Tilt Angle Of Panels Research Articles

Neural network based study of PV panel performance in the presence of dust

Neural networks are utilised to study PV solar panels' performance dependence on accumulated dust and tilt angle. For every location in the world there is an optimum tilt angle of dust-free PV panels for best performance. However, in some areas of the world dust is an obstacle for PV panels operation. Examples of such areas are the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf countries. Accumulation rate of dust depends on the location as well as the tilt angle of the PV panel. In this paper, relevant data are collected for two identical sets of PV panels in the city of Ras Al Khaimah in UAE where significant amounts of dust are present. Each set includes four different PV panels with various tilt angles. One set is kept clean while the other set is left unclean. The data includes information about PV panel cleaning condition, tilt angle, date and output power. Available data are used to train a neural network model which predicts the PV panel power under the given conditions. Furthermore, the neural network model serves as a key for adjusting the tilt angle of the PV panels at an optimum value for best performance taking into account the dust factor.

Numerical investigation of wind influences on photovoltaic arrays mounted on roof

The wind-induced response of photovoltaic (PV) panel installed on building roof is influenced by the turbulence induced by the pattern of both panels and roofs. Different roof types cause different flow patterns around PV panels, thus change the flow mechanism exerted on PV panels. In this study, the effects of roof types, heights and the PV array layouts on the net wind loads of the PV panel is investigated. The software Fluent is adopted and the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method is used for numerical analysis. The rationality and accuracy of the numerical results obtained from the current study are verified through comparison with the results of wind tunnel experiments. The maximum wind uplift on the PV panels increases with the panel tilt angle for two types of roofs, but decreases with the increase of the PV array edge setback. Moreover, the maximum wind uplift also increases with the roof clearance within a certain range. Both the row spacing of PV array and the building height have a great effect on the maximum aerodynamic uplift for gable roofs, whereas both of them have slight influence for flat roofs.

Experimental performance of commercial OPV panels tested outdoor

This work presents the experimental performance of commercial versions of organic photovoltaic (OPV) panels. Twenty four commercialized OPV panels of two different sizes (2.52×0.52 m and 1.29×0.52 m) were examined. Unfortunately, the company that provides the panels does not inform the technology behind the OPV they commercialize, but it provided a datasheet. We designed an outdoor test bench to make a parallelization between the commercial technology and scientific literature. The panels were bonded over a 0.04-m-thick acrylic layer to provide mechanical resistance and a clear view of the backside. The test bench was designed to allow panel tilt angles to be varied manually. We measured the total, beam, and diffuse radiation, along with the solar spectrum and all environmental conditions. Various topologies were tested, and results of power conversion efficiency (PCE) are presented. PCE was approximately 2% for all OPV panels, and was nearly stable during the four months of testing. PCE provided in the datasheet is ∼3%, suggesting a loss of efficiency during the burn-in period.

EVALUATION OF SOLAR ENERGY AND SELECTION OF OPTIMAL TILT ANGLE OF SOLAR PANELS FOR CONDITIONS IN SYRIA

The article suggests the method for calculating the solar radiation on a horizontal surface of the territory of Syria which has been developed using the weather database of NASA and ArcGIS software to create the atlases of Syria. In order to compute the solar radiation on an inclined surface for Syria, the following steps were taken. Firstly, the method proposed by Liu and Jordan (1962) and developed by Klein (1977) was used and applied at a point with a latitude of 33º and a longitude of 36º in Syria to calculate the total average daily monthly and yearly solar radiation on an inclined surface and its components (direct, diffuse and ground reflected). Secondly, the annual and monthly values of the optimal tilt angle of the solar panels were determined. Thirdly, verification of reliability and accuracy of calculations was carried out. Finally, using the interpolation method (inverse distance weighted IDW) in ArcGIS, the method proposed was applied to 63 points that covered the territory of Syria. Thus, we developed an Atlas of Syria of solar radiation on an inclined surface which characterized by the optimal tilt angles of solar panels and the maximum annual solar radiation on an inclined surface under these angles. Solar Radiation Atlas of Syria shows that the annual optimal tilt angle of the solar panels varies in the range from 23º to 28º and the maximum average annual solar radiation on an inclined surface under these angles varies in the range from 1859 to 2069 kWh/m2·year. In addition, on the basis of the NASA meteorological database, we determined the average total gross (natural) potential of solar energy on optimal inclined surfaces in Syria which is 362.1·103 TWh per year.

