar16), UVC/UVA absorption, noise reduction, thermal insulation, electricity generation, visible light and solar radiation control are evaluated through an extensive experimental methodology. Energy production and acoustic tests are conducted in a simulation house, whereas the rest of the experiments are carried out under real operating conditions. The results reveal that each sample is capable of blocking 100% of incoming UVC and UVA light. Visible light control of TRPVG-Ar12 (Glass 1) is found to be 94.4%, whereas it is 88.9% for TRPVG-Air12 (Glass 2) and 93.6% for TRPVG-Ar16 (Glass 3). Solar radiation blockage of Glasses 1–3 is found to be 93.5%, 90.9% and 94.8%, respectively. Average temperature difference between front and rear glazing is determined to be 21.3°C, 19.9°C and 21.7°C for Glasses 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A total of 25 independent acoustic tests are performed for Glass 3, and the sample is observed to reduce 33% of outdoor noise in dBA. Solar simulator tests reveal that Glass 3 can generate 102.6 W of electricity per square metre of PV module area.

Housing Energy Equivalence: A Graphical Approach

All buildings, even the most passive, need active energy to provide habitability. Apart from heating and cooling needs, which have been broadly studied and regulated, a significant percentage of the energy consumed in housing is due to home appliances. Furthermore, this value is increasing as the design of environmental conditioning becomes more efficient. The objective of this paper is to visualize the impact of these consumptions by a graphical equivalence that uses drawing to represent the surface area of photovoltaic modules that correspond to the energy demand. With this aim, a straightforward method is proposed based on graphical means that fit well with the working practice of architects. The procedure starts by detailing the energy consumption of a home, focusing on the consumption values of all appliances and lighting. Next, each single value is converted into the surface area of photovoltaic modules required to produce this energy in one year. Finally, each appliance and its corresponding energy production area are represented graphically side by side, resulting in the housing energy equivalence. This method has been tested by a group of architecture master's students using their own homes as the case study. The results show that the energy equivalent surface area for lighting and appliances represents between 8% and 46% of the floor area of their homes. Altogether, this approach makes visible a pending question in sustainable building design − the consumption of electrical home appliances − and provides rough graphical data which is useful for pre-dimensioning in the architectural design process.

Modeling of Soiling Derating Factor in Determining Photovoltaic Outputs

The study of the effect of soiling on photovoltaic (PV) system performance is a crucial issue judging from numerous research publications. The reduction in the PV system performance is because of soiling that differs from one climatic region to another. In this research, the power losses due to soiling of the PV systems in Malaysia based on the calculation of a dirt derating factor $({{f_{{\rm{dirt}}}}})$ were determined. A new mathematical model to correlate ${f_{{\rm{dirt}}}}$ and the PV module area was developed based on the regression analysis from a site data location. The findings indicate that the effect of soiling reduces the PV systems output power at an average of 26.22% at Setiu over a period of 12 months. From this study also, a new mathematical model was created for ${f_{{\rm{dirt}}}}$ forecasting in the research site. Uniquely, this mathematical model can do the prediction by only known PV module area or size as the independent variable, much simpler than using the multivariables equation.

Stochastic Planning of Distributed PV Generation

Recent studies by electric utility companies indicate that maximum benefits of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) units can be reaped when siting and sizing of PV systems is optimized. This paper develops a two-stage stochastic program that serves as a tool for optimally determining the placing and sizing of PV units in distribution systems. The PV model incorporates the mapping from solar irradiance to AC power injection. By modeling the uncertainty of solar irradiance and loads by a finite set of scenarios, the goal is to achieve minimum installation and network operation costs while satisfying necessary operational constraints. First-stage decisions are scenario-independent and include binary variables that represent the existence of PV units, the area of the PV panel, and the apparent power capability of the inverter. Second-stage decisions are scenario-dependent and entail reactive power support from PV inverters, real and reactive power flows, and nodal voltages. Optimization constraints account for inverter’s capacity, PV module area limits, the power flow equations, as well as voltage regulation. A comparison between two designs, one where the DC:AC ratio is pre-specified, and the other where the maximum DC:AC ratio is specified based on historical data, is carried out. It turns out that the latter design reduces costs and allows further reduction of the panel area. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed formulation are numerically demonstrated on the IEEE 34-node feeder, while the output power of PV systems is modeled using the publicly available PVWatts software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The overall framework developed in this paper can guide electric utility companies in identifying optimal locations for PV placement and sizing, assist with targeting customers with appropriate incentives, and encourage solar adoption.

A feasibility study of a residential photovoltaic system in Cameroon

This paper presents a feasibility study of stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the electrification of three residential case study buildings (T4, T5 and T6) in the capital city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. The system was sized taking into account the load of the buildings and the available energy from the sun. The power, area of PV modules and daily energy generated by the PV for T4, T5 and T6 were respectively determined as: 2103W, 14m2 and 9.8kWh/day; 3779W, 25.2m2 and 17.6kWh/day; and 2766W, 18.4m2 and 12.9kWh/day. The battery bank capacity, size of inverter and controller were respectively obtained as: 40,323Wh, 635W and 93A for T4; 72,433Wh, 795W and 156A for T5; and 53,017Wh, 826W and 114A for T6. The life cycle cost and annualized life cycle cost (ALCC) of the systems were respectively found to be: €15,714 and €1039 for T4; €27,227and €1800 for T5; and €20,006 and €1322 for T6. The average unit electricity cost for T4, T5 and T6 was respectively determined to be €0.52kWh−1, €0.50kWh−1 and €0.51kWh−1, higher than the unit cost of residential grid electricity in Cameroon.

