Partial Shading Effect Research Articles

PV Array Reconfiguration for Global Maximum Power Optimizing under Partial Shading Conditions based on PV Switched System

Background: Due to the partial shading effects on different photovoltaic (PV) modules in a PV array, PV module operating conditions are inconsistent, and PV array output power is significantly reduced. Although the maximum power point (MPP) of a non-uniform irradiance PV array can be observed through global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT), no evaluation of the array's energy potential has been done. Objective: One of the most effective solutions to overcome the negative effects of partial shading in PV systems is the PV array reconfiguration process. To optimize the electrical structure of the PV array as the PV modules are partially shaded in a non-uniform manner, this study proposes a promising technique for dynamic reconfiguring a PV array in order to improve the extracted maximum power from a PV array under partial shading conditions (PSC). Methods: PV modules are rearranged by iteratively sorting them to allow the PV array with nonuniform irradiance to produce as much power as possible. This is conducted by applying a switching matrix to implement a PV-switched system approach. The proposed system with different PV array dimensions (e.g., 3×4, 4×6, and 5×8) is assessed in order to validate the proposed algorithm. A MATLAB/Simulink PV array developed model is used to find the global maximum power point for the different PV array dimensions in both pre-reconfiguration and post-reconfiguration states. Results: A detailed numerical comparison of the extracted power from the proposed system has been provided. Conclusion: The results show that the proposed system has the potential to extract the exact global maximum power for a PV-switched system under PSC, irrespective of array dimensions, according to simulation results.

A model for effect of partial shading on PV panels with experimental validation

This paper aims to develop and validate an empirical model to quantify the impact of partial shading on photovoltaic (PV) panel performance. Partial shading, a significant challenge in solar power generation, can drastically reduce energy output, yet predicting its effects remains difficult using conventional models. This study introduces a methodology that models partial shading as an equivalent reduction in solar insolation across the entire panel. The model was derived from empirical data gathered under various shading scenarios, and curve-fitting techniques were employed to establish an empirical relationship between shading patterns and power loss. The proposed model was experimentally validated on a rooftop PV system in Bengaluru, India, and demonstrated precise predictions of power loss under different partial shading conditions. The framework presented can be adapted to accommodate location-specific variables, providing a versatile tool for evaluating and optimizing PV system performance in partially shaded urban environments.

A genetic algorithm approach for flexible power point tracking in partial shading conditions

A novel Flexible Power Point Tracking (FPPT) algorithm based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is presented in this study. The algorithm is designed to effectively handle fluctuating solar irradiation levels and partial shading scenarios. The main objective is to enhance power output and tracking accuracy under dynamic environmental conditions, based on extensive simulations. The results showed superior performance for power output, tracking accuracy, and convergence speed than traditional techniques. Its adaptability to changing environmental conditions renders it suitable for real-time implementation, thereby contributing to efficient power generation in PV systems. Simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm in maximizing power extraction and meeting grid-code requirements under dynamic conditions. The comparative analyses underscore the superiority of the GA-based FPPT algorithm, highlighting its potential to significantly improve power point tracking in photovoltaic systems. This shows significance of adaptive algorithms in modern PV systems, particularly for reducing the effects of partial shading on energy yield. More research is required on the refinement of the algorithm's performance for long-term reliability and scalability in larger PV installations fostering advancements in photovoltaic power point tracking toward sustainable energy systems.

Partial Shading Effect on Road-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Partial Shading Effect on Road-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

A Study on the Impact of Different PV Model Parameters and Various DC Faults on the Characteristics and Performance of the Photovoltaic Arrays

PV systems play a vital role in the global renewable energy sector, and they require accurate modeling and reliable performance to maximize the output power. This research presents a thorough analysis and discussions on the effects of different PV models’ parameters and certain specific faults on the performance and behavior of the photovoltaic systems under different temperature and irradiation conditions. It provides a detailed analysis of how several parameters affect the performance of the PV arrays, for instance, the series resistance, shunt resistance, photocurrent, reverse saturation current, and the diode ideality factor. These parameters were extracted mathematically and verified with the help of wide-ranging simulations and practical experiments. Additionally, the investigation of the effect of DC faults, including line-to-line, line-to-ground, partial shading, and complete shading faults on PV arrays, provides important fundamentals for fault detection and classification, thus improving the efficiency and protection of PV systems. It can, therefore, be stated that the outcomes of this research will assist in the enhancement of PV systems in terms of design, operation, and maintainability of photovoltaic plants, as well as contribute positively to the advancement of sustainable solar energy technology.