PENENTUAN KEMIRINGAN SUDUT OPTIMAL PANEL SURYA

This paper discusses the determination of the optimal tilt angle of solar panels in the Nagan Raya aims to maximize acceptance of solar radiation. Adjust the titl angle customized panels with latitude location can maximize the acceptance of solar radiation. Calculation of the optimal angle variations is simulated at an angle of 10 – 50 intervals between angle 10. For the purposes of simulation calculation of optimal tilt angle against the value-based maximum radiation on tilted surface, use data that NASA SEE. A study conducted in Nagan Raya this is determined based on the google maps coordinates of the point. This research resulted in recommendations for the optimum tilt angle in Nagan Raya who was the tilt 40 with South-facing orientation. The results of the technical study of this research can be used as initial references against the installation of a solar panel fixed type in the Nagan Raya.Keywords: Optimum angle, Solar panels, NASA SSE, Nagan Raya, Renewable Energy

Extracting the maximum energy from solar panels

The performance of solar systems to convert solar radiation depends on its inclination angle to the horizontal plane, independently from meteorological conditions. Sunlight should fall with steep angle to extract maximum power from solar panels. Therefore, optimum fixed tilt angles of solar panels should be changed monthly and seasonally. In our study, MATLAB program is used to estimate the total solar radiation on a tilted panel surface with any inclination. The implementation developed to allow us to extract the correct angle at which the maximum energy could be absorbed by the solar cells. We could determine the optimum tile angle for monthly, seasonal, and yearly solar radiation relative to the site of Khouribga city (latitude 32∘52′ North and longitude −6∘54′ West), and we used the same method to draw the table of solar gains depending on the optimum tilt angle of the solar panels to the main Moroccan cities.

An Enhanced Incremental Conductance Algorithm for Photovoltaic System

The energy obtained from the photovoltaic array is dependent on the available solar insolation, the panel tilt angle and the power point tracking algorithm of the system. Some of the Conventional MPPT methods are developed by considering uniform solar irradiance. During partial shading conditions, solar panel may produce multiple Local Maximum Power Points (LMPPs) in its power voltage characteristic curve. A new algorithm has been developed in this paper by using sequential sampling embedded with existing incremental conductance procedure in order to predict the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP). The tracking capability of proposed algorithm is verified with simulation works carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results of proposed algorithm are likened with the results classical Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance algorithms.

A METHOD FOR DETERMINING OF OPTIMAL TILT ANGLE AND ORIENTATION OF PV MODULES BASED ON MEASURED SOLAR RADIANCE DATA

For calculating and designing of photovoltaic (PV) plant, it is necessary to choose the optimal tilt angle and azimuth orientation of solar panels which will largely determine the electricity output produced by future PV plant during an operational calendar period. However, in order to determine these angles experimentally by monitoring the PV plant electricity yield at different panel’s positions, it will take many years. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a theoretical model, which a priori calculates the optimal tilt and azimuth angles of panels amounted in fixed positions. This paper assumes the maximum of the total radiation arrival per unit area on the receiving surface over the calendar period of PV plant operation as an optimization criterion for these angles. The calculation scheme has been applied for the whole year, for four year seasons and for a whole year period except winter. In the developed optimization method, the initial data are the geographical coordinates of the PV plant, the hourly sums of direct and diffuse radiation on the horizontal plane, as well as the reflectivity of the earth's surface. These data obtained by averaging the long-term measurements of the main solar radiation components are experimental ones. The developed computational scheme is based on nonlinear equations for the optimal tilt angles of panels first obtained for anisotropic solar radiation models. This scheme allows us to calculate the optimal panel angles for any operational PV plant period and for any region for which experimental radiation data are available. As the examples, we have calculated the graphs of the average daily radiation arrival dependencies on the panel’s position angles and have determined the optimal fixed tilt and azimuth angles for six cities of Russia located in different climatic zones. The method allows us to evaluate the gain in the electricity yield of PV plant when choosing the optimum tilt angles and azimuth of the panels, and to a djust the tilt angles to the optimum values for each season if this is envisaged by the PV string design.

