Forestvoltaics,Floatovoltaics and Building Applied Photovoltaics(BAPV)Potential for a University Campus

The United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)highlight the importance of affordable and clean energy sources.Solar energy is a perfect example,being both renewable and abundant.Its popularity shows no signs of slowing down,with solar photovoltaic(PV)panels being the primary technology for converting sunlight into electricity.Advancements are continuously being made to ensure cost-effectiveness,high-performing cells,extended lifespans,and minimal maintenance requirements.This study focuses on identifying suitable locations for implementing solar PVsystems at theUniversityMalaysia PahangAl SultanAbdullah(UMPSA),Pekan campus including buildings,water bodies,and forest areas.A combined technical and economic analysis is conducted using Helioscope for simulations and the Photovoltaic Geographic Information System(PVGIS)for economic considerations.Helioscope simulation examine case studies for PV installations in forested areas,lakes,and buildings.This approach provides comprehensive estimations of solar photovoltaic potential,annual cost savings,electricity costs,and greenhouse gas emission reductions.Based on land coverage percentages,Floatovoltaics have a large solar PV capacity of 32.3 Megawatts(MW);forest-based photovoltaics(Forestvoltaics)achieve maximum yearly savings of RM 37,268,550;and Building Applied Photovoltaics(BAPV)have the lowest CO2 emissions and net carbon dioxide reduction compared to other plant sizes.It also clarifies the purpose of using both software tools to achieve a comprehensive understanding of both technical and economic aspects.

Probabilistic Global Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Continuously Varying Partial Shading Conditions on Autonomous PV Systems

A photovoltaic (PV) string with multiple modules with bypass diodes frequently deployed on a variety of autonomous PV systems may present multiple power peaks under uneven shading. For optimal solar harvesting, there is a need for a control schema to force the PV string to operate at global maximum power point (GMPP). While a lot of tracking methods have been proposed in the literature, they are usually complex and do not fully take advantage of the available characteristics of the PV array. This work highlights how the voltage at operating point and the forward voltage of the bypass diode are considered to design a global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) algorithm with a very limited global search phase called Fast GMPPT. This algorithm successfully tracks GMPP between 94% and 98% of the time under a theoretical evaluation. It is then compared against Perturb and Observe, Deterministic Particle Swarm Optimization, and Grey Wolf Optimization under a sequence of irradiance steps as well as a power-over-voltage characteristics profile that mimics the electrical characteristics of a PV string under varying partial shading conditions. Overall, the simulation with the sequence of irradiance steps shows that while Fast GMPPT does not have the best convergence time, it has an excellent convergence rate as well as causes the least amount of power loss during the global search phase. Experimental test under varying partial shading conditions shows that while the GMPPT proposal is simple and lightweight, it is very performant under a wide range of dynamically varying partial shading conditions and boasts the best energy efficiency (94.74%) out of the 4 tested algorithms.

Analysis for Effects of Temperature Rise of PV Modules upon Driving Distance of Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaic Electric Vehicles

The development of vehicle integrated photovoltaics-powered electric vehicles (VIPV-EV) significantly reduces CO2 emissions from the transport sector to realize a decarbonized society. Although long-distance driving of VIPV-EV without electricity charging is expected in sunny regions, driving distance of VIPV-EV is affected by climate conditions such as solar irradiation and temperature rise of PV modules. In this paper, detailed analytical results for effects of climate conditions such as solar irradiation and temperature rise of PV modules upon driving distance of the VIPV-EV were presented by using test data for Toyota Prius and Nissan Van demonstration cars installed with high-efficiency InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs 3-junction solar cell modules with a module efficiency of more than 30%. The temperature rise of some PV modules studied in this study was shown to be expressed by some coefficients related to solar irradiation, wind speed and radiative cooling. The potential of VIPV-EV to be deployed in 10 major cities was also analyzed. Although sunshine cities such as Phoenix show the high reduction ratio of driving range with 17% due to temperature rise of VIPV modules, populous cities such as Tokyo show low reduction ratio of 9%. It was also shown in this paper that the difference between the driving distance of VIPV-EV driving in the morning and the afternoon is due to PV modules’ radiative cooling. In addition, the importance of heat dissipation of PV modules and the development of high-efficiency PV modules with better temperature coefficients was suggested in order to expand driving range of VIPV-EV. The effects of air-conditioner usage and partial shading in addition to the effects of temperature rise of VIPV modules were suggested as the other power losses of VIPV-EV.

