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21 pages, 8541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Transition Control between Grid-Connected and Standalone Modes of Three-Phase Grid-Integrated Distributed Generation Systems

by Mohammed Ali Khan, Ahteshamul Haque, Frede Blaabjerg, Varaha Satya Bharath Kurukuru and Huai Wang

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3979; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133979 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2133

Abstract

This paper proposes an intelligent seamless transition controller for smooth transition between grid-connected (GC) and standalone modes of distributed generation (DG) units in the grid. The development of this seamless controller contributes to two main processes in the transition modes: the synchronization process [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an intelligent seamless transition controller for smooth transition between grid-connected (GC) and standalone modes of distributed generation (DG) units in the grid. The development of this seamless controller contributes to two main processes in the transition modes: the synchronization process and an islanding process. For the synchronization process, the stationary reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL) associated with the voltage source inverter (VSI) is modified using the frequency, voltage deviation, and phase angle information. Furthermore, the islanding process is classified as intentional and unintentional islanding scenarios for achieving efficient transition control. Here, the intentional islanding process is achieved with the information that is available in the system due to the planned disconnection. For the unintentional islanding process, a fuzzy inference system (FIS) is used to modify the conventional droop control using the information of change in active power, voltage, and frequency. To identify the action of the proposed approach during the transition process, numerical simulations are conducted with the hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulator by developing a

10 kWp

three-phase grid-connected DG system. The results identified the efficient control of the VSI for both islanding and grid connection processes. In the islanding conditions, the proposed controller provides advantage with less detection and disconnection time, and during synchronization, it instantly minimizes the phase-angle deviation to achieve efficient control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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20 pages, 7843 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Novel DSP-Based MPPT Control Design for Photovoltaic Systems Using Neural Network Compensator

by Ming-Fa Tsai, Chung-Shi Tseng, Kuo-Tung Hung and Shih-Hua Lin

Energies 2021, 14(11), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113260 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

In this study, based on the slope of power versus voltage, a novel maximum-power-point tracking algorithm using a neural network compensator was proposed and implemented on a TI TMS320F28335 digital signal processing chip, which can easily process the input signals conversion and the [...] Read more.

In this study, based on the slope of power versus voltage, a novel maximum-power-point tracking algorithm using a neural network compensator was proposed and implemented on a TI TMS320F28335 digital signal processing chip, which can easily process the input signals conversion and the complex floating-point computation on the neural network of the proposed control scheme. Because the output power of the photovoltaic system is a function of the solar irradiation, cell temperature, and characteristics of the photovoltaic array, the analytic solution for obtaining the maximum power is difficult to obtain due to its complexity, nonlinearity, and uncertainties of parameters. The innovation of this work is to obtain the maximum power of the photovoltaic system using a neural network with the idea of transferring the maximum-power-point tracking problem into a proportional-integral current control problem despite the variation in solar irradiation, cell temperature, and the electrical load characteristics. The current controller parameters are determined via a genetic algorithm for finding the controller parameters by the minimization of a complicatedly nonlinear performance index function. The experimental result shows the output power of the photovoltaic system, which consists of the series connection of two 155-W TYN-155S5 modules, is 267.42 W at certain solar irradiation and ambient temperature. From the simulation and experimental results, the validity of the proposed controller was verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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16 pages, 4302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utility Scale Ground Mounted Photovoltaic Plants with Gable Structure and Inverter Oversizing for Land-Use Optimization

by Silvestro Cossu, Roberto Baccoli and Emilio Ghiani

Energies 2021, 14(11), 3084; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113084 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3491

Abstract

The paper proposes an effective layout for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems with a gable structure and inverter oversizing, which allows an optimized use of the land and, at the same time, guarantees a valuable return on investment. A case study is presented to show [...] Read more.

