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MODELING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE UNDER VARYING SOLAR
IRRADIANCE
by
Md. Nazrul Islam
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Bangladesh
University of Engineering and Technology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the
Degree of
Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
September, 2014
ii
The thesis titled “Modeling of Photovoltaic Module under Varying Solar Irradiance”
submitted by Md. Nazrul Islam, Roll No. 040806218P, Session: April, 2008, has been accepted
as satisfactory in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in
Electrical and Electronic Engineering on September 08, 2014.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
1. ____________________________________________________
Dr. Sharif Mohammad Mominuzzaman Chairman Professor (Supervisor) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering BUET, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
2. ____________________________________________________ Dr. Taifur Ahmed Chowdhury Member Professor and Head (Ex-officio) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering BUET, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
3. ____________________________________________________ Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan Member Professor Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering BUET, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
4. ____________________________________________________ Dr. Md. Mosaddequr Rahman Member Professor (External) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering BRAC University 66, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
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Declaration
It is hereby declared that this thesis titled “Modeling of Photovoltaic Module under Varying
Solar Irradiance” or any part of it has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any degree
or diploma.
Signature of the Candidate
______________
Md. Nazrul Islam
iv
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express heartiest gratitude to his supervisor Dr. Sharif Mohammad
Mominuzzaman, Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET, Dhaka,
for giving me the opportunity to work with him and for his continuous guidance, suggestions and
wholehearted supervision throughout the progress of this work. I am indebted to him for
acquainting me with the world of advance research. It is also acknowledged that without his
advice, guidance and support this thesis work would not have been possible.
I am grateful to the Head of Department, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE),
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) for giving me permission to use
the laboratory and other facilities of the department.
I would like to thank Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) for giving me opportunity to
conduct my thesis work.
I am grateful to the authors of different articles mentioned in the reference which are very helpful
throughout the whole thesis work.
I would like to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to Md. Aminul Isalam, University
Grand Commissions who have helped by supplying experimental tools regarding the thesis.
I am indebted to Md. Ziaur Rahman, Phd Student, Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET) and my colleague Md. Arifur kabir who have helped by mental support and
cooperation to do the thesis work.
Further I would like to thank Mr. Sanaullah, Technical Assistant, Electrical and Electronic
Engineering (EEE), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and others
in the lab for helping me to complete the thesis work. Also I thank various other persons who
have helped me out with this project.
I thank my parents, close relatives and friends for their continuous inspiration towards the
completion of this works. Finally I am grateful to Almighty Allah for giving me strength and
courage to complete the work.
v
Abstract
Solar energy is most readily available source of energy. It is none polluting and maintenance
free. To make best use of the solar PV systems the output is maximized either by mechanically
tracking the sun and orienting the panel in such a direction so as to receive the maximum solar
irradiance or by electrically tracking the maximum power point under changing condition of
irradiation and temperature. The overall performance of solar cell varies with varying Irradiance
and Temperature with the change in the time of the day and the power received from the Sun by
the PV panel changes. Not only irradiance and temperature affect solar cell efficiency as well as
corresponding Fill factor also changes. This thesis gives an idea about how the solar cell
performance changes with the change in irradiance in reality and the result is shown by
conducting a number of experiments. In this thesis we also try to show that parasitic resistance of
the solar cell be a function of irradiance that was not considered in any PV model earlier. This
research focuses on a Matlab/SIMULINK model of a photovoltaic cell. This model is based on
mathematical equations and is described through an equivalent circuit including a photocurrent
source, a diode, a series resistor and a shunt resistor. In this research, the model will help to
predict the behavior of any PV module under different environmental conditions. The model can
also be used to extract the physical parameters for a given solar PV cell as a function of
temperature and solar radiation. In addition, this study outlines the working principle of PV
module as well as PV array. In order to validate the developed model, an experimental test bench
was built and the obtained results exhibited a good agreement with the simulation ones.
