Stand-alone Photovoltaic System Research Articles

Development of ANFIS based Algorithm for MPPT Controller for Standalone Photovoltaic System

The maximum power point tracking controller is an integral part for efficient implementation of PV system. In this paper, an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based new algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) has been developed and implemented to track maximum power point in the standalone photovoltaic system (PV). The work proposes to control the switching of DC-DC boost converter using ANFIS approach and replace the conventional PI controller to detect the error signal. The results of the proposed approach are compared with incremental conductance approach under constant and varying irradiance and temperature conditions. From the proposed approach, the percentage error, rise time and voltage fluctuations have been improved as compared to the incremental conductance method. Further, the proposed adaptive controller effectively tracks the MPP considering all the major nonlinear variables and it improves the rise time and the steady state characteristics of the PV system.

Estimation of system efficiency and utilisation factor of a mirror integrated solar PV system

This study presents the investigation of benefits obtained in a mirror integrated standalone photovoltaic (PV) test system of 0.3 kW capacity. The enhancement of energy extraction is possible only through fixing the mirror at an optimal angle facing towards the PV panel. Hence, the optimal condition for the maximum energy extraction in a year at a specific location is derived and presented considering the total irradiation falling on the panel. A detailed estimation on performance indices and feasibility analysis for the mirror integrated solar PV system (MISPVS) is carried out for one year from May 2018 to April 2019 for the test system with and without mirror arrangement. The total energy generated from the MISPVS during the monitoring period is found to increase from 359.10 kWh to 468.10 kWh which is around 130.3% when compared with the traditional solar PV system (TSPVS). Finally, the experimental results show that the system efficiency and capacity utilisation factor of the proposed system is enhanced to 13.09 and 17.81%, respectively.

Experimental Analysis of an Integrated Aquaponics and Standalone Solar Photovoltaic System

A stand-alone photovoltaic system was required to produce power for the prototype Modular Solar Powered Aquaponics System (MSPAS) developed at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology located in South Africa’s, Western Cape region. MSPAS utilizes solar energy such as solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity to power a submersible pump and two light emitting diode (LED) lights. The focus of this paper was to validate the design of the PV system with experimental results. The results indicated that over the course of 8 days, during the winter month, the PV system was able to generate an average of 1.167 kWh during days with average solar radiation values of 586 W/m2 an efficiency for the PV array determined to be 8.5 %. The prototype showed promising results and that the design was able to meet the requirements by powering the system during moderate to adverse weather conditions. Therefore, the integration of stand-alone PV systems and aquaponics could prove to be viable option that further promote renewable energy and environmental sustainable perspectives.

Modelling of a Single Passage Air PV/T Solar Collector: Experimental and Simulation Design

The hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar collector has attracted research attention for more than five decades. Its capability to produce thermal energy simultaneously with electrical energy is considered attractive since it provides higher total efficiency than stand-alone photovoltaic or thermal systems separately. This paper describes theoretical and experimental studies of a finned single pass air-type photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector. The performance of the system is calculated based on one dimensional (1D) steady-state analysis using one dimensional energy balance equations, where simulation was carried out using MATLAB. Experiments were carried out to observe the performance of the solar collector under changes in air mass flow rate. Experimental values on photovoltaic panel temperature and air temperature on both air inlet and outlet, together with the ambient temperature and solar radiation were measured. The simulation results were validated against the results obtained from experiments using the error analysis method, Root Mean Square Error. At a solar irradiance level of 800 to 900 W/m2, the thermal efficiency increases to 20.32% while the electrical efficiency increases to 12.01% when the air mass flow rate increases from 0.00015 kg/s to 0.01 kg/s. The error analysis shows that both experimental and simulation results are in good agreement.

Predictive Adaptive Filter for Reducing Total Harmonics Distortion in PV Systems

This paper presents a new method for reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of photovoltaic (PV) systems by using an adaptive filter based on a predictive model. Instead of reducing the produced THD at each stage of the PV system, a one-step process is implemented at the end stage. The connection topology of the adaptive filter is similar to normal active and passive filters. The main difference is its ability to adjust the filtering coefficients while others cannot. The proposed method is applied to a single-phase standalone PV system by adopting least mean square (LMS), normalized LMS (NLMS) and leaky LMS algorithms to verify the validity of the proposed method. Various values of filter length and step size are evaluated, and results indicate that the proposed method can reduce THD in the current signal of the PV system significantly by using all of the mentioned algorithms. Different step sizes and filter lengths directly influence the effectiveness of the THD reduction, with small step sizes and long filters being the most effective. Amongst the algorithms, NLMS reduces THD the most, and LMS reaches the peak current value the fastest.

