Performance Of PV Array Research Articles

Time Frequency Analysis Based Fault Detection in PV Array Using Scaling Basis Chirplet Transform

ABSTRACTPhotovoltaic (PV) arrays have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential for sustainable energy generation. However, the reliable operation of PV arrays is crucial for optimal performance and long‐term durability. The early detection of faults in PV arrays is vital to prevent further damage, improve maintenance strategies, and ensure uninterrupted energy production. In this study, we propose a novel fault detection method based on Time Frequency Analysis (TFA) using the Scaling Basis Chirplet Transform (SBCT). In this proposed fault detection method, PV array signal is decomposed into a set of chirplets using the SBCT. The chirplets represent localized time‐frequency components that can capture the dynamic behavior of the PV array signal. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, extensive simulations and experiments are conducted using real‐world PV array data. The SBCT with combination of various machine learning algorithms is proposed to detect faults in PV array. SBCT in combination with Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and ANN classifiers are able to detect faults in PV array with 99%, 98.5%, 99.2%, and 99.5% accuracies in no shading condition and 88%, 85%, 89%, and 89.5% accuracies in severe shading condition. The proposed method achieves high accuracy and robustness in detecting various types of faults in PV arrays, even in the presence of noise and uncertainties. The proposed fault detection method using TFA based on the SBCT offers a promising solution for efficient and reliable fault detection in PV arrays. It enables early fault detection, facilitating timely maintenance and minimizing energy losses. The proposed approach can contribute to enhancing the overall performance, reliability, and lifespan of PV arrays, thereby advancing the adoption of renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable development.

Energy- and exergy-based economical and environmental (4E) evaluation of the influence of natural pollutants on PV array performance

In the present investigation, thermodynamic/eco/environmental analysis of the relationship between time-dependent particle deposition and thermal-based losses and incident solar radiation intensity on the PV front cover glass during the months with the least precipitation in the city of Samsun (Turkey) was performed. To evaluate the effect of dust accumulation, controlled experiments were carried out where the surface of one set of PV panels was periodically cleaned with water and the other one was left to natural contamination. The results showed that over three months, the difference in energy loss rates between cleaned and uncleaned PV arrays ranged from 2.53% to 8.1%, with the exergy efficiency difference measured at 1.3%–2.44%. According to the energy-based analyzes, August was the most effective month, with cleaned PV arrays reducing CO2 emissions by 401.5 kg and saving $6.02, compared to uncleaned PV arrays which reduced emissions by 362.21 kg and cost $5.43, respectively. Similarly, in the exergy-based evaluation, August was the most efficient month, with cleaned PV arrays decreasing CO2 emissions by 401.5 kg and saving $6.02, compared to uncleaned PV arrays, which dropped CO2 emissions by 362.21 kg and costing $5.43, respectively. While the cleaned surfaces were initially positive, a decrease was observed over time. However, the efficiency of PV decreased with increasing panel temperature. The study concludes that PV surfaces need to be cleaned at certain intervals, depending on the location’s weather conditions.

Potential of tensegrity racking structures for enhanced bifacial PV array performance

Bifacial PV has emerged as the de-facto choice for utility-scale ground-mounted PV arrays due to their ability to collect solar irradiance from both the front and rear surfaces. However, conventional racking structures were not designed to minimize shadowing of the rear surface since they were developed with only monofacial panels in mind. In this study, we explore the utilization of tensegrity racking structures as an alternative to conventional PV rackings. Tensegrity structures are comprised of rods and cables that achieve structural integrity while minimizing mass, form factor, and possibly cost. In order to explore the potential of tensegrity structures, Radiance optical ray-tracing simulation was used to compare the bifacial performance between the two types of racking solutions. The simulation model was built using the on-site array configurations and the racking geometry obtained from a commercial array that features both monofacial and bifacial panels. High-level results show that the racking and mounting structure contribute to about 18% shading. With other parameters kept unchanged, the tensegrity structure is found to enable up to 60% increase in rear surface irradiance by mainly reducing the rear surface shading caused by the on-site racking structures. The work, through its novel approach of detailed modeling of racking geometry, demonstrates the potential of tensegrity racking structures for bifacial PV arrays.

