PV Module Technologies Research Articles

Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization based improved modeling of Solar Photovoltaic module for parameter determination

Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) panel manufacturers provide a datasheet, which contains key electrical specifications of the SPV module for the user's reference. However, these data alone prove inadequate in anticipating the performance of PV systems under fluctuating atmospheric conditions. The approach put forth in this paper ascertains five parameters of a PV module using information supplied by the manufacturer. This approach considers the impact of solar radiation and cell temperature. The paper outlines the process for determining the parameters of the five-parameter model and establishes a comparison between projected current-voltage curves and manufacturer-provided data. To extract the unknown parameters of a single diode model Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) techniques with barrier constraints was developed. The study investigates both multi-crystalline and mono-crystalline PV module technologies to validate the efficacy of the proposed method. Results demonstrate that the proposed technique, besides being straightforward, proves adept at accurately simulating the dependable performances of PV modules. Comparative analysis reveals that the proposed methods extract parameters with minimal modeling errors and high precision, regardless of temperature fluctuations, outperforming conventional PSO methods.

An explainable artificial intelligence based approach for the prediction of key performance indicators for 1 megawatt solar plant under local steppe climate conditions

Motivated by the growing significance of solar energy, the paper presents the findings of the maiden study on the long-term seasonal performance assessment of three PV module technologies—monocrystalline (m-Si), polycrystalline (p-Si), and amorphous silicon (a-Si) housed in a 1 MW solar plant installed at a local steppe climate in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India using the key performance indicators (KPIs), daily power generation, final yield (Yf), reference yield (Yr), total energy loss (TEL) and performance ratio (PR). Notably, the am-Si PV modules were found to be the best performing technology, with an average PR of 71.26% and the lowest average total energy loss of 631 h during the monitored period. Moreover, PV systems have become more popular as a source of green, clean energy; yet, they have low base-load energy sustainability. Explainable AI (XAI) aids in understanding predictions made by the machine learning models. The importance of XAI lies in the comprehension and trust which is embedded into the results of machine learning algorithms. Therefore, the present work builds a comprehensive XAI model for predicting KPIs and assesses the performance of several learning algorithms using R-value, MAE, the number of iterations, and execution time. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm predicts the KPIs for p-Si, am-Si, and m-Si with prediction accuracies of 98.63%, 98.58%, and 90.09%, respectively. In summary, this study not only advances our understanding of PV module performance in a steppe climate context but also contributes to the broader field by integrating an XAI model for transparent and reliable predictions of the KPIs.

Analyzing the Outdoor Performance of Different Types of PV Module Technologies

Analyzing the Outdoor Performance of Different Types of PV Module Technologies

An efficient analytical approach for forecasting the peak power of PV panels working in outdoor conditions based on explicit model

In this paper, a new analytical approach based on an explicit model with one shape parameter has been proposed to forecast the peak power of the photovoltaic modules (PV) under varying operating conditions. A new analytical model of shape parameter has been developed according the relationship between the parameters of the explicit model and those of the single diode model (SDM). Furthermore, a novel open circuit voltage model as a function of solar irradiation and PV module temperature has been proposed. Temporal variations of PV module temperature and solar irradiation during one reference day have been used to extract the explicit model parameters and then to forecast the peak power for all other days. The proposed method is validated using measured data of different PV module technologies operating outdoor recorded by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The results have shown a good agreement between the experimental and the optimized data of the I-V characteristics and the maximum power point for a reference day and the normalized error has not exceed 2.9%. Moreover, the predicted values of maximum power point in two other arbitrary days have a good agreement with experimental ones, and the normalized error has not exceeded 3.6%.

