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20 pages, 5043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effect of Albedo in Simulation-Based Floating Photovoltaic System: 1 MW Bifacial Floating Photovoltaic System Design

by Atıl Emre Cosgun and Hasan Demir

Energies 2024, 17(4), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040959 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules have emerged as a promising technology in the realm of sustainable energy solutions, specifically in the harnessing of solar energy. Photovoltaic modules, which use solar energy to generate electricity, are often used on terrestrial platforms. In recent years, there has [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules have emerged as a promising technology in the realm of sustainable energy solutions, specifically in the harnessing of solar energy. Photovoltaic modules, which use solar energy to generate electricity, are often used on terrestrial platforms. In recent years, there has been an increasing inclination towards the installation of photovoltaic (PV) modules over water surfaces, including lakes, reservoirs, and even oceans. The novel methodology introduces distinct benefits and complexities, specifically pertaining to the thermal characteristics of the modules. In order to accomplish this objective, a photovoltaic (PV) module system with a capacity of 1 MW was developed as a scenario in the PVsyst Program. The scenario simulation was conducted on the Mamasın Dam, situated in the Gökçe village within the Aksaray province. To conduct the efficiency analysis, a comparative evaluation was conducted between bifacial and monofacial modules, which were installed from above the water at 1 m. The comparison was made considering two different types of modules. Additionally, the albedo effect, water saving amount, and CO₂ emissions of the system were also investigated. Albedo measurements were made in summer when the PV power plant will operate most efficiently. As a result of the simulations, it was found that bifacial modules produce 12.4% more energy annually than monofacial modules due to the albedo effect. It is estimated that PV power plant installation will save 19,562.695 and 17,253.475 tons of CO₂ emissions in bifacial and monofacial systems, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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15 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Analysis of Mechanical Vibrations in Photovoltaic Modules Transported by Road in Spain

by Jose Cuenca, M. Carmen Alonso-Garcia and Jose Lorenzo Balenzategui

Energies 2024, 17(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010145 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Large deployment of photovoltaic (PV) installation worldwide demands reliability assurance of the systems to maintain the confidence in the markets. With the diversity of PV applications, it is essential the detection of circumstances that can be the root of failure mechanisms, such as [...] Read more.

Large deployment of photovoltaic (PV) installation worldwide demands reliability assurance of the systems to maintain the confidence in the markets. With the diversity of PV applications, it is essential the detection of circumstances that can be the root of failure mechanisms, such as transportation and installation of the modules. They are one of the main sources of induced vibrations, which, in its turn, can provoke defects and damages in the PV modules. In this work, we have measured and analyzed tri-axial accelerations and mechanical vibration that photovoltaic crystalline modules withstand during transportation by road, including loading and unloading operations. We have also analyzed the natural oscillation frequencies, the resonance phenomena and the highest impacts. It is concluded that a proper fastening of the load inside the truck is necessary and that high impacts during loading and unloading should be avoided. Packing the modules to reduce vibrations is also recommendable. Several solutions to perform this are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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24 pages, 3114 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Environmental Life Cycle Analysis and Energy Payback Period Evaluation of Solar PV Systems: The Case of Pakistan

by Hamad Hussain Shah, Piero Bareschino, Erasmo Mancusi and Francesco Pepe

Energies 2023, 16(17), 6400; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176400 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3485

Abstract

This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to investigate the environmental burden of photovoltaic power generation systems that use multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) modules in Pakistan. This study evaluates the energy payback time (EPBT) of this class of systems, and considers various [...] Read more.