Study of Partial Shading Effect on the Different Photovoltaic Array Arrangements and their Shade Resilience

Due to its ability to directly and cleanly convert solar radiation into electricity, the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology is rapidly increasing. Solar PV panels are connected in various series and parallel configurations to achieve the necessary output voltages and currents. They perform optimally when completely unshaded, but when a series connection is partially shaded (PS), bypass diodes activate and the overall voltage drops, resulting in reduced power generation. The location of bypass diodes, series-parallel combination types, and shading patterns all impact the output power. Therefore, selecting the appropriate PV panel arrangement can potentially increase output under these conditions. This study analyzes the shade resilience ability of series-parallel (SP), Total cross-tied (TCT), Bridge-linked (BL), and Honeycomb (HC) configurations.

On-grid optimal MPPT for fine-tuned inverter based PV system using golf optimizer considering partial shading effect

Improving photovoltaic systems to better withstand variations in temperature and irradiance, lessen steady-state ripples, maintain high efficiency, require less tracking time, and have minimal complexity is becoming increasingly important. The PV array's overall power output is negatively impacted by partial shading because the shaded cells produce less power and consume less power overall, which lowers efficiency and creates localized hotspots. Although bypass diodes may be used to counteract these impacts by rerouting current around cells that are shaded, they can result in several peaks, which complicates maximum power point tracking (MPPT). To manage several peaks and optimize power output, metaheuristic algorithms are compulsory. A recently developed game-based optimization methodology known as Golf Optimization Approach (GOA) is used in this study to find a way to MPPT in a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system under partial shading conditions (PSCs). Additionally, the same suggested approach is applied to get optimal parameters for the inverter with the goal of optimizing its voltage and current regulators. It aims to evaluate a plan to lower the output voltage and current's total harmonic distortion and DC voltage error. The proposed technique is contrasted to other tracking approaches such as the traditional Perturb & Observe (P&O), Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO), and Sea-gull Optimization Approach (SOA). Simulation is performed in MATLAB R2022b/SIMULINK environment. The obtained outcomes demonstrate the ability of the suggested technique to enhance the utility grid's power quality and improve the tracking system under various partial shading effects and temperature alterations. The proposed technique achieves a tracking efficiency of 99.8 %, surpassing the effectiveness of both of the previous methods which are at 97.2 % and 96.7 %.

Outdoor evaluation of total cross-tied Si module under driving conditions

This paper presents the fabrication and evaluation of a total cross-tied (TCT) Si module designed to mitigate the partial shading effect, which is known to reduce the output performance of vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) modules. The TCT module, consisting of 27 Si solar cells interconnected both vertically and horizontally, demonstrated an 18.8 % decrease in output power when one cell was shaded. In contrast, the output of the series-parallel (SP) Si module decreased by 31.6 % under the same shading condition. Comparative analysis of the output performances of TCT, SP, and single-string commercial modules under three driving conditions revealed that increasing the number of strings helped alleviate the impact of partial shading. Notably, the TCT module configuration showed a positive impact on mitigating the partial shading effect.

Performance enhancement and techno-economic analysis of photovoltaic modules under dynamic weather conditions using dual exponential sawtooth method

The maximum output power extracted from the Photovoltaic (PV) modules is mainly dependent on ambient temperature and solar irradiance. The photovoltaic modules performance is hugely influenced by the Partial Shading (PS) effect, which results in the reduction of output power. It is caused by shadows of buildings, trees, moving clouds and towers. Under PS conditions, shaded modules receive less irradiance as compared to the unshaded modules, and this leads to overheating of PV array. The present work has been developed by a technique based on Dual Exponential Sawtooth (DES) pattern to reconfigure the PV modules so as to increase the PV output power under PS conditions along with the energy savings and economical aspects. In this technique, the PV modules of Total Cross Tied (TCT) technique and their physical locations are arranged as per DES pattern to distribute the shading effect over the entire array without altering the electrical connections of the PV modules. The DES arrangement gives the enhanced power of 41.48% by reducing the effect on any row of the shaded modules. Further, it provides the details about power sharing percentage as the number of shaded modules increase and also the affect of dynamic shade variation over the entire PV array. The proposed method validation with the existing methods for the analysis, simulation and hardware experimentation shows better performance in terms of mismatch losses and fill factor. Further, the analysis has been extended for units generated and energy savings with each module rating of 1.5KW on 4×4 PV modules.

