Analysis and comparison of different PV array configurations under partial shading conditions
TL;DR: In this paper, five different photovoltaic array configuration schemes: Series, Series-Parallel, Total-Cross-Tied, Bridged-Linked, and Honey-Comb, are carried out using 6'×'6'
About: This article is published in Solar Energy.The article was published on 2018-01-15. It has received 196 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Photovoltaic system & Shading.
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TL;DR: It is concluded that the proposed improved SuDoKu PV array arrangement enhances the global maximum power under all shading conditions.
Abstract: Mismatch losses ignore the performance of individual photovoltaic (PV) modules and cut back most of the power from the PV array. These losses mainly due to partial shading condition (PSC), are caused by the reduction of spacing between PV modules, passing clouds, and near buildings, etc. Several techniques are present in the literature to cut back the partial shading issues. One of the most effective methods is the reconfiguration techniques, namely reconfigure the location of PV modules in PV array so as to distribute partial shading effects and increase the maximum power output. This paper proposes an Improved SuDoKu reconfiguration pattern for 9 × 9 Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) PV array to enhance maximum power output under partial shading conditions. The main aim of this approach is to arrange the PV modules in TCT array according to the SuDoKu pattern without altering the electrical connections. Further, the performance of the proposed pattern is evaluated with different existing PV array configurations by comparing the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP), Mismatch Losses (ML), Fill Factor (FF) and Efficiency (η). Based on the results of this paper, it is concluded that the proposed improved SuDoKu PV array arrangement enhances the global maximum power under all shading conditions.
135 citations
TL;DR: A novel developed optimization algorithm named modified harris hawks optimizer is introduced aiming to provide the optimal reconfiguration pattern of the switching matrix to maximize the generated power from the array and proves its excellency in providing the optimal photovoltaic array configuration in less than 1 s.
116 citations
TL;DR: An optimal SuDoKu reconfiguration pattern is proposed for total-cross-tied PV array to improve maximum power under partial shading conditions and is reducing the wiring arrangement and increasing the shading distribution over the array as compared to Su doKu arrangement.
Abstract: Partial shading condition drastically reduces the maximum power output of photovoltaic array. Partial shading occurs due to several factors, such as flying birds, trees, and passing clouds. Many ways can be mitigated partial shading problems in photovoltaic (PV) array. One among the way is reconfiguration techniques, namely reconfigure the location of PV modules in PV array based on irradiance levels in order to distribute shading effects and increasing maximum power. This paper proposed an optimal SuDoKu reconfiguration pattern for $9\times 9$ total-cross-tied (TCT) PV array to improve maximum power under partial shading conditions. In this approach, the physical location of PV modules in TCT array are rearranged based on optimal SuDoKu style without altering the electrical connections, so that the shading effects can distribute over the array. Further, the performance of proposed pattern investigated with existing SuDoKu pattern under different shading conditions by comparing the global maximum power point, mismatch losses, fill-factor, and efficiency using MATLAB-Simulink. Based on the results of this paper, it concluded that the proposed optimal SuDoKu reconfiguration arrangement is reducing the wiring arrangement and increasing the shading distribution over the array as compared to SuDoKu arrangement.
105 citations
Cites background from "Analysis and comparison of differen..."
...In [9], partial shading analysis on different PV array configurations such as “SS, SP, TCT, BL, and HC” has been presented....
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TL;DR: The comprehensive comparisons endorse that MPA shows a successful shade dispersion; hence the number of multiple peaks in the PV characteristics has reduced, and high values of power have been harvested with least mean execution time in comparison with PSO, HHO and MRFO.
Abstract: Large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants play an essential role in providing the increasing demand for energy in recent time. Therefore, in the purpose of achieving the highest harvested power under the partial shading conditions as well as protecting the PV array from the hot-spot calamity, the PV reconfiguration strategy is established as an efficient procedure. This is performed by redistribution of PV modules according to their levels of shading. Motivated by this, the authors in this article have introduced a novel population-based algorithm that is known as marine predators algorithm (MPA) to restructure the PV array dynamically. Moreover, a novel objective function is introduced to enhance the algorithm performance rather than utilizing the regular weighted objective function in the literature. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms based on the novel objective function is evaluated using several metrics such as fill factor, mismatch losses, percentage of power loss, and percentage of power enhancement. Besides, the obtained results are compared with a regular total-cross-tied (TCT) connection, manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO), harris hawk optimizer (HHO) and particle swarm optimizer (PSO) based reconfiguration techniques. Furthermore, to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed methods, large scale PV arrays of $16\times16$ and $25\times25$ are considered and evaluated. The results reveal that MPA enhanced the PV array power by percentage of 28.6 %, 2.7 % and 5.7 % in cases of $9\times9$ , $16\times16$ and $25\times25$ PV arrays, respectively. The comprehensive comparisons endorse that MPA shows a successful shade dispersion; hence the number of multiple peaks in the PV characteristics has reduced, and high values of power have been harvested with least mean execution time in comparison with PSO, HHO and MRFO. Moreover, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test has been accomplished to confirm the reliability and applicability of the proposed approach for the PV large scale arrays as well.
103 citations
Cites background or result from "Analysis and comparison of differen..."
...In [19], by analyzing various performance parameters among above saidmethods, the authors confirmed that the TCT configuration gives superior performance and...
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...compared with SP, HC, and BL connections [19], [20]....
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TL;DR: In this article, the P-V characteristic curve under different numbers of shaded modules and shading heaviness suggests that the photovoltaic string becomes insusceptible to partial shading when the shaded module irradiance reaches a certain critical point.