Simulation of Photovoltaic Power System for Rural Electrification in Myanmar

In the recent years substantial growth of the demand for electricity took place in Myanmar; energy generation by existing sources (mainly hydropower) is not enough to provide constantly increasing consumption. The problem is most obvious in rural areas (more than 61 percent of the population) where grid extension is not justified economically whereas the cost of electricity produced by autonomous diesel generators is extremely high. ( Research purpose ) The purpose of this research is the evaluation of economic and technical feasibility of small off-grid (standalone) photovoltaic (PV only) and hybrid photovoltaic-diesel (PV-diesel) power generation systems providing rural household electricity consumption in Myanmar. ( Materials and methods ) Computer simulation using Homer pro simulation software was used. Three different load scenarios were envisaged – low, medium and high (1; 6 and 16 kilowatt-hour per day). Simulation was done for Tha Ngar village tract with a population of about 3,000 people, which is typical in Myanmar. ( Results and discussion ) The results of the simulation reveal that the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for optimal hybrid (PV-diesel) systems lies in the range 0.37-0.51 US$, for PV only systems – 0.46-0.49 US$. It proves their economic feasibility compared to conventional diesel generator systems with LCOE 0.56-1.56 US$ boosted by high fuel prices in remote areas (2-3 times higher than urban price). For the high load scenario hybrid systems are more preferable, for low load (night time lighting only) PV only systems may be more effective. Conclusions ) It can be concluded that implementing solar energy is not only environmentally friendlier but also economically justified approach for providing household electricity demands of rural settlements in Myanmar without constructing expensive grid extensions.

Sizing and implementing off-grid stand-alone photovoltaic/battery systems based on multi-objective optimization and techno-economic (MADE) analysis

Abstract Sun energy is widely utilized to power stand-alone photovoltaic systems (SAPV). However, the lack of long term hourly meteorological data and inaccurate methods result in obstacles in designing the SAPV system. Therefore, an optimal sizing methodology is necessary to guarantee satisfactory performance. In this study, a new mutation adaptive differential evolution (MADE) based on a multi-objective optimization algorithm is presented to optimize the configuration of the off-grid SAPV system. Three conflict objectives are normalized, weighted, and then aggregated by mono-objective function to optimally size the off-grid stand-alone PV system. The performance of the proposed SAPV system is analyzed based on three types of batteries which are lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion. The results show that the optimal configuration based on lead-acid has less fitness function ( f ), life cycle cost (LCC), levelized cost of energy (LCE), with a high level of loss of load probability (LLP), and their values are 0.0268, 54,896 USD, 1.58USD, and 0.19%, respectively. Moreover, the optimal numbers of the PV modules (in series and parallel) and lead-acid battery are 9, 28, and 42, respectively. Therefore, the SAPV system based on lead-acid battery can be very suitable for real-world applications.

Jaya Learning-Based Optimization for Optimal Sizing of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic, Wind Turbine, and Battery Systems

Renewable energy sources (RESs) are considered to be reliable and green electric power generation sources. Photovoltaics (PVs) and wind turbines (WTs) are used to provide electricity in remote areas. Optimal sizing of hybrid RESs is a vital challenge in a stand-alone environment. The meta-heuristic algorithms proposed in the past are dependent on algorithm-specific parameters for achieving an optimal solution. This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm of Jaya and a teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) named the JLBO algorithm for the optimal unit sizing of a PV–WT–battery hybrid system to satisfy the consumer’s load at minimal total annual cost (TAC). The reliability of the system is considered by a maximum allowable loss of power supply probability (LPSP max ) concept. The results obtained from the JLBO algorithm are compared with the original Jaya, TLBO, and genetic algorithms. The JLBO results show superior performance in terms of TAC, and the PV–WT–battery hybrid system is found to be the most economical scenario. This system provides a cost-effective solution for all proposed LPSP max values as compared with PV–battery and WT–battery systems.