vi
Table of Contents Title Page i
Approval Page ii
Declaration iii
Acknowledgements iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi
List of Figures ix
List of Tables xv
List of Abbreviation xvi
List of Symbols xvii
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Background and Present State of the Problem 2
1.3 Objectives of the Work 3
1.4 Organization of This Thesis 3
Chapter 2: Review of Photovoltaic Module Modeling
2.1 Introduction 4
2.2 Source of Electrical Energy 4
2.3 Alternative Energy Source 5
2.4 Growth of Renewable Energy 6
2.5 Solar Energy 7
2.6 Application of Solar Technology 8
2.7 Solar Cell Structure 8
2.8 Light Generated Current 9
2.9 The Photovoltaic Effect 10
2.10 Solar Cell Parameters 11
2.10.1 Current Voltage Characteristics Curve of Solar Cell 11
vii
2.10.2 Short Circuit Current 13
2.10.3 Open-Circuit Voltage 14
2.10.4 Fill Factor 14
2.10.5 Efficiency 15
2.11 Resistive Effects 16 2.12 Types of Solar Cell Materials 18
2.13 Module and Array 21 2.14 Review of Existing Models of PV Cell /Module Characteristics 23
2.14.1 Single Exponential Diode Model without Any Resistance 23 2.14.2 Explicit Model 27
2.14.3 Solar Cell Model Using Four Parameters 33
2.14.4 Solar cell Model Using Five Parameters 40
2.14.5 Solar cell Model Using Two Exponential 46
2.15 Limitation of Above Models 53
3.4 Proposed Model for PV Module 54
Chapter 3: Test System Modeling
3.1 Introduction 55
3.2 Photovoltaic Models 55
3.3 PV Cell Model 57
3.4 PV Module and Array Model 60
3.5 Newton Raphson Algorithm 62
3.6 Simulation Tools 63
3.7 PV Module Simulation at Standard Condition 63
Chapter 4: Experimental and Simulation Results Analyses
4.1 Introduction 65
4.2 Experimental Setup 65
4.3 Experimental Result 66
viii
4.4 Comparing Efficiency between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline
Solar Module 77
4.5 Simulation Result 81
4.5.1 Effects of Solar Irradiance Variation 82
4.5.2 Effects of Varying Cell Temperature 90
4.5.3 Effect of Varying Rs 97
4.5.4 Effect of Varying Rsh 99
4.5.5 Effects of Varying Io 101
4.5.6 Effects of Varying Ideality factor 103 4.5.7 Effects of varying number of solar cell in series 104 4.5.8 Effects of varying number of solar cell in parallel 107 4.5.9 Simulation for cell, module and array 109
4.6 Experimental Results and Validation 112
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Works 5.1 Conclusions 117
5.2 Further Works 119
References 120
Appendix A
Appendix B
ix
List of Figures Figure 2.1: Annual electricity net generation from renewable energy in the world 5
Figure 2.2: Cross section of a solar cell 9
Figure 2.3: Photovoltaic effect 10
Figure 2.4: The effect of light on the current-voltage characteristics of a p-n junction 12
Figure 2.5: Current-Voltage characteristics of a solar cell showing the short-circuit current 13 Figure 2.6: Current-Voltage characteristics of a solar cell showing the open-circuit
voltage 14
Figure 2.7: Cell output current and power as function of voltage 15
Figure 2.8: Parasitic series and shunt resistances in a solar cell circuit 17
Figure 2.9: Photographs of (a) crystalline Si, and (b) multicrystalline Si solar cells 19
Figure 2.10: Market share of solar cell types sold during 2012 20
Figure 2.11: Evolution of best laboratory efficiency for different solar cell technologies 21
Figure 2.12: PV cell, Module and Array 22
Figure 2.13: Construction of a typical Mono-crystalline PV / Solar Panel 22
Figure 2.14: Ideal solar cell with single-diode 23
Figure 2.15: Block diagram for calculate light generated current 25
Figure 2.16: Block diagram for calculate diode current 26
Figure 2.17: Block diagram for calculate current 26
Figure 2.18: Current-Voltage characteristic curve of an ideal PV cell 27
Figure 2.19: Current-Voltage characteristic of the KC200GT array at T=25°C 31
Figure 2.20: Current-Voltage characteristic of the KC200GT array at G=1000 W/m² 31