Performance and degradation assessment of two different solar PV cell technologies in the remote region of eastern India

The sole reliance on conventional energy sources proves inadequate to meet the surging energy demand. To address this challenge, a self-sustainable hybrid system based on solar PV emerges as a promising solution. In light of this issue, it becomes important to analyze the performance of a solar PV array. The study aims to assess the performance and degradation of two distinct solar PV technologies, polycrystalline silicon PV (Poly-Si PV) and monocrystalline silicon PV (Mono-Si PV), under the tropical climatic conditions of eastern India. Various performance indices of solar PV arrays, such as reference yield, array yield, final yield, array capture loss, capacity factor (CF) and performance ratio (PR) for the two PV technologies, have been meticulously calculated to analyze the performance of solar PV arrays. The Linear regression (LR) method is employed to assess the degradation rate of both technologies. The results show better performance for Mono-Si PV in terms of yield outcomes and losses compared to its Poly-Si PV counterpart. The yield outcome of Mono-Si PV is approximately 12 % higher, whereas losses are around 32 % lower than Poly-Si PV. The annual average PR for Mono-Si PV and Poly-Si PV is obtained as 77.5 % and 72.42 %, respectively. Correspondingly, the average yearly CF is 16.78 % for Mono-Si PV and 15.44 % for Poly-Si PV. Results also show that Poly-Si PV degrades faster as compared to Mono-Si PV, with an annual average degradation rate of 0.67 % for Mono-Si PV and 0.73 % for Poly-Si PV. Finally, economic analysis of the two systems reveals that Mono-Si PV provides energy at a 9 % lower cost than Poly-Si PV, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.248 $/kWh for Mono-Si PV and 0.273 $/kWh for Poly-Si PV.

A Harmony Search Switching Matrix Algorithm for Enhanced Performance of Solar PV Arrays During Non-Uniform Irradiance Scenarios

A Harmony Search Switching Matrix Algorithm for Enhanced Performance of Solar PV Arrays During Non-Uniform Irradiance Scenarios

An efficient power extraction technique for improved performance and reliability of solar PV arrays during partial shading

Partial shading in the arrays reduces the power output, creates hotspots and damages the modules affecting the performance of the system. The modules bypass diodes create non-convexity in the power curves causing additional power losses. Hence, this work proposes a black widow reconfiguration (BWR) with reduced switch counts for mitigating the effects of partial shading in the arrays. The methodology effectively reduces the current difference between rows of the PV array within a short period with a faster calculation rate and electrically reconnects the modules. The reconnection ensures reduced mismatch among modules, higher power output and smoother power curves during partial shading. To show the effectiveness of the BWR in arbitrary-sized arrays, three arrays of 2 × 4, 5 × 5, and 9 × 9 sizes are considered and tested under static and dynamic partial shadings. The results are then compared with three conventional, six static, and three dynamic techniques using power curves and various parameters. Besides validation in the MATLAB environment, the experimental setup and OPAL-RT platform are considered to show the application in real-time environment. From the investigation, an average power improvement of 25.49%, 15.47%, and 9.29% in BWR compared to the existing conventional, static, and dynamic techniques with 99.60% efficiency have been observed.

Experimental investigations on the performance of solar photovoltaic system for different industrial weather conditions with dust accumulation

The objective of this paper is to identify sources of power loss by studying effect of dust accumulation on the performance of solar PV array and improve the performance of the overall system by accurate implementation of protocol prepared for smooth operation and maintenance activities. In this study, two sites are taken under analysis to evaluate the comparative performance considering the common variables. The study comprises advanced operational methodologies such as using Anti-soiling coating, IR thermography, and also checking the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic as performance indicators. It was found that the modules covered with coating showed more effectiveness in terms of the power delivered than non-coated modules for given site conditions. Results showed that the instantaneous energy difference between coated and non-coated modules was 3.5 kW at its peak when installed capacity of each set of modules under analysis is of about 39 kW. This increased power throughput by coated modules is due to better current performance and this can only be observed during the period of high irradiance between 10 pm and 3 pm. The difference in energy generated by coated and non-coated modules over a given period is about 23.6 units/kW/month observed for block under study. Installation of such anti-soiling coating will not only give better yield but also mitigate cleaning solution requirement.

