Performance Of Photovoltaic Modules Research Articles

Influence of Wind and Rainfall on the Performance of a Photovoltaic Module in a Dusty Environment

This study presents an analysis of the influence of weather conditions on the performance of a multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic module, which operates under constant resistive load and is situated near a limestone quarry. The quarry is a significant source of dust, and hence the focus of the study is on the weather factors influencing the presence of soiling on the module’s surface. The analysis encompasses a three-week period, during which the global horizontal irradiance and wind speed were recorded at 10-min intervals by an on-site weather station. The current, voltage, and back temperature of the module were also measured. Supplementary weather data were obtained from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and the NASA POWER databases. The primary objective is to assess whether any influence of the observed weather conditions on the presence of soiling can be inferred from the recorded data. The contribution is in part intended to test how different techniques can be used to extract useful information on the weather-related effects from somewhat limited data, assembled from various sources, while dealing with the underlying uncertainties. The analysis indicates a persistent deterioration of the module’s performance because of soiling and its subsequent improvement due to a favourable weather event.

Thermal performance of the photovoltaic module with evaporative cooling ventilated cavity

Abstract Energy is indispensable in modern life, and solar photovoltaic technology stands out for its substantial advantages. However, the current conversion rate remains suboptimal, ranging from 15% to 20%. Compounding this, a portion of solar energy undergoes conversion into thermal energy, resulting in an elevation of the PV (photovoltaic) module’s temperature and a subsequent reduction in electricity generation efficiency. In response to this challenge, a solution was conceived—a design featuring an evaporative cooling ventilated cavity crafted to alleviate the operating temperature of the photovoltaic module. This innovative system integrates a photovoltaic facade with an evaporative cooling ventilation cavity, encompassing crucial components such as solar photovoltaic panels, an evaporative cooling layer, and a ventilated cavity equipped with thermal regulation. An experimental system was meticulously developed. The results illuminate the system’s efficacy in temperature reduction: approximately 5°C for the PV back sheet, 5°C for the cavity back sheet, and 5.2°C inside the cavity. Furthermore, the system achieves a noteworthy average operating temperature reduction of about 14.1%, 20.2%, and 20.4%, respectively. These findings underscore the substantial impact of the evaporative cooling system on regulating and enhancing the thermal performance of PV modules.

Analysis of dust deposition law at the micro level and its impact on the annual performance of photovoltaic modules

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a promising clean energy technology, but dust affects its performance. This study, conducted in nine Chinese cities with varying climates and geographies, analyzed the physicochemical properties of dust and its deposition patterns at different inclination angles using microanalysis. Inclination angles were classified into three categories, and a dust density prediction (DDP) model was developed for each. The study also quantified the effect of different dust densities on PV module temperature in a controlled environment and created a PV module output power prediction (POPP) model to assess dust accumulation impacts on PV efficiency. It was found that dust insulation could increase PV module output power by 1.64% - 1.79% at dust densities of 5 - 10 g/m2 and radiation levels of 400 - 800 W/m2. Combining the DDP and POPP models, a PV efficiency loss rate model was proposed to evaluate annual average PV efficiency and power generation losses at different tilting angles. Results showed an annual average PV efficiency loss of over 7% at a 15° inclination angle and about 4.5% at a 90° inclination angle. This study provides a framework for evaluating PV module mounting angles and cleaning intervals, optimizing solar energy systems for improved efficiency and returns.

Evaporative photovoltaic cooling - A comparison of hydraulic and air atomizing nozzles in laboratory and field measurements

Solar radiation allows the operation of photovoltaic modules, but concurrently limits the maximum power output achievable in real operation due to increasing cell temperatures. In this work, experiments are conducted to validate the functionality of an evaporative cooling system for photovoltaics by comparing the results of a custom-made mobile photovoltaic test rig with Pt100 sensors embedded into the solar cell laminate under Western European summer conditions and of a laboratory panel heater test rig. Additionally, results of an air atomizing nozzle installed in the cooling system are presented and compared to hydraulic atomizing nozzles. The cell temperature drops by a maximum of 29.3 °C with a consumption of 6.3 lh∙m2 water and 8800 lh∙m2 compressed air. Dependent on the solar cell type, the electrical efficiency increases by 8.8% – 14.5%. The comparison shows that the air atomizing nozzle yields superior results but is not cost-efficient in the application due to the cost of compressed air.

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.

