Development low-cost processor for photovoltaic simulator

A data logging system has been deployed to monitor two solar panels positioned at distinct inclination angles. This system records crucial parameters such as current, voltage, solar radiation incident on the panels, and panel temperatures. Comprising an Arduino microcontroller, a current sensor, a current and voltage sensor, and a Memory Card, the data logger captures and stores data in .txt files at 20-minute intervals. Employing a real-time acquisition system, the obtained results indicate that the data logger effectively archives and presents a wealth of information about solar panel characteristics. Notably, the data reveals superior performance of the solar panels at a 35-degree tilt angle compared to 32 degrees during April in the Ouargla region of Algeria.

Solar energy is a very important means of renewable energy resource. With solar tracking, it will become possible to generate more energy since the solar panel can maintain a perpendicular profile to the rays of the sun. Even though the initial cost of setting up the tracking system is considerably high, there are cheaper options that have been proposed over time. This paper discusses the design and construction of a prototype for solar tracking system that has a single axis of freedom. Light dependent resistors (LDRs) are used for sunlight detection. The control circuit is based on an ATMega328P microcontroller. It was programmed to detect sunlight via the LDRs before actuating the servo to position the solar panel. The solar panel is positioned where it is able to receive maximum light. As compared to other motors, the servo motors are able to maintain their torque at high speed. They are also more efficient with efficiencies in the range of 80–90 %. Servos can supply roughly twice their rated torque for short periods. They are also quiet and do not vibrate or suffer resonance issues. Performance and characteristics of solar panels are analyzed experimentally

Photovoltaic systems are designed to feed either to grid or direct consumption. Due to global concerns, significant growth is being observed in Grid connected solar PV Plants. Since the PV module generates DC power, inverter is needed to interface it with grid. The power generated by a solar PV module depends on surrounding such as irradiance and temperature. This paper presents modelling of solar PV arrays connected to grid-connected plant incorporated with irradiance and temperature variation, to design simulator to study and analyse effect on output power of solar PV arrays with irradiance and temperature variation, also to estimate the output power generated by PV arrays. The mathematical model is designed implemented separately on simulator for each PV components connected in PV systems, which are PV cell, Module, sting, array and field of arrays. The results from simulation based on model are verified by the data collected from power plants and experiments done on solar PV cell.

The increasing demand for energy and the efforts to meet this demand cleanly have drawn experts' attention towards renewable energy sources such as solar energy. In this article, a novel hybrid system consisting of a thermoelectric module for converting the heat from a solar module into electrical energy, coupled with a solar cell, has been utilized to maximize energy utilization. This unique integration of thermoelectric and photovoltaic technologies has been shown to take advantage of the fact that the thermoelectric module reduces the temperature of the solar module, consequently increasing its efficiency. The results of this study have been examined in five different cities and for five different climate types through three energy, exergy, and environmental analyses, which were conducted under two distinct scenarios. The PVSyst software was used to simulate environmental conditions and solar cell performance, while MATLAB was employed to code and connect the solar cell and thermoelectric modules. In the first scenario, by varying the thermoelectric merit constant and the intensity of solar radiation, it has been observed that the placement of the thermoelectric module increases the energy and exergy efficiency by approximately 5 % and 4 % respectively, and carbon dioxide pollution is reduced by 194 tons on a specific day of the month (July). Moreover, in the second scenario, by examining the hybrid system in the city of Ahvaz and determining the material and quantity of the thermoelectric and solar cell modules, it has been found that the energy and exergy efficiency of the hybrid system (in the maximum state) reach 20.12 % and 21.23 % respectively, in May. This system in the city reduces carbon dioxide pollution by approximately 41 tons on a specific day of the month (maximum reduction).

The tilt angle of the solar panel is one of the factors that affect the performance of the solar panel considering its function is to maximize the reception of solar energy radiation. Therefore, it is necessary to study the potential of solar energy and optimize the reception of solar radiation by maximizing the tilt of the solar panel. This research will simulate and optimize the angle of the monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels by utilizing the potential of solar energy in the Prabumulih City area. Based on this data, data will be collected from solar cell panels which include solar radiation data, and the resulting power output at each variation of the tilt angle of 1º, 3º, 5º, 10º, 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35º, 40º, and 45º. The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate tilt position of the solar panels on the efficiency of the solar panels. The research method used is to simulate the tilt angle of the solar panels which is carried out using variations of the tilt angle of the solar panels using RETScreen Expert software. From the simulation results of the monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panel tilt angle using RETSreen Expert that has been carried out, it is obtained that the tilt position of the solar panels and different output power is obtained, the simulation results of the monocrystalline type solar panel tilt angle is 1º with an output power of 230,492 kWh per year and solar panels polycrystalline is 3º with an output power of 215,608 kWh per year.