This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to investigate the environmental burden of photovoltaic power generation systems that use multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) modules in Pakistan. This study evaluates the energy payback time (EPBT) of this class of systems, and considers various environmental impacts, including climate change, acidification, and eutrophication. The assessment accounts for upstream, midstream, and downstream processes, including cell as well as module production. The critical stages in the production cycle were identified, including the metallic silicon transformation into solar silicon and the assembly of the panels, which involve energy-intensive materials such as aluminum frames and glass roofing. Despite using the most efficient conversion technology, the former stage consumes a significant amount of electricity. This study reveals that multi-Si PV systems in Pakistan have an EPBT that is considerably less than their lifespan, ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 years. These findings suggest that the development of PV systems in Pakistan is a very interesting option for energy production. Additionally, this study compares solar PV and wind power generation systems in various regions of Pakistan. The study outcomes can facilitate evidence-based decision-making processes in the renewable energy sector and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s endeavor to transition toward a sustainable energy system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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28 pages, 6495 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Optimizing Distributed Generation Placement and Sizing in Distribution Systems: A Multi-Objective Analysis of Power Losses, Reliability, and Operational Constraints

by Izhar Us Salam, Muhammad Yousif, Muhammad Numan, Kamran Zeb and Moatasim Billah

Energies 2023, 16(16), 5907; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165907 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3744

Abstract

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks introduces uncertainties that can substantially affect network reliability. It is crucial to implement appropriate measures to maintain reliability parameters within acceptable limits and ensure a stable power supply for consumers. This paper aims to [...] Read more.

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks introduces uncertainties that can substantially affect network reliability. It is crucial to implement appropriate measures to maintain reliability parameters within acceptable limits and ensure a stable power supply for consumers. This paper aims to optimize the location, size, and number of DG units to minimize active power losses and improve distribution System (DS) reliability while considering system operational constraints. To achieve this objective, multiple tests are conducted, and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is implemented. The simulation studies are performed using the ETAP software 19.0.1 version, while the PSO algorithm is implemented in MATLAB R2018a. ETAP enables a comprehensive evaluation of the DG system’s performance, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness in reducing power losses and enhancing system reliability. The PSO algorithm in MATLAB ensures accurate optimization, facilitating the identification of the optimal DG unit location and size. This study uses a modified IEEE-13 bus unbalanced radial DS as the test system, assessing the effects of photovoltaic (PV) and wind DG units under various scenarios and penetration levels. The results demonstrate that the optimal DG unit location and size of either a single PV or wind DG unit significantly reduce power losses, improve DS reliability, and enable effective load sharing with the substation. Moreover, this study analyzes the impact of DG unit uncertainty on system performance. The findings underscore the potential of optimized DG integration to enhance DS efficiency and reliability in the presence of renewable energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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16 pages, 6585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method of Assessing the Selection of Carport Power for an Electric Vehicle Using the Metalog Probability Distribution Family

by Arkadiusz Małek, Jacek Caban, Agnieszka Dudziak, Andrzej Marciniak and Piotr Ignaciuk

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5077; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135077 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1332

Abstract

This article presents a method for assessing the selection of carport power for an electric vehicle using the Metalog probability distribution family. Carports are used to generate electricity and provide shade for vehicles parked underneath them. On the roof of the carport, there [...] Read more.

This article presents a method for assessing the selection of carport power for an electric vehicle using the Metalog probability distribution family. Carports are used to generate electricity and provide shade for vehicles parked underneath them. On the roof of the carport, there is a photovoltaic system consisting of photovoltaic panels and an inverter. An inverter with Internet of Things functions generates data packets which describe the operation of the entire system at certain intervals and sends them via wireless transmission to a cloud server. The transmitted data can be processed offline and used to determine the charging capacity of individual electric vehicles. This article presents the use of the Metalog family of distributions to predict the production of electricity by a photovoltaic carport with the accuracy of the probability distribution. Based on the calculations, an electric vehicle was selected that can be charged from the carport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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20 pages, 5650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robust MPPT Control of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems via Adaptive Self-Adjusting Fractional Order PID Controller

by Omer Saleem, Shehryaar Ali and Jamshed Iqbal

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5039; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135039 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

The Photovoltaic (PV) system is an eco-friendly renewable energy system that is integrated with a DC-DC buck-boost converter to generate electrical energy as per the variations in solar irradiance and outdoor temperature. This article proposes a novel Adaptive Fractional Order PID (A-FOPID) compensator [...] Read more.