Application of ternary nanofluid and rotating cylinders in the cooling system of photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator coupled module and computational cost reduction

Innovative cooling systems and solar panel modeling approaches have become critical for effective photovoltaic module performance and higher energy efficiency. In the present study, a novel cooling system for thermoelectric generator integrated photovoltaic module is proposed. Three dimensional coupled photovoltaic module/thermoelectric generator/cooling channel system is numerically analyzed by using Galerkin weighted residual finite element method. The cooling channels include rotating circular cylinders, with ternary nanofluid serving as the cooling medium. Three dimensional coupled numerical simulations are carried out for various values of cylinder’s rotational speed (rotational Reynolds number, Rew between 0 and 5000), number of channels with rotating cylinders (N between 2 and 8), size of the cylinders in the cooling channel (RC between 0.006H and 0.433H) and nanoparticle amount in water (ϕ between 0 and 3%). Higher rotational speed of the cylinders, higher nanoparticle loading and higher channel number with cylinder contribute positively to the performance enhancement of the photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator coupled system. In the case of motionless cylinder in cooling channels, larger cylinder sizes have negative impact on the performance. By using cylinders that rotate at the fastest possible rate together with the usage of ternary nanofluid and only water, photovoltaic-cell temperature drops of 61.6 °C and 61 °C in comparison to un-cooled photovoltaic are achieved. When compared to motionless cylinder arrangements, cell temperature reductions of 4.3 °C and 3 °C are achieved by using the fastest rotation speeds for the base fluid and nanofluid. The temperature of the photovoltaic cells decreases and the thermoelectric power increases as the number of rotating cylinders in the cooling channels increases while temperature of the cell drops by 2 °C from N=2 to N=8 and becomes 4.3 °C as compared to motionless cylinder configuration. An efficient computational method by using proper orthogonal decomposition is proposed. While the computational time is reduced by a factor of 1/50, the approach is effective in properly predicting the variation in photovoltaic-cell temperature. The proposed cooling system and practical computational method are useful for further development and optimization of efficient thermal management of photovoltaic panels and integrated systems.

Numerical Simulation of Improving the Efficienty of Photovoltaic Thermal Panels

Abstract The need to optimize the operation of photovoltaic modules inevitably arises with the development of green energy production technology. In order to achieve a good technological yield, durability and efficiency in production, continuous studies and innovations are required. This study focuses on simulating the operation of water-cooled and uncooled PV modules in order to understand the temperature-dependent PV operation. This cooling module consists, in the first phase, of a copper coil through which water circulates, and in the second phase, of a coolant distributor/collector system. The module is attached to the lower surface of the photovoltaic panel, respectively to the teller foil layer. For this simulation we used the Ansys software package (Discovery, Fluent and Space Claim).

Improve The Conversion Efficiency and Electrical Output of The Solar PV System by Developing and Implementing a Cooling System

The performance of the grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the present study is improved using cooling technology. This technology reduces the temperature of solar PV modules and thus increases their efficiency and lifespan. The current solar PV system has been installed in northern Baghdad in the city of Taji. This study included improving electrical power, conversion efficiency, and performance ratio. All of these improvements are achieved by cooling using water. The performance ratio (PR) and efficiency maximum values of the reference (unimproved) and improved solar PV modules are at 10:10 am at 88.30% & 96.30% and 13.4% & 14.6%, respectively. Improved and reference PV modules maximum solar radiation values occur at 12:00 pm at 1.91 W and 1.566 W, respectively. The maximum solar radiation values of the reference and improved PV modules are at 12:00 pm at 922.9 W/m2 and 1012.22 W/m2, respectively. The maximum daily gain of the power and solar irradiance are 22% and 10%, respectively. The significant innovation in the study is the successful performance optimization of the grid-connected solar PV system. Using different equations to study performance by following different behaviors. Along with improving and studying CIGS PV module performance.

Effect of self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating on dust deposition and performance of PV modules

Dust deposition on photovoltaic (PV) module surfaces can substantially decrease PV efficiency and shorten module lifespans. This research aims to examine the impact of self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating on particle deposition and PV performance. In this study, a particle accumulation condition based on surface energy was proposed to determine particle deposition on PV modules. Subsequently, a particle accumulation numerical model was established, and its rationality was verified. Next, the effect of particle size, wind speed, and tilt angle on particle accumulation on coated and uncoated modules was numerically explored. Moreover, the impact of a self-cleaning coating on PV efficiency and output power was evaluated. The findings suggest that compared with deposited dust on uncoated modules, dust accumulation on coated modules decreases by 37.4 % under a particle size of 30 μm and a tilt angle of 60°. Moreover, the cleaning ability of the coating increases with the tilt angle, owing to the gravitational effect of the particles. Furthermore, the accumulated dust on uncoated and coated modules shows an approximate V-shaped distribution with increasing wind speed. However, the dust decreases as the particle size increases when the tilt angle exceeds 45°. Additionally, the reduction in efficiency is 9.8 % for uncoated modules and 7.9 % for coated modules.