Silicon solar panels are commonly used in photovoltaic applications. The voltage produced by individual solar cell is limited to 1 V. Hence, solar cells are connected in series/parallel in order to obtain the desired voltage suitable for power conversion. Therefore, even a very small amount of shading of solar cells/panels in the network affects the overall performance of the module significantly. If the affected panel is wired in series (in a string) with other panels, then the output of all those panels will be affected by the partial/full shading of one panel. To analyze the effect of shading on the overall system performance, we have developed a MATLAB Simulink model to calculate Power vs Voltage (P-V) and Voltage vs Current (V-I) characteristics of solar panel under different shading conditions. The MATLAB model was experimentally validated by investigating the effect of shading using AAA class solar simulator. Simulations and experimental results show that even 20–30% shading of the solar module will result in 30–40% reduction in the power output. This demonstrates the importance of developing MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithms tailored to various situations which can work well in dusty environments and cloudy days. Its affect is of a prime interest to various IPP's (Independent Power Producers) especially in a large open solar farm.

Maximization of power from a solar photovoltaic (SPV) module is of special interest as the efficiency of the SPV module is very low. The present work describes the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) for the SPV module connected at variable load conditions. A personal computer (PC) is used for control of the MPPT algorithm. The power tracker is developed and tested successfully in the laboratory. The simulations are carried out in Matlab/Simulink. Data acquisition, monitoring, and control are done by the dSPACE software. Different types of algorithms are studied. The algorithm implemented here is “perturb and observe” in a microcontroller-based PC to extract maximum power from the SPV module. The measured parameters such as panel voltage, current, and power are obtained with and without MPPT systems and have been tested on the SPV Module at various load conditions, different temperatures and insolation labels. The comparative results with and without MPPT are shown; the results show that the tracking capability with MPPT improves as compared with without MPPT.

Solar energy is one of the most extensively exploited natural resources. From the characteristics of the solar panel, it will give a maximum output when the panel is maintained at a fixed temperature. The increase in temperature beyond the fixed value and the deposition of dust on the solar panel decrease the output by a large percentage. To address this issue, an active cooling technique is employed. To monitor the performance of the solar panel, various sensors are used. The temperature of the panel is measured by using a temperature sensor and an LDR sensor to sense the dust. The current sensor is used to monitor the VI characteristics of the solar panel. The active cooling method uses water as the cooling agent to maintain the temperature and remove the dust particles. When the temperature goes beyond the limit, the pump motor turns ON to spray water over the solar panel at high pressure to cool the panel. Hence, the temperature maintenance and the dust cleaning are done simultaneously, which in turn increases the efficiency and lifetime of the panel.

One of the current technologies widely used to extract the earth’s renewable energy is solar modules, which harness energy from the sun; however, their operating conditions and their energy storage capacities vary greatly under different weather conditions. The high-speed Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) presents a promising prospective solution for solar energy storage and utilization. Accurately modeling FESS can lead to its efficient design and control. In this paper, a fully integrated FESS, with comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system, has been modeled to simulate the overall energy harvesting capabilities, power output, and efficiency. The solar module has been modeled using the one-diode solar cell model technique to predict the overall system efficiency and determine the most efficient time of day for switching between the FESS’s charging (morning time) and discharging mode (night time). To validate the developed model using experimental data, four 250 Wp Ankara Solar PV modules and a Balance of System (BOS) were installed. The solar irradiance, wind speed, cell temperature, solar module, FESS output voltage and current were logged during the system’s operation. The theoretical model predicted that the energy output for the test day was 4.80 kWh, while the experimental analysis showed that the solar modules produced 4.68 kWh, only 2.5% percentage difference. The theoretical and experimental power curves followed the same trends throughout the day, which assures that the model could accurately predict the daily energy output of the solar array. The efficiency of the solar module was determined to be 15.3%. The solar module simulation serves as a repeatable replication of the actual solar module source, which enables convenient, low-cost estimation of the solar module-FESS system under different environmental conditions. The developed solar module was integrated with a brushless DC motor and flywheel models to simulate the FESS response. Relative to the input solar energy input of 4.68 kWh, the daily energy stored in a flywheel was 3.51 kWh, giving the overall solar-module-FESS system an efficiency of 74.7%. After the experimental setup completion of FESS, the integrated solar module-FESS model will be tested for its overall power output and efficiency against the traditional solar module-battery-system.

Planar concentrators are used in the current manuscript to improve the solar PV system parameters (electrical energy, array yield, and solar irradiation). Additionally, study the temperature (both the ambient temperature and the temperature of the PV modules), performance ratio, and efficiency. The current PV system is situated at Al-Taji town in Baghdad. These improvements are achieved by using planar concentrators to increase solar radiation (made of aluminium metal). The results demonstrated a 21% increase in the yearly average energy output for improved solar PV modules. The improved solar PV modules' average yearly array yield increased by 20.6%. Compared to the reference PV modules, the improved solar PV modules received 24% more solar irradiation yearly on average. The monthly average of the performance ratio (PR) and efficiency to the improved solar PV modules and reference solar PV modules are 89.3% & 13.61%, and 91.2% & 13.89%, respectively. The yearly average temperatures of the reference PV solar modules and improved PV solar modules are 48.8OC and 46.0OC, respectively, at an average ambient temperature of 29.2OC. The originality of this work is the successful improvement of the electrical energy of the grid-tied PV system, in addition to studying the performance of the second generation of photovoltaic solar modules (CIGS), where CIGS is the PV module technology that is used in this manuscript.