Interconnection and lamination technologies towards ubiquitous integration of photovoltaics

AbstractIn this paper, we first give some historical background and trends in PV module technologies with a focus on the growing trend towards ‘PV everywhere’, mainly targeting improved aesthetics, dimensional freedom including curved surfaces, weight concerns and specific reliability testing. This section acts as an introductory review of the field.Then, in the following sections, we elaborate on two technological developments in this field where we are active: (i) multi‐wire interconnection and (ii) advanced encapsulation.In terms of multi‐wire interconnection, this technology offers improved aesthetics, a similar performance and dimensional freedom compared to the traditional tabbing‐stringing process, and the experiments show promising results on extended reliability testing, including thermal cycling, damp heat and humidity freeze, as well as high‐temperature storage.In terms of advanced encapsulation, we introduce our approach for curved surfaces using a double‐membrane laminator and present results on fabricating curved modules, targeting as demonstration examples on the one hand, glass–glass sunroofs, and on the other hand, lighter‐weight bonnets for automotive applications.We mix examples targeting building and automotive applications, to illustrate the variety of requirements (colours, curvature, weight, reliability, safety), although this variety within building and vehicle applications is probably as large as between them.

Long-term outdoor performance of grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in a desert climate

In this paper, a 2.25 kWp grid integrated with the tied solar park has been implanted in the Renewable Energy Applied Research Unit (URAER) in a dry and harsh desert region. The PV plant uses micromorph thin-film solar modules (a-Si/μc-Si) technology. The photovoltaic module systems (PVS) were evaluated from May 2015 to December 2020 (around five and a half years of operation), and the electricity was injected into the internal network of the low-voltage power supply. Performance evolution has been conducted in this work as stated by the IEC61724 guideline. The monthly and annual performance indicators analyzed and assessed consist of reference yield, array yield, final yield, system losses, capture losses, PV module efficiency, system efficiency, inverter efficiency, capacity factor, and performance ratio. The annual electricity production is 3688.28 kWh, 3188.25 kWh, 3306.28 kWh, 3136.05 kWh, and 2952.81 kWh for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 operating periods, respectively. The solar park's total produced energy yield over the monitored period and the quantity of CO2 emissions avoided are 16,271.67 kWh and 14.17 tons, respectively, which can significantly contribute to and help in purifying the environment from pollution. In addition, the energy results produced by the PVS were compared to those found by the four widely used PV simulation tools (PVsys, PVGIS, NREL's PVWatts® Calculator and Solar Med-Atlas). Furthermore, this work investigates and quantifies the degradation phenomenon of solar PVS power output after five years and a half years of outdoor exposure. There is around 0.22 % degradation per year. When this rate was compared to other studies conducted worldwide, it was shown to be highly appropriate. Technical-economic research was also conducted, revealing that the system's PVS period, which establishes its sustainability, is between 9 and 12 years. The results demonstrate that micromorph thin-film modules perform better and are more efficient under harsh real-world outdoor environmental conditions. Inventux modules preserve most of their better performance even with increasing module temperature. This kind of PV module technology is low-insensitive to the highest PV module temperature. Compared to the literature, micromorph thin-film technologies are better and preferable than crystalline modules under desert environmental conditions. The results also indicate that grid-connected solar park plants using this kind of technology are feasible in the hot arid climate to produce electricity and may participate in future energy projects in the country.

YEARLY IMPROVEMENT OF GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR PV SYSTEM PARAMETERS BY PLANAR CONCENTRATORS

Planar concentrators are used in the current manuscript to improve the solar PV system parameters (electrical energy, array yield, and solar irradiation). Additionally, study the temperature (both the ambient temperature and the temperature of the PV modules), performance ratio, and efficiency. The current PV system is situated at Al-Taji town in Baghdad. These improvements are achieved by using planar concentrators to increase solar radiation (made of aluminium metal). The results demonstrated a 21% increase in the yearly average energy output for improved solar PV modules. The improved solar PV modules' average yearly array yield increased by 20.6%. Compared to the reference PV modules, the improved solar PV modules received 24% more solar irradiation yearly on average. The monthly average of the performance ratio (PR) and efficiency to the improved solar PV modules and reference solar PV modules are 89.3% & 13.61%, and 91.2% & 13.89%, respectively. The yearly average temperatures of the reference PV solar modules and improved PV solar modules are 48.8OC and 46.0OC, respectively, at an average ambient temperature of 29.2OC. The originality of this work is the successful improvement of the electrical energy of the grid-tied PV system, in addition to studying the performance of the second generation of photovoltaic solar modules (CIGS), where CIGS is the PV module technology that is used in this manuscript.