The paper proposes an effective layout for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems with a gable structure and inverter oversizing, which allows an optimized use of the land and, at the same time, guarantees a valuable return on investment. A case study is presented to show the technical, economic, and environmental advantages compared with conventional “fixed-tilt” and “sun-tracking” ground-mounted photovoltaic installations. The main advantage of this solution is that it maximizes the energy produced per unit of land area used; but, also considering the economic metrics, the net present value of the proposed PV arrangement solution results in a greater annual volume of energy produced and therefore of net revenues and cash flows, and greater than the compared conventional solution with modules exposed in an optimal fixed position or which make use of sun-tracking systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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14 pages, 4404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Curtailment Risk of Non-Firm Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Plants under a Novel Last-In First-Out Principle of Access Interconnection Agreement

by Kwami Senam A. Sedzro, Kelsey Horowitz, Akshay K. Jain, Fei Ding, Bryan Palmintier and Barry Mather

Energies 2021, 14(5), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051463 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2154

Abstract

With the increasing share of distributed energy resources on the electric grid, utility companies are facing significant decisions about infrastructure upgrades. An alternative to extensive and capital-intensive upgrades is to offer non-firm interconnection opportunities to distributed generators, via a coordinated operation of utility [...] Read more.

With the increasing share of distributed energy resources on the electric grid, utility companies are facing significant decisions about infrastructure upgrades. An alternative to extensive and capital-intensive upgrades is to offer non-firm interconnection opportunities to distributed generators, via a coordinated operation of utility scale resources. This paper introduces a novel flexible interconnection option based on the last-in, first-out principles of access aimed at minimizing the unnecessary non-firm generation energy curtailment by balancing access rights and contribution to thermal overloads. Although we focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in this work, the introduced flexible interconnection option applies to any distributed generation technology. The curtailment risk of individual non-firm PV units is evaluated across a range of PV penetration levels in a yearlong quasi-static time-series simulation on a real-world feeder. The results show the importance of the size of the curtailment zone in the curtailment risk distribution among flexible generation units as well as that of the “access right” defined by the order in which PV units connect to the grid. Case study results reveal that, with a proper selection of curtailment radius, utilities can reduce the total curtailment of flexible PV resources by up to more than 45%. Findings show that non-firm PV generators can effectively avoid all thermal limit-related upgrade costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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22 pages, 14639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New MPPT Algorithm for Photovoltaic Power Generation under Uniform and Partial Shading Conditions

by Novie Ayub Windarko, Muhammad Nizar Habibi, Bambang Sumantri, Eka Prasetyono, Moh. Zaenal Efendi and Taufik

Energies 2021, 14(2), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14020483 - 18 Jan 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3225

Abstract

During its operation, a photovoltaic system may encounter many practical issues such as receiving uniform or non-uniform irradiance caused mainly by partial shading. Under uniform irradiance a photovoltaic panel has a single maximum power point. Conversely under non-uniform irradiance, a photovoltaic panel has [...] Read more.

During its operation, a photovoltaic system may encounter many practical issues such as receiving uniform or non-uniform irradiance caused mainly by partial shading. Under uniform irradiance a photovoltaic panel has a single maximum power point. Conversely under non-uniform irradiance, a photovoltaic panel has several local maximum power points and a single global maximum power point. To maximize energy production, a maximum power point tracker algorithm is commonly implemented to achieve the maximum power operating point of the photovoltaic panel. However, the performance of the algorithm will depend on operating conditions such as variation in irradiance. Presently, most of existing maximum power point tracker algorithms work only in a single condition: either uniform or non-uniform irradiance. This paper proposes a new maximum power point tracker algorithm for photovoltaic power generation that is designed to work under uniform and partial shading irradiance conditions. Additionally, the proposed maximum power point tracker algorithm aims to provide: (1) a simple math algorithm to reduce computational load, (2) fast tracking by evaluating progress for every single executed duty cycle, (3) without random steps to prevent jumping duty cycle, and (4) smooth variable steps to increase accuracy. The performances of the proposed algorithm are evaluated by three conditions of uniform and partial shading irradiance where a targeted maximum power point is located: (1) far from, (2) near, and (3) laid between initial positions of particles. The simulation shows that the proposed algorithm successfully tracks the maximum power point by resulting in similar power values in those three conditions. The proposed algorithm could handle the partial shading condition by avoiding the local maxima power point and finding the global maxima power point. Comparisons of the proposed algorithm and other well-known algorithms such as differential evolution, firefly, particle swarm optimization, and grey wolf optimization are provided to show the superiority of the proposed algorithm. The results show the proposed algorithm has better performance by providing faster tracking, faster settling time, higher accuracy, minimum oscillation and jumping duty cycle, and higher energy harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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21 pages, 4126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PV Forecast for the Optimal Operation of the Medium Voltage Distribution Network: A Real-Life Implementation on a Large Scale Pilot

