Surface Of Photovoltaic Modules Research Articles

Experimental comparison of closed cooling systems of photovoltaic modules

Relevance. The need to increase the efficiency of solar modules to 15–20% by cooling their surface, which in spring and summer is able to heat up to 70 ℃. Heat collection from photovoltaic modules is an additional opportunity to accumulate heat and use it for their own needs, especially for isolated power systems. The article discusses methods of closed cooling using tubes made of copper, metal plastic and stainless steel. All measurements were carried out in summer at a real, operating solar power plant located in the Crimea village of Karyernoe. Aim. To experimentally determine and identify the effect of the most efficient cooling system for photovoltaic modules. Methods. Methods of empirical research. In the experiment, sensors connected to the Arduino UNO system were used to measure the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet, and the data were recorded in an Excel table. Soudal FIX ALL adhesive sealant is used to fix the cooling system. Results and conclusions. The authors have obtained volt-ampere characteristics, refrigerant inlet and outlet temperatures, photovoltaic modules surface temperatures. The cooling system made of stainless steel pipes showed the greatest cooling efficiency of the solar module, which allowed reducing the module temperature from 66 to 38℃ at some points. This increased the efficiency of photoelectric module by 3.5% relative to the rated power. The heated liquid from the photoelectric module has cooled down to its original temperature values, thanks to the installed cooling radiator, for the possibility of reuse of the liquid in the solar panel cooling circuit.

Effect of different PV modules surface energies and surface types on the particle deposition characteristics and PV efficiency

The particle deposition behavior of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and its effect on PV efficiency were numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The surface flow field of PV modules using the shear stress transfer (SST) k-ω model with a user-defined function (UDF) for the development of entrance boundaries is predicted. A UDF coupled discrete phase model (DPM) that takes into account wall bounce and hydrophobic properties is used to predict particulate deposition in the flow field. Mesh independence and average pressure coefficients are verified. The effects of particle diameter, boundary type, surface energy and surface type on particle deposition of PV panel and PV efficiency are investigated. The results show that the smaller the surface energy γ, the smaller the particle deposition rate. At dp = 150 μm, γ = 0.001J/m2, it showed that the most significant reduction of 427.3 % in particle deposition rate compared to the trap boundary type, and γ = 0.001J/m2 showed a 210 % reduction in particle deposition rate compared to γ = 0.1J/m2. However, at dp ≤ 50 μm, the change in surface energy has little effect on the deposition rate. The effect of convex PV modules on particle deposition is more obvious at low surface energy (γ ≤ 0.001J/m2) compared to planar. The reduction in PV efficiency caused by particle deposition at different surface energies is predicted using an empirical model of PV output reductions developed by the researcher.

Experimental investigation on wind loads and wind-induced responses of large-span flexible photovoltaic support structure

Flexible photovoltaic (PV) support structure offers benefits such as low construction costs, large span length, high clearance, and high adaptability to complex terrains. However, due to the high flexibility and low damping of the cable system, wind load becomes the primary control factor for structural safety and the key consideration in the design. In this study, a 45 m span flexible PV support structure with 3 spans and 12 rows was designed. The wind loads on PV panels were obtained by wind tunnel tests on a rigid model and the wind-induced responses were investigated by wind tunnel tests on an aeroelastic model. The shielding effects and tilt angle of PV modules on the wind load and wind-induced vibration of the flexible PV support were studied. The experimental results show that in the rigid model wind tunnel test, the wind pressure on the surface of PV modules exhibits a gradient distribution along the direction of wind flow, with symmetric distribution along the mid span. With the increase in the tilt angle of the PV module, the shielding effect becomes significant and the most pronounced shielding effect on the mean wind pressure coefficient occurs in the second row of the windward zone. In aeroelastic model wind tunnel tests, the mean vertical displacement of the flexible PV support structure increases with the increase of wind speed and tilt angle of PV modules. Due to the wind-resistant anchor cables set in both the windward and leeward zones, the vibration amplitude near the edge rows is significantly smaller than that of the middle rows when the structure is subjected to wind suction. When the flexible PV support structure is subjected to wind pressure, the maximum mean vertical displacement occurs in the first rows at high wind speeds. The shielding effect has a noticeable impact on the wind-induced response of the leeward zone at α = 20° under wind pressure, resulting in the decrease of amplitude vibration by approximately 53 %. The wind vibration coefficients in different zones under the wind pressure or wind suction are mostly between 2.0 and 2.15. Compared with the experimental results, the current Chinese national standards are relatively conservative in the equivalent static wind loads of flexible PV support structure.