Electro-Optical Model of Soiling Effects on Photovoltaic Panels and Performance Implications

In this paper,a detailed model of a photovoltaic(PV)panel is used to study the accumulation of dust on solar panels.The presence of dust diminishes the incident light intensity penetrating the panel’s cover glass,as it increases the reflection of light by particles.This phenomenon,commonly known as the“soiling effect”,presents a significant challenge to PV systems on a global scale.Two basic models of the equivalent circuits of a solar cell can be found,namely the single-diode model and the two-diode models.The limitation of efficiency data in manufacturers’datasheets has encouraged us to develop an equivalent electrical model that is efficient under dust conditions,integrated with optical transmittance considerations to investigate the soiling effect.The proposed approach is based on the use of experimental current-voltage(I-V)characteristics with simulated data using MATLAB/Simulink.Our research outcomes underscores the feasibility of accurately quantifying the reduction in energy production resulting from soiling by assessing the optical transmittance of accumulated dust on the surface of PV glass.

Research on the MPPT of Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on Improved WOA and P&O under Partial Shading Conditions

Partial shading conditions(PSCs)caused by uneven illumination become one of the most common problems in photovoltaic(PV)systems,which can make the PV power-voltage(P-V)characteristics curve show multi-peaks.Traditional maximum power point tracking(MPPT)methods have shortcomings in tracking to the global maximum power point(GMPP),resulting in a dramatic decrease in output power.In order to solve the above problems,intelligent algorithms are used in MPPT.However,the existing intelligent algorithms have some disadvantages,such as slow convergence speed and large search oscillation.Therefore,an improved whale algorithm(IWOA)combined with the P&O(IWOA-P&O)is proposed for the MPPT of PV power generation in this paper.Firstly,IWOA is used to track the range interval of the GMPP,and then P&O is used to accurately find the MPP in that interval.Compared with other algorithms,simulation results show that this method has an average tracking efficiency of 99.79%and an average tracking time of 0.16 s when tracking GMPP.Finally,experimental verification is conducted,and the results show that the proposed algorithm has better MPPT performance compared to popular particle swarm optimization(PSO)and PSO-P&O algorithms.

Study on Image Recognition Algorithm for Residual Snow and Ice on Photovoltaic Modules

The accumulation of snow and ice on PV modules can have a detrimental impact on power generation,leading to reduced efficiency for prolonged periods.Thus,it becomes imperative to develop an intelligent system capable of accurately assessing the extent of snow and ice coverage on PV modules.To address this issue,the article proposes an innovative ice and snow recognition algorithm that effectively segments the ice and snow areas within the collected images.Furthermore,the algorithm incorporates an analysis of the morphological characteristics of ice and snow coverage on PV modules,allowing for the establishment of a residual ice and snow recognition process.This process utilizes both the external ellipse method and the pixel statistical method to refine the identification process.The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated through extensive testing with isolated and continuous snow area pictures.The results demonstrate the algorithm’s accuracy and reliability in identifying and quantifying residual snow and ice on PV modules.In conclusion,this research presents a valuable method for accurately detecting and quantifying snow and ice coverage on PV modules.This breakthrough is of utmost significance for PV power plants,as it enables predictions of power generation efficiency and facilitates efficient PV maintenance during the challenging winter conditions characterized by snow and ice.By proactively managing snow and ice coverage,PV power plants can optimize energy production and minimize downtime,ensuring a sustainable and reliable renewable energy supply.

Short-term prediction of photovoltaic power generation based on LMD-EE-ESN with error correction

Considering the instability of the output power of photovoltaic(PV)generation system,to improve the power regulation ability of PV power during grid-connected operation,based on the quantitative analysis of meteorological conditions,a short-term prediction method of PV power based on LMD-EE-ESN with iterative error correction was proposed.Firstly,through the fuzzy clustering processing of meteorological conditions,taking the power curves of PV power generation in sunny,rainy or snowy,cloudy,and changeable weather as the reference,the local mean decomposition(LMD)was carried out respectively,and their energy entropy(EE)was taken as the meteorological characteristics.Then,the historical generation power series was decomposed by LMD algorithm,and the hierarchical prediction of the power curve was realized by echo state network(ESN)prediction algorithm combined with meteorological characteristics.Finally,the iterative error theory was applied to the correction of power prediction results.The analysis of the historical data in the PV power generation system shows that this method avoids the influence of meteorological conditions in the short-term prediction of PV output power,and improves the accuracy of power prediction on the condition of hierarchical prediction and iterative error correction.