by Aleksandar Dimovski, Matteo Moncecchi, Davide Falabretti and Marco Merlo

Energies 2020, 13(20), 5330; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13205330 - 13 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1708

Abstract

The goal of the paper is to develop an online forecasting procedure to be adopted within the H2020 InteGRIDy project, where the main objective is to use the photovoltaic (PV) forecast for optimizing the configuration of a distribution network (DN). Real-time measurements are [...] Read more.

The goal of the paper is to develop an online forecasting procedure to be adopted within the H2020 InteGRIDy project, where the main objective is to use the photovoltaic (PV) forecast for optimizing the configuration of a distribution network (DN). Real-time measurements are obtained and saved for nine photovoltaic plants in a database, together with numerical weather predictions supplied from a commercial weather forecasting service. Adopting several error metrics as a performance index, as well as a historical data set for one of the plants on the DN, a preliminary analysis is performed investigating multiple statistical methods, with the objective of finding the most suitable one in terms of accuracy and computational effort. Hourly forecasts are performed each 6 h, for a horizon of 72 h. Having found the random forest method as the most suitable one, further hyper-parameter tuning of the algorithm was performed to improve performance. Optimal results with respect to normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) were found when training the algorithm using solar irradiation and a time vector, with a dataset consisting of 21 days. It was concluded that adding more features does not improve the accuracy when adopting relatively small training sets. Furthermore, the error was not significantly affected by the horizon of the forecast, where the 72-h horizon forecast showed an error increment of slightly above 2% when compared to the 6-h forecast. Thanks to the InteGRIDy project, the proposed algorithms were tested in a large scale real-life pilot, allowing the validation of the mathematical approach, but taking also into account both, problems related to faults in the telecommunication grids, as well as errors in the data exchange and storage procedures. Such an approach is capable of providing a proper quantification of the performances in a real-life scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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24 pages, 974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefit Evaluation of PV Orientation for Individual Residential Consumers

by Hakim Azaioud, Jan Desmet and Lieven Vandevelde

Energies 2020, 13(19), 5122; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13195122 - 01 Oct 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) installations located in the northern hemisphere must be oriented to the south in order to obtain maximal annual yield. This is mainly driven by the remuneration mechanisms which incentivize maximal energy production to a certain extent. Nowadays, such support mechanisms are [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic (PV) installations located in the northern hemisphere must be oriented to the south in order to obtain maximal annual yield. This is mainly driven by the remuneration mechanisms which incentivize maximal energy production to a certain extent. Nowadays, such support mechanisms are declining or even phased out in many countries. Hence, self-consuming the produced energy is getting more viable. In order to match better the load demand pattern, the azimuth angle of a PV installation could be changed or oriented towards multiple directions. This article investigates the benefits of PV installations facing other directions than the south. Therefore, the Hay & Davies transposition model has been used to calculate the in-plane irradiance, as it is found in the literature to be the most accurate for non-south faced PV installations. In order to determine the benefit, a large dataset of real measured consumption profiles has been used and then divided according to their annual consumption. Large consumers with an oversized east/west-oriented PV installation especially take advantage. The self-sufficiency index (SSI) is found to increase with almost 0.94 percent points, while the self-consumption index (SCI) increases with 6.46 percent points. The peak reduction is assessed by calculating the annual moving average of the month peaks. It is found that this moving average month peak reduction is marginal. Lastly, the reduction in storage capacity is found to be not that significant, although in terms of battery utilization it is found that the number of discharge cycles is reduced with 6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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14 pages, 6118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Installation of 500-kW Floating Photovoltaic Structures Using High-Durability Steel

by Sun-Hee Kim, Seung-Cheol Baek, Ki-Bong Choi and Sung-Jin Park

Energies 2020, 13(19), 4996; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13194996 - 23 Sep 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3047

