Analysis of the Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Reliability of a Photovoltaic Module

Photovoltaic energy occupies a significant place in the renewable energy market, with photovoltaic (PV) modules playing a vital role in converting solar energy into electricity. However, their effectiveness is likely to be affected by variations in environmental conditions, including temperature and relative humidity. The study examines the impact of these major climatic factors on the reliability of PV modules, aiming to provide crucial information for optimizing and managing these systems under varying conditions. Inspired by Weibull’s law to model the lifespan of components, we proposed a mathematical model integrating a correction factor linked to temperature and relative humidity. Using this approach, simulations in Matlab Simulink reveal that increasing temperature and relative humidity have an adverse impact on the reliability and lifespan of PV modules, with a more pronounced impact on temperature. The results highlight the importance of considering these environmental parameters in the management and optimization of photovoltaic systems to ensure their long-term efficiency.

Estimating the Input Power of a Power Plant Using the Efficiency of the Inverter

The study focuses on estimating the input power of a power plant from available data, using the theoretical inverter efficiency as the key parameter. The paper addresses the problem of missing data in power generation systems and proposes an approach based on the efficiency formula widely documented in the literature. In the absence of input data, this method makes it possible to estimate the plant’s input power using data extracted from the site, in particular that provided by the Ministry of the Environment. The importance of this study lies in the need to accurately determine the input power in order to assess the overall performance of the energy system.

Choice of the Best Production Prediction Model for the Zagtouli Solar Power Plant in Burkina-Faso

In this paper, we present a study on the prediction of the power produced by the 33 MWp photovoltaic power plant at Zagtouli in Burkina-Faso, as a function of climatic factors. We identified models in the literature, namely the Benchmark, input/output, Marion, Cristo-fri, Kroposki, Jones-Underwood and Hatziargyriou prediction models, which depend exclusively on environmental parameters. We then compared our linear model with these seven mathematical models in order to determine the most optimal prediction model. Our results show that the Hatziargyriou model is better in terms of accuracy for power prediction.

Evaluation of the Performance of Lithium-Ion Accumulators for Photovoltaic Energy Storage

In a context of climate change exacerbated by the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels, renewable energies, in particular photovoltaic solar energy, offer a promising alternative. Solar energy is non-polluting, globally available and the most widely distributed resource on Earth. However, the intermittency of this energy source considerably limits its expansion. To solve this problem, storage techniques are being used, in particular, electrochemical storage using lithium-ion batteries. In this article, we will evaluate the performance of lithium-ion batteries when integrated into a photovoltaic grid. To do this, modelling and simulation of a photovoltaic system connected to a lithium-ion battery storage system will be carried out using MATLAB/Simulink software. A diagnostic of the energy consumption of the Kaya Polytechnic University Centre will be carried out, and the data will then be used in the simulator to observe the behaviour of the PV-Lion system. The results obtained indicate that lithium-ion batteries can effectively meet the centre’s energy demand. In addition, it was observed that lithium-ion batteries perform better under high energy demand than the other battery technologies studied. Successive storage systems with the same capacity but different battery technologies were compared. It was found that these storage systems can handle a maximum power of 4 × 105 W for lead-acid batteries, 6.5 × 105 W for nickel-cadmium batteries, 8.5 × 105 W for nickel-metal-hydride batteries, and more than 10 × 105 W for lithium-ion technology.

Study and Design of a DC/AC Energy Converter for PV System Connected to the Grid Using Harmonic Selected Eliminated (HSE) Approach

Nowadays, distributing network-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are expanded by merging a PV system and a Direct Current (DC)/Alternating Current (AC) energy converter. DC/AC conversion of PV energy is in great demand for AC applications. The supply of electrical machines and transfer energy to the distribution network is a typical case. In this work, we study and design a DC/AC energy converter using harmonic selective eliminated (HSE) method. To this end, we have combined two power stages connected in derivation. Each power stage is constituted of transistors and transformers. The connection by switching of the two rectangular waves, delivered by each of the stages, makes it possible to create a quasi-sinusoidal output voltage of the inverter. Mathematical equations based on the current-voltage characteristics of the inverter have been developed. The simulation model was validated using experimental data from a 25.2 kWp grid-coupled (PV) system, connected to Gridfit type inverters. The data were exported and implemented in programming software. A good agreement was observed and this shows all the robustness and the technical performances of the energy converter device. It emerges from this analysis that the inverter output voltage and the phase angle thus simulated are very important to control in order to orientate the transfer of the power flow from the continuous cell to cell to the alternating part. Simulated and field-testing results also show that increases in the value of the modulation factor (m) for low power output are highly significant. This study is an important tool for DC/AC inverter designers during initial planning stages. A short presentation of the design model of the inverter has been proposed in this article.