Photovoltaic Array Configurations Research Articles

Experimental investigations on the seasonal performance variations of directly coupled solar photovoltaic water pumping system using centrifugal pump

Optimum sizing and type of photovoltaic array configuration (PVAC) greatly affect the performance of solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPVWPS). The electric power is decided considering the daily volume of pumped water and the total dynamic head at pumping site. In addition, however, the electric power output of PVAC also depends upon latitude, inclination angle of panel, and seasonal parameters like radiation and temperature, etc. In the present work, experimental investigations have been done to select the optimum PVAC to supply electric power to SPVWPS and effect of seasonal variations on its output. This has been done by investigating the performance of SPVWPS employing a direct current (DC) borehole centrifugal submersible pump along with different PVACs namely PVAC1 (4S × 2P), PVAC2 (5S × 2P), PVAC3 (7S), PVAC4 (8S), PVAC5 (3S × 2P) and PVAC6 (6S) at four pumping heads 2, 3, 4 and 5 bar. 4S × 2P indicates: 2 strings of photovoltaics (PV) module are connected in parallel where each string consists of 4 PV modules connected in series. Similarly, 8S indicates 8 PV modules are connected in series only. The seasonal variations in output of SPVWPS and selection of optimum PVAC have been done by testing in winter and summer seasons in the laboratory under the outdoor conditions of VNIT, Nagpur, India. Through the study, it can be concluded that PVAC2 (5S × 2P) delivered maximum discharge in winter season and PVAC4 (8S) in summer season at all pumping heads.

Metaheuristic based comparative MPPT methods for photovoltaic technology under partial shading condition

The characteristic of the photovoltaic (PV) system during partial shading condition comprises of one global peak and multiple local peaks. It is, therefore, very difficult to track maximum power from the PV arrays. Traditional maximum power point (MPP) tracking (MPPT) algorithms are commonly limited to uniform irradiance condition. In this manuscript, the problem under study is the tracking of maximum power from a PV array in real-time system. Consequently, this paper proposes an improved chaotic PSO (CPSO) (ICPSO) for extracting maximum power from the PV array under various environmental conditions. In the algorithm, chaotic mutation is engrafted to overcome trapping of normal PSO into local MPPs. Moreover, tracking time, number of iteration and efficiency are also improved considerably by the proposed algorithm. ICPSO based simulation results under four different irradiance patterns for each PV array configuration (such as 3S1P and 4S2P) are verified against PSO, improved PSO, CPSO, cuckoo search, and perturb and observed algorithm. The obtained results also ensure that the tracking efficiency of the proposed technique is better than the other approaches in most of the cases, which leads better outlook to use this technique in the control block for searching the global MPP of the PV setup.

Optimal Interconnections among Partial Shaded Array Modules of T-C-T Solar Photovoltaic Array Configuration

Optimal Interconnections among Partial Shaded Array Modules of T-C-T Solar Photovoltaic Array Configuration

A Novel Hybrid Approach for Maximizing the Extracted Photovoltaic Power under Complex Partial Shading Conditions

The convenient design of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is key to the success of photovoltaic (PV) system performance in order to maximize the extracted power, which is affected significantly by weather fluctuations, particularly partial shading condition (PSC). This paper proposes a novel hybrid MPPT approach based on a modified Perturb and Observe (P&O) assisted by the Extremum Seeking Control (ESC) strategy, combining the benefits of these simple algorithms and, meanwhile, eliminating their drawbacks. The proposed algorithm is able to track the maximum possible power under any level of weather fluctuation, with comprehensive enhancement on all aspects of high performance, boosting the PV array efficiency to 100%, reducing the convergence time to less than 100 ms, completely eradicating the oscillations around the achieved power, and maintaining the simplicity levels of both involved strategies. More importantly, this algorithm is applicable for any PV array configuration, which enhances the robustness and novelty of the algorithm. The performance is verified using MATLAB/Simulink. A boost converter is used for controlling DC to DC (direct current to direct current) power. The proposed algorithm’s performance is compared with the conventional P&O and incremental conductance (IC) algorithms under four different cases of weather conditions. The shortcomings of these algorithms are illustrated and the analysis confirms the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm accordingly.