Abstract

Countries around the world are expanding their investment in the new and renewable energy industry for strengthening energy security, improving air pollution, responding to climate change, and tackling energy poverty. In Korea, with the nuclear phase-out declaration in 2017, the government has announced [...] Read more.

Countries around the world are expanding their investment in the new and renewable energy industry for strengthening energy security, improving air pollution, responding to climate change, and tackling energy poverty. In Korea, with the nuclear phase-out declaration in 2017, the government has announced a policy to expand the ratio of new and renewable energy from 4.7% to 20% by 2030. This study examines a floating photovoltaic power generation system, which is a new and renewable energy source. A structure composed of high-durability steel with excellent corrosion resistance and durability was designed for constructing and installing a 500-kW-class floating photovoltaic power generation structure. In addition, the safety of the structure was verified through finite element analysis. By reviewing the safety of the structure with respect to the wave height, the behavior of the structure was confirmed through the design wave height formula proposed in the domestic standard. The verification result confirms that the stress is within the allowable design limit. Moreover, the energy production of the floating photovoltaic generation system was measured and compared with that of a terrestrial photovoltaic generation system, and that of the former was shown to be 10% higher than that of the latter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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19 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Long-Term Condition Monitoring and Performance Assessment of Grid Connected PV Power Plant with High Power Sizing Factor under Partial Shading Conditions

by Zoltan Corba, Bane Popadic, Dragan Milicevic, Boris Dumnic and Vladimir A. Katic

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4810; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184810 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1838

Abstract

Partial shading conditions of photovoltaic (PV) modules often occurs in urban areas leading to losses in electricity power generation of the PV power plant. The purpose of this study is to present how the PV power plant with high value of inverter power [...] Read more.

Partial shading conditions of photovoltaic (PV) modules often occurs in urban areas leading to losses in electricity power generation of the PV power plant. The purpose of this study is to present how the PV power plant with high value of inverter power sizing factor (K_inv) can achieve high performance and power production under partial shading conditions with high shading losses. In this paper the results of long-term monitoring, performance analysis and experimental results are presented, while the results are compared to the estimated values calculated using PVsyst software. The study focused on the PV power plant at the Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTS) in Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, for the period between the years 2012 and 2019. It has been shown that the values of PV power plant performance parameters are better than expected (very high), and resemble the power plants operating without shading. The high value of the inverter power sizing factor may lead to occasional saturation of the inverter when certain conditions are met, but most of the times it allows the inverter to operate at a more optimal power level. PV module soiling and power degradation is within the limits mentioned in the literature. The increase in K_inv in the partial shading conditions favorably affects the performance, does not degrade the efficiency of the inverter at saturation, reduces the effect of soiling and aging of PV modules, leading to higher power production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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27 pages, 5140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Assessment of Large Photovoltaic (PV) Plants Using an Integrated State-Space Average Modeling Approach

by Giovanni Nobile, Ester Vasta, Mario Cacciato, Giuseppe Scarcella, Giacomo Scelba, Agnese Giuseppa Federica Di Stefano, Giuseppe Leotta, Paola Maria Pugliatti and Fabrizio Bizzarri

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4777; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184777 - 13 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1756

Abstract

Distributed power converters represent a technical solution to improve the performance of large or utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants. Unfortunately, evaluation of the yield obtained in large PV fields by using distributed converters is a difficult task because of recurring partial unavailability, inaccuracy of [...] Read more.