Abstract: A photovoltaic system is highly susceptible to partial shading. Based on the functionality of a photovoltaic system that relies on solar irradiance to generate electrical power, it is tacitly assumed that the maximum power of a partially shaded photovoltaic system always decreases as the shading heaviness increases. However, the literature has reported that this might not be the case. The maximum power of a partially shaded photovoltaic system under a fixed configuration and partial shading pattern can be highly insusceptible to shading heaviness when a certain critical point is met. This paper presents an investigation of the impact of partial shading and the critical point that reduce the susceptibility of shading heaviness. Photovoltaic string formed by series-connected photovoltaic modules is used in this research. The investigation of the P-V characteristic curve under different numbers of shaded modules and shading heaviness suggests that the photovoltaic string becomes insusceptible to shading heaviness when the shaded modules irradiance reaches a certain critical point. The critical point can vary based on the number of the shaded modules. The formulated equation in this research contributes to determining the critical point for different photovoltaic string sizes and numbers of shaded modules in the photovoltaic string.
99 citations
References
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method of modeling and simulation of photovoltaic arrays by adjusting the curve at three points: open circuit, maximum power, and short circuit.
Abstract: This paper proposes a method of modeling and simulation of photovoltaic arrays. The main objective is to find the parameters of the nonlinear I-V equation by adjusting the curve at three points: open circuit, maximum power, and short circuit. Given these three points, which are provided by all commercial array data sheets, the method finds the best I-V equation for the single-diode photovoltaic (PV) model including the effect of the series and parallel resistances, and warranties that the maximum power of the model matches with the maximum power of the real array. With the parameters of the adjusted I-V equation, one can build a PV circuit model with any circuit simulator by using basic math blocks. The modeling method and the proposed circuit model are useful for power electronics designers who need a simple, fast, accurate, and easy-to-use modeling method for using in simulations of PV systems. In the first pages, the reader will find a tutorial on PV devices and will understand the parameters that compose the single-diode PV model. The modeling method is then introduced and presented in details. The model is validated with experimental data of commercial PV arrays.
3,811 citations
TL;DR: The five-parameter model is of interest because it requires only a small amount of input data available from the manufacturer and therefore it provides a valuable tool for energy prediction, and could be improved if manufacturer’s data included information at two radiation levels.
1,730 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of the MPPT techniques applied to photovoltaic (PV) power system available until January, 2012 is provided, which is intended to serve as a convenient reference for future MPPT users in PV systems. But, confusion lies while selecting a MPPT as every technique has its own merits and demerits.
Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques applied to photovoltaic (PV) power system available until January, 2012. A good number of publications report on different MPPT techniques for a PV system together with implementation. But, confusion lies while selecting a MPPT as every technique has its own merits and demerits. Hence, a proper review of these techniques is essential. Unfortunately, very few attempts have been made in this regard, excepting two latest reviews on MPPT [Salas, 2006], [Esram and Chapman, 2007]. Since, MPPT is an essential part of a PV system, extensive research has been revealed in recent years in this field and many new techniques have been reported to the list since then. In this paper, a detailed description and then classification of the MPPT techniques have made based on features, such as number of control variables involved, types of control strategies employed, types of circuitry used suitably for PV system and practical/commercial applications. This paper is intended to serve as a convenient reference for future MPPT users in PV systems.
1,584 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a classification scheme for MPPT methods based on three categories: offline, online and hybrid methods is introduced, which can provide a convenient reference for future work in PV power generation, is based on the manner in which the control signal is generated and the PV power system behavior as it approaches steady state conditions.
Abstract: In recent years there has been a growing attention towards use of solar energy. The main advantages of photovoltaic (PV) systems employed for harnessing solar energy are lack of greenhouse gas emission, low maintenance costs, fewer limitations with regard to site of installation and absence of mechanical noise arising from moving parts. However, PV systems suffer from relatively low conversion efficiency. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the solar array is essential in a PV system. The nonlinear behavior of PV systems as well as variations of the maximum power point with solar irradiance level and temperature complicates the tracking of the maximum power point. A variety of MPPT methods have been proposed and implemented. This review paper introduces a classification scheme for MPPT methods based on three categories: offline, online and hybrid methods. This classification, which can provide a convenient reference for future work in PV power generation, is based on the manner in which the control signal is generated and the PV power system behavior as it approaches steady state conditions. Some of the methods from each class are simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment in order to compare their performance. Furthermore, different MPPT methods are discussed in terms of the dynamic response of the PV system to variations in temperature and irradiance, attainable efficiency, and implementation considerations.
549 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a compendium of MPPT techniques for an appropriate selection, based on application requirements and system constraints, is presented and compared against each other in terms of some critical parameters like: number of variables used, complexity, accuracy, speed, hardware implementation, cost, tracking efficiency and so on.
Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) array has non-linear I–V (current–voltage) characteristics and its output power varies with solar insolation level and ambient temperature. There exists only one point, called maximum power point (MPP), on the P–V (power–voltage) curve, where power is maximum and this point varies with the changing atmospheric conditions. Moreover, energy conversion efficiency of PV module is very low and mismatch between source and load characteristics causes significant power losses. Consequently, maximization of power output with greater efficiency is extremely important. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a technique employed to extract maximum power available from the PV module. It traces the PV operating voltage corresponding to the MPP and locks the operating point at MPP and extract maximum power from the array. Till date, many algorithms for MPPT have been reported, each with its own features. In this paper, a comprehensive presentation of working principle of these techniques is made and they are compared against each other in terms of some critical parameters like: number of variables used, complexity, accuracy, speed, hardware implementation, cost, tracking efficiency and so on. This study is aimed at providing a compendium on MPPT techniques for an appropriate selection, based on application requirements and system constraints.
309 citations