The Photovoltaic (PV) system is an eco-friendly renewable energy system that is integrated with a DC-DC buck-boost converter to generate electrical energy as per the variations in solar irradiance and outdoor temperature. This article proposes a novel Adaptive Fractional Order PID (A-FOPID) compensator with self-adjusting fractional orders to extract maximum power from a stand-alone PV system as ambient conditions change. The reference voltage is generated using a feed-forward neural network. The conventional FOPID compensator, which operates on the output voltage error of the interleaved buck-boost converter, is employed as the baseline maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) controller. The baseline controller is retrofitted with an online state-error-driven adaptation law that dynamically modifies the fractional orders of the controller’s integral and differential operators. The adaptation law is formulated as a nonlinear hyperbolic scaling function of the system’s state error and error-derivative variables. This augmentation supplements the controller’s adaptability, enabling it to manipulate flexibly the tightness of the applied control effort as the operating conditions change. The efficacy of the proposed control law is analyzed by carrying out customized simulations in the MATLAB Simulink environment. The simulation results show that the proposed MPPT control scheme yields a mean improvement of 25.4% in tracking accuracy and 11.3% in transient response speed under varying environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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22 pages, 3473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Photovoltaic Plants with Battery Energy Storage Systems (PV-BESS) for Monthly Constant Power Operation

by Juan A. Tejero-Gómez and Ángel A. Bayod-Rújula

Energies 2023, 16(13), 4909; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16134909 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4044

Abstract

Photovoltaic generation is one of the key technologies in the production of electricity from renewable sources. However, the intermittent nature of solar radiation poses a challenge to effectively integrate this renewable resource into the electrical power system. The price reduction of battery storage [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic generation is one of the key technologies in the production of electricity from renewable sources. However, the intermittent nature of solar radiation poses a challenge to effectively integrate this renewable resource into the electrical power system. The price reduction of battery storage systems in the coming years presents an opportunity for their practical combination with utility-scale photovoltaic plants. The integration of properly sized photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems (PV-BESS) for the delivery of constant power not only guarantees high energy availability, but also enables a possible increase in the number of PV installations and the PV penetration. A massive data analysis with long-term simulations is carried out and indicators of energy unavailability of the combined system are identified to assess the reliability of power production. The proposed indicators allow to determine the appropriate sizing of the battery energy storage system for a utility-scale photovoltaic plant in a planning stage, as well as suggest the recommended operating points made for each month through a set of graphs and indicators. The presence of an inflection zone has been observed, beyond which any increase in storage does not generate significant reductions in the unavailability of energy. This critical zone is considered the sweet spot for the size of the storage, beyond which it is not sensible to increase its size. Identifying the critical point is crucial to determining the optimal storage size. The system is capable of providing reliable supply of constant power in monthly periods while ensuring capacity credit levels above 95%, which increases the penetration of this renewable resource. Despite the fact that the study focuses exclusively on the analysis from an energy perspective, it is important to consider the constraints associated to real storage systems and limit their oversizing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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23 pages, 5524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photovoltaic Local Energy Communities—Design of New Energy Exchange Modalities—Case Study: Tolosa

by Iraide López, Julen Gómez-Cornejo, Itxaso Aranzabal, Luis Emilio García and Javier Mazón

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4000; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104000 - 9 May 2023

Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Energy communities (ECs) can become a potential alternative to promote the fight against climate change. Technological progress and price reductions in recent years have made renewable energy-generation systems increasingly affordable and have generated economic benefits by reducing the value of electricity bills for [...] Read more.