Distributed power converters represent a technical solution to improve the performance of large or utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants. Unfortunately, evaluation of the yield obtained in large PV fields by using distributed converters is a difficult task because of recurring partial unavailability, inaccuracy of power analyzers, operating constraints imposed by the Power Plant Controller and so on. To overcome such issues in real operating scenarios, a new modeling strategy has been introduced and validated in terms of computational complexity and accuracy. This approach is based on the state-space averaging technique which is applied to large PV plants with multiple conversion stages by performing some elaborations in order to get a final integrated model. The new modeling strategy has been tested in MatLab Simulink environment using data coming from a 300 MW PV plant located in Brazil representing the case study of this work. In this plant, one subfield is equipped with central inverters while another is with string inverters. The proposed model, whose accuracy is in the range from 2.2 to 2.7% with respect to the measured energy, effectively supports data analysis leading to a consistent performance assessment for the distributed conversion system. Final results highlight that string inverters ensure a gain of about 2% in terms of produced energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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21 pages, 1676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Proposal for an MPPT Algorithm Based on the Fluctuations of the PV Output Power, Output Voltage, and Control Duty Cycle for Improving the Performance of PV Systems in Microgrid

by Nguyen Van Tan, Nguyen Binh Nam, Nguyen Huu Hieu, Le Kim Hung, Minh Quan Duong and Le Hong Lam

Energies 2020, 13(17), 4326; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174326 - 20 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3447

Abstract

In microgrids, distributed generators that cannot be dispatched, such as a photovoltaic system, need to control their output power at the maximum power point. The fluctuation of their output power should be minimized with the support of the maximum power point tracking algorithm [...] Read more.

In microgrids, distributed generators that cannot be dispatched, such as a photovoltaic system, need to control their output power at the maximum power point. The fluctuation of their output power should be minimized with the support of the maximum power point tracking algorithm under the variation of ambient conditions. In this paper, a new maximum power point tracking method based on the parameters of power deviation (

Δ P_{P V}

), voltage difference (

Δ V_{P V}

), and duty cycle change (

Δ D

) is proposed for photovoltaic systems. The presented algorithm achieves the following good results: (i) when the solar radiance is fixed, the output power is stable around the maximum power point; (ii) when the solar radiance is rapidly changing, the generated power is always in the vicinity of maximum power points; (iii) the effectiveness of energy conversion is comparable to that of intelligent algorithms. The proposed algorithm is presented and compared with traditional and intelligent maximum power point tracking algorithms on the simulation model by MATLAB/Simulink under different radiation scenarios to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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15 pages, 6853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Energy Compensation Techniques in Photovoltaic Solar Systems with the Use of Supercapacitors in Low-Voltage Networks

by Luis Gerardo González, Rommel Chacon, Bernardo Delgado, Dario Benavides and Juan Espinoza

Energies 2020, 13(15), 3755; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13153755 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2371

Abstract

The power generated by photovoltaic solar systems is exposed to high variability of irradiance mainly due to weather conditions, which cause instability in the electrical networks connected to these systems. This study shows the typical behavior of solar irradiance in an Andean city, [...] Read more.

The power generated by photovoltaic solar systems is exposed to high variability of irradiance mainly due to weather conditions, which cause instability in the electrical networks connected to these systems. This study shows the typical behavior of solar irradiance in an Andean city, which presents considerable variations that can reach up to 63% of the nominal power of the photovoltaic system, at time intervals in the order of seconds. The study covers the application of 3 techniques to reduce power fluctuations at the point of common coupling (PCC), with the incorporation of energy storage systems, under the same irradiance conditions. Supercapacitors were used as the storage system, which were selected for their high efficiency and useful life. A state of charge control is also applied by means of a hysteresis band. The three algorithms studied show similar behaviors; however, the ramp control technique has the best performance. The storage system was dimensioned based on the photovoltaic system’s nominal power and the desired rate of change in the PCC, whose capacity can be estimated from P_nom/12 [kWh] and a maximum power that can reach up to 0.63 P_nom. The study determines that based on the storage capacity and the irradiance characteristics under study, the storage system could use at least 5.76 daily charge/discharge cycles. In the study, it is possible to reduce the rate of change of the photovoltaic energy injected into the PCC about 6.66 times with the use of the proposed energy storage system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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21 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Kernel ELM and Variational Mode Decomposition for Probabilistic PV Power Prediction

by Xiaomei Wu, Chun Sing Lai, Chenchen Bai, Loi Lei Lai, Qi Zhang and Bo Liu

Energies 2020, 13(14), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143592 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