Effects of Microbiota on the Soiling Process of PV Modules in Arid Zones of the Atacama Desert

Photovoltaic technology has proven to be a reliable, economical, and clean energy source that is capable of adapting to diverse geographical conditions. However, factors such as soiling overshadow these qualities, thus leading to production losses and affecting the profitability of this technology. For these reasons, soiling is a highly studied topic, which involves considering the physicochemical characterization of the deposited material, mitigation strategies, effect predictions, and cleaning mechanisms. However, there is a relatively unexplored area related to the microbiological contribution to soiling. The surface of photovoltaic modules, along with the deposited material and local atmospheric factors, fosters favorable conditions for the colonization of microorganisms. These microorganisms influence the soiling mechanisms and optical properties of photovoltaic modules. This work presents a detailed characterization of the microbial diversity present in the soiling deposited on photovoltaic modules installed in the Atacama Desert. Two study sites were defined: Antofagasta and the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, which have warm and cold desert climates, respectively. Mineralogical characterization tests, heavy metal analyses, TOC, and inorganic element analyses were conducted on the deposited material. Additionally, the culturable isolates and the metagenomic DNA of the soiling samples and biofilms grown on standard PV glass were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The results show that the deposited soiling contained a microbiological component that had adapted to extreme desert conditions. The presence of the genera Arthrobacter, Kocuria, and Dietzia were identified in the culturable isolates from Antofagasta, while Arthrobacter and Dietzia were obtained from the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert. The metagenomic DNA was mainly represented by the genera Pontibacter, Noviherbaspirillum, Massilia, Arthrobacter, Hymenobacter, and Deinococcus at Antofagasta. However, at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, the analyzed samples presented DNA concentrations below 0.5 ng/µL, which made their preparation unviable. At the PSDA, the biofilms formed by the genera Peribacillus and Kocuria were identified, whereas the UA showed a greater abundance of bacteria that favored biofilm formation, including those that belonged to the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Bhargavaea, Mesaobacillus, Cytobacillus, Caldakalibacillus, and Planococcus. Based on these results, we propose a soiling mechanism that considers the microbiological contribution to material cementation.

Numerical simulation of dust deposition characteristics of photovoltaic arrays taking into account the effect of the row spacing of photovoltaic modules

Dust deposition on the surfaces of Photovoltaic (PV) arrays during their operation markedly affects their power generation efficiency. Previous research has overlooked the impact of the row spacing of PV modules on the actual dust deposition on PV arrays. This study investigates the dust deposition process and its behavior on PV arrays considering variations in row spacings, inlet wind speeds, dust particle sizes, and dust particle counts. By employing commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, incorporating the SST k-ω turbulence model and discrete particle model, numerical simulations were performed to analyze the airflow field, dust particle trajectories, dust deposition patterns, and deposition rates on the PV array through grid-independent verification and numerical validation. At the same time, we performed a comparative analysis of the deposition rate considering the rebound of dust particles on the PV module surface versus the case where rebound is not considered. Results revealed that the maximum dust deposition rates at different inlet wind speeds were 6.84 %, 8.84 %, 11.0 %, and 14.6 %, corresponding to dust sizes of 50 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 300 μm, respectively. Smaller dust particles exhibited lower deposition rates, while larger particles were influenced more by mass inertia and gravity, leading to predominant deposition on the front row of PV modules. Larger dust particles are more likely to deposit primarily on the front row of PV modules in a PV array. The tilt angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° were chosen to study the effects of different tilt angles on the dust deposition of PV arrays, and the results show that the dust deposition rate decreases as the tilt angle increases, and it is worth noting that the larger the tilt angle, the larger the dust deposition rate is when the dust particles are especially small as 5 μm. When wind speeds are low and dust particles are small, the dust deposition rate gradually rises as the row spacing increases. However, at higher wind speeds with small dust particles, the row spacing has minimal impact on the dust deposition rate. Conversely, with larger dust particles, increasing the row spacing results in a lower dust deposition rate. These findings underscore the significance of optimizing PV array design for enhanced power generation efficiency.