Empirical Modelling and Investigation of Solar Panel Tilt Angle Analysis

This paper presents the empirical modelling and investigation of solar panel tilt angle analysis. The aim is to determine the best suitable tilt angle for harvesting the optimal voltage from the solar panel system. Mono-crystalline solar panel with 220W was used to determine the output voltage from the solar panel, along with range of angles measured in degree (from 180 to 90) with responding time in hours (from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) towards the East and West hemispherical directions at Ekpoma. The experiment was carried out for duration of one year at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (latitude 6.750N and longitude 6.070E).The highest output voltage from solar panel was obtained at 1.00 p.m. for the study location while the total output voltage (2745.32V) obtained from west hemisphere direction was higher than the voltage (2709.06V) obtained from the East hemispherical direction. The best tilt angle suitable for optimal voltage harvest is 10degree. Based on the empirical model deduced, it was observed that the output daily voltage at constant angle exhibits a polynomial distribution pattern with the least error value of 0.269.

Effects of particle sizes and tilt angles on dust deposition characteristics of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system

The dust deposition behaviours of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and their effects on the PV efficiency were numerically investigated. The shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model with the inlet user-defined function profiles and the discrete particle model were used to predict the wind flow fields and the dust deposition rates of a PV panel. A grid independence study was conducted, and the mean pressure coefficient was validated with the related experimental data. The effects of the different dust particle diameters and the different tilt angles of the PV panels on the dust deposition characteristics were investigated carefully. The results showed the dust deposition rates of a PV panel were considerably affected by the different tilt angles. The dust deposition rates were considerably higher for the upward PV installations than for the downward ones. Moreover, the dust deposition rates were greater when the solar PV panel was more horizontal with the ground. The peak deposition rates were observed for the 150-μm dust particles for all of the tilted PV panel angles. The maximum deposition rates were 14.28%, 13.53%, 6.79% and 9.78% for the tilted PV panel angles of 25°, 40°, 140° and 155°, respectively. Moreover, the main deposition mechanisms of the solar PV panel were analysed and discussed for the different dust particle sizes and PV panel installation angles. Finally, an empirical model was developed for estimating the PV output reductions caused by the dust deposition for different tilt angles, which could be applied in practical engineering applications.

Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Renewable Energy Integrated CCHP System Using PICEA-g

The integration of renewable energies into combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the optimization of renewable energies integrated CCHP (RECCHP) systems (i.e., optimal component configurations) is far from being well addressed, especially in isolated mode. This study aims to fill this research gap. A multi-objective optimization model characterizing the system reliability, system cost, and environmental sustainability is constructed. In this model, the objectives include minimization of annual total cost (ATC), carbon dioxide emission (CDE), and loss of energy supply probability (LESP). The decision variables representing the configuration of the RECCHP system include the number of photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines (WTs), the tilt angle of PV panels, the height of WTs, the maximum fuel consumption, and the capacity of battery and heat storage tanks (HSTs). The multi-objective model is solved by a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, namely, the preference-inspired coevolutionary algorithm (PICEA-g), resulting in a set of Pareto optimal (trade-off) solutions. Then, a decision-making process is demonstrated, selecting a preferred solution amongst those trade-off solutions by further considering the decision-maker preferences. Furthermore, on the optimization of the RECCHP system, operational strategies (i.e., following electric load, FEL, and following thermal load, FTL) are considered, respectively. Experimental results show that the FEL and FTL strategies lead to different optimal configurations. In general, the FTL is recommended in summer and winter, while the FEL is more suitable for spring and autumn. Compared with traditional energy systems, RECCHP has better economic and environmental advantages.

Performance optimization of a hybrid micro-grid based on double-loop MPPT and SVC-MERS

With ever-increasing concerns on environmental pollution and energy shortage, the development of renewable resource has attracted a lot of attention. This paper first reviews both the wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation techniques and approaches of micro-grid voltage control. Then, a novel islanded micro-grid, which consists of wind & PV generation and hybrid-energy storage device, is built for application to remote and isolated areas. For the PV power generation branch, a double- maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is developed to trace the sunlight and regulate the tilt angle of PV panels. For wind-power generation branch, squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) is used as its simple structure, robustness and less cost. In order to stabilize the output voltage of SCIGs, a new Static Var Compensator named magnetic energy recovery switch (SVC-MERS) is applied. Finally, experimental results confirm that both of the proposed methods can improve the efficiency of PV power generation and voltage stability of the micro-grid, respectively.