A probabilistic prediction interval (PI) model based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and a kernel extreme learning machine using the firefly algorithm (FA-KELM) is presented to tackle the problem of photovoltaic (PV) power for intra-day-ahead prediction. Firstly, considering the non-stationary and nonlinear characteristics [...] Read more.

A probabilistic prediction interval (PI) model based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and a kernel extreme learning machine using the firefly algorithm (FA-KELM) is presented to tackle the problem of photovoltaic (PV) power for intra-day-ahead prediction. Firstly, considering the non-stationary and nonlinear characteristics of a PV power output sequence, the decomposition of the original PV power output series is carried out using VMD. Secondly, to further improve the prediction accuracy, KELM is established for each decomposed component and the firefly algorithm is introduced to optimize the penalty factor and kernel parameter. Finally, the point predicted value is obtained through the summation of predicted results of each component and then using the nonlinear kernel density estimation to fit it. The cubic spline interpolation algorithm is applied to obtain the shortest confidence interval. Results from practical cases show that this probabilistic prediction interval could achieve higher accuracy as compared with other prediction models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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23 pages, 4907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Strategy for the Building Integrated Photovoltaic System

by Yuhang Liu, Xiangxin Liu, Jianwei Zhang, Yufeng Zhang and Ziyao Zhu

Energies 2020, 13(11), 2679; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13112679 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

Thin-film photovoltaic technology has begun to be applied in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), and it is believed that thin-film photovoltaic technology has potential in building-integrated photovoltaic applications. In this paper, a hybrid approach was investigated which combined the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm [...] Read more.

Thin-film photovoltaic technology has begun to be applied in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), and it is believed that thin-film photovoltaic technology has potential in building-integrated photovoltaic applications. In this paper, a hybrid approach was investigated which combined the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm of three-stage variable step size with continuous conduction mode (CCM)/discontinuous current mode (DCM). The research contents of this paper include the principle analysis of the maximum power point tracking algorithm, the design of the sampling period, and the design of a double closed-loop control system and correction factor. A system model was built in MATLAB/Simulink, and a comparative simulation was carried out to compare the performance of the proposed method with some traditional methods. The simulation results show that the proposed approach has the ability to fast-track and make the system run stably. Furthermore, it can make the system respond quickly to environmental changes. An experimental platform was built, and the experimental results validated and confirmed the advantages of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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22 pages, 1456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved PSO: A Comparative Study in MPPT Algorithm for PV System Control under Partial Shading Conditions

by Wafa Hayder, Emanuele Ogliari, Alberto Dolara, Aycha Abid, Mouna Ben Hamed and Lasaad Sbita

Energies 2020, 13(8), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13082035 - 19 Apr 2020

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 4316

Abstract

This paper deals with the implementation and analysis of a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method, which is tested under variable climatic conditions. This new MPPT strategy has been created for photovoltaic systems based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The novel [...] Read more.

This paper deals with the implementation and analysis of a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method, which is tested under variable climatic conditions. This new MPPT strategy has been created for photovoltaic systems based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The novel Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm is tested in several simulations which have been implemented in view of the various system responses such as: voltage, current, and power. The performances of the proposed IPSO algorithm have been completed and compared with results of well-established methods adopted in the literature showing a higher accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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16 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maximum Power Point Tracking and Voltage Regulation of Two-Stage Grid-Tied PV System Based on Model Predictive Control

by Miaomiao Ma, Xiangjie Liu and Kwang Y. Lee

Energies 2020, 13(6), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13061304 - 11 Mar 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3449