Comparative assessment of maximum power point tracking procedures for photovoltaic systems

The fast growing demands and increasing awareness for the environment, PV systems are being rapidly installed for numerous applications.However, one of the important challenges in utilizing a PV source is the maximum power harnessing using various maximum power point tracking techniques available. With the large number of MPPT techniques, each having some merits and demerits, confusion is always there for their proper selection. Discussion on various proposed procedures for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic array has been done. Based on different parameters analysis of MPPT techniques is carried out. This assessment will serve as a suitable reference for selection, understanding different ways and means of MPPT.

Comprehensive review and performance evaluation of maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic array is environmentally friendly and a source of unlimited energy generation.However,it is presently a costlier energy generation system than other non-renewable energy sources.The main reasons are seasonal variations and continuously changing weather conditions,which affect the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels.In addition,the non-linear characteristics of the voltage and current outputs along with the operating environment temperature and variation in the solar radiation decrease the energy conversion capability of the photovoltaic arrays.To address this problem,the global maxima of the PV arrays can be tracked using a maximum power point tracking algorithm(MPPT)and the operating point of the photovoltaic system can be forced to its optimum value.This technique increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic array and minimizes the cost of the system by reducing the number of solar modules required to obtain the desired power.However,the tracking algorithms are not equally effective in all areas of application.Therefore,selecting the correct MPPT is very critical.This paper presents a detailed review and comparison of the MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems,with consideration of the following key parameters:photovoltaic array dependence,type of system(analog or digital),need for periodic tuning,convergence speed,complexity of the system,global maxima,implemented capacity,and sensed parameter(s).In addition,based on real meteorological data(irradiance and temperature at a site located in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia),a simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of tracking algorithms suitable for the application being studied.Finally,the study clearly validates the considerable energy saving achieved by using these algorithms.

Maximum power point tracking of a photovoltaic energy system using neural fuzzy techniques

In order to improve the output efficiency of a photovoltaic （PV） energy system, the real-time maximum power point （MPP） of the PV array should be tracked closely. The non-linear and time-variant characteristics of the photovoltaic array and the non-linear and non-minimum phase characteristics of a boost converter make it difficult to track the MPP as in traditional control strategies. A neural fuzzy controller （NFC） in conjunction with the reasoning capability of fuzzy logical systems and the learning capability of neural networks is proposed to track the MPP in this paper. A gradient estimator based on a radial basis function neural network is developed to provide the reference information to the NFC. With a derived learning algorithm, the parameters of the NFC are updated adaptively. Experimental results show that, compared with the fuzzy logic control algorithm, the proposed control algorithm provides much better tracking performance.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Using Neural Networks for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

The employment of maximum power point tracking techniques in the photovoltaic power systems is well known and even of immense importance. There are various techniques to track the maximum power point reported in several literatures. In such context, there is an increasing interest in developing a more appropriate and effective maximum power point tracking control methodology to ensure that the photovoltaic arrays guarantee as much of their available output power as possible to the load for any temperature and solar radiation levels. In this paper, theoretical details of the work, carried out to develop and implement a maximum power point tracking controller using neural networks for a stand-alone photovoltaic system, are presented. Attention has been also paid to the command of the power converter to achieve maximum power point tracking. Simulations results, using Matlab/Simulink software, presented for this approach under rapid variation of insolation and temperature conditions, confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method both in terms of efficiency and fast response time. Negligible oscillations around the maximum power point and easy implementation are the main advantages of the proposed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method.

