Search results for "photovoltaic array"

Reconfiguration strategies to reduce mismatch effects on PV array: An Arduino-based prototype

2014

Today, solar energy represents a widespread source of electricity among all the renewable energies. One of the major problems concerning the photovoltaic (PV) arrays is the partial shading, that is the non-uniform irradiance on its parts. The partial shading leads to several undesired effects, such as mismatch between modules and a reduction of the production of electric energy. In order to alleviate the partial shading effects, different methods can be employed. Among them, the reconfiguration of the electrical connections between modules represents an alternative solution. In this paper, an algorithm of reconfiguration for a small-scale PV plant is proposed and experimental results showin…

Proof of Concept of an Irradiance Estimation System for Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Arrays

2015

In order to reduce the mismatch effect caused by non-uniform shadows in PV arrays, reconfigurable interconnections approaches have been recently proposed in the literature. These systems usually require the knowledge of the solar radiation affecting every solar module. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of three irradiance estimation approaches in order to define which can be well suited for reconfigurable PV arrays. It is presented a real-time solar irradiance estimation device (IrradEst), implementing the three different estimation methods. The proposed system is based on mathematical models of PV modules enabling to estimate irradiation values by sensing a combination …

Design and control of a novel multi-source renewable energy system

2014

In this paper, a novel multi-input, single-inductor architecture is proposed. An innovative hysteretic control strategy of both the output voltage and the sources operating point control is designed and tested. Benefits brought by the proposed architecture over existing solutions are widely investigated. As an example, the design of a 48 V dual input system which is fed by photovoltaic and thermo-electric generators is proposed. Design guidelines are given and simulation results are presented to test the efficiency of the proposed architecture.

A simple and accurate model of photovoltaic modules for power system design

2014

Obtaining dynamic Norton parameters of a solar panel from manufacturer data

2016

Photovoltaic arrays have been shown to possess significant influence on the dynamic performance of coupled source-converter-load system while its dynamic resistance is the most important parameter, contributing to the overall system dynamics. In this paper, a method of deriving the parameters of linearized photovoltaic equivalent circuit from manufacturer data is proposed. The approach allows predicting the range of dynamic Norton parameters for the expected irradiation and temperature operation conditions thus defining clear bounds required for robust design of the system controller.

Reconfigurable electrical interconnection strategies for photovoltaic arrays: A review

2014

Non-uniform irradiance significantly decreases the power delivered by solar photovoltaic arrays. A promising technique for compensating these power losses relies on dynamically reconfiguring the electrical connections between photovoltaic modules. This paper presents the current state-of-the-art strategies for photovoltaic array reconfiguration in order to increase the power output under partial shading and mismatch conditions. The different approaches have been compared in terms of effectiveness of the control algorithms, monitored electrical and environmental variables, overall hardware complexity and specific features of each solution. Finally, the most challenging aspects of the reconfi…

Comparison between Different Dynamic Reconfigurations of Electrical Connections for partially shaded PV Modules

2018

This paper presents an economical investigation on the benefits related to the employment of reconfiguration systems for photovoltaic plants. More in detail, different structures of reconfigurators are proposed and, in order to evaluate the economical convenience on their installation, the Net Present Value is used as a validation element. Significant results are carried out from the proposed analysis.

RICONFIGURATORE DELLE CONNESSIONI DI SISTEMI FOTOVOLTAICI SOTTOPOSTI AD OMBREGGIAMENTO PARZIALE

2014

Apparato di commutazione

2012

La presente invenzione si riferisce ad un apparato di commutazione per il controllo e l'impostazione della configurazione circuitale dei pannelli di un modulo fotovoltaico.

A multi-input, single-inductor power system for multisource energy harvesting

2013

Today, energy harvesting is drawing a great deal of attention due to modern trends in energy saving and sustainable development purposes. Among renewable energy sources fuel cells and photovoltaic arrays are the most promising for a wide variety of applications, ranging from few mWatts of wireless sensor networks to kWatts for household appliances. Coupling several harvesters and renewable sources is the winning strategy to ensure a proper supply overcoming the uncertainty and limited availability of common harvesters and renewable sources. Multisource energy harvesting is actually an open research topic involving several pressing and often conflicting requirements. System cost, complexity,…