Abstract

This paper proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage regulation method based on model predictive control (MPC) for the two-stage grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system, which can achieve MPPT and output voltage regulation of a PV system simultaneously. The MPPT algorithm based [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage regulation method based on model predictive control (MPC) for the two-stage grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system, which can achieve MPPT and output voltage regulation of a PV system simultaneously. The MPPT algorithm based on MPC is implemented in a DC-DC boost converter. The reference voltage at maximum power point is obtained by dual step Incremental Conductance (I&C) algorithm under the rapidly varying illumination intensity, and the MPPT controller only needs to minimize one cost function of PV current, without pulse width modulation (PWM) module. To inject the generated PV power into the grid with high quality, this paper designs voltage regulation controller based on MPC to maintain the output voltage of the PV system at the desired value. The MPC controller outputs the optimal duty signal with the input and state constraints in the inner loop, and the PI controller in the outer loop is designed to improve the dynamic performance. The proposed method based on MPC was demonstrated using the SimPower systems tool in MATLAB/Simulink. Analysis and simulation results for the PV system show possible improvements on the closed-loop performance such as fast response and low overshoot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 1971 KiB

Open AccessReview

Key Operational Issues on the Integration of Large-Scale Solar Power Generation—A Literature Review

by Wei Li, Hui Ren, Ping Chen, Yanyang Wang and Hailong Qi

Energies 2020, 13(22), 5951; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13225951 - 14 Nov 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3403

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation has strong intermittency and volatility due to its high dependence on solar radiation and other meteorological factors. Therefore, the negative impact of grid-connected PV on power systems has become one of the constraints in the development of large [...] Read more.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation has strong intermittency and volatility due to its high dependence on solar radiation and other meteorological factors. Therefore, the negative impact of grid-connected PV on power systems has become one of the constraints in the development of large scale PV systems. Accurate forecasting of solar power generation and flexible planning and operational measures are of great significance to ensure safe, stable, and economical operation of a system with high penetration of solar generation at transmission and distribution levels. In this paper, studies on the following aspects are reviewed: (1) this paper comprehensively expounds the research on forecasting techniques of PV power generation output. (2) In view of the new challenge brought by the integration of high proportion solar generation to the frequency stability of power grid, this paper analyzes the mechanisms of influence between them and introduces the current technical route of PV power generation participating in system frequency regulation. (3) This section reviews the feasible measures that facilitate the inter-regional and wide-area consumption of intermittent solar power generation. At the end of this paper, combined with the actual demand of the development of power grid and PV power generation, the problems that need further attention in the future are prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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Open AccessReview

Lifting Off Spatial Degeneracy of Functions, Where Does It Lead Us for Photovoltaic Device Systems?

by Akira Ishibashi, Yuto Okura and Nobuo Sawamura

Energies 2020, 13(19), 5234; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13195234 - 08 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1839

Abstract

The defact standard of a solar cell is that electric power generation is made at the same place as photoharvesting is performed, i.e., the function of photoharvesting/photoreception is spatially degenerated with that of electric power generation (photo-electroconversion). Here, in this review paper, we [...] Read more.

The defact standard of a solar cell is that electric power generation is made at the same place as photoharvesting is performed, i.e., the function of photoharvesting/photoreception is spatially degenerated with that of electric power generation (photo-electroconversion). Here, in this review paper, we investigate how liberated we are when the degeneracy is lifted off. A conventional concentrator system is, in a sense, a system in which the primary photoharvesting place is decoupled from the photo-conversion part, but is too bulky because the two parts are connected three-dimensionally by photons. We propose a two-dimensional photoreceptor-conversion (2DPRC) scheme in which the photoreception part is spatially decoupled from, but is two-dimensionally connected to the photo-conversion part by a redirection waveguide (RWG). The whole system is in an edge-illumination/photoinjection configuration and concentrator system is quite naturally built, and the edge-injection lift off the trade-off between photo-absorption and photo-carrier collection in the conventional solar cell, leading to a possible high conversion efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photovoltaic Systems: Modelling, Control, Design and Applications)

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