A cost-benefit analysis for reconfigurable PV modules under shading

Abstract

Non-uniform conditions within a PV module lead to significant energy losses in conventional topologies. Some of the energy lost due to partial shading can be recovered by installing reconfigurable modules. In order to explore the potential benefits of reconfigurable topologies in installations where non-uniform conditions are dominant, three shading scenarios are simulated throughout the year, both for reconfigurable and conventional modules. This allows the evaluation of the performance of each topology and estimation of the long-term gains. Using a cost function, which includes the additional investment cost, the energy gain can be translated to financial terms. Through this, locations where reconfigurable topologies can be beneficial, both in energy and financial terms, can be identified. The methodology is applied to the case of reconfigurable PV modules with a snake-like configuration. Simulation results show that these PV modules allow for higher energy production compared to conventional modules under all the simulated shading scenarios. However, they remain economically profitable over 20 years only in locations where partial shading is expected to occur daily, either throughout the full year or at least in the period of the year where energy generation is high.

A Simulation Study of Reconfigurable Modules for Higher Yields in Partially Shaded PV Systems

“…As a result, 6 REC not only performs better than 6 BPD but it can also allow considerably lower power conversion losses than 6 SP. [4,2,1] in series [5,6,3] in series I = Best 2x3 SP [4,2] in series [1,5] in series [6,3]…”

“…Based on this observation, reconfigurable PV modules use a switching matrix to change the interconnections between solar cells depending on the illumination conditions and maximize the power output [4] at every instant. It has been reported that gains in the annual energy yield up to 15% can be achieved with reconfigurable modules compared to conventional modules (with 3 BPDs) when partial shading is present during the entire year [5].…”

Photovoltatronics: intelligent PV-based devices for energy and information applications

“…Photovoltatronics will deliver solutions for electricity generation and information communication in applications such as building environment, e-mobility, sensing, and domotics. This aim is realized by combining different research areas, among others, (1) modelling and multi-layer mapping § for maximizing energy harvesting from ambient energy sources at a particular location; 5,6 (2) design of PV-IEAs for delivering optimum electrical energy including reconfigurable electrical topologies of PV generators, 7 (passive) cooling elements, 8 electronics, 9,10 sensor systems, 11,12 and control; 13 (3) security and flexibility of electrical energy supply by integrated storage; 14,15 (4) wireless transmission of electricity through a novel design of PV module electrodes, [16][17][18] and (5) light-based communication (LiFi) 19 by integrating and controlling embedded light-generating elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 20 To introduce, define and present the emerging field of photovoltatronics, the rest of this article is organized as follows.…”

A New Simplified Five-Parameter Estimation Method for Single-Diode Model of Photovoltaic Panels

“…Moreover, the MPPT algorithms make use of partially-shaded I-V curves affected by bypass diodes. Another relevant application deals with the design of electronic circuits directly implemented in the photovoltaic panels able to increase efficiency in partial shading conditions [13].…”

“…The value of A is increased by 0.01 if the new calculated maximum voltage is less than the theoretical one; otherwise, it is decreased by 0.01. With the new value of A, I0STARTA=1 tol=0.1 iter=10000Calculate vt, Rs, I0 and Ipv through (6), (13),(10) and(9) Calculate VmpC through(14) Input panel datasheet data Isc, VOC, Imp, Vmp, N vt, I0, Ipv and VmpC with (6), (10),(9) and(14) err = VmpC -Vmp it = it + 1 it < iter err > tol NO Calculate vt and Rs using(13) with new vale of AEND YESStep 1 of the proposed method.…”