Reduced partial shading effect and enhancement of performance metrics using a Fibonacci based algorithm

AbstractPartial shading within arrays diminishes power output, induces hotspots, and compromises module integrity, thereby impacting system performance. The presence of bypass diodes further exacerbates these issues by introducing non‐convexities in power curves, leading to additional power losses. To solve this problem, a new reconfiguration technique named Fibonacci Random Number Generator is proposed in this work which minimizes the effects of shading on the panels. The proposed methodology swiftly reduces current discrepancies between PV array rows by reshuffles the panels in an array to disperse the shade better using a mathematical formula resulting in increased power output and smoother power curves during partial shading events. The effectiveness of the proposed method is measured in terms of GMPP, row current calculations, power loss (PL), mismatch losses (ML), execution ratio (ER), fill factor (FF), and capacity factor (CF) for four distinctive shading conditions. Validation of results in software and hardware platforms showcase the applicability of proposed approach in real‐time environments. Results indicate significant average power improvements of 25.49%, 15.47%, and 9.29% compared to existing popular reconfigurations like Skyscraper, Ken‐Ken, and Chaotic baker map. The proposed method stands out as a potent tool for optimizing PV arrays within real‐world systems grappling with partial shading issues.

A novel argyle puzzle for partial shading effect mitigation with experimental validation

Reconfiguring partially shaded photovoltaic (PV) arrays emerges as a potent solution for mitigating power loss and prolonging the array’s lifespan. Among the proposed strategies, static reconfiguration involves a one-time rearrangement, necessitating a reliable and effective approach for universal application. However, existing literature often exhibits a significant deficiency in uniformly scattering shade across sub-arrays, leading to disparate row currents and multiple peaks in array characteristics. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative approach known as the Argyle puzzle, designed to provide a one-time layout for a total-cross-tied (TCT) PV array. The Argyle puzzle comprises diamond-shaped patterns and eight intersecting diagonal areas, each uniquely numbered. This design aims to maximize the dispersion of shading patterns. The superiority of the Argyle puzzle is demonstrated across fifteen shading patterns, underscoring its advantages over recent literature. Furthermore, experimental validation through real-time hardware implementation confirms the practicality of this approach. Ultimately, employing the Argyle approach proves instrumental in mitigating power loss during partial shading, consolidating array characteristics into a singular peak, and significantly enhancing the overall harvested power of the PV array.

PERFORMANCE OF SCREW HORIZONTAL AND BRIDGE LINKAGE PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY CONFIGURATIONS

Due to partial shading effects on the productivity of solar panels which in turn negatively impacts the performance characteristics of photovoltaic systems, researchers work on different studies to overcome this phenomenon and improve solar system productivity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate different techniques to enhance the output power, fill factor, and efficiency of the PV system by reducing the number of local maximum power peaks, power losses, and mismatch losses. The configurations include a novel static reconfiguration technique, called a Screw Horizontal photovoltaic array, and a recently developed technique known as a Bridge Linkage array. Both of these are modeled using MATLAB/Simulink software and examined during six shading patterns. The novelty of this study is that we combined the above static reconfiguration technique with another modern technique called blocking and bypass diode technology to prevent the effect of reverse current and hotspot phenomena respectively. According to the results, the Bridge Linkage configuration performs the most efficiently under partial shading conditions compared to the Screw horizontal PV array configuration.

Modified Odd–Even–Prime pattern for effective dispersion of shade over the PV array under partial shading conditions

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are extensively used for power generation being the most abundant renewable energy sources available. Partial shading of the PV array leads to mismatch between the modules and decrease in output power. A new Modified Odd–Even–Prime (MOEP) method of module arrangement for total cross tied (TCT) connection is presented in this paper to mitigate the effects of partial shading. The proposed MOEP method is a physical relocation method where the modules of PV array are relocated without altering the electrical connections. MOEP method of module rearrangement is based on row positions of the PV array. In this method, the row positions of PV modules in the first column are filled with odd, even and prime numbers in ascending order. The row positions of further columns are formed based on MOEP method. The proposed MOEP method is implemented on 9 × 9 and 8 × 8 PV arrays under various shading patterns. Further, the results are compared with TCT, Odd Even (OE) and Odd–Even–Prime (OEP) patterns. MATLAB/Simulink is used to validate the results. An experimental setup of 9 × 9 and 8 × 8 PV array is developed and tested in real time environment to validate the effectiveness of MOEP method over TCT, OE and OEP methods. The performance of proposed MOEP method is evaluated in terms of GMPP, mismatch power loss (MPL), Fill Factor (FF), Efficiency (η) and Shade Dispersion Ratio (SDR). A detailed study on energy savings from the proposed MOEP method is made on hourly, daily and yearly basis. From the experimental results obtained, it is observed that MOEP method generates a significant improvement in GMPP, efficiency and reduces the mismatch loss compared to TCT, OE and OEP methods.