Technical evaluation of a stand-alone photovoltaic heat pump system without batteries for cooling applications

The coupling of Photovoltaic (PV) and Heat Pump (HP) systems is an attractive alternative for reducing the energy consumption associated to cooling applications, as well as increasing the renewable share in the electric systems. This work presents the results of the technical validation of a stand-alone PV-HP system operating without batteries, for two different control algorithms implemented for the compressor of the HP unit: the Maximum Power Point Tracking control (MPPT) and the inverter control. Both algorithms include a routine for mitigating the solar power fluctuations due to passing clouds, which was able to resist 75% of the clouds registered during the carrying out of the tests. The values of the main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) traditionally used for the characterization of PV and HP systems –Performance Ratio (PR), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Performance factor (SPF)– were calculated, as well as some new KPIs proposed for PV-HP systems. These new KPIs are proposed to distinguish the loss of performance due to any bad quality of the PV-HP and to external factors such as user behavior or the cooling period. The results show a PR of between 0.17 and 0.5, an EER of between 2.51 and 3.06 and a SPF of between 2.51 and 3.01. The low PR value is explained by the utilization ratios of the system (UREF ranged from 0.27 to 0.77) due to the characteristics of this application, rather than any bad quality in the PV-HP system.

Design, implementation and evaluation of a control system to optimize the performance of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) supplied by a stand-alone Photovoltaic System without batteries

Design, implementation and evaluation of a control system to optimize the performance of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) supplied by a stand-alone Photovoltaic System without batteries

A novel MPPT algorithm considering solar photovoltaic modules and load characteristics for a single stage standalone solar photovoltaic system

A novel MPPT algorithm considering solar photovoltaic modules and load characteristics for a single stage standalone solar photovoltaic system

Nonlinear robust integral backstepping based MPPT control for stand-alone photovoltaic system.

PV (Photovoltaic) cells have nonlinear current-voltage (I − V) and power-voltage (P − V) characteristics with a distinct maximum power point (MPP) that entirely depends on the ambient meteorological conditions (i.e. solar irradiance and temperature). Hence, to continuously extract and deliver the maximum possible power from the PV system, under given meteorological conditions, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy needs to be formulated that continuously operates the PV system at its MPP. To achieve this goal, a hybrid nonlinear, very fast and efficient MPPT control strategy, based on the robust integral backstepping (RIB) control, is formulated in this research article. The simulation testbed comprises a standalone PV array, a non-inverting buck-boost (NIBB) DC-DC power converter, a purely resistive and a dynamic load (sound system). The proposed MPPT control scheme consists of two loops, where the first loop generates the real-time offline reference peak power voltage through an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) network, which is then utilized in the second loop as a set-point value for generating a control signal and then forcing the PV system to be operated at this set-point by continuously adjusting the duty ratio of the power converter. This control strategy exhibits no overshoot, fast convergence, good transient response, fast rising and settling times and minimum output tracking error. The MATLAB/Simulink platform is used to test the performance of the proposed MPPT strategy against varying meteorological conditions, plant current and voltage faults and plant parametric uncertainties. To validate the superiority of the proposed control strategy, a comparative analysis of the proposed control strategy is presented with the nonlinear backstepping (B), integral backstepping controller (IB) and conventional PID and P&O based MPPT controllers.

Feasibility analysis of community-based PV systems for residential districts: A comparison of on-site centralized and distributed PV installations

Photovoltaic systems are one of the most promising renewable energy technologies for on-site generation. Most of the techno-economic studies consider distributed standalone photovoltaic generation with little consideration of community-based standalone photovoltaic systems. Location-based case studies are required to provide economic and reliable photovoltaic systems to meet the peak loads of residential neighbourhoods in an optimized manner. This paper devises an integrated evaluation methodology; a combination of white-box energy modelling and black box photovoltaic design optimization. This research uses optimization methods to develop a quantitative optimized model for analysing the opportunities of centralized systems to adequately meet the demands of a residential neighbourhood and support the grid. This analysis includes three metrics including the level of the energy production, reliability of system for peak power and finally the capital cost of implementation in residential districts. Results indicate that the size of a centralized photovoltaic installation is less when compared to distributed installations to support a similar single peak load. The required converter size is reduced for the centralized system owing to the reduced system size. Centralized installations require fewer batteries to store surplus energy produced due to increased interaction of energy flows. Centralized installations are economically more viable than distributed ones.

Solar Powered Paddy Irrigation System Using Arduino UNO Microcontroller: Battery Performance

This project is about the innovation of automated irrigation system at paddy field. Paddy irrigation system traditionally was depending on raining seasons. The changing of raining seasons will affect paddy growth. The farmer will use water pump sourced from diesel to drain water into the paddy field. The diesel water pump produces smoke that causes air pollution and bad health to the farmer. Moreover, diesel was non-reusable energy plus the manual control of irrigation system wastes time and human energy to operate the water pump and observe the water level. This project proposed the photovoltaic system to power the irrigation system and develop the prototype to represent the element of real irrigation system at the paddy field. Standalone photovoltaic system consists of solar panel, battery as energy storage, solar charger controller and water pump and the irrigation system is fully automated system controlled by Arduino UNO. Result obtain the solar-powered paddy irrigation system success coverall supply electricity to the irrigation system. The water pump only runs when low water level which measures by polypropylene float switch. The proposed project can produce efficient irrigation system, reduce the air pollution at paddy field and make farmer better health.