A solar cell panel as an efficient power source for the generation of electrical energy has long been considered. Any damage on the solar panel's surface lead to reduced production of power loss in the yield. Defects are caused by mechanical & chemical natural factors stressing the panel operating in field, such as snow, sun, wind and severe cold. Further stress factors are based on the thermal cycles of the cells involving contracting, expanding solder and wire interconnects. In this case, identification of defects in the solar panel is essential to be performed to obtain a product of high quality. Already so many methods are available to find the defect, but in any event non-contact, nondestructive and efficient testing methods are necessary. This project proposes an automated inspection system based on a Bluetooth for solar panel application in order to detect any minute cracks which may be appeared on the surface of solar panel. The power value has been calculated based on the current value updated from the current sensor to user by using Bluetooth. The sensor updates status of the solar panels through the android mobile using Bluetooth. This operation is based on the embedded systems. Each solar cell in the panels is connected to individual current sensors. The sensor output is connected to the microcontroller through ADC. When there is a crack in the cell then its output will become low. The microcontroller estimates the current sensor output to the threshold value. If the value is less than threshold then the microcontroller indicates that to the Android mobile through the Bluetooth. The user can monitor current and power level. The Bluetooth is more safe and sustainable for power level and it has to collect the output in wireless mode for more efficiency and security.

Photovoltaic (PV) array which is composed of modules is considered as the fundamental power conversion unit of a PV generator system. The PV array has nonlinear characteristics and it is quite expensive and takes much time to get the operating curves of PV array under varying operating conditions. In order to overcome these obstacles, common and simple models of solar panel have been developed and integrated to many engineering software including Matlab/Simulink. However, these models are not adequate for application involving hybrid energy system since they need a flexible tuning of some parameters in the system and not easily understandable for readers to use by themselves. Therefore, this paper presents a step-by-step procedure for the simulation of PV cells/modules/arrays with Tag tools in Matlab/Simulink. A DS-100M solar panel is used as reference model. The operation characteristics of PV array are also investigated at a wide range of operating conditions and physical parameters. The output characteristics curves of the model match the characteristics of DS-100M solar panel. The output power, current and voltage decreases when the solar irradiation reduces from 1000 to 100 W/m2. When the temperature decreases, the output power and voltage increases marginally whereas the output current almost keeps constant. Shunt resistance has significant effect on the operating curves of solar PV array as low power output is recorded if the value of shunt resistance varies from 1000 ohms to 0.1 ohms. The proposed procedure provides an accurate, reliable and easy-to-tune model of photovoltaic array. Furthermore, it also robust advantageous in investigating the solar PV array operation from different physical parameters (series, shunt resistance, ideality factor, etc.) and working condition ( varying temperature, irradiation and especially partial shadow effect) aspects.

The crisis of fossil fuel and progress in automotive technology, it is necessary to quest for alternative to fossil fuel for automobiles. Utilising solar photovoltaic (PV) panel in automobiles for power generation is efficient means to convert solar energy into electrical energy. A flat solar PV panel on car roof raises the drag force and reduces performance of vehicle, which can be overcome by using solar flexible photovoltaic (FPV) panels. The prime aim of study is to investigate the performance of curved solar FPV panel at various curve angles and flat solar FPV panel. The experiments were conducted for flat and curved solar FPV panels with single-axis tracking mechanism. With increase in solar radiation intensity, increase in power generated and efficiency of flat and curved solar FPV panels was observed. With an increase in curve angle, reduction in percentage of power generated and efficiency of curved solar FPV was observed than flat solar FPV panel. The power generated and efficiency of curved solar FPV panel at lower curve angle, α = 6 ∘ was observed nearly equal to that of flat solar FPV panel. The lower curve angle curved solar FPV panel installation on car roof provides an aerodynamic shape and able to reduce drag force. Highlights Comparative study of curved and flat solar FPV panels conducted. Effect of curve angles was studied on the performance of curved solar FPV panels. Reduction in power generated from curved solar FPV panel with an increase in curve angle. Reduction in the efficiency of curved solar FPV panel with an increase in curve angle. Equal performance of flat and curved solar FPV panels was found at low curve angle.

The solar radiation intensity is the primary parameter that affects the PV panel outcomes. However, the solar radiation has a group of wavelengths, and each one of them can influence the solar cell in a different way from other wavelengths. The spectrum wavelengths are related to the energy's frequencies. The present study aimed to find the wavelength/color that causes the highest PV panel outcome and the best electricity conversion. Seven colored filters were added once solo and once again combined but except one. The study results reveal that the PV panel output for the natural spectrum is the highest compared to the other colored light. This is almost certainly due to the loss of light intensity inherent to the tint of the color filters. The blue screen employment resulted in lowest output power compared to the other colored filter. The study results proved that the visible spectrum of the solar radiation affects the solar panel outcomes.

Infrared nondestructive testing (NDT) methods are described that have a good potential for providing valuable data concerning solar cell or panel characteristics without requiring contact with the photovoltaic device. Preliminary tests with cells and panels were conducted and the infrared NDT results are presented and discussed. (MHR)