Energy communities (ECs) can become a potential alternative to promote the fight against climate change. Technological progress and price reductions in recent years have made renewable energy-generation systems increasingly affordable and have generated economic benefits by reducing the value of electricity bills for community members, as well as reducing the growing environmental impact. In this context, the authors have taken Tolosa as a case study and conducted a technical and economic analysis of different possible structures of ECs (physical, virtual, with or without storage, participants with different types of consumption, etc.) by comparing them with each other. The generation capacity of the community and the optimal energy-management algorithms have been illustrated, from which the economic benefits for each member are extracted. A dynamic distribution factor is established as the basis of the algorithms, making the benefits fairer. The results obtained from this work, in addition to illustrating the economic benefits that each type of participant can receive, help to define the most appropriate community structure for each participant while highlighting the social and climate benefits that ECs can provide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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19 pages, 5652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Evaluation of a Photovoltaic/Thermal Air Heater with Metal Mesh-Integrated Thermal Energy Storage System

by Azim Doğuş Tuncer, Emine Yağız Gürbüz, Ali Keçebaş and Aleksandar G. Georgiev

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3449; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083449 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1626

Abstract

The objective of this study is to improve the performance of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) air heater incorporating a thermal energy storage system (TESS) that uses paraffin and has metallic mesh layers. In the experimental part of the research, three different pilot-scale PV/Ts [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to improve the performance of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) air heater incorporating a thermal energy storage system (TESS) that uses paraffin and has metallic mesh layers. In the experimental part of the research, three different pilot-scale PV/Ts have been designed, manufactured, and experimentally investigated. The first system was structured as a conventional PV/T, while the second (PVT/TESS) was modified with a paraffin-based TESS. The efficiency of a hybrid PV/T air heater was improved by integrating a paraffin-based thermal energy storage system (TESS) with metallic mesh layers (PV/T-MTESS). The performance of the modified PV/T-MTESS system was compared to two other PV/T systems under the same weather conditions and air flow rate. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the integration of mesh layers into the TESS led to substantial improvements in the system’s thermal and electrical performance, as well as its overall exergy efficiency. The improvements were 33.17%, 14.82%, and 58.15%, respectively, when compared to the unaltered (conventional) PV/T setup. Moreover, an enviro-economic analysis has been performed on the developed and tested PV/Ts. Using TESS with only paraffin and with mesh layer-added paraffin reduced the payback time of the system by 2.54% and 9.85%, respectively. Moreover, the annual carbon dioxide saving was improved from 0.079 tons/year to 0.103 tons/year using a mesh layer-integrated TESS in the PV/T air heater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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25 pages, 5019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Analysis of Different Optimization Algorithms for MPPT Control Techniques under Complex Partial Shading Conditions in PV Systems

by Nihat Pamuk

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083358 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3004

Abstract

Classic algorithms show high performance in tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic (PV) panels under uniform irradiance and temperature conditions. However, when partial or complex partial shading conditions occur, they fail in capturing the global maximum power point (GMPP) and are [...] Read more.

Classic algorithms show high performance in tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic (PV) panels under uniform irradiance and temperature conditions. However, when partial or complex partial shading conditions occur, they fail in capturing the global maximum power point (GMPP) and are trapped in one of the local maximum power points (LMPPs) leading to a loss in power. On the other hand, intelligent algorithms inspired by nature show successful performance in GMPP tracking. In this study, an MPPT system was set up in MATLAB/Simulink software consisting of six groups of serially connected PV panels, a DC-DC boost converter, and load. Using this system, the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm, the modified incremental conductivity (MIC) algorithm, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm were compared in terms of productivity, convergence speed, efficiency, and oscillation under complex shading conditions. The results showed that the GWO algorithm showed superior performance compared to the other algorithms under complex shading conditions. It was observed that GWO did not oscillate during GMPP tracking with an average convergence speed of 0.22 s and a tracking efficiency of 99%. All these evaluations show that GWO is a very fast, highly accurate, efficient, and stable MPPT method under complex partial shading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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12 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Different Third-Generation Solar Cells Using the Discrete Electrical Model d1MxP

by João Paulo N. Torres, Ricardo A. Marques Lameirinhas, Catarina Pinho Correia Valério Bernardo, Sofia Lima Martins, Pedro Mendonça dos Santos, Helena Isabel Veiga, Maria João Marques Martins and Paula Manuela Santos do Rego Figueiredo