Optimal Energy Harvesting From a Multistrings PV Generator Based on Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

Photovoltaic (PV) systems based on multistring configuration are the best effective solution, given its advantages in terms of system availability, reliability, and energy efficiency. In this particular configuration each substring has its own dc-dc converter and a dedicated maximum power search algorithm which increase the cost and complexity. In this article, an efficient centralized global maximum power tracking (GMPPT) algorithm for multistring PV array subject to partial shading conditions is proposed. The algorithm is based on artificial bee colony (ABC) as an optimization approach to provide the optimal duty cycles allowing the extraction of the optimal global maximum power from each substring. In particular, the proposed approach allows significant reduction of the required sensors to only one pair of current and voltage sensors, at the common point of connection of the overall PV strings. The simulation study has been carried out under Cadence/Pspice and MATLAB/Simulink platforms on the I-V curves to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm when several shading patterns occur. In addition, complex shading pattern of a daily profile has been also carried out to demonstrate the GMPPT finding in dynamically variable conditions. Performance comparison against particle swarm optimization based maximum power point tracking algorithm and the traditional perturb and observe method has also been carried out. The obtained simulation and experimental results have shown the effectiveness and a good tracking capability of the proposed ABC algorithm in a multistring PV array configuration under uniform and nonuniform irradiance.

Photovoltaic emulator of different solar array configurations under partial shading conditions using damping injection controller

In the last decades, researchers and scientists have been trending towards photovoltaic (PV) solar energy research as one of the noteworthy renewable energies. As a matter of fact, the need for a laboratory system devoted to performing measurements and experimentation on PV systems is being increased. The PV array emulator is designed to accomplish this task by reproducing accurately the electrical behavior of real PV sources. The present paper proposes thus a new control and design of PV array emulators. It is based essentially on a hybrid Damping Injection controller. The proposed control strategy circumvents obviously the existing PV emulator's limitations in terms of accuracy, speed and partial shading emulation. Several results are given and discussed to show the efficiency of the proposed system to emulate PV modules and different PV array configurations under uniform solar irradiance and partial shading conditions.

Evaluation of Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Effects on the Load Matching Indicators Based on Real Monitored Data

This paper reports on the electrical performance of two bloc-of-flats buildings located in Prague, Czech Republic. Measured data of electrical consumption were used to investigate the effect of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) systems on the overlap between generation and demand. Different PV array configurations and battery storage capacities were considered. Detailed solar analysis was carried out to analyze the solar potential of the building and to assess the PV electricity production. The evaluation of the building performance was done through MATLAB simulations based on one-year monitored data. The simulation results were used for the calculation of the load matching indices: namely, the self-consumption and self-sufficiency. It was found that optimized array tilt and orientation angles can effectively contribute to a better adjustment between electricity demand and solar PV generation. The addition of a façade PV system increases significantly the PV generation and thus the load matching during winter months. Mismatch is further reduced by using the energy flexibility provided by the BESS. Depending on the PV size and BESS capacity, the self-consumption and the self-sufficiency of the building could increase from 55% to 100% and from 24% up to 68%, respectively.

