Maximum Power Of Photovoltaic Module Research Articles

Power optimization of photovoltaic modules under varying environmental conditions based on current equalization collaborating constant voltage control

Abstract The performance of photovoltaic modules is affected by environmental factors such as irradiance and temperature, which can lead to a decrease in output performance or even damage. This study proposes an improved formula for calculating the real maximum power of photovoltaic modules by analyzing the influence of irradiance and temperature. A simulation model is developed using PLECS software to simulate the global maximum power of photovoltaic modules under different environmental conditions, and the results are compared with the calculated real maximum power. A power optimization scheme for photovoltaic modules is then proposed based on current equalization and constant voltage control. This scheme employs a single-switch multi-winding forward-flyback converter to equalize the mismatched currents between cell strings, thereby enhancing the output performance. Traditional proportional integral controllers are utilized to achieve constant voltage control and obtain the real maximum power of photovoltaic modules. Simulation models are built in the PLECS simulation platform to evaluate the performance of a global maximum power point tracking scheme based on the traditional perturb and observe algorithm with current equalization, a segment perturb and observe algorithm without current equalization, and the proposed power optimization scheme. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed constant voltage control has greater efficiency than the traditional perturb and observe algorithm. The proposed scheme achieves a significant improvement in efficiency, with a 27.87% increase compared to the segment perturb and observe algorithm without current equalization.

An accurate analytical model for predicting the maximum power of photovoltaic module operating outdoor under varying conditions

An accurate analytical model for predicting the maximum power of photovoltaic module operating outdoor under varying conditions

High-Gain Seven-Level Switched-Capacitor Two-Stage Multi-Level Inverter

Due to the low voltage of the PV module and to enable AC module technology, where every PV module has its own DC-AC converter, this paper introduces a new high step-up seven-level two-stage multilevel inverter for a grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) system. The introduced schematic consists of two stages. The first stage is a switched capacitor boost converter and the second stage is a seven-level seven-switches multilevel inverter. The first stage is designed to extract the maximum power of PV module and step-up its input voltage. The proposed seven-level seven-switches topology generates seven levels with only seven switches. Thus, the number of switches is reduced. The proposed inverter has eight valid switching states. In each switching state only three switches are ON at the same time. The proposed topology has some distinct features such as reduced number of switches and reduced conduction; total harmonic distortion (THD) of the current is 23% in case of pure resistive and with no filtration at the output and less than 3% using a small filter with integration into the grid. Due to the high boosting ability of the switched capacitor boost converter, a wide voltage gain is easily achievable. In this paper the system is tested at different voltage gains and the highest simulated efficiency was around 96%. The developed system is simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and in real time using DSPACE1202. Both simulation and real-time results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.

Improved Fuzzy Logic Controller Implemented on FPGA Circuit for Photovoltaic Systems

To be the photovoltaic arrays capable to transport the maximum power obtainable, it must be combined with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). To succeed, we will improve a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method, based on intelligent technique such as Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), compared with a conventional method which is P&O. This improved method applied to a stand-alone photovoltaic system under loading conditions and atmospheric data (temperature and irradiance). The goal of this controller is to prove that the FLC is the best technique of MPPT to extract the maximum power of photovoltaic modules. The main objective of this work is the implementation on a “Cyclone II” circuit using “EP2C35F672C6” Development Board reconfigurable Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with Hardware Description Language (VHDL). Thus, we show the advantages of using the FPGA circuits, which are their short progress time, their low price and their suppleness of process. The close optimum design of this technique is based on the best choice membership functions and control rules for two- input, one-output digital Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) based on “Mamdani” mechanism. The simulation and implementation results obtained respectively with waveform under Quartus software and on Cyclone II, both show a satisfactory performance and confirm the good tracking efficacy and speedy response to various atmospheric conditions.

The prediction of the maximum power of PV modules associated with a static converter under different environmental conditions

The interesting aspect with very little maintenance for this production mode makes photovoltaic solar energy an alternative for producing electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. However, the maximum power of the PV module depends strongly on the environmental conditions, namely temperature and solar irradiation, hence the need to introduce a MPPT controller which will enable the maximum power point (MPP) to be continuously monitored in real time. In the literature, there are hundreds of MPPT methods associated with dc-dc converters that differ from one to another by several criteria. The very important criterion is the MPPT efficiency. In fact, the maximum power delivered by such a method can only be examined if it is compared with the true expected power. In this paper, we propose a method to predict the maximum power of a PV module permanently and in real time under different environmental conditions. The purpose of this technique is to calculate the efficiency of the MPPT methods implemented in the static converters in order to evaluate their monitoring of the maximum power point. The proposed method is founded on calculation of the expected maximum power based on a linear regression model correlated with ambient temperature and solar irradiation. This technique is independent of the internal parameters of the PV module.