The effect of partial shading on the reliability of photovoltaic modules in the built-environment

Residential photovoltaic systems often experience partial shading from chimneys, trees or other structures, which can induce hot-spots in the modules. If the temperature and frequency of these hot-spots are high, the module's reliability and safety may be at risk. IEC 61215-2:2021 hot-spot endurance test is utilized to evaluate the materials' ability to withstand partial shading. Since modules in residential systems can be subjected to higher temperatures than those in the open field, IEC TS 63126:2020 recommends adjusting the module temperature for the hot-spot endurance test according to the module's operating temperature. This study tested the hot-spot endurance of PERC, IBC and HJT modules under standard (55 °C) and more severe (75 °C, Level 2 condition in IEC TS 63126:2020) test conditions, as well as outdoor accelerated-ageing tests were performed with shadow masks. The results demonstrated that irrespective of environmental conditions, hot-spots can form at lower temperatures, with more shading-tolerant cells (i.e., cells with lower breakdown voltage) or with shorter strings. We also show that it is possible to shorten the effort- and time-consuming hot-spot endurance test described in the standard and obtain similar results. In addition, the hot-spot endurance test for residential PV systems was evaluated in terms of module temperatures and duration. In this respect, we propose to increase the testing temperatures of the hot-spot endurance testing for modules operating at high temperatures in IEC TS 63126:2020.

New ARMO-based MPPT Technique to Minimize Tracking Time and Fluctuation at Output of PV Systems under Rapidly Changing Shading Conditions

The presence of bypass diodes that mitigate the negative effects of partial shading (PS) conditions produces multiple peak characteristics at the output of a photovoltaic (PV) array. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods develop errors under certain circumstances and detect the local maximum power point (LMPP) instead of the global maximum power point (GMPP). Several artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods have been used to modify the performance of conventional controllers. However, these methods have either not completely solved the PS problem or resulted in considerably complicated and unreliable methodologies, as well as require further development to be used in high-speed applications. This study aims to design, develop, and verify a novel rapid, reliable, and cost-effective method called adaptive radial movement optimization (ARMO) to diminish the effect of the PS problem in the MPP detection for PV systems with additional dynamic applications. The main advantages of ARMO are its improved tracking speed and significant reduction in output fluctuations during the tracking period. An extensive experimental verification has been conducted to provide a fair evaluation of the proposed method compared with conventional and recently developed methods under similar conditions while being applied to a unique PV system and DC/DC converter.

Study and analysis of partial shading effect on power production of a photovoltaic string controlled by three different MPPT techniques: P&O, PSO and ANN

Partial shading occurs when some of the solar panels are exposed to reduced irradiation. Partial shading can lead to creating peaks and troughs in power production. The goal of this study is to compare the effect of partial shading on the capacity of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods, to find the global maximum power point. To this end, the study focuses on performance simulation and discussion of Perturb and Observe (P&O), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controls. Analysing the three MPPT controller's results, in terms of accuracy, the ANN and PSO controls showed high performance. On the other hand, the P\&O control showed lower accuracy, particularly under partial shading. For the speed of reaction, the P&O and ANN controls proved to be the fastest, while the PSO control showed a slightly longer response time. However, it is important to note that ANN approach presents added complexity in terms of conception.

Partial Shading Effect on Power Generation of BIPV System in Bangladesh

The research tries to observe the power difference for the PV module in the case of the partial and void of partial shading in Bangladesh. For analysis of the partial shading effect on the PV module it is necessary to establish an experiment set up for the PV module. To investigate the power output from PV module the partial shading effect has been generated using the paper coverage. The experimental result shows that the photovoltaic module can generate up to 41% more power output in the case of the void of the shading effect rather than in the shading effect. Around 50% portion of the PV module has been shaded for making partial shading effect. The other important factors influencing the output power of the PV module are solar irradiance, cell temperature; ideality factor. To get the maximum output it is essential to avoid shading effect which will help to generate more power. In this paper, MATLAB simulation of PV module has been done showing the partial shading effect under consideration of various factors like series resistance, ideality factor, temperature. Partial shading effect has been created by varying the level of solar radiation. An experiment has been carried out to see the overall performance of PV module under shading effect at a fixed tilt angle.

