Methods Improving Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Systems Operating under Partial Shading

Abstract

This article is devoted to the relevant problem of increasing the efficiency of PV systems. The presented analysis discusses the available methods for improving the power generation of PV modules under partial shading. Mathematical models for power loss calculation were compiled based on the results of this analysis. The proposed approach minimizes the negative impact of partial shading on the energy production of PV modules. It is based on the equalization of voltages of parallel-connected arrays of modules by installing additional power elements in them. The proposed solution is promising for various areas; it allows for the minimization of the unfavorable influence of existing urban objects (buildings, trees, communications, etc.) on the energy efficiency of PV modules. The obtained results are useful for the sustainable development of the urban environment in the context of digital transformation. They are the basis for the promising methodology of the parametric optimization of power plants using renewable energy sources.

Assessment of the Current State of Photovoltaic Panel Mounting Systems and Related Concerns in Northern Cyprus

“…To generate electricity from solar energy, photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to convert solar radiation into electricity [7]. However, some considerations should be made to improve the efficiency of PV panels for electricity generation, including shading conditions, installation tilt angle, access, land use plan, land cost, and weather conditions such as sunlight duration, ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and transparency index [11][12][13][14]. Some of the mentioned factors have significant effects on the performance of PV panels, for example, shading on a quarter, half, and three-quarters of a PV panel can reduce its efficiency by 33.7%, 45.1%, and 92.6%, respectively.…”

Analysis of Some Power Quality Parameters at the Points of Common Coupling of Photovoltaic Plants Based on Data Measured by Inverters

“…PV generation is highly variable, which is one of the main drawback of the largescale application of PV in distribution networks [13,14]. The irregular nature of the solar radiation, often caused by the rapid pass of different types of clouds or by the presence of shadows [15], means that the output of this type of installation presents intermittency or random fluctuations [16]. The transient atmospheric changes that affect the variability of renewable production has a stochastic character in general with different conditions of duration, frequency, magnitude and shape [17].…”

“…The duration of irradiance transitions may vary from a few seconds up to several minutes, and the number of transitions in a day can be as many as 500, the highest transition rates taking place around noon [18]. These irradiance fluctuations can lead to situations where the inverters are not able to follow the global maximum power point (MPP) causing extra losses, and partial shading of PV generators also causes mismatch losses [15,18].…”

Method for the Automated Inspection of the Surfaces of Photovoltaic Modules

“…During the operation of industrial solar power plants (SPP), problems associated with pollution and damage to photovoltaic modules systematically arise, which significantly reduces their energy efficiency and entails financial losses for companies servicing the stations [1][2][3][4]. In this regard, the management of companies is faced with the task of systematically monitoring and diagnosing the state of the surface of the photovoltaic modules.…”