Performance Analysis of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Array Using Magic Square View Configuration for Shade Dispersion

Abstract The power generated by the photovoltaic (PV) array is affected by the partial shading, caused by the neighboring object shadows, dirtiness, moving clouds, bird droppings, different orientation angles of PV modules, deposition of dust in modules, and the physical location of the PV module. Therefore, the PV systems exhibit multiple peaks of generated power and do not always track the maximum power point (MPP). Thus, to overcome these problems of multiple peaks, the PV panels are reconfigured using either electrical or physical reconfiguration methods. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the performance of magic square view (MSV) configuration of PV modules under partial shading conditions (PSCs). For validation, three kinds of PSCs patterns are considered and are then compared to the Total Cross Tied (TCT) and Sudoku (SDK) configurations: long and wide, short and narrow, and long and narrow. Overall, the obtained results show that the MSV configuration allows us to increase the power generated by the PV array by 34% and 7% under the three types of shadow studied as compared to the TCT and SDK configurations, respectively. The PV array configurations parameters are performed based on matlab/simulink software. The simulation and performance analysis of PV array configurations is performed with 81 PV modules of BP Solar Poly BP 380 modules.

Mathematical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Array Configurations with Partial Shaded Modules

Solar-based photovoltaic (SPV) cells produce power from sunlight through the photovoltaic effect. The yield voltage of a single PV cell is small, so the voltage is extended by interfacing PV cells in series arrangement known as PV module or panel. Solar PV array comprises of series and parallel connections of modules in the grid structure with a few columns and rows. The various kinds of SPV array configurations or topologies are shaped by changing the number of electrical connections between module to module in an array. This paper presents the mathematical examination of 6×6 size regular SPV array configurations, including Total-Cross-Tied, Parallel, Honey-Comb, Series-Parallel, Series, Bridge-Linked types beneath un-shading case, and different proposed shading cases (primarily short narrow, short wide, long narrow, and long wide shadings). The electrical proportionate circuit of the SPV array setups was analyzed by Kirchhoff’s laws at distinctive nodes and loops in a sun powered PV array. The location of global maximum power point (GMPP) was determined hypothetically and distinguished in Matlab/simulation software at various shading conditions. Citation:  Raju, V.B., and Chengaiah, C. (2020). Mathematical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Array Configurations with Partial Shaded Modules. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6, 121-143. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.2.00115

A Novel Fixed PV Array Configuration for Harvesting Maximum Power From Shaded Modules by Reducing the Number of Cross-Ties

Partial shading is one of the main obstacle for constant power generation from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Partial shading conditions (PSCs) may be caused by passing of clouds, buildings, trees, bird litters, dust and etc. Due to PSCs, PV modules will experience the mismatching power losses which will lead to the loss of power generation capability and it also produces several peaks in the P- V curve. In order to avoid the problems associated with PSCs, the PV configuration is one of the best solution. The main objective of this research article is to model and simulate the proposed 7×7 Tripe-Tied (TT) PV array configuration along with the Series (S), Series-Parallel (SP), Total-Cross-Tied (TCT), Bridge-Link (BL), Honey-Comb (HC) configurations under various shading scenarios. The performance above-mentioned PV array configurations are evaluated under uniform, corner, center, right side end, frame, random and diagonal shading scenarios. The comparative performance study of PV configurations is analyzed in terms of their mismatching power loss, fill factors, efficiency, global maximum power points (GMPPs), local maximum power points (LMPPs), voltages and currents at GMPPs, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current. KYOCERA-KC200GT PV module parameters are considered for simulating all PV configurations.

A Novel T-C-T Solar Photovoltaic Array Configurations using Rearrangement of PV Modules with Shade Dispersion Technique for Enhancing the Array Power

Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) solar array configuration has more output power under uniform irradiance condition (un-shade case) among all conventional solar photovoltaic (SPV) array configurations but reduced array power under non-uniform irradiance cases (shading cases). To improve the performance of TCT array configuration under shading cases by using rearrangement or repositioning of existing photovoltaic (PV) modules in TCT configuration to new optimal locations within a TCT array configuration with shade dispersion technique. In this rearranged method, repositioning the modules based on puzzle pattern without altering the electrical connections among modules in an SPV array. The shading on PV modules are dispersed by changing the position of PV modules to optimal locations within SPV array so the performance of conventional TCT configuration will be improved. In this paper proposed an optimal TCT configurations, it requires a minimum number of electrical connections or ties between array modules and it depends on the shaded modules location in SPV array and also the proposed method reduces the wiring losses, mismatch losses. For this analysis, MATLAB/Simulink software is used for modeling and simulation of 6x6 size different rearrangement based TCT and proposed optimal SPV array configurations under one un-shaded case and fourteen different shading cases.