Nonstationary Effects at Photovoltaic Module Characterization Using Pulsed Solar Simulator

This paper presents the dynamic characteristic of a tandem silicon/amorphous silicon (a-Si:H/a-Si:H) photovoltaic (PV) module measured in the nonstationary regime. The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of the PV module are generally measured by using a pulsed solar simulator. Distortions of the I–V curves can often be observed when measurements are done under the solar simulator with different pulse durations or different sweeping rates of the curve tracing, a direction of the curve tracing from short circuit to open circuit (SCOC), or from open circuit to short circuit (OCSC). In this paper, the measurements were made on the a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem PV module consisting of 40 cells in series connection. The PV module area is 0.78 m2. Dissimilarities of the I–V curves of the PV modules can be observed by the deviation of power at maximum point (Pm) and fill factor (FF). From the experimental results, it is found that the largest deviation of Pm is 6.12% for 1 ms sweeping duration with OCSC direction of the curve tracing. Dissimilarities of the I–V curves can be explained by charging and discharging capacitive currents due to a voltage dependence of solar cell parameters. Moreover, the capacitance effects can be described by a dynamic impedance measurement of the PV module in the dark with forward and reverse biasing. The voltage and time-dependent parameters are the diffusion capacitance (CD), transient or junction capacitance (CT), series resistance (Rs), and shunt resistance (Rsh),which can be revealed by an impedance plot.

A Novel Automatic Green Design Based on Intelligent Algorithm

In order to make a novel green design, the modified remaining rectangle layout method based on Bottom-Left algorithm and genetic algorithm is proposed, the area of photovoltaic modules laying on the surface of the roof can be maximized automatically by computer. The best laying diagram is shown; the best inverters are chosen considering both efficiency and price; the photovoltaic modules and inverters connection scheme which meets the requirements is shown.

Comparative Analysis of Solar Thermal Cooling and Solar Photovoltaic Cooling Systems

The Energy Information Administration of the United States Department of Energy projects that more than 80% of the energy consumption of the U.S. by 2035 will come from fossil fuels. This projection should be the fuel to promote projects related to renewable energy in order to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels to avoid their undesirable consequences such as carbon dioxide emissions. Since solar radiation match pretty well building cooling demands, solar cooling systems will be an important factor in the next decades to meet or exceed the green gases reduction that will be demanded by the society and regulations in order to mitigate environmental consequences such as global warming. Solar energy can be used as source of energy to produce cooling through different technologies. Solar thermal energy applies to technology such as absorption chillers and desiccant cooling, while electricity from solar photovoltaic can be used to drive vapor compression electric chillers. This study focuses on the comparison of a solar thermal cooling system that uses an absorption chiller driven by solar thermal energy, and a solar photovoltaic cooling system that uses a vapor compression system (electric chiller) driven by solar electricity (solar photovoltaic system). Both solar cooling systems are compared against a standard air cooled cooling system that uses electricity from the grid. The models used in the simulations to obtain the results are described in the paper along with the parameters (inputs) used. Results are presented in two figures. Each figure has one curve for the solar thermal cooling system and one for the solar photovoltaic cooling system. One figure allows estimation of savings calculated based the present value of discounted energy consumption cost. The other figure allows estimating primary energy consumption reduction and emissions reduction. Both figures presents the result per ton of refrigeration and as a function of area of solar collectors or/and area of photovoltaic modules. This approach to present the result of the simulations of the systems makes these figures quite general. This means that the results can be used to compare both solar cooling systems independently of the cooling demand (capacity of the system), as well as allow the analysis for different sizes of the solar system used to harvest the solar energy (collectors or photovoltaic modules).

New Public Transportation System with Bus Charged Intermittently at Every Bus Stop Using Green Energy (Model Experiment Using Golf Cart)

In order to prevent global warming, the emission of greenhouse gases must be reduced. One way of enabling this is the effective utilization of green energy, also called renewable energy which necessitates the construction of infrastructure suitable for distributing it. In this study, a new transportation system related to buses is proposed, where the focus is on bus stops distributed in a region. In this system, a bus stop stores the electric power generated from green energy sources installed around it and supplies this power to buses. When a bus arrives at a bus stop, it is intermittently charged with a small amount of electricity, sufficient for it to travel to the next bus stop. The effectiveness of the proposed system is confirmed through a model experiment using a golf cart. The results confirm that the proposed cycling operation is possible by intermittent charge during the short stoppage of the bus, while passengers embark and disembark. The effectiveness of supplying electric power to a bus departing from a bus stop is also confirmed. In addition, the area of photovoltaic modules required at every bus stop is simulated.