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073289 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

The performance of photovoltaic solar cells is usually analyzed using continuous models, for instance, 1M5P. I-V and P-V curves are fitted by a mathematical expression from the electrical model. In the case of 1M5P, characteristics are fitted using five parameters that are obtained [...] Read more.

The performance of photovoltaic solar cells is usually analyzed using continuous models, for instance, 1M5P. I-V and P-V curves are fitted by a mathematical expression from the electrical model. In the case of 1M5P, characteristics are fitted using five parameters that are obtained using a small number of I-V points from a wider set of data, keeping the curve shape given by the mathematical expression from the model. A novel model was recently proposed to overcome this issue. The d1MxP model is based on the discretization of the electrical behavior of the diodes in models such as 1M5P. The d1MxP methodology is equivalent to an analytical incremental calculation and since it connects the given points, the model error should be lower than the one obtained using models as 1M5P. It is based on the connection of adjacent points (with small voltage differences) instead of having the entire voltage range represented by some parameters (as the continuous models do, for instance, 1M5P). In this work, the d1MxP model is applied to perovskite solar cells and paint-type dye-sensitized solar cells. The aim is to analyze the behavior of the discrete model in different third-generation solar cells since their performance cannot be well characterized by the 1M5P model. The accuracy on the maximum power point is relevant, resulting in perovskite solar cells, an improvement of up to 2.61% and, in paint-type dye-sensitized solar cells, an increase of up to 5.03%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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18 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Adaptive Control Approach for Maximum Power-Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Systems

by Muhammad Ahmed Qureshi, Francesco Torelli, Salvatore Musumeci, Alberto Reatti, Andrea Mazza and Gianfranco Chicco

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2782; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062782 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1862

Abstract

Maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) is applied to enable effective operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems under different external conditions. MPPT is based on a control system that aims at maintaining the PV system operation in the most effective conditions of maximum power output. This [...] Read more.

Maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) is applied to enable effective operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems under different external conditions. MPPT is based on a control system that aims at maintaining the PV system operation in the most effective conditions of maximum power output. This paper demonstrates the effective application of a novel adaptive control approach developed to be used in the field of power electronics. The application to MPPT is developed by using a non-inverted Buck-Boost converter applied to the PV system. The novel control methodology is based on the application of the Lyapunov stability concepts. The strength of this novel control technique is confirmed by the accurate comparison among the results obtained by using the proposed solution and some controllers proposed in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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25 pages, 10725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cloud-Based Platform for Photovoltaic Assets Diagnosis and Maintenance

by Andreas Livera, Georgios Tziolis, Jose G. Franquelo, Ruben Gonzalez Bernal and George E. Georghiou

Energies 2022, 15(20), 7760; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207760 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

A cloud-based platform for reducing photovoltaic (PV) operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and improving lifetime performance is proposed in this paper. The platform incorporates a decision support system (DSS) engine and data-driven functionalities for data cleansing, PV system modeling, early fault diagnosis and [...] Read more.