Mitigation of Mismatch Power Losses of PV Array under Partial Shading Condition using novel Odd Even Configuration

In this paper, the effect of Partial Shading Condition (PSC) on various solar photovoltaic (PV) array topologies has been studied extensively. PSC reduces the maximum power of a PV array and produces multiple Maximum Power Points (MPPs) in the PV characteristics. A novel PV array configuration, named as the Odd Even Configuration (OEC) has been proposed to mitigate the effects of PSC under a diagonally progressing shadowing scenario and performance parameters like mismatch power loss, Fill Factor (FF) and Performance Ratio (PR), have been measured. The performance of the proposed OEC has been compared with pre-existing standard configurations such as TCT, SP-TCT, BL-TCT and BL-HC. Another recently proposed configuration has also been used for comparison. The effect of variation in temperature on the shade dispersion effect has also been studied. All the considered PV array configurations have been modeled in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The proposed OEC configuration is found to be superior to other configurations for all the PSCs considered, with minimum power loss and improved FF.

Mathematical Modelling of Solar Photovoltaic Cell/Panel/Array based on the Physical Parameters from the Manufacturer’s Datasheet

This paper discusses a modified V-I relationship for the solar photovoltaic (PV) single diode based equivalent model. The model is derived from an equivalent circuit of the PV cell. A PV cell is used to convert the solar incident light to electrical energy. The PV module is derived from the group of series connected PV cells and PV array, or PV string is formed by connecting the group of series and parallel connected PV panels. The model proposed in this paper is applicable for both series and parallel connected PV string/array systems. Initially, the V-I characteristics are derived for a single PV cell, and finally, it is extended to the PV panel and, to string/array. The solar PV cell model is derived based on five parameters model which requires the data’s from the manufacturer’s data sheet. The derived PV model is precisely forecasting the P-V characteristics, V-I characteristics, open circuit voltage, short circuit current and maximum power point (MPP) for the various temperature and solar irradiation conditions. The model in this paper forecasts the required data for both polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon panels. This PV model is suitable for the PV system of any capacity. The proposed model is simulated using Matlab/Simulink for various PV array configurations, and finally, the derived model is examined in partial shading condition under the various environmental conditions to find the optimal configuration. The PV model proposed in this paper can achieve 99.5% accuracy in producing maximum output power as similar to manufacturers datasheet.©2020. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reserved

A Comprehensive Study on Re-arrangement of Modules Based TCT Configurations of Partial Shaded PV Array with Shade Dispersion Method

The conventional Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) Solar photovoltaic (SPV) array configuration has the highest power output as compared to other configurations or topologies in most cases of partial shading. But the performance of TCT configuration is affected under shading conditions, resulting in multiple peaks occurring in the output PV characteristics. To improve the performance of TCT array configuration under different shading scenarios, it is only necessary to reposition or rearrange the PV modules in the TCT Solar PV array based on the arrangement of puzzle numbers, without altering the electrical contacts of the TCT array configuration. The main objective of this study is to investigate the performance of rearrangement of modules in SPV array based new TCT array configurations with shade dispersion technique and compare the global maximum peak power (GMPP) of SPV array, mismatch losses, Fill-Factor, efficiency and number of required electrical connections or ties between array modules with proposed optimal arrangement of modules under shading (non-uniform irradiance) conditions. For this study, one uniform irradiance case and total 14 partial shading patterns were considered. MATLAB/Simulink software was used for modeling and simulation of 6A—6 size different rearrangement based TCT array and proposed optimal SPV array configurations. Citation: Â BALARAJU, V., and Chengaiah, C. (2020). A Comprehensive Study on Re-arrangement of Modules Based TCT Configurations of Partial Shaded PV Array with Shade Dispersion Method. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6, 37-60. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.1.00111