Modeling Energy Produced by Solar Panels

As solar panels become increasingly popular, consumers want to know how to harvest more of the sun’s energy and how to increase the efficiency of solar panels. Determining the annual optimum tilt angle of a solar panel is a simple yet effective way to increase the energy generated. The hypothesis was that if the tilt angle of the solar panel was set to the latitude of the location, then the solar panel would generate the most energy annually. A mathematical model was built to simulate the amount of solar energy generated in a day and in a year and was used as comparison to field data. Ten solar panels of varying angles were set outside and the voltage across a resistor was logged every five minutes to measure the energy generated by the solar panels. The model simulation supported the hypothesis, as the solar panel tilt angle of 40° generated the most energy and the latitude of the location of the experiment was around 40°. The field data supports the hypothesis at the experimental latitude and the results of the simulation confirm the field data, and shows that the solar panel tilt angle should be set within ±10° of the latitude to produce the most energy.

On Selecting Optimum Tilt Angle for Solar Photovoltaic Farms

It has been more than 20 years, since the first manufacturers announced and extended, 25 year guarantee for solar photovoltaic panels. This event set the market standards which have not been disputed ever since. Although an increasing number of studies focus on the long-term aging process of the panels, the area is not fully explored. The approach of most investors is that solar projects should be developed to maximise electricity production, and much less attention is paid to lifetime expectancy or considering adverse effects of non-optimal tilt angles. Possible failures and malfunctions are already being put into focus, but the impact of tilt angles and other technical parameters on life expectancy and operation costs are still of secondary importance. The aim of the present paper is to provide a broad review on impacts that affect productivity and lifetime expectancy of solar panels. As positive and negative effects are both found among these, quantification is also necessary. The authors compare the effects of seven different factors to provide a broader view on the importance of properly determining the tilt angle of solar photovoltaic panels. The effect of several factors is smaller above 30° tilt angles and do not decrease productivity beyond a certain level. In contrast, negative impacts that are shortening life expectancy, have much bigger effect on the system with this angle deployment, thus current installation practice is advised to be reviewed.

Analysis of energy efficiency of photovoltaic installation in central Poland

The paper analyzes the electricity generation from photovoltaic micro-installation, which was not subjected to any maintenance operations such as cleaning or periodic change of the PV panel tilt angle, recorded in the years: 2015-2017. The PV micro-installation presented is a system called On-Grid, i.e. it is connected to a low voltage power network, and the PV generator is built from the two most commonly used types of PV modules: from mono- and polycrystalline silicon. Data sets for relative energy yields combined and broken down into PV generator manufacturing technologies were analyzed. The results of the measurements were also divided into percentage amounts of generated energy in two time intervals: "summer" months from April to September (on average over 80% of generated electricity) and others recognized as “winter”. This division was also made for two technologies of making a PV generator.

Optimal Tilt Angle and Orientation of Photovoltaic Modules Using HS Algorithm in Different Climates of China

Solar energy technologies play an important role in shaping a sustainable energy future, and generating clean, renewable, and widely distributed energy sources. This paper determines the optimum tilt angle and optimum azimuth angle of photovoltaic (PV) panels, employing the harmony search (HS) meta-heuristic algorithm. In this study, the ergodic method is first conducted to obtain the optimum tilt angle and the optimum azimuth angle in several cities of China based on the model of Julian dating. Next, the HS algorithm is applied to search for the optimum solution. The purpose of this research is to maximize the extraterrestrial radiation on the collector surface for a specific period. The sun’s position is predicted by the proposed model at different times, and then solar radiation is obtained on various inclined planes with different orientations in each city. The performance of the HS method is compared with that of the ergodic method and other optimization algorithms. The results demonstrate that the tilt angle should be changed once a month, and the best orientation is usually due south in the selected cities. In addition, the HS algorithm is a practical and reliable alternative for estimating the optimum tilt angle and optimum azimuth angle of PV panels.