Figure 2.21: Power-Voltage characteristic of the KC200GT array at T=25°C 32
Figure 2.22: Power-Voltage characteristic of the KC200GT array at G=1000 W/m² 32
Figure 2.23: Solar cell with single-diode and series resistance 33
Figure 2.24: Current-Voltage characteristic of 60W solar module 36
Figure 2.25: Power-Voltage characteristic of 60W solar module 37
Figure 2.26: Current-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying irradiance 38
Figure 2.27: Power-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying irradiance 38
x
Figure 2.28: Current-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying
temperature 39
Figure 2.29: Power-Voltage characteristics of 60W panel with varying temperature 39
Figure 2.30: Solar cell equivalent circuit including series resistance and shunt resistance 40
Figure 2.31: Current block diagram for single diode with Rs and Rsh 44
Figure 2.32: Current-Voltage characteristics at T=25 °C for various irradiance levels 44
Figure 2.33: Power-Voltage characteristics at T=25 °C for different irradiances 45
Figure 2.34: Power-Voltage characteristics at G=1000 W/m2 for various temperatures 45
Figure 2.35: Current-Voltage characteristics at G=1000W/m2 for various temperatures 46
Figure 2.36: Solar cell equivalent circuit for model with two exponential 47
Figure 2.37: Simulink Block diagram for the Light-Generated Current, Iph 49
Figure 2.38: Block diagram for the Diode Currents, Id1, and Id2 50
Figure 2.39: Block diagram for the Output current, I 50
Figure 2.40: Current (I)-Voltage (V) characteristics at standard conditions, 51 temperature (T)=25° , irradiance (G)=1000Watt/m2 Figure2.41: Current (I)-Voltage (V) characteristics at temperature 51 (T)=25°C for different irradiances Figure 2.42: Power (P)-Voltage (V) characteristics at temperature 52 (T)=25°C with different irradiances. Figure 2.43: Current (I)-Voltage (V) characteristics at irradiance 52 (G)=1000Watt/m2 for different temperatures
Figure 2.44: Power (P)-Voltage (V) characteristics at irradiance 53 (G)=1000W/m2 for different temperatures
Figure 3.1: Typical Characteristics of solar cell 56
Figure 3.2: PV Cell Equivalent Circuit Model 57 Figure 3.3: Equivalent circuit models of generalized PV array 61
Figure 3.4: Simulation models of generalized PV array 64
Figure 4.1: Schematic diagram of a solar cell/module measurement system 65
Figure 4.2: Current Voltage characteristics at six various irradiance levels 66 Figure 4.3: Power Voltage characteristics at six different irradiance levels 67
xi
Figure 4.4: Short circuit current as a function of irradiance 67 Figure 4.5: Open circuit voltage (VOC) as a function of irradiance 68
Figure 4.6: Pmax as a function of irradiance 69 Figure 4.7: Fill factor as a function of irradiance 69
Figure 4.8: Efficiency as a function of irradiance 71 Figure 4.9: Series resistance as a function of solar irradiance 72
Figure 4.10: Efficiency as a function of series resistance 72 Figure 4.11 Shunt resistance as a function of solar irradiance 72
Figure 4.12: Obtaining resistances from the I-V Curve 73 Figure 4.13: Rs Matlab/SIMULINK subsystem for varying solar irradiance 74
Figure 4.14: Series resistance as a function of solar irradiance (Compare between experimental and equation value) 76
Figure 4.15: Series resistance as a function of solar irradiance (Compare between another experimental and equation value) 77
Figure 4.16: Ideality factor (n) as a function of solar irradiance 77 Figure 4.17: Irradiance as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013) 79
Figure 4.18:Pmax as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013) 79
Figure 4.19: Efficiency as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013) 80
Figure 4.20: Current Voltage characteristics at irradiance=1000 w/m2 and Tc=250c 83
Figure 4.21: Power Voltage characteristics at irradiance=1000 w/m2 and Tc=250c 83
