Search results for "PV Module"

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Non Destructive Diagnostics

2018

The paper proposes a cloud platform for analyzing the radiometric infrared videos uploaded by drones which patrol large photovoltaic plants. Thanks to artificial vision algorithms, it does not require any human support to select and associate the framed PV modules to the corresponding ones in the topology of the photovoltaic plant. The algorithm implements an innovative diagnostic protocol, which evaluates the thermal state of the photovoltaic module, whichever the environmental conditions are. The data automatically computed and collected in a multimedia database provide the O&M technicians with significant information to monitor the ageing of each module of the photovoltaic plant. The pro…

A standard-compliant prototype for PV module curve detection

2014

In this paper, a prototype for PV module curve detection which features low cost and size and ensures high accuracy is proposed. The proposed architecture is based on a buck-boost converter in open-loop configuration. The proposed architecture is fully compliant with actual standard IEC60904. The duty-cycle control algorithm and its own effects on system performances are accurately investigated. The comparison of different duty-cycle patterns is carried out and performance evaluation is performed. Simulation results are shown to perform a valuable comparison of control algorithms. Preliminary experimental results on a laboratory prototype are presented.

Manufacturing tolerances effects on PV array energy production

2014

This paper investigates the tolerance effects of commercial photovoltaic modules in terms of electrical energy reduction of photovoltaic plants. Several commercial modules, having the same rated power, present different power tolerance values. A wide tolerance is an indicator of possible defects or differences in the production process and is responsible of remarkable reductions in the electricity production of photovoltaic plants. In this paper, thanks to the development of a suitable simulation tool, several simulations have been carried out, considering different tolerance and shading conditions for the PV array. Simulation results quantify the peak power value of the different plant con…

Photovoltaic plant array reconfiguration: Design of a new device

2014

An efficient strategy to improve unequally irradiated PV plants performances is based on the reconfiguration of the connections between the modules. In this paper, an algorithm, for this purpose conceived, is presented. Moreover, the design, realization and finally also the set up of a new reconfiguration system device is fully shown and discussed. The algorithm conceived simulates several possible series-parallel connections under varying irradiation conditions, and determines the optimal modules connection in order to get the maximum output power. In this way, the reconfiguration system may set up the reconfiguration strategy. The reconfiguration system prototype set up, basically consist…

Design, sizing and set up of a specific low cost electronic load for PV modules characterization

2013

In this paper, the design, sizing and set-up of a specific low cost electronic load, based on a DC-DC step-down converter, suitable for the PV module I - V characteristic curves determination, is described. In particular, for its set up, a low cost and user friendly micro-controller has been employed in order to generate the PWM signal. The measures carried out connecting the electronic load prototype to a commercial PV module are here presented and discussed. The conceived electronic load has allowed the determination of 80% of the PV module characteristic curves in 2 s. This low measurement time, lower than the time intervals in which weather conditions may change, allows to assume as con…

A DC-DC power converter for PV module characterization

2014

In this paper, a standard-compliant electronic load setup for PV module curve detection which features high accuracy, low cost and components count is proposed. The proposed device is based on a DC-DC power converter in open-loop configuration. The proposed system is designed according to regulation constraints in order to achieve high performances in curve detection. Design criteria are discussed. The model is implemented in PSIM environment. Simulation based on data input of a commercial PV Conergy E215P module are carried out under several environmental conditions to show the accuracy of the proposed electronic load. Simulation results are reported.

Optimization of the Optical Components in a Reflective High CPV Module

2014

Incidence of PV module rated power tolerances on PV system energy production

2016

Discussing the electrical energy production of a PV system realized by PV modules with a large range of tolerance for the rated power values is the aim of this paper. In particular, the paper shows how the incidence of tolerance can be significant, in terms of output power reduction, when the PV system works in partial shading condition. For this issue, using a tool developed for this purpose, several simulations have been run, which consider different tolerance values for the module rated power and different shading patterns for the PV array. The authors quantify the peak power values of the different system configurations, showing the importance of the choice of modules with reduced toler…

The use of two-diode substitute model in predicting the efficiency of PV conversion in low solar conditions

2017

The article presents theoretical foundations of a two-diode equivalent model of a photovoltaic cell/module (PV), together with calculation procedures. A physical interpretation of individual components of an equivalent model was presented. Its practical application in predicting efficiency of operation of various PV cells and modules in low insulation conditions was demonstrated. The obtained predictions were verified with the actual results of their operation in open space (outdoor). The practical suitability of the “model” in early detection of ageing phenomena, such as, for example, absorber degradation taking place in PV modules, was demonstrated. The article was prepared on the basis o…

Dynamic reconfiguration of electrical connections for partially shaded PV modules: Technical and economical performances of an Arduino-based prototype

2018

The partial shading phenomenon is a well known problem of photovoltaic plants. Partial shading leads to undesirable effects such the electrical mismatch, the generation of hot spots, and generally the decrease of production of electric energy. To mitigate the last effect, a dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical connections between modules was taken into account. In this paper, starting from an already developed system for a small-scale photovoltaic plant reconfiguration, the study of the economical benefits of the employment of a reconfigurator are traced. Five different incentive policies of diverse Countries have been considered to evaluate the increase of Net Present Value of system …