Photovoltaic energy balance estimation based on the building integration level

The photovoltaic module building integration level affects the module temperature and, consequently, its output power. In this work, a methodology has been proposed to estimate the influence of the level of architectural photovoltaic integration on the photovoltaic energy balance with natural ventilation or with forced cooling systems. The developed methodology is applied for five photovoltaic module technologies (m-Si, p-Si, a-Si, CdTe, and CIGS) on four characteristic locations (Athens, Davos, Stockholm, and Würzburg). To this end, a photovoltaic module thermal radiation parameter, PVj, is introduced in the characterization of the PV module technology, rendering the correlations suitable for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, with natural ventilation or with forced cooling systems. The results show that PVj has a significant influence on the energy balances, according to the architectural photovoltaic integration and climatic conditions.

Soiling Spectral and Module Temperature Effects: Comparisons of Competing Operating Parameters for Four Commercial PV Module Technologies

The choice of a particular PV technology for best performance is sometimes based upon a single factor or single operating condition. However, many parameters have functionalities that oppose each under actual operating conditions. In this paper, the comparisons of different PV module technologies under moderate environmental conditions (Tropical Climate Zone, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) are explored based upon the two competing parameters of soiling-layer spectral effects and panel operating temperature. Specifically, low-bandgap PV technologies (e.g., Si or Cu(In,Ga)(SSe)2) are reported to have performances less affected by the absorption of incoming sunlight than higher-bandgap absorbers (e.g., a-Si:H or CdTe). However, the opposite is true for operating temperatures, with higher bandgaps having advantages under higher-temperature operating conditions. We present a simple comparative soiling-temperature model with experimental collaborative data to address the following question: What is the controlling parameter of the combination of soiling spectral effects and temperature on lower- and higher-bandgap module technologies? Temperature coefficients are measured for groups of modules for the four technologies having bandgaps ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 eV. Additional optical absorption for the soiling layers in the range of 300 nm to ~600 nm is confirmed by transmission measurements. The data from our soiling monitoring stations indicate that these potential spectral effects are based on consistent differences in soiling ratios and soiling rates. Some differences between the model predications and experimental observations are discussed. This paper reports temperature and soiling regions of “best-of-class” performances for these four commercial PV technologies in this climate region based upon the two competing parameters.

Performance degradation assessment of the three silicon PV technologies

AbstractThis study investigates seasonal performance and assesses the annual degradation rates (RD), of three types of silicon‐based PV module technologies, using four statistical methods, namely, linear regression (LR), classical seasonal decomposition (CSD), Holt‐Winters exponential smoothing (HW), and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) on a 5‐year temperature‐corrected DC‐performance ratio time series. The lowest performance degradation rates being exhibited are found for the polycrystalline silicon (pc‐Si) system with a RD values confined between 0.23%/year and 0.36%/year. The RD values provided by the four statistical methods to the monocrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) PV modules range from 0.40%/year to 0.77%/year. The values attributed to the annual performance degradation rate of PV modules of amorphous silicon technology typically range from 0.31%/year to 0.57%/year.

Retraction Note to: Experimental and comparative analysis of various solar PV module technologies using module level inverter topologies at south-India for the context-aware application

Retraction Note to: Experimental and comparative analysis of various solar PV module technologies using module level inverter topologies at south-India for the context-aware application

Development of a PV emulator using SMPS converter and a model selection mechanism for characteristic generation

The increasing interest in the testing of photovoltaic systems and conversion components, resulted in the growth of PV emulators development, especially the power converter based ones. These emulators allow the characteristics reproduction of PV modules and panels in a well-controlled environment, by using different PV modeling methods. In this paper, three modeling techniques are investigated for three PV technologies (Amorphous, CdTe and Mono-Si). The investigation of the models is done using experimental data from Green Energy Park in Morocco according to proposed evaluation criteria. The criteria themselves are based on the coefficient of determination, the Root Mean Square Error and the required computational time. The analysis results in a mechanism allowing the selection of the best modeling approach for each PV module technology. Afterwards, simulation work is carried out in order to design the control scheme of the PV emulator power supply. Then, the control and modeling method selection mechanism based on module technologies is implemented experimentally on the designed PV emulator system. Hence, the PV emulator along with its control and modeling method is validated for an example of Amorphous technology module.