Effect of Accumulated Dust Conductivity on Leakage Current of Photovoltaic Modules

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are often situated in hot and windy environments, such as deserts, where dust accumulation poses a significant problem. The build-up of dust can result in an increase in PV module leakage current, making the modules more vulnerable to potential-induced degradation (PID), ultimately leading to a reduction in the efficiency of PV power generation. In this study, we investigate the impact of dust accumulation on the surface of PV modules on leakage current. A dust model is developed based on the Arrhenius relation, taking into account the impact of temperature and density on dust conductivity. The equation for leakage current due to dust accumulation is derived based on the clean module leakage current equation. We undertake a simulation of natural conditions in a laboratory setting to analyze the impact of dust on the leakage current of photovoltaic modules. The results show the following: At high temperatures, the leakage current will significantly increase due to the elevated conductivity of the dust. The conductivity increased by 27.1%, 48.9%, 64.3%, and 118% for the four groups of dusty PV modules, respectively. Leakage current prediction has a better accuracy when dust is equated to series conductance. Dust can reduce the activation energy of PV modules by up to 3.48%.

Determining the Effect of Photovoltaic Module Surface Temperature on Generation Efficiency

It is imperative to consider the environmental impact of energy production and its cost in deciding how to meet future energy needs. In this regard, it is possible to harness the power of the sun by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. However, when the temperature of a PV cell increases, its generation efficiency is negatively affected. The open-circuit voltage of PV modules is the most sensitive parameter to temperature changes. As the temperature rises, this parameter decreases, and the short-circuit current increases. The circuit's resistance also rises as the electrons’ speed is reduced. Temperature also affects the lifespan of PV cells, increasing the rate of thermal decay in their materials. On the other hand, when solar radiation is absorbed at lower temperatures, the system’s efficiency, power capacity, and useful life increase. PV module surface temperatures can be reduced in a variety of ways, e.g., the surface can be cooled using water. This work studied hybrid PV-thermal modules under the climate conditions of the Hatay province (Turkey) in order to assess the effect of water cooling on their generation efficiency. The results allow stating that up to 52.6% more electricity can be generated by cooling the module's surface. Additionally, it was found that, in order for PV modules to perform efficiently in Hatay's climate, they must operate at a maximum surface temperature of 55 °C.

A framework to identify guano on photovoltaic modules in offshore floating photovoltaic power plants

Guano are an important factor affecting the cleanliness of photovoltaic modules on floating solar power plants at sea. It can lead to a decrease in photoelectric conversion efficiency, power loss, and even the occurrence of “hot spots”, thereby causing damage to the components. Therefore, the segmentation and detection of guano are crucial for visual automation in the cleaning and inspection processes. However, the composition, density, and thickness of guano naturally vary, leading to inconsistent levels of transparency and color. The uneven intensity of guano images greatly reduces the accuracy of segmentation and detection. Addressing this issue, this study proposes a segmentation algorithm based on combining different color channels to segment guano on the surface of photovoltaic modules. The mean shift method is used for adaptive segmentation to facilitate the detection of guano. Furthermore, the segmentation results obtained by this method are introduced into the input space to improve the traditional Mask RCNN. In addition, this study successfully produced a dataset of guano on the surface of photovoltaic modules using on-site data collection and with the help of a platform built in-house in the laboratory. The experimental results on the self-constructed dataset demonstrate that the enhanced Mask R-CNN model has shown an approximate increase of 5.9% and 6.0% in mAP values for object recognition and segmentation compared to the traditional Mask R-CNN model. This indicates the effectiveness of the methodology proposed in this study.