Analysis and prediction of the performance and reliability of PV modules installed in harsh climates: Case study Iraq

The increasing global demand for renewable energy necessitates a comprehensive understanding of solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance and reliability, particularly in harsh climates such as Iraq. Despite ambitious targets to diversify its energy sector, Iraq faces challenges in the deployment of PV projects due to limited field experience. In this study, we assess the reliability and performance of two different PV systems installed in Basrah and Baghdad, aged 3.5 and 8 years, respectively. Field analysis reveals prevalent issues including glass and cell breakage, delamination, solder bond fatigue, and encapsulant discoloration, contributing to medium degradation rates of 0.91 %/year and 2.6 %/year in Basrah and Baghdad, respectively. Our investigation attributes higher degradation rates not only to ageing but also to suboptimal operation and maintenance (O&M) practices. Additionally, since the two systems are from different manufacturers, we verify that the measured higher degradation rates are mainly attributed to harsh operating conditions rather than differences in manufacturing processes. To extrapolate our findings countrywide, we employ a physics-based model to simulate the degradation rates. Based on the simulated degradation, we proposed four degradation rate zones across the country with degradation rates ranging from 0.62 %/year to 0.96 %/year. By applying these rates to estimate lifetime energy yield across different zones, we demonstrate the trade-offs between higher irradiance zones with reduced PV lifetime and low irradiance zones with longer PV lifetimes. In the study, we compared energy yield simulations using fixed degradation rates with those employing climate-dependent degradation rates. Our analysis revealed that in certain locations in Iraq, employing a fixed degradation rate underestimates the yield by approximately 9.7 %. Conversely, in other locations, it results in overestimations ranging from approximately 10.5 %–31.1 %, highlighting the importance of accurate degradation rate modelling for PV system assessment. Furthermore, we simulate the impact of soiling losses on energy yield, revealing potential losses of up to 70 % depending on location and cleaning schedules. Our findings contribute valuable insights into PV system degradation across harsh climates, addressing critical gaps in global degradation rate data and facilitating more accurate climate-dependent assessments of PV performance and reliability.

The impact of some environmental variables on the performance of solar PV module

The country of Iraq tops the list of countries in solar activity and therefore has the most important renewable energy sources, which we desperately need to fill the acute shortage of electrical energy. The availability of this source coincides with a significant rise in temperature in most of its regions and a wide range of days of the year. Where temperatures play a key role in wind activity and the provocation of dust storms, which urgently requires a field study to find out the impact of these factors on the performance of photovoltaic solar modules. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the solar module under the influence of dust accumulation, temperature and wind speed. A group symmetric of monocrystalline silicon solar modules have been experimented to see how these factors affect the performance of the modules. The results showed that there is a clear impact by the heat factor and dust accumulation on the performance of solar modules, but the wind factor is the least influential and what can be concluded is that Iraq, especially the city of Baghdad, is an ideal place to invest solar energy in the production of electrical energy.

The State of the Art of Photovoltaic Module Cooling Techniques and Performance Assessment Methods

Due to its widespread availability and inexpensive cost of energy conversion, solar power has become a popular option among renewable energy sources. Among the most complete methods of utilizing copious solar energy is the use of photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, one major obstacle to obtaining the optimal performance of PV technology is the need to maintain ideal operating temperature. Maintaining constant surface temperatures is critical to PV systems’ efficacy. This review looks at the latest developments in PV cooling technologies, including passive, active, and combined cooling methods, and methods for their assessment. As advances in research and innovation progress within this domain, it will be crucial to tackle hurdles like affordability, maintenance demands, and performance in extreme conditions, to enhance the efficiency and widespread use of PV cooling methods. In essence, PV cooling stands as a vital element in the ongoing shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources.