Development of a single-phase thermosiphon for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling

A single-phase thermosiphon is developed for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling. Compared to the conventional nocturnal radiative cooling systems that use an electric pump to drive the heat transfer fluid, the proposed single-phase thermosiphon uses the buoyancy force to drive heat transfer fluid. This solution does not require electricity, therefore improving the net gain of the radiative cooling system. A single-phase thermosiphon was built, which consists of a flat panel, a cold collection tank, a water return tube, and a water distribution tank. Considering that outdoor radiative cooling flux is constantly changing (i.e. uncontrollable), an indoor testing facility was developed to provide a controllable cooling flux (comparable to a radiative cooling flux of 100W/m2) for the evaluation of thermosiphon performance. The testing apparatus is a chilled aluminum flat plate that has a controlled air gap separation relative to the flat panel surface of the thermosiphon to emulate radiative cooling. With an average of 105W/m2 cooling flux, the 18liters of water in the thermosiphon was cooled to an average temperature of 12.5°C from an initial temperature of 22.2°C in 2h, with a cold collection efficiency of 96.8%. The results obtained have demonstrated the feasibility of using a single-phase thermosiphon for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling. Additionally, the effects of the thermosiphon operation conditions, such as tilt angle of the flat panel, initial water temperature, and cooling energy flux, on the performance have been experimentally investigated. Modular design of the single-phase thermosiphon gives flexibility for its scalability. A radiative cooling system with multiple thermosiphon modules is expected to play an important role in cooling buildings and power plant condensers.

Performance analysis of perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells under varying operating conditions and comparison with monocrystalline silicon cell

The efficiency of solar cell is generally defined at standard test conditions. However, wind direction, wind velocity, tilt angle of panel and solar radiation during operation differ from those at standard test conditions. The effects of operating conditions on the temperature and efficiency of silicon solar cells are widely analysed in literature. In the current work, the thermal performance of perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells in operating conditions has been analysed and compared with monocrystalline silicon solar cell. The effects of wind direction (wind azimuth angle), wind velocity, tilt angle of panel and solar radiation on the temperature and efficiency of the cells have been analysed. The results show that as wind azimuth angle increases from 0° to 90°, the temperature of the cell increases from 51.8°C to 58.2°C for monocrystalline silicon, from 45.5°C to 50.7°C for perovskite and from 48.4°C to 53.9°C for dye-sensitized solar cell and the corresponding efficiency of the cell decreases from 22.3% to 21.5% for monocrystalline silicon, from 20.1% to 19.5% for perovskite and from 11.8% to 11.7% for dye-sensitized solar cell.

Estimating the Solar Home System Sizing for Rural Residential Apartments Using a Panel Tilt Angle of 82 Degrees: Ilorin, Kwara State as Case Study

Nigeria is blessed with abundant sunshine and as such there is an enormous potential for the utilization of solar energy all across the nation. Ilorin, Kwara State is among the North-Central regions in Nigeria and has a latitude and longitude of 8.4799oN and 4.5418oE respectively with a land area of about 765 sq. km. and an elevation of 307.4m above sea level making it one of such locations in the nation having a good solar irradiation. Solar irradiation in Nigeria varies according to location and for different times of the year according to the weather and climate of such locations. As such depending on the tilt or orientation of the solar panels with respect to the sun, the solar irradiation hitting the solar panels differs. This paper using a solar system configuration where the solar panels direction is positioned facing directly south and having a tilt angle of 82 degrees seeks to provide a prototype for the design of a solar energy system whereby residential apartments especially 2-bedrooms in rural locations having no access to the nation’s electricity grid could have a better, cleaner and more efficient alternative source of energy.

Wind loads on residential scale rooftop photovoltaic panels

The vast application of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays on residential buildings has increased the importance for reliable and efficient design of racking systems. Adequate design guidelines assure proper function of the system as well as safety implications on the surroundings during extreme wind events. During such events, the distributed pressures on PV panels’ surface can lead to considerable structural damage which can result in partial or total loss of the PV array as well as potential damage to nearby properties. In this study, large-scale models of PV systems installed on residential structures were tested in the Wall of Wind Research Facility. The findings revealed that the critical wind directions that induced the worst maximum and minimum peak force coefficients were depended on roof type and panel tilt angle. Overall, the panel tilt angle was found to be the most critical parameter on the resulting peak pressure coefficients. Finally, the resulting force coefficients from all tested configurations were codified and presented for different effective areas while comparison was made between the outcomes of this study and the results of previous investigations.