Experimental investigation of nonuniform PV soiling

Photovoltaic (PV) module soiling, i.e., the accumulation of dust on PV module surfaces, poses several challenges to PV system performance. Among these challenges, the nonuniform deposition of soiling across the module surface has received scarce attention. Soiling is directly associated with an overall performance loss, but can also potentially give rise to localised hotspots that can lead to long-term PV module failure. Therefore, addressing the issues arising from this nonuniformity is not only important for optimising energy production, but also for enhancing system reliability, and ensuring the long-term operation of relevant power generation systems. In this study, the impact of nonuniform soiling on PV performance is investigated experimentally by examining soil deposition on the upper surfaces of low-iron glass samples. Samples positioned at four different tilt angles were collected on a monthly basis over a one-year study period. Since the horizontal samples were found to represent the worst-case conditions, the most soiled sample at horizontal tilt was divided into four zones, each housing a single monocrystalline solar cell and examined further. The findings reveal that the soiled sample experiences an average transmittance deterioration of 13% relative to a clean sample, and a maximum (relative) spatial variation of 4% between the four zones. These optical losses affect the amount of sunlight received by the cells, resulting in a power deterioration of ∼6–7% per 5% drop in transmittance. The soiled sample experienced an average temperature rise of 2 °C, and an average power output (and efficiency) reduction of 30% relative to the clean sample, and a maximum (relative) spatial variation of 7% between the zones. The 30% average power loss measured in this nonuniform soiling case is more than double that which would be expected theoretically for a transmittance loss of 13% but from uniform soiling, so these results highlight the importance of addressing PV soiling for optimal PV performance, and of accounting for spatial soiling nonuniformity.

Simulation of particle deposition on solar photovoltaic panels based on a new critical capture velocity criterion

Solar energy, as a clean energy source, is becoming increasingly important in the global energy mix. However, particle deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) panels can significantly reduce their power generation efficiency. In this study, the collision-deposition behaviour between silica particles and the surface of PV modules is investigated. The impact process of 13 μm silica particles on the glass surface was recorded by using a high-speed digital camera at various incident velocities and angles. A particle dynamics model was developed to predict the critical capture velocity of particles at different incident angles. It was observed that the critical capture velocity of the particles decreases as the angle of incidence increases. Subsequently, a correlation equation was established between the incident angle and the critical capture velocity, serving as the deposition criterion. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation was employed to simulate particle deposition on PV surfaces under different wind speeds and installation tilting angles. The simulation results demonstrate that the mass of 13 μm silica particles deposited on the surface of PV panels decreases with increasing wind speed. Moreover, under identical inlet wind speeds, the particle deposition mass exhibits an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase as the installation tilt angle of the PV panel increases. The distribution pattern of particle deposition on PV panel surfaces is diverse; however, predominantly concentrated at the mid-bottom region.

Empirical and numerical-based predictive analysis of a single-axis PV system under semi-arid climate conditions of Pakistan

Power generation from fossil fuels is the biggest challenge in the next half of the century. Alternative power generation techniques such as solar photovoltaic (PV) show potential to act as a future fuel with a challenge to efficiently convert the harvested solar energy into electrical power. This investigation conclusively focused on setting a 2.160-kW solar PV system capable of working at a higher efficiency by developing a mechanical structure that optimizes power production and minimizes energy losses. In addition to that, solar PV system efficiencies at various tracking positions, performance coefficients during rainy and sunny days, and system degradation rates have also been investigated. The PVsyst v6.8 simulation tool was used to obtain the simulated results, which were compared with the actual experimental results. The parameters considered for the investigations include ambient temperature, irradiance, solar PV module surface temperature, solar PV voltage and current, wind velocity, and atmospheric turbidity. The solar PV system was evaluated based on two modes, namely, M1 (no tracking/fixed type) and M2 (manual tracking by changing the position of the solar PV system every hour). The predictive results obtained using PVsyst v6.8 concluded that total energy production from the installed system was 3,242 kWh/yr and 3,984 kWh/yr for M1 and M2, respectively. The performance ratio (PR), obtained from simulation, was 72% and 78% for M1 and M2, respectively, which was consistent with the experimental results, i.e., 70% and 72% for M1 and M2, respectively. Similarly, the power conversion efficiencies under standard temperature and conditions for both modes, simulated and experimental, were found to be 16.50% and 12.75%, respectively. The estimated degradation rate was observed in the range of −0.6% to −5.0%.