A novel modeling approach to predict the output performance of photovoltaic modules under different environmental conditions

In this paper, an improved mathematical model of a single-diode photovoltaic (PV) module has been developed to predict the maximum power of the PV modules produced by different PV technologies, such as mono crystalline, multi crystalline, and thin film, under varying environmental conditions. The current–voltage characteristic equation of the PV module is used to extract the PV module’s unknown parameters, such as light generated current, saturation current, ideality factor, series resistance, and shunt resistance at standard test condition (STC). In the proposed PV model, numerical methods are used to calculate the parameters of the PV module at STC, by introducing new equations to estimate the value of series resistance and shunt resistance. By introducing new equations IMPP and VMPP, the maximum power of different PV modules manufactured by various PV technologies at different environmental conditions is then found. In the proposed PV model, the percentage relative error obtained at maximum power is calculated and the experimental results are compared with the models that exist in the literature for different PV modules. The maximum power obtained by the proposed PV model is much closer to that obtained by the Sandia model and Ishaque two-diode model. Furthermore, the output performance of the developed PV model has close agreement with the experimentally obtained data and it is verified practically.

Digital Control for a PV Powered BLDC Motor

Stand-alone applications of Photovoltaic (PV) can be found in water pumping systems for rural area. The proper electric motor must be chosen for optimal considerations. One of the modern electric motor called brushless motor (BLDC) can be an alternative for this application although it has complexity in control. Powering such a motor by using electric energy generating by PV modules will be an interesting problem. In this paper, a PV powered BLDC motor system is proposed. The PV modules must produce maximum power at any instant time and then this power must be able to rotate the motor. By combining sequential stator energizing due to a rotor detection and a PWM concept, the speed of BLDC can be controlled. Meanwhile, to get maximum power of PV modules, detection of voltage and current of the modules are required to be calculated. Digital Signal Control (DSC) is implemented to handle this control strategy and locks the width of the PWM signal to maintain the PV modules under maximum power operation. The effectiveness of the proposed system has been verified by simulation works. Finally the experimental works were done to validate.

Effects of bypass diode configurations to the maximum power of photovoltaic module

Effects of bypass diode configurations to the maximum power of photovoltaic module

Experimental Learning of Digital Power Controller for Photovoltaic Module Using Proteus VSM

The electric power supplied by photovoltaic module depends on light intensity and temperature. It is necessary to control the operating point to draw the maximum power of photovoltaic module. This paper presents the design and implementation of digital power converters using Proteus software. Its aim is to enhance student’s learning for virtual system modeling and to simulate in software for PIC microcontroller along with the hardware design. The buck and boost converters are designed to interface with the renewable energy source that is PV module. PIC microcontroller is used as a digital controller, which senses the PV electric signal for maximum power using sensors and output voltage of the dc-dc converter and according to that switching pulse is generated for the switching of MOSFET. The implementation of proposed system is based on learning platform of Proteus virtual system modeling (VSM) and the experimental results are presented.

New Accurate Model to Estimate Maximum Power of Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays

New Accurate Model to Estimate Maximum Power of Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays

Implementation of a MPPT fuzzy controller for photovoltaic systems on FPGA circuit

Abstract Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) must usually be integrated with photovoltaic (PV) power systems so that the photovoltaic arrays are able to deliver the maximum power available. The present paper proposes a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) method, based on fuzzy logic controller (FLC), applied to a stand-alone photovoltaic system under variable temperature and irradiance conditions. The objective of this controller is to extract the maximum power of photovoltaic modules. The main objective o f this work is the development of this control and its implementation on a “FPGA Xilinx Virtex-II” circuit using “Memec Design Virtex-II V2MB1000” Development Board. Thus, we can show the advantages of using the FPGA circuits, which are their short development time, their low cost and their flexibility of operation.

Analysis and mitigation of measurement uncertainties in the traceability chain for the calibration of photovoltaic devices

This paper describes the traceability chain for photovoltaic devices and the measurement methods employed to perform the various transfer steps. The measurement uncertainties are analysed in detail based on the accreditation of the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) for the calibration of photovoltaic devices. The various contributions to the overall uncertainty are critically analysed for various traceability chain options. A major contribution is the uncertainty in the calibration of the primary reference device. The overall measurement uncertainty is reduced using the ESTI reference cell set compared to the traceability from the world photovoltaic scale. For the maximum power of photovoltaic modules, the expanded combined uncertainty is reduced from ±2.6% to below ±2%. Recommendations are made on the scope for further reduction of uncertainty and for the best calibration strategy for various PV technologies.