Effects of partial shading on thermal stress and exergetic efficiency for a high concentrator photovoltaic

Highly concentrated photovoltaic systems can produce higher energy yields than conventional photovoltaic panels but have yet to reach widespread deployment, partly because of lower lifetime and hence cost effectiveness. One limiting factor in the lifetime is the excessive generation of thermal stress. This study takes a multi-objective approach to the calibration of a highly concentrated photovoltaic thermal hybrid system. Novelty is found by exploring the relationship and trade-off between thermal stress and exergetic efficiency. A variety of optical configurations are compared by partially shading the input aperture of the primary optics. Similarly, adjustments to the receiver are made by changing the angle of the solar cell by 45°. To minimise light spillage. The primary and secondary optic positions stay the same throughout all calibrations.By experimentally validating a COMSOL model of the concentrator photovoltaic system (including irradiance distribution) a thorough analysis is conducted. It was found that the maximum thermal stress within the solar cell in this study could drop by almost 10 % with small losses (<3.5 %) to total exergetic efficiency after only small changes to receiver position. Further investigations into other specialised concentrator photovoltaics are required to understand the range of impact on thermal stress.

The Effects of Bypass Diodes on Partially Shaded Solar Panels

This study seeks to determine the effects of partial shading on the power output of solar panels and to test the effectiveness of bypass diodes in minimizing these effects. The first part of the study focuses on determining the effect of partial shade on the energy output of a solar panel. The second part of this study is aimed at establishing the effect that partial shade has on solar panel power output. In this study, partial shade was found to reduce the amount of energy generated by solar panels when compared to the solar panel in fully exposed conditions. After conducting experiments and reviewing scholarly works, this study concludes that partial shading does decrease the power produced by the solar panels, thus reducing the amounts of energy produced. Moreover, this research establishes that bypass devices are effective in mitigating these effects, which can improve the performance of the solar panel arrays, increasing the overall efficiency of solar panel systems. This research may offer support for the creation of new solar panel technologies that are more effective and efficient and can better endure the effects of partial shading, ultimately resulting in a global adoption of solar energy as a workable and sustainable energy source.

Estimation of photovoltaic models using an enhanced Henry gas solubility optimization algorithm with first-order adaptive damping Berndt-Hall-Hall-Hausman method

A reliable methodology is essential for accurately estimating the parameters of PV models, enabling reliable performance evaluations, effective control studies, accurate analysis of partial shading effects, and optimal optimization of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. It ensures that the obtained parameters reflect the true characteristics of the PV system, leading to more accurate and reliable results in various applications. The existing literature extensively explores the utilization of powerful Metaheuristic Algorithms (MAs) to address the complex constrained optimization problem in PV systems and achieve optimal solutions. However, it is important to note that a significant portion of these MAs primarily concentrates on the development of methodologies, often overlooking the design of the objective function tailored for PV systems. This oversight has created a theoretical gap in this research domain, underscoring the necessity for additional exploration and investigation to address this limitation. To address the existing theoretical gap, this study focused on developing an objective function that accurately estimates the initial root parameters of Photovoltaic (PV) models. This objective function was designed by incorporating the first-order Berndt-Hall-Hall-Hausman (BHHH) numerical method, along with the non-linear damping parameter of the Levenberg-Marquardt technique (LM). By implementing this approach, the study aimed to significantly improve the precision and reliability of estimating the initial root parameters in PV models, effectively filling the theoretical void in this specific research area. Then in terms of methodology, the Enhanced Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (EHGSO) algorithm is combined with the Sine-Cosine mutualism phase of Symbiotic Organisms Search (SOS) for efficiently estimating the unknown parameters of PV models. The keystone of EHGSO in terms of methodology enhances exploration at the beginning of optimization and intensifies exploitation in later iterations. The proposed EHGSO methodology based on the adaptive damping BHHH technique (EHGSOAdBHHH) is tested on Single Diode (SD), and Double Diode (DD) PV models using actual experimental data. EHGSOAdBHHH exhibits outstanding accordance with attained experimental data compared with other algorithms, and its superiority is validated using several statistical criteria.