Solar Photovoltaic Energy as a Promising Enhanced Share of Clean Energy Sources in the Future—A Comprehensive Review

The use of solar energy is now a common and modern alternative that many countries throughout the world have adopted. Different studies on PV systems have been documented in the literature; however, several reviews focus excessively on particular facets of solar modules. In this paper, the literature on PV systems published between 2000 and 2023 was reviewed thoroughly. This review is structured in three main parts. Primarily, the main factors impacting dust deposition on solar modules are discussed. These include temperature, wind speed, inclination angle, location, climatic conditions, photovoltaic module surface characteristics, and dust characteristics. Many methods for mitigating and reducing dust as well as approaches to cleaning PV modules are also reviewed in this study. The many types of solar modules, together with their most important characteristics and operational effectiveness, are presented. As more solar photovoltaic panels expand their end of life (EOL), solutions are required to recycle and dispose of solar photovoltaic panels at the lowest economic cost and with the least environmental damage through reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Subsequently, this paper further reviews solar PV energy for a green environment and PV waste recycling and its costs. Moreover, integrating solar energy with other clean energy constituting an energy source for hard-to-reach areas and an alternative to fuel are discussed. Therefore, this comprehensive review of the use of photovoltaic systems for green energy production is helpful in an increased share of clean energy for various energy sectors in the future.

Analysis of the Deposition of Pollutants on the Surface of Photovoltaic Modules

Analysis of the Deposition of Pollutants on the Surface of Photovoltaic Modules

Experimental study on the effect of dust particle deposition on photovoltaic performance of urban buildings

The output characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules can be negatively affected by the density of snowfall in winter and ash accumulation in summer. In order to solve this problem, an experimental platform for PV power generation with four angles of 0°, 30°, 45° and 60° was built in Shenbei New District, Shenyang City, China. The characteristics of ash accumulation on the surface of PV modules were studied and analyzed by SEM and XRD. The effects of snowfall, ash accumulation density and PV module angle on the output power and power attenuation rate of PV modules were investigated. The experimental results show that snowfall had both positive and negative effects on PV modules. The output power of the PV module decreases as the ash density increases. Based on the dust coverage density and tilt angle in the test data, empirical formulas are proposed to predict the average power reduction rate.

Characterisation of soiling on glass surfaces and their impact on optical and solar photovoltaic performance

Photovoltaic (PV) module soiling, i.e., the accumulation of soil deposits on the surface of a PV module, directly affects the amount of solar energy received by the PV cells in that module and has also been suggested as a mechanism that can give rise to additional heating, leading to significant power generation losses or even physical degradation, damage and lifetime reduction. Investigations of PV soiling are challenging and limited. We present results from an extensive outdoor experimental testing campaign of soiling, apply detailed characterisation techniques, and consider the resulting losses. Soil from sixty low-iron glass coupons was collected at various tilt angles over a study period of 12 months to capture monthly, seasonal and annual variations. The coupons were exposed to outdoor conditions to mimic the upper surface of PV modules. Transmittance measurements showed that the horizontal coupons experienced the highest degree of soiling. The horizontal wet-season, dry-season and full-year samples experienced a relative transmittance decrease of 62 %, 66 %, and 60 %, respectively, which corresponds to a predicted relative decrease of 62 %, 66 %, and 60 % in electrical power generation. An analysis of the soiling matter using an X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscope showed the presence of particulate matter with diameters <10 μm (PM10), which was the most prevalent in the studied region. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for research into soiling mitigation practices.

The Effect of Dust Deposition on the Performance of Photovoltaic Panels

Given the energy crisis and climate change due to pollution, and given that the largest emissions of greenhouse gases are produced by the energy industry, we must turn our attention to the efficient use of solar energy, which is the cleanest and most abundant of all renewable energies. In this paper, based on an analysis of the specialized literature, we studied the effect of dust accumulation on the surface of photovoltaic modules on some performance characteristics and on the efficiency of these panels and modules compared to the efficiency of clean modules. We analyzed the cause of dust accumulation and the influence of the tilt angles of the photovoltaic panels on the dust deposition rate. We highlighted the influence of atmospheric temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity depending on the density of the dust deposited on the surface of the photovoltaic panel, and we found a decrease in the efficiency of the panel based on the increase in dust density for slightly high values of solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity. We highlighted the reduction in CO2 emissions by replacing electricity from fossil fuels with solar energy. The efficient use of solar energy is a solution for the decarbonization of the energy sector.