A Review on Photovoltaic Systems: Mechanisms and Methods for Irradiation Tracking and Prediction

Solar energy is the raw material and main source for several applications of renewable energy systems;thus, knowledge about the intensity of solar irradiation is essential for efficiency of these systems. Electric energy sources capable of meeting the growing demands of society with minimal impacts to the environment and high efficiency have been object of research in the last decade. In this context, the conversion of sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells has become one of the most encouraged and used resources in the world. However, the most unpredictable factor, which hampers capturing solar irradiation, preventing a proper conversion of sunlight into electricity, is the presence of clouds in the sky. Many methods of tracking and prediction of irradiation were proposed to increase efficiency in the production of energy by photovoltaic cells. This article presents an updated review on the mechanisms used for tracking and irradiation prediction, and their respective methods. It begins with a brief review on photovoltaic systems and classification of its mechanisms. Then, it presents a detailed overview on the evolution of mechanisms and their corresponding methods for tracking and irradiation prediction. Finally, the authors conclude with an analysis of performance efficiency of the mechanisms and their corresponding methods presented, describing the pros and cons of the most significant proposals for tracking and irradiation prediction.

Robust <i>H</i>_∞Observer-Based Tracking Control for the Photovoltaic Pumping System

In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.

Parasitic Effects on the Performance of DC-DC SEPIC in Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking Applications

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of parasitic resistances on the performance of DC-DC Single Ended Pri- mary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) in photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) applications. The energy storage elements incorporated in the SEPIC converter possess parasitic resistances. Although ideal components significantly simplifies model development, but neglecting the parasitic effects in models may sometimes lead to failure in predicting first scale stability and actual performance. Therefore, the effects of parasitics have been taken into consideration for improving the model accuracy, stability, robustness and dynamic performance analysis of the converter. Detail mathematical model of SEPIC converter including inductive parasitic has been developed. The performance of the converter in tracking MPP at different irradiance levels has been analyzed for variation in parasitic resistance. The converter efficiency has been found above 83% for insolation level of 600 W/m2 when the parasitic resistance in the energy storage element has been ignored. However, as the parasitic resistance of both of the inductor has increased to 1 ohm, a fraction of the power managed by the converter has dissipated;as a result the efficiency of the converter has reduced to 78% for the same insolation profile. Although the increasing value of the parasitic has assisted the converter to converge quickly to reach the maximum power point. Furthermore it has also been observed that the peak to peak load current ripple is reduced. The obtained simulation results have validated the competent of the MPPT converter model.

Photovoltaic Models Parameters Estimation Based on Weighted Mean of Vectors

Renewable energy sources are gaining popularity,particularly photovoltaic energy as a clean energy source.This is evident in the advancement of scientific research aimed at improving solar cell performance.Due to the non-linear nature of the photovoltaic cell,modeling solar cells and extracting their parameters is one of the most important challenges in this discipline.As a result,the use of optimization algorithms to solve this problem is expanding and evolving at a rapid rate.In this paper,a weIghted meaN oF vectOrs algorithm(INFO)that calculates the weighted mean for a set of vectors in the search space has been applied to estimate the parameters of solar cells in an efficient and precise way.In each generation,the INFO utilizes three operations to update the vectors’locations:updating rules,vector merging,and local search.The INFO is applied to estimate the parameters of static models such as single and double diodes,as well as dynamic models such as integral and fractional models.The outcomes of all applications are examined and compared to several recent algorithms.As well as the results are evaluated through statistical analysis.The results analyzed supported the proposed algorithm’s efficiency,accuracy,and durability when compared to recent optimization algorithms.

Overview of Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Methods for PV Systems

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers play an important role in photovoltaic systems. They maximize the output power of a PV array for a given set of conditions. This paper presents an overview of the different MPPT techniques. Each technique is evaluated on its ability to detect multiple maxima, convergence speed, ease of implementation, efficiency over a wide output power range, and cost of implementation. The perturbation and observation (P & O), and incremental conductance (IC) algorithms are widely used techniques, with many variants and optimization techniques reported. For this reason, this paper evaluates the performance of these two common approaches from a dynamic and steady state perspective.

Synergetic optimization operation method for distribution network based on SOP and PV

The integration of distributed generation brings in new challenges for the operation of distribution networks,including out-of-limit voltage and power flow control.Soft open points(SOP)are new power electronic devices that can flexibly control active and reactive power flows.With the exception of active power output,photovoltaic(PV)devices can provide reactive power compensation through an inverter.Thus,a synergetic optimization operation method for SOP and PV in a distribution network is proposed.A synergetic optimization model was developed.The voltage deviation,network loss,and ratio of photovoltaic abandonment were selected as the objective functions.The PV model was improved by considering the three reactive power output modes of the PV inverter.Both the load fluctuation and loss of the SOP were considered.Three multi-objective optimization algorithms were used,and a compromise optimal solution was calculated.Case studies were conducted using an IEEE 33-node system.The simulation results indicated that the SOP and PVs complemented each other in terms of active power transmission and reactive power compensation.Synergetic optimization improves power control capability and flexibility,providing better power quality and PV consumption rate.