Effect of Partially Shaded Conditions on Photovoltaic Array's Maximum Power Point Tracking

Maximum power point tracking algorithm is widely implemented in photovoltaic system to maximize the PV array output power. In general, Perturb and Observe (P&O) is simple thus being selected to continuously track the array maximum power point (MPP). Under uniform solar irradiance, PV array characteristic is non-linear and consisting only one MPP along the functional operating voltage. However, when the PV array is partially shaded, the P-V characteristic becomes more complex with multiple MPPs. The occurrence of multiple MPP might cause the PV array to be trapped at the local MPP. At this operating condition of local MPP, PV array will generate lesser output power. In this study, the performance of PV array is explored especially when each PV module is at 30% and 70% shaded conditions. Simulation results show that PV array at absolute MPP can generate greater output power with the largest increased by 74.6% hence achieving higher power efficiency.

Dynamic Performance of PV Array fed Vector Drive Unit

In emerging applications of solar powered units the significance of its operation and control plays vital role. Industries to home, in all applications need induction motors due to its robust, simple and reliable.so this type of machines used widely in variable speed applications. In the scenario this paper presents the operation and dynamic performance of vector drive fed by PV array. Any drive unit equipped with power management unit, signal conditioning, drivers and controllers and control unit. This system powered by the excitation from PV array with MPPT controller and the load here is a vector drive. Vector control is advantageous over scalar control due to its low speed regulation, low maintenance and minimum speed at Rated torque and wide base speed range. The proposed system consists of PV array, MPPT Controller, vector controlled drive. Solar panel output boosted using Dc-Dc converter with Maximum power point tracking controller Using Incremental Conductance method and the performance curves(P-V, I-V,V-I) presented. Dynamic modelling and analysis of Individual units and the respective performance curves presented here and the simulations done in MATLAB/SIMULINK Platform.

Performance Analysis of the BIPV of an Industrial Park in Wuhan

The performance of BIPV system is a crucial factor for its development. This paper chooses PV arrays installed on an industrial park buildings in Wuhan as a research object. The performance of PV array has been investigated at different tilt angles and orientations on the meteorological conditions of Wuhan. The performance of the amorphous silicon BIPV system and that of the polysilicon BIPV system are presented. The two BIPV systems are both 30 kW, with a tilt angle of 20° and facing south. The performance analysis shows that average monthly output energy of the polysilicon system and that of the amorphous silicon system are 2440.85kWh and 2209.14kWh respectively. The performance of amorphous silicon BIPV system is better in May, June, July and August. The maximum monthly output energy can be obtained in August (3768kWh and 3308kWh).For the amorphous silicon BIPV systems facing south and with different tilt angles of 20° and 10°, more output energy can be obtained from the amorphous silicon BIPV system with a tilt angle of 20°. The performance of the amorphous silicon BIPV systems oriented facing south with a tilt angle of 10° and that of the amorphous silicon BIPV systems oriented facing north with the same tilt angle are also analyzed respectively in this paper. These analyzes will provide a reference for the development of BIPV in Wuhan.

Performance analysis of grid interactive solar photovoltaic plant in India

Solar Photovoltaic systems are widely accepted as alternate energy sources across the world. Grid Tied PV (GTPV) and Grid Interactive (GIPV) PV systems are the two configurations in which PV generation is integrated with Grid. Later is more complex due to inclusion of battery as storage and connected load, along with Grid import/export. In this paper, performance of a 40 kWp GIPV system, installed in India, is presented. The system under study comprises of PV, Grid, and Battery bank and connected load. Performance parameters like reference yield, array yield, final yield, performance ratio, and capacity factor are derived using standards IEC 61724. Also presented is Annual energy yield of the plant and Annual efficiencies of PV array, inverter and system. The effect of temperature on PV array and inverter performance is also evaluated. All these parameters are evaluated from real time annual data.

Solar panel performance analysis under indonesian tropic climate using sandia PV array performance model and five parameter performance model

Evaluation and monitoring of solar panel are need to be done, primarily related to how much energy is produced. Energy production by a solar panel is affected by the characteristics of climate or weather of a particular location such as solar radiation and ambient temperature. This study aimed to compare two models of solar panel performance calculation, i.e., Sandia PV Array Model and Five Parameter Model by considering the tropical climate of Indonesia and see the effect of temperature and solar radiation changes on the results of the calculations of both methods through the I-V curve. The types of solar panels on monitored are a monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. The results show that the energy produced by Sandia PV Array Performance Model for the three types of solar panels are 54.36 Wdc, 51.57 Wdc, and 39.62 Wdc, respectively. Five Parameter Performance Model results are 56.58 Wdc, 52.7 Wdc, and 43.29, respectively. These results show that with a small amount of data, the Five Parameter Model is more optimal and efficient for the tropics compared to Sandia PV Array Model.