Improved Fuzzy Logic Controller Implemented on FPGA Circuit for Photovoltaic Systems

To be the photovoltaic arrays capable to transport the maximum power obtainable, it must be combined with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). To succeed, we will improve a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method, based on intelligent technique such as Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), compared with a conventional method which is P&O. This improved method applied to a stand-alone photovoltaic system under loading conditions and atmospheric data (temperature and irradiance). The goal of this controller is to prove that the FLC is the best technique of MPPT to extract the maximum power of photovoltaic modules. The main objective of this work is the implementation on a “Cyclone II” circuit using “EP2C35F672C6” Development Board reconfigurable Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with Hardware Description Language (VHDL). Thus, we show the advantages of using the FPGA circuits, which are their short progress time, their low price and their suppleness of process. The close optimum design of this technique is based on the best choice membership functions and control rules for two- input, one-output digital Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) based on “Mamdani” mechanism. The simulation and implementation results obtained respectively with waveform under Quartus software and on Cyclone II, both show a satisfactory performance and confirm the good tracking efficacy and speedy response to various atmospheric conditions.

Voltage Regulation Control with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic for a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System

Voltage Regulation Control with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic for a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System

Development of User Interface Design Tool and Training Kit for Standalone Photovoltaic System

Development of User Interface Design Tool and Training Kit for Standalone Photovoltaic System

Control Strategy of Hybrid Energy Storage System for a Standalone Photovoltaic System

Energy storage technologies are used with photovoltaic systems to overcome prob-lems due to varying operating conditions. This paper presents an advance control strategy for battery-supercapacitor hybrid energy storage that can be effective in dealing with the slow response of the battery. Modeling and simulation of a standalone photovoltaic system are done on MATLAB/ SIMULINK to analyze the behavior of the advance control strategy. The traditional control approach uses a low pass filter to supply slow transient power demand to the battery and fast transient power demand to the supercapacitor. But due to steady response of the battery, the power supplied by the battery does not follow the load power accurately. This con-trol approach is modified to supply the uncompensated power through the supercapacitor till the battery reaches steady state. The proposed control strategy helps in fast recovery of DC voltage during sudden power fluctuations and also enhances the battery life-span.

Design Aspects of Standalone PV System with Two Simulation Tools

The conventional energy sources depleted day by date. Alternate energy requirement is necessitate for our daily life. Our energy demand is met by standalone PV based system. This paper explained the simulation of a standalone photovoltaic power system erected in Mailam with different simulation tools. Solar resources for the design of this system were taken from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Surface Meteorology at a location of 22° 59' S, 14° 29' E with annual average solar radiation of 5.14 kWh/m2/d. PV planner and PV syst simulation tools were used to analyze the design of photovoltaic power system model. The entire model was designed based on an hour-by-hour data depend on energy availability and its demands. A detailed design of standalone PV system with two different simulation tools were presented in this paper.

Investigation on a building-integrated passive solar energy technology for air ventilation, clean water and power

The development of an integrated solar energy system with multiple outputs is necessary for achieving sustainability for countries like India. A building-integrated passive solar energy technology (BIPSET) is developed for the generation of power, and water in addition to the air ventilation for the attached building prototype. The building prototype is scaled down to the model of the living room proposed in the “Chief Minister’s solar-powered green house” scheme, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, India. The system consists of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar still, integrated with chimney. Experimental analysis shows an average of 12 air changes per hour of ventilation inside the room using the thermal energy gained by the solar PV in the BIPSET. Daily average inlet air velocity of 0.14 m/s is measured in the windows and is in accordance with the international standard ISO 7730:2005. The electrical efficiency of the PV system is improved from 4% to 17% in BIPSET compared to standalone PV System. Solar still performance is improved from 3 to 11% in the integrated system. Energy, environment and economic analysis are carried out for the BIPSET. The energy payback for the solar PV integrated with chimney is better than the standalone PV system. Lifecycle assessment is carried out for the BIPSET following CML-2001 methodology using SOLIDWORKS sustainability tool. This study implies that the present system is environment-friendly during its operation and its end of life. From the economic analysis, the unit cost of electricity for the solar PV integrated with chimney is 18% less when considering 30% government subsidiary for PV panels. The analysis indicates that the present integrated system is technically and economically feasible and is environment friendly.