Research on dust deposition of PV modules based on three-dimensional numerical simulation and its application in installation parameter optimization

Dust deposition on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) modules leads to a decrease in photoelectric conversion efficiency and output power. To identify the dust deposition factors and laws, scholars have conducted numerous field experiments or numerical simulations. However, few scholars have studied the mechanism of dust deposition with three-dimensional (3D) simulation models. The parameters affecting dust deposition vary in different geographical regions, which limits the applicability of research findings on dust deposition to specific geographical areas. To address these issues, this paper first proposes dust adsorption conditions on the surface of PV modules. Based on the main dust deposition factors, a 3D simulation model for dust deposition is established, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the adsorption conditions and simulation model are verified. Then, with a combined approach of orthogonal experiments and 3D simulation analysis, the main dust deposition factors and laws are analyzed. Finally, regional clustering is conducted by dust deposition factors, and the simulation results are applied to the regional optimization of installation parameters. The case study results show that the PV modules have a maximum power generation of 231.91 kWh with an optimal installation angle of 17° and an installation height of 0.5 m in the I category region.

An Approach Towards Performance Evaluation of Solar Photovoltaic Module through Energy and Exergy Analysis

The pressure on the agriculture sector has significantly grown due to the fast rising trend of global population growth, which is predicted to reach more than 9 billion by 2050. In the meantime, the issues related with emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and the decreasing supply of fossil resources are eliminating traditional farming practices. The agriculture sector is looking to feed the increasing population in more sustainable way with the access of technology based on renewable energy. Solar energy is one of the most accessible types of renewable energy when applied to farm uses. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been used to generate the necessary energy to operate number of equipment used in agricultural throughout the years, including drying of crop, irrigation through pumping, greenhouse and dairy farming. In present work, an attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of solar photovoltaic system. The parameters such as ambient temperature, panel temperature, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, energy and exergy efficiencies were determined during experiment. Energy and exergy efficiencies during the day was ranged from 10.11–13.35% and 10-13.29%, respectively. It has been found that the exergy efficiency of PV modules was significantly influenced by the temperature, and that the exergy efficiency may be increased by removing heat from the PV module surface.

Experimental study of the effect of fallen leaf shading on the polarization characteristics of photovoltaic modules

Coverings have an important impact on the output and safety of photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, due to the complex on-site environment and difficult identification, it is difficult to obtain timely and effective cleaning. In this paper, the optical polarization characteristics of fallen leaf are studied to find the difference for the PV modules with or without fallen leaves covered, which is one of the typical coverings, based on the basic theory of polarization imaging. Firstly, a polarimetric imaging platform with a SALSA camera for PV modules is built. Then, several experiments are conducted and the corresponding images of PV modules shaded by heather or camphor leaves are obtained. Finally, shaded by the impacts on the polarization characteristics of the PV module from fallen leaves, the waveband of the incident light, and the observation angle are analyzed. The results show that the optical polarization characteristics of PV modules at bands of 420 nm and 546 nm are significantly different from others, wherever there existed shading leaves or not; The degree of polarization decreases and then increases with the observation angle from 0° to 70° at 9:00–12:00 a.m. on sunny days; At 0° observation angle, the stokes parameter S_{0} of PV modules with or without fallen leaves has the greatest difference. HighlightsThe influence of fallen leaves on the polarization characteristics of PV modules is studied.The polarization characteristic parameter with the largest difference between the PV modules with and without fallen leaves is obtained.This parameter is more conducive to detecting fallen leaves on the surface of PV modules.

Revolutionizing Photovoltaic Systems: An Innovative Approach to Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Enhanced Dandelion Optimizer in Partial Shading Conditions

Partial shading (PS) is a prevalent phenomenon that often affects photovoltaic (PV) installations, leads to the appearance of numerous peaks in the power-voltage characteristics of PV cells, caused by the uneven distribution of solar irradiance on the PV module surface, known as global and local maximum power point (GMPP and LMPP). In this paper, a new technique for achieving GMPP based on the dandelion optimizer (DO) algorithm is proposed, inspired by the movement of dandelion seeds in the wind. The proposed technique aimed to enhance the efficiency of power generation in PV systems, particularly under PS conditions. However, the DO-based MPPT is compared with other advanced maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithms, such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), and Bat Algorithm (BA). Simulation results establish the superiority and effectiveness of the used MPPT in terms of tracking efficiency, speed, robustness, and simplicity of implementation. Additionally, these results reveal that the DO algorithm exhibits higher performance, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.09 watts, a convergence time of 2.3 milliseconds, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.13 watts.