Analysis of Solar Power Plants with the Combination Systems of PV Module-Reflective Mirror

Solar energy is a combination of light and heat produced by the sun, where this energy is utilized by humans through solar collector technology consisting of PV modules to be converted into electrical energy. The development of PV module technology is carried out to improve its performance, where one of these technologies uses a reflecting mirror to increase the amount of sun radiation captured by the surface of the PV module. This research method uses performance analysis of the utilization of reflector mirrors added to the PV module system by using two different cases, among others are the use of two and four mirrors along the sides of the PV module. The results showed that the application of four reflective glass can direct the sun's radiation to the surface of the PV module with the amount of radiation intention doubled. This result is a kind of technology that gives us a good result to utilize it in building the solar power plant.

Anomaly Detection of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System Based on Degradation Rate: A Case Study in Malaysia

This paper presents the characterization and performance of six-year field data for two different systems of PV module technologies from the rooftop grid-connected system installed at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. Two different PV module technologies are used as case studies to establish a method of anomaly detection on the system performance. The selected parameters such as string voltage, string current and AC power output are used in the analysis, while solar irradiance and module temperature are used as a reference basis. Based on the results obtained, both systems having degradation rates differently. System A had shown stable performance before it degraded by 16.09% after the 4th-year of operation, whereas system B continuously decreased by 39.35% during the monitored period. However, the string current of system A degraded up to 4.4% and, interestingly, no degradation for the string voltage. In contrast, system B has experienced a degradation of the string current by about 21.6%, whereas the string voltage was around 16.16%. Therefore, the string current and string voltage could identify the cause of the degradation rate of AC power. This analysis could be used to diagnose and identify the sources and causes of power degradation of grid-connected PV systems so that further action could be taken.

Modelling and characterization of photovoltaic modules using iterative and analytical methods

A major problem in analyzing a photovoltaic system is the modeling and extraction of its electrical parameters. Unfortunately, these parameters are inherently non-linear, which is difficult to solve. This article presents a comparative study of methods for estimating electrical parameters based on the manufacturer's datasheet for different PV module technologies, using the five-parameter single diode model. The paper investigates five models belonging to two different approaches, iterative methods and analytical methods, and presents the detailed mathematical analysis leading to the development of each technique. Furthermore, the performance of these methods is evaluated at STCs as well as varying climatic operation conditions, using different technologies, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film models. In addition, a statistical analysis is performed to assess the quality of models fitted to the experimental data. The results indicate that the precision obtained varies in function of the model and the PV technology, hence the user's choice of the appropriate model according to the field of application. The present work aims to allow researchers and designers to opt for the best possible model for the extraction of the parameters according to the technology of the photovoltaic module.

Analysis of factors affecting efficiency of inverters: Case study grid-connected PV systems in lower northern region of Thailand

In grid-connected PV systems, the inverter is one of the important components. Inverter efficiency may vary depending on the input power and voltage of the PV array. This paper analysed three factors affecting inverter efficiency. The first one was the effect of the duration of inverter operations. Analysis of the operation of a PV system that has been operating four years showed an annual average inverter efficiency of 0.90, almost equal to the manufacturer’s specification of 0.91. The study showed that there was no significant degradation in inverter efficiency because a cool temperature (of 25°C) was maintained for the inverter storage room through an air conditioning system. The second analysis investigated the effect of the power input from different types of PV module technology. The study showed that the inverter connected to p-Si PV modules operated the highest efficiency at 0.91. However, detailed analyses showed that PV module technology had less or minimal impact on inverter efficiency. It was the power input from the PV module that has influence on the inverter efficiency. The third analysis involved the study of the effect of irradiance distribution on inverter efficiency. The study shows that the inverter operates at the maximum efficiency of 0.90 at irradiance of above 350 W/m2, at which range solar energy potential is at its highest at around 85% of the total generation. This means that inverter converts almost all the energy supplied from solar PV at this irradiance range. In conducting the third analysis, a location-specific equation, ηPHS, for determining inverter efficiency was also developed. The ηPHS equation generates the actual inverter efficiency values based on the local irradiance conditions in Phitsanulok province.