Sizing verification of a 4kWp retrofitted grid-connected photovoltaic system: a case study in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Electricity are commonly generated from several types of energy resources such as fossil and nuclear energy. However, due to emission of carbon dioxide from both sources, renewable energy is introduced to provide a clean and secure sustainable energy. One of the potential renewable energy application is Photovoltaic (PV) system; namely grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system and stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) system. In this study, a mathematical approach of SEDA’s GCPV sizing model is implemented to size a 4kWp of a retrofitted GCPV system by the method claimed to be the best practice mathematical design model under tropical climate Malaysia. The outcome of the sizing approach will then be evaluated with HelioScope software, one of commercial simulation tools available in current market. The final result obtained from both methods shows that the final PV array configuration is 1 x 12 (parallel x series) which is in agreement to the actual installed system.

Number of maximum power points in photovoltaic arrays during partial shading events by clouds

This article presents a study of the number of maximum power points (MPPs) of photovoltaic (PV) module arrays during partial shading events by clouds. Around 9000 shadow edges were identified in measured irradiance data, and the electrical characteristics of 250–500 PV module arrays with different configurations were studied during the irradiance changes. It was found that most of the partial shading events caused by clouds do not cause multiple MPPs for PV arrays, even for a moment. The number of MPPs was found to decrease with the increasing number of parallel-connected PV strings, but to increase strongly with the increasing length of the strings. According to the results, the use of a total-cross-tied electrical PV array configuration leads to worse system performance compared to a simple series-parallel configuration during partial shading events. Dark shadows with sharp edges moving parallel to the PV strings caused the largest MPP numbers, up to 20. The results show that energy losses due to operation at a local MPP instead of the global one during partial shading events by clouds have only a minor effect on the total energy production of PV arrays.

Optimal photovoltaic array reconfiguration for alleviating the partial shading influence based on a modified harris hawks optimizer

Mismatch power loss is the unfortunate problem created as a result of the partial shading phenomenon. To relieve the entire photovoltaic system from this issue, reconfiguring the photovoltaic modules of the considered photovoltaic array is proposed as a favorable solution to disperse the shadow regularly. Therefore, in the current work, a novel developed optimization algorithm named modified harris hawks optimizer is introduced aiming to provide the optimal reconfiguration pattern of the switching matrix to maximize the generated power from the array. The basic version of the harris hawks optimizer is implemented for the same problem over several stages of the analysis, as well. Rearrangements of four patterns of shadow (short broad, long broad, short narrow, and long narrow patterns) are implemented on 9 × 9 photovoltaic array. Moreover, the algorithm is also validated on another two shade patterns with 6 × 4 and 6 × 20 photovoltaic arrays are reported in the simulation part. The results of the proposed techniques are compared to those obtained by a total-cross-tied, competence square, particle swarm optimizer, and genetic-based reconfiguration techniques based on several metrics. The utilized measures are mismatch power, fill factor, percentage power loss, as well as percentage power enhancement. The analysis reveals that the introduced approach enhances the produced power by 33.274%, 27.79%, 6.99%, 7.197% over the first four shaded patterns, respectively and increases the generated power by 20%for the other shade patters. Further, the modified harris hawks optimizer proves its excellency in providing the optimal photovoltaic array configuration in less than 1 s. For intensive justification, the modified harris hawks optimizer reconfiguration approach is validated based on an experimental work for 9 × 9 photovoltaic array with twelve shade patterns during a day from 8 ante meridiem to 7 post meridiem with one hour step. Comparing the produced power based on the modified harris hawks optimizer arrangements to those of total-cross-tied and harris hawks optimizer schemes over the daily hours proves the superiority of the modified harris hawks optimizer interconnected system in generating the highest values of power with a uniform dispersion for the shadow and smooth characteristics with saving the energy by 12.569% compared with that produced by total-cross-tied across the day hours.