Dust effects on PV array performance: in‐field observations with non‐uniform patterns

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the impact of non‐homogeneous deposits of dust on the performance of a PV array. The observations have been made in a 2‐MW PV park in the southeast region of Spain. The results are that inhomogeneous dust leads to more significant consequences than the mere short‐circuit current reduction resulting from transmittance losses. In particular, when the affected PV modules are part of a string together with other cleaned (or less dusty) ones, operation voltage losses arise. These voltage losses can be several times larger than the short‐circuit ones, leading to power losses that can be much larger than what measurements suggest when the PV modules are considered separately. Significant hot‐spot phenomena can also arise leading to cells exhibiting temperature differences of more than 20 degrees and thus representing a threat to the PV modules' lifetime. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Irradiation and PV array energy output, cost, and optimal positioning estimation for South Africa

Simulation results of an irradiation and PV array performance software package (SunSim) are pre-sented. South African irradiation data availability is discussed, an irradiation data classification system proposed, and the estimation of diffuse irradiation on tilted surfaces analysed. Estimation of PV array energy output using King’s performance model is explained, and the influence of the irradiation and temperature data set measurement interval on PV energy output estimation investigated. Simulation results are presented, aimed at identifying optimal fixed PV panel tilt angles and solar-tracking config-urations for different locations in South Africa. Lastly, the cost of PV-based generation in South Africa is investigated.

Optimal sizing of array and inverter for grid-connected photovoltaic systems

Optimum PV/inverter sizing ratios for grid-connected PV systems in selected European locations were determined in terms of total system output, system output per specific cost of a system, system output per annualised specific cost of a system, PV surface orientation, inclination, tracking system, inverter characteristics, insolation and PV/inverter cost ratio. Maximum total system output was determined for horizontal, vertical and 45° inclined surfaces for a low efficiency inverter for sizing ratios of 1.5, 1.8 and 1.3, respectively; and for a medium efficiency inverter with sizing ratios of 1.4, 1.5 and 1.2. PV surface orientation and inclination have little impact on the performance of a high efficiency inverter. For different PV tracking systems and for different inverter characteristics, the optimum sizing ratio varied from 1.1 to 1.3. The PV/inverter cost ratio and the PV and inverter lifetimes have significant impact on the optimum PV/inverter sizing ratio. A correlation relating optimum sizing ratio and PV/inverter cost ratio has been developed; the correlation coefficients were found to be functions of insolation and inverter type. The impact of PV/inverter sizing ratio on PV array performance was less when PV array has a much higher cost than the inverter. The optimum sizing ratio for PV/inverter cost ratio of 6 and low efficiency inverter system varied from 1.4 to 1.2 for low to high insolation sites. For a high efficiency inverter system, the corresponding variation was from 1.3 to 1.1.

On-site measurement of the performance of crystalline silicon PV arrays

A procedure for determining the rated power of crystalline silicon photovoltaic arrays from on-site measurements in the field is described. It is the outcome of several years' experience in the testing of European pilot and demonstration plants and has formed the basis of an IEC draft standard on the subject. The procedure differs significantly from that followed when measuring the rated performance of solar cells and modules. The reasons for these differences are explained.

A Photovoltaic Array Simulator

Abstract A system simulating the output voltage-current characteristics of a photovoltaic array is described. The simulator may be used to test the performance of PV arrays and associated power conditioning equipment necessary for the autonomous or interconnected operation of photovoltaic energy sources. The simulator's main features include simplicity of construction, wide parametric variability and low cost. It is capable of reproducing the output characteristics of commercially available arrays at varying solar irradiation levels with sufficient accuracy. The design ensures the lowest possible power dissipation and minimal thermal drift. It is estimated that the cost of the simulator is an insignificant fraction of the actual array cost in the kilowatt power range.