Design and Implementation of a Photovoltaic Characterization Platform at FaST

The site that houses the FaST faces high dusty winds and considerable temperature variation. Weather conditions such as solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed greatly affect the performance of PV modules. But the data from PV equipment manufacturers do not allow for proper sizing. Therefore, a rigorous study is needed to find the most suitable PV module technology for the study area. For this purpose, platforms for the acquisition of meteorological parameters and module characterization are indispensable. This platform project at FaST will serve training and pedagogy because its configuration will allow master and bachelor students to carry out practical work, to carry out studies on new cell technologies under the influence of external factors specific to the sub-Saharan zone and will bring an added value by providing additional information on real conditions and especially the influence of local external factors. Our study consisted first of all in the realization of the platform on the roof of the FaST, then in the design and the programming of a module of acquisition of the measured parameters on the basis of the Arduino microcontroller card and finally in the test of characterization of the modules used for the platform thanks to an electronic load on the basis of MOSFET of power controlled by a microcontroller that we realized.

English

Many authors in the literature have worked on models for producing PV module performance, but the question of a climate-specific model is problematic. Some studies have shown more appropriate models for any PV module technology, while others have highlighted models that are more appropriate for a given climate. The aim of this work is to evaluate our model which is based on the I-V characteristic and their accuracy was assessed versus one-year of ground measurement from a system of PV module at different time resolutions. To predict the performance of PV modules in crystalline silicon in a sahelian climate in Senegal, the results obtained experimentally and those of the model were compared. The monthly nRMSE is 17.33% during the rainy season and 17.46% in dry season. There was a good correlation of the model, with a coefficient of 0.88 in January and 0.94 in September. Key words: PV module, short-circuit current, open circuit-voltage, maximum power output, I-V curve.

Dust Deposition Effect on Solar Photovoltaic Modules Performance: A Review

The reducing environment effect on solar energy technology is an interesting area. PV modules are extensively used in insignificant and large-scale purpose for several years. Though, the PV module technology is not still inexpensive with other electrical power production of technology, particularly in atmospheres that agonies from dust, air particle, moisture and high air temperature. This paper gives review of the climatic condition of Nawabshah effects on PV module performance prospective, The effect of accumulation of dust. Deposition of dust have considerably effect on the transmittance of PV module and reducing the output power of PV module. Studies described the review of dust deposition and environment factors. Results showing that dust reducing the output power of PV module minimum 19.85% and maximum 55.168% and reducing Open circuit voltage and current of dusty panel are 0.76% and 1.087%. In Shanghai china there is loss of PV module power was recorded 35.226% and efficiency reduced 5.546%. The techniques of cleaning PV module is discussed in this paper. The data is about PV module performance addresses in literature review.

Dust Deposition Effect on Solar Photovoltaic Modules Performance: A Review

The reducing environment effect on solar energy technology is an interesting area. PV modules are extensively used in insignificant and large-scale purpose for several years. Though, the PV module technology is not still inexpensive with other electrical power production of technology, particularly in atmospheres that agonies from dust, air particle, moisture and high air temperature. This paper gives review of the climatic condition of Nawabshah effects on PV module performance prospective, The effect of accumulation of dust. Deposition of dust have considerably effect on the transmittance of PV module and reducing the output power of PV module. Studies described the review of dust deposition and environment factors. Results showing that dust reducing the output power of PV module minimum 19.85% and maximum 55.168% and reducing Open circuit voltage and current of dusty panel are 0.76% and 1.087%. In Shanghai china there is loss of PV module power was recorded 35.226% and efficiency reduced 5.546%. The techniques of cleaning PV module is discussed in this paper. The data is about PV module performance addresses in literature review.