Effect of dust deposition density and particle size on the energetic and exergetic performance of photovoltaic modules: An experimental study

Dust deposition density and particle size impact on PV module energy utilization was investigated. Module A was clean, and modules B, C and D were dusted with deposition densities of 6.94 g/m2, 13.88 g/m2, and 20.83 g/m2, respectively. Test-1 and test-2 were carried out with steel slag dust particles with a size of 61 μm and 109 μm, respectively. The decrease in energetic efficiency comparing module A was 2.45%, 3.99% and 5.9% for the B, C and D modules in test-1, respectively. In test-2, the decrease in energetic efficiency was 1.77%, 2.77%, 3.63% for modules B, C, and D. In test-1, the exergy efficiency of modules B, C, and D declined by 2.67%, 4.3%, 6.62%. In test-2, the exergy efficiency fell by 1.94%, 2.84%, 4.19% for modules B, C and D, respectively. The annual exergy destruction cost was calculated to be $49.97, $51.48, $52.42, and $53.78 for modules A, B, C, and D, respectively. For test-2, the corresponding values were $48.13, $49.2, $49.66, and $50.4 for modules A, B, C, and D, respectively. The decrease in energetic and exergetic efficiency was lowered by the particle size increase. The decrease in energetic and exergetic efficiency was raised by increased deposition density.

Power Optimization of Multi-Type Mixed-Connection Photovoltaic Generation System for Recreational Vehicles

The utilization of photovoltaic (PV) generation to charge storage batteries in recreational vehicles (RVs) is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the performance of PV generation systems is hindered by the mismatch caused by different module types and varying environmental conditions. This discrepancy negatively impacts the output performance of PV modules, resulting in reduced system efficiency. To address this issue, this paper explored the series–parallel output characteristics of different types of PV modules and summarized the methods for configuring PV modules in a mixed-structure PV generation system for RV energy supplementation. Building upon this foundation, a novel equalization scheme based on extremum-seeking control (ESC) is introduced. The scheme initially employs a forward–flyback converter (FFC) to equalize the current among series-connected PV modules, followed by matching the voltage between parallel-connected PV module strings. Finally, the ESC is utilized to optimize the real-time output power of the PV generation system, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency. Through simulation experiments conducted on a PV generation system with four types of mixed-connection PV modules employing the PLECS simulation platform, simulated results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in improving PV module output performance and maximum power tracking efficiency. The simulation data reveal that the proposed scheme achieves an impressive average tracking efficiency of 99.15%, surpassing the efficiency of the global maximum power point tracking scheme based on an enhanced perturb and observe algorithm.

Effect of a radiative cooling emitter with indium tin oxide near-infrared heat mirror on the performance of photovoltaic module

ABSTRACT Recent research on cooling photovoltaic (PV) modules through radiative cooling methods has attracted significant interest, due to the temperature reduction that enhances the power generation of PV modules. This study uses a transparent-radiative heat mirror (TRHM) for cooling silicon PV modules, utilizing a combination of an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to enable visible light transmission while reflecting unnecessary heating photons. Fabricated by a low-cost method, the novelty honeycomb-like surface microstructure of PDMS enhances the material’s emissivity. Combined ITO layer with honeycomb-like PDMS, the film results in a reflectivity of 0.65 in the near-infrared range (1.1–2.5 μm, NIR) and an emissivity of 0.93 in the mid-far infrared range (8–13 μm, MIR). PV modules covered with TRHM (PV-TRHM) demonstrated a significant emissivity of 0.90 in MIR, leading to a temperature of 44.2°C, which has a 7.2°C reduction compared to the 53.6°C bare PV. Additionally, a 0.81% increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) was achieved. These approaches hold promise for efficient PV heat management in engineering projects.

Full-spectrum radiative cooling for enhanced thermal and electrical performance of bifacial solar photovoltaic modules: A nationwide quantitative analysis

Bifacial photovoltaic (bPV) technologies have been garnering increasing attention in recent years due to their ability to generate more power than conventional PV systems. Passive radiative cooling through spectrally selective absorption/emission is considered one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for the thermal management of bPV modules. In this study, a full-spectrum radiative cooling (FRC) strategy was proposed to maximize the thermal and electrical performance of bPV modules by enhancing above-bandgap absorption, sub-bandgap reflection, and thermal radiation. A multi-physics model was established to characterize bPV performance, enabling analysis of the module's spectral and thermal responses to full-spectrum light under dynamic weather conditions. The proposed model was validated through outdoor experiments with a commercial bPV module, demonstrating good prediction accuracy. To quantify the radiative cooling effect of the ideal FRC strategy and compare it with the ideal traditional radiative cooling (TRC) strategy, a nationwide simulation analysis was conducted across 32 cities in China. The results indicate that the ideal FRC strategy can achieve an annual average temperature reduction of 2.3–4.4 °C and an additional power gain of 7.3%–8.4% for commercial bPV modules. In comparison, the ideal TRC strategy can only achieve an annual average temperature reduction of 1.1–2.2 °C and an additional power gain of 0.38%–0.89%. Results from correlation analysis and sensitivity analysis show that among environmental parameters, wind speed has the most significant positive effect on lowering module temperature, while precipitable water vapor has a relatively small negative impact. Overall, this research demonstrates that the FRC strategy holds great potential for reducing temperature and boosting power output in PV devices, paving the way for promoting the development of sustainable and efficient PV systems.