A New Flower Pollination Algorithm Strategy for MPPT of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Arrays

Photovoltaic(PV)systems utilize maximum power point tracking(MPPT)controllers to optimize power output amidst varying environmental conditions.However,the presence of multiple peaks resulting from partial shading poses a challenge to the tracking operation.Under partial shade conditions,the global maximum power point(GMPP)may be missed by most traditional maximum power point tracker.The flower pollination algorithm(FPA)and particle swarm optimization(PSO)are two examples of metaheuristic techniques that can be used to solve the issue of failing to track the GMPP.This paper discusses and resolves all issues associated with using the standard FPA method as the MPPT for PV systems.The first issue is that the initial values of pollen are determined randomly at first,which can lead to premature convergence.To minimize the convergence time and enhance the possibility of detecting the GMPP,the initial pollen values were modified so that they were near the expected peak positions.Secondly,in the modified FPA,population fitness and switch probability values both influence swapping between two-mode optimization,which may improve the flower pollination algorithm’s tracking speed.The performance of the modified flower pollination algorithm(MFPA)is assessed through a comparison with the perturb and observe(P&O)method and the standard FPA method.The simulation results reveal that under different partial shading conditions,the tracking time for MFPA is 0.24,0.24,0.22,and 0.23 s,while for FPA,it is 0.4,0.35,0.45,and 0.37 s.Additionally,the simulation results demonstrate that MFPA achieves higher MPPT efficiency in the same four partial shading conditions,with values of 99.98%,99.90%,99.93%,and 99.26%,compared to FPA with MPPT efficiencies of 99.93%,99.88%,99.91%,and 99.18%.Based on the findings from simulations,the proposed method effectively and accurately tracks the GMPP across a diverse set of environmental conditions.

Performance Assessment of a Real PV System Connected to a Low-Voltage Grid

The generation of photovoltaic(PV)solar energy is increasing continuously because it is renewable,unlimited,and clean energy.In the past,generation systems depended on non-renewable sources such as oil,coal,and gas.Therefore,this paper assesses the performance of a 51 kW PV solar power plant connected to a low-voltage grid to feed an administrative building in the 6th of October City,Egypt.The performance analysis of the considered grid-connected PV system is carried out using power system simulator for Engineering(PSS/E)software.Where the PSS/E program,monitors and uses the power analyzer that displays the parameters and measures some parameters such as current,voltage,total power,power factor,frequency,and current and voltage harmonics,the used inverter from the type of grid inverter for the considered system.The results conclude that when the maximum solar radiation is reached,the maximum current can be obtained from the solar panels,thus obtaining the maximum power and power factor.Decreasing total voltage harmonic distortion,a current harmonic distortion within permissible limits using active harmonic distortion because this type is fast in processing up to 300 microseconds.The connection between solar stations and the national grid makes the system more efficient.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Using the Incremental Conductance Algorithm for PV Systems Operating in Rapidly Changing Environmental Conditions

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an important process in Photovoltaic (PV) systems because of the need to extract maximum power from PV panels used in these systems. Without the ability to track and have PV panels operate at its maximum power point (MPP) entails power losses;resulting in high cost since more panels will be required to provide specified energy needs. To achieve high efficiency and low cost, MPPT has therefore become an imperative in PV systems. In this study, an MPP tracker is modeled using the IC algorithm and its behavior under rapidly changing environmental conditions of temperature and irradiation levels is investigated. This algorithm, based on knowledge of the variation of the conductance of PV cells and the operating point with respect to the voltage and current of the panel calculates the slope of the power characteristics to determine the MPP as the peak of the curve. A simple circuit model of the DC-DC boost converter connected to a PV panel is used in the simulation;and the output of the boost converter is fed through a 3-phase inverter to an electricity grid. The model was simulated and tested using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the IC algorithm for tracking the MPP in PV systems operating under rapidly changing temperatures and irradiations with a settling time of 2 seconds.