A cloud-based platform for reducing photovoltaic (PV) operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and improving lifetime performance is proposed in this paper. The platform incorporates a decision support system (DSS) engine and data-driven functionalities for data cleansing, PV system modeling, early fault diagnosis and provision of O&M recommendations. It can ensure optimum performance by monitoring in real time the operating state of PV assets, detecting faults at early stages and suggesting field mitigation actions based on energy loss analysis and incidents criticality evaluation. The developed platform was benchmarked using historical data from a test PV power plant installed in the Mediterranean region. The obtained results showed the effectiveness of the incorporated functionalities for data cleansing and system modeling as well as the platform’s capability for automated PV asset diagnosis and maintenance by providing recommendations for resolving the detected underperformance issues. Based on the DSS recommendations, approximately 7% of lost energy production could be recovered by performing field mitigation activities (e.g., corrective actions). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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26 pages, 7565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spotted Hyena Optimization Method for Harvesting Maximum PV Power under Uniform and Partial-Shade Conditions

by Ezhilmaran Ranganathan and Rajasekar Natarajan

Energies 2022, 15(8), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082850 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2249

Abstract

Maximum power-point-tracking techniques applied for partially shaded photovoltaic array yield maximum power output via operating the panel at its most efficient voltage. Considering the noticeable issues existing with the available methods, including steady-state oscillations, poor tracking capability and complex procedures, a new bioinspired [...] Read more.

Maximum power-point-tracking techniques applied for partially shaded photovoltaic array yield maximum power output via operating the panel at its most efficient voltage. Considering the noticeable issues existing with the available methods, including steady-state oscillations, poor tracking capability and complex procedures, a new bioinspired Spotted-Hyena Optimizer (SHO) is proposed. It follows simple implementation steps, and does not require additional controller-parameter tuning to track the optimal power point. To validate the versatility of the proposed method, the SHO algorithm is applied to track the maximum power of different string arrangements under six partial-shade conditions. Further, to authenticate SHO’s methods, its results are compared with perturb-and-observe (P&O), and particle-swarm-optimization (PSO) methods. As a result of its implementation, it is observed that the tracking speed of SHO towards the global convergence for four patterns under 4S2P are 0.34 s, 0.24 s, 0.2 s, and 0.3 s, which is far less than the PSO and P&O methods. Further, to demonstrate its suitability, a hardware prototype is built and tested for various operating conditions. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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16 pages, 8035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management the Operation Process of Photovoltaic Modules in Terms of Quality and Performance Evaluation—A Case Study

by Adam Idzikowski, Tomasz Cierlicki, Ali Al-Zubiedy and Marcin Zawada

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051652 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1579

Abstract

This article’s focuses of photovoltaic installations, which are becoming more and more popular in Poland and around the world. A short theoretical introduction to photovoltaic cells is presented, and the aim of the research is distinguished. Then, the formulas for the parameters characterizing [...] Read more.

This article’s focuses of photovoltaic installations, which are becoming more and more popular in Poland and around the world. A short theoretical introduction to photovoltaic cells is presented, and the aim of the research is distinguished. Then, the formulas for the parameters characterizing solar cells are derived. The parameters that determine the highest efficiency of solar cells are specified in the next section. In the experimental part, tests of a selected photovoltaic installation were carried out. Based on the research, we conclude that temperature and sunlight have a significant impact on the efficiency of solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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15 pages, 11147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel MPPT Technique Based on Mutual Coordination between Two PV Modules/Arrays

by Ali Faisal Murtaza, Hadeed Ahmed Sher, Filippo Spertino, Alessandro Ciocia, Abdullah M. Noman, Abdullrahman A. Al-Shamma’a and Abdulaziz Alkuhayli

Energies 2021, 14(21), 6996; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14216996 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2043

Abstract

A novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on mutual coordination of two photovoltaic (PV) modules/arrays has been proposed for distributed PV (DPV) systems. The proposed technique works in two stages. Under non-mismatch conditions between PV modules/arrays, superior performance stage 1 is [...] Read more.

A novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on mutual coordination of two photovoltaic (PV) modules/arrays has been proposed for distributed PV (DPV) systems. The proposed technique works in two stages. Under non-mismatch conditions between PV modules/arrays, superior performance stage 1 is active, which rectifies the issues inherited by the perturb and observe (

P & O

) MPPT. In this stage, the technique revolves around the perturb and observe (

P & O

) algorithm containing an intelligent mechanism of leader and follower between two arrays. In shading conditions, stage 2 is on, and it works like conventional

P & O

. Graphical analysis of the proposed technique has been presented under different weather conditions. Simulations of different algorithms have been performed in Matlab/Simulink. Simulation results of the proposed technique compliment the graphical analysis and show a superior performance and a fast response as compared to others, thus increasing the efficiency of distributed PV systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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Review

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 7945 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tackling Efficiency Challenges and Exploring Greenhouse-Integrated Organic Photovoltaics

by Muhammad Azhar Ansari, Giovanni Ciampi and Sergio Sibilio

Energies 2023, 16(16), 6076; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16166076 - 20 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1910

Abstract

Organic solar cells offer benefits such as transparent characteristics, affordability in manufacturing, and the ability to tailor light absorption properties according to specific needs. This review discusses challenges and recent strategies to enhance the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells, such as [...] Read more.

Organic solar cells offer benefits such as transparent characteristics, affordability in manufacturing, and the ability to tailor light absorption properties according to specific needs. This review discusses challenges and recent strategies to enhance the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells, such as bandgap tuning, molecular orbital alignment, active layer morphology engineering, electron-donating and -withdrawing group incorporation, side chain length engineering, a third additive’s insertion, and control of the solubility of materials. The good transparency of organic solar cells makes them ideal for greenhouse-integrated photovoltaics applications. By efficiently absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis and clean energy production, transparent organic solar cells optimize light management, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize overheating risks, resulting in more sustainable and efficient greenhouse operations. This review also evaluates organic solar cell integration in the greenhouse. The implementation of the strategies explored in this review can significantly impact a wide range of performance parameters in organic solar cells. These parameters include the optoelectronic properties, absorption spectrum, open circuit voltage, exciton dissociation, charge transport, molecular packing, solubility, phase separation, crystallinity, nanoscale morphology, and device stability. An optimized organic solar cell design is particularly beneficial for greenhouse-integrated photovoltaics, as it ensures efficient energy conversion and energy management, which are crucial factors in maximizing the performance of the greenhouse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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26 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessReview

Energy Tariff Policies for Renewable Energy Development: Comparison between Selected European Countries and Sri Lanka

by Diana Enescu, Alessandro Ciocia, Udayanga I. K. Galappaththi, Harsha Wickramasinghe, Francesco Alagna, Angela Amato, Francisco Díaz-González, Filippo Spertino and Valeria Cocina

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041727 - 9 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3565

Abstract

This article is written within the European Project “THREE-Lanka” which has the aim of modernizing the higher education related to Renewable Energy (RE) in Sri Lanka. The paper presents the outcomes of analysing various incentive schemes to stimulate RE development. In Europe, there [...] Read more.

This article is written within the European Project “THREE-Lanka” which has the aim of modernizing the higher education related to Renewable Energy (RE) in Sri Lanka. The paper presents the outcomes of analysing various incentive schemes to stimulate RE development. In Europe, there was substantial growth in RE installation through generous incentives in the first years. Then, to regulate this growth, in recent years, the auction system has been introduced to improve the competition among companies that install RE plants. In Sri Lanka, on the other hand, the main energy tariff policies focus on the spread of PhotoVoltaics (PV) through contributions based on the electricity fed into the grid. This paper provides an updated view of the evolution of the energy tariff policies in the relevant European countries with respect to Sri Lanka, covering some recent policy developments. Within the Sri Lankan framework, four case studies involving residential, commercial, and industrial users are outlined to suggest better mechanisms (in the case of not adequate current incentive tariff) for supporting the deployment of grid-connected PV systems in a wide power range. Such knowledge transfer in the THREE-Lanka project will demonstrate the enormous potential RE capacity in a developing country, still depending on fossil fuels but willing to follow the path towards sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photovoltaic Solar Energy)

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