21.83% incident light can circumvent a 6.6 × 6.6 cm2 obstruction by introducing a layer of bubbles into the photovoltaic glass.

Obstruction is inevitable and will significantly impact the actual output performance of photovoltaic modules, even jeopardize their operational safety. We introduced a layer of bubbles into photovoltaic glass. These bubbles can alter the path of incident light, while the internal reflection at the glass/air interface enables the redirected light rays to have longer lateral propagation distance, circumventing the obstructions. The optimized photovoltaic glass with a bubble diameter of 1.8 mm and a surface density of 16 cm-2 enables the light intensity underneath a 6.6 × 6.6 cm2 obstruction to reach 21.83% of the incident light intensity. This enhancement permits a partial shading of the photovoltaic module, increasing its output power by ∼20.8% and decreasing the reverse bias voltage on the shaded cell by ∼1.4 V.

Numerical simulation and experimental verification of solar PVT coupled PEM electrolyzer system for hydrogen production

Hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is the key to the future of hydrogen fuel production. This study proposes a hydrogen production system based on the thermoelectric demand for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMEs) and the characteristics of the thermoelectric output of photovoltaic (PV) thermal (PVT) systems. The proposed system combines PVT and PEME to realize thermoelectric hydrogen–oxygen multiproduction and establishes and validates the thermoelectric coupled numerical model used for the prediction of the operating characteristics of the PVT-PEME system. Furthermore, it investigates and compares the irradiation intensity, ambient temperature, and inlet flow rate of the PVT-PEME and PV-PEME systems, and estimates the operating characteristics of the PVT-PEME system in different climates. The results show that the electrolyzer energy efficiency tends to increase and then decrease with increasing irradiation intensity; the PVT-PEME efficiency increases with increasing ambient temperature; and the PV-PEME efficiency decreases with increasing ambient temperature. Moreover, the efficiency of the electrolyzer decreases with an increase in the inlet flow rate, but the PVT-PEME efficiency increases. The high temperature inhibits the performance of PV modules, which is promoted in PEME after heat exchange in the PVT system, improving the operating efficiency. In addition, an evaluation of the actual operating characteristics of the PVT-PEME hydrogen production system in different climates indicates that the system operated for shorter and less efficient times when operating at cold and low irradiation intensities.

Investigation of Degradation in 20-Year-Field-Exposed PV Modules From India by Cross-Characterization Using Electroluminescence Imaging and Thermography

The reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules is essential for ensuring a smooth operation over the anticipated timespan while operating outside. Examining the degradation in field-exposed photovoltaic (FEPV) modules will help to identify the possible degradation modes that can affect PV module performance and functioning. In this paper, to identify the major modes of degradation in Indian subtropical climate conditions, 20-year-old FEPV modules have been investigated by cross-characterization using dark lock-in thermography (DLIT) and electroluminescence (EL) imaging. Cross-characterization using EL and DLIT images has been helpful in investigation of various modes of degradations in FEPV modules in the presence of multiple degradations. Encapsulant and busbar ribbon interface degradations have been identified as the two main modes of degradation observed in Indian sub-tropical climate conditions. Minor degradations include finger interruptions and cell cracks. A major effect of degradation has been observed on the fill factor and short circuit current, which have decreased by up to 30% and 40%, respectively. The results presented in this paper can be used to understand degradation occurring in a sub-tropical climate and for the non-destructive analysis of degradations in the FEPV modules.

Enhancing photovoltaic module fault diagnosis: Leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles and autoencoders in machine learning

Photovoltaic (PV) modules play a pivotal role in renewable energy systems, underscoring the critical need for their fault diagnosis to ensure sustained energy production. This study introduces a novel approach that combines the power of deep neural networks and machine learning for comprehensive PV module fault diagnosis. Specifically, a fusion methodology that incorporates autoencoders (a deep neural network architecture) and support vector machines (SVM) (a machine learning algorithm) is proposed in the present study. To generate high-quality image datasets for training, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with RGB cameras were employed to capture detailed images of PV modules. Burn marks, snail trails, discoloration, delamination, glass breakage and good panel were the conditions considered in the study. The experimental results demonstrate remarkable accuracy of 98.57% in diagnosing faults, marking a significant advancement in enhancing the reliability and performance of PV modules. This research contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of renewable energy systems, underlining its importance in the quest for a cleaner, greener future.