Impact of Partial Shading on Various PV Array Configurations and Different Modeling Approaches: A Comprehensive Review

Since the last decade, partial shading conditions (PSCs) and its adverse influences on photovoltaic (PV) system performance have received due attention. It motivates researchers to explore methods to diminish/disperse the shading effects and/or novel PV array configurations to sustain under PSCs. To diminish the effects of PSCs, this article presents a comprehensive review of various PV array configuration models for PV systems and metaheuristic approaches for shade dispersion effectively. Different PV array modeling approaches are identified, emphasizing their benefits, inadequacies and categorized according to vital features such as shade dispersion and improved performance in terms of efficiency; fill factor (FF), and maxima power, minimized power losses (PL) primarily. Besides these various PV array configurations such as hybrid, reconfigured, mathematical/game puzzle based advanced configurations are uniquely discussed with the existing configurations. In the current scenario, the metaheuristic algorithms are explored and widely accepted by researchers due to the less wire length requirement for PV array reconfiguration. This article discusses and deliberates recent developments in methods of solar PV performance enhancement that deserves further study. Overall, the present study is helpful for academicians and researchers in the committed solar power installation area.

Performance investigation of hybrid and conventional PV array configurations for grid-connected/standalone PV systems

Now a days, the critical challenge in solar photovoltaic (PV) system is to make them energy efficient. One of the key factors that can reduce the PV system power output is partial shading condition (PSC). The reduction in power output not only depends on shaded region but also depends on pattern of shading and physical position of shaded modules in the array. Due to PSCs, mismatch losses are induced between the shaded modules which can cause several peaks in the output power-voltage (P-V) characteristic. The series-parallel (SP), total-cross-tied (TCT), bridge-link (BL), honey-comb (HC), and triple-tied (TT) configurations are considered as conventional configurations, which are severely affected by PSCs and generate more mismatch power loss along with a greater number of local peaks. To reduce the effect of PSCs, hybrid PV array configurations such as series-parallel : total-cross-tied (SP-TCT), bridge-link : total-cross-tied (BL-TCT), honey-comb : total-cross-tied (HC-TCT) and bridge-link : honeycomb (BL-HC) are proposed in this paper. This paper briefly discusses the modeling, simulation and performance evaluation of hybrid and conventional 7∗7 PV array configurations during different PSCs in Matlab/Simulink environment. The performance of hybrid and conventional PV configurations are evaluated and compared in terms of global maximum power (GMP), voltage and currents at GMP, open and short circuit voltage and currents, mismatch power loss (MPL), fill factor, efficiency, and number of local maximum power peaks (LMPPs).

A typical review on static reconfiguration strategies in photovoltaic array under non-uniform shading conditions

Maximum power extraction from the photovoltaic (PV) system plays a critical role in increasing efficiency during partial shading conditions (PSCs). It directly reduces the output power of the PV array. There are different factors like, bypass diode configuration, array size, array configuration, shade intensity, environmental conditions etc. affecting on the performance of solar photovoltaic panel. Furthermore, series (S), parallel (P), series-parallel (SP), total-cross-tied (TCT), bridge-linked (BL), and honey-comb (HC), etc. are the various configurations to deal with mentioned issues. But these PV array configurations are also having drawbacks like low dispersion factor, mismatch losses, line losses under partial shading condition. To overcome these issues, the reconfiguration of the PV array is one of the effective measures. A comprehensive study of literature shows that PV modules are connected under different reconfigured schemes namely Sudoku, Optimal Sudoku, Magic square, zig-zag, Skyscraper, etc. In this paper, a comprehensive review is performed to highlight the advantages and limitations of each scheme. This study can be used as a sort of viewpoint to address the advancement in this area since some parameter comparison is made at the end of every technique, which might be a prominent base-rule for picking the most gainful sort of reconfiguration technique for further research.