Figure 4.22: Iph Matlab/SIMULINK subsystem for varying cell temperature and solar irradiance 84 Figure 4.23 Current Voltage characteristics for different solar irradiance 84
Figure 4.24: Power Voltage characteristics for different solar irradiance 85
Figure 4.25: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 105 W/m2 85
Figure 4.26: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 105 W/m2 85
Figure 4.27: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 202 W/m2 86
Figure 4.28: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 202 W/m2 86
Figure 4.29: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 304 W/m2 86
Figure 4.30: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 304 W/m2 87
xii
Figure 4.31: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 400 W/m2 87
Figure 4.32: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 400 W/m2 87
Figure 4.33: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 502 W/m2 88
Figure 4.34: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 502 W/m2 88
Figure 4.35: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 602 W/m2 88
Figure 4.36: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at 602 W/m2 89
Figure 4.37: Tcell Matlab /SIMULINK subsystem for varying solar irradiance 90
Figure 4.38: Cell temperature as a function of solar irradiance 90 Figure 4.39: Matlab/SIMULINK temperature effect subsystem on diode
reverses saturation current 91
Figure 4.40: Current -Voltage characteristics for different cell temperatures 92
Figure 4.41: Power-Voltage characteristics for different cell temperatures 92
Figure 4.42: VOC as a function of cell temperature 93
Figure 4.43: Isc as a function of cell temperature 93 Figure 4.44: Pmax as a function of cell temperature 94 Figure 4.45: Fill factor as a function of cell temperature 94 Figure 4.46: Efficiency as a function of cell temperature 95 Figure 4.47: Rs as a function of temperature 96 Figure 4.48: Rsh as a function of temperature 97 Figure 4.49: Current -Voltage characteristics for different Rs 97 Figure 4.50: Power -Voltage characteristics for different Rs 98 Figure 4.51: Pmax as a function of Rs 98 Figure 4.52: FF as a function of Rs 99 Figure 4.53: Eff-Rs curves 99 Figure 4.54: Current -Voltage characteristics for different Rsh 100 Figure 4.55: Power -Voltage characteristics for different Rsh 100 Figure 4.56: Pmax as a function of Rsh 100 Figure 4.57: FF as a function of Rsh 101 Figure 4.58: Efficiency as a function of Rsh 101 Figure 4.59: Current -Voltage characteristics for different Io 102
Figure 4.60: Power -Voltage characteristics for different Io 102
xiii
Figure 4.61: Current -Voltage characteristic as a function of diode quality factor 103 Figure 4.62: Power -Voltage characteristic as a function of diode quality factor 103
Figure 4.63: Current -Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cells in series 104
Figure 4.64: Power -Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cells in series 105
Figure 4.65: Rs as a function of the number of cell in series 105 Figure 4.66: Rsh as a function of the number of cell in series 105 Figure 4.67: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics of two modules
in series at irradiance of 580 W/m2 106
Figure 4.68: Simulated and experimental Power-Voltage characteristics of two modules
in series at 580 W/m2 106
Figure 4.69: Current -Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel 107 Figure 4.70: Power -Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cells
in parallel 107
Figure 4.71: Rs characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel 108
Figure 4.72: Rsh characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel 108 Figure 4.73: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics of two modules
in parallel at irradiance of 580 W/m2 108
Figure 4.74: Simulated and experimental Power -Voltage characteristics of two modules in
parallel at 580 W/m2 109
Figure 4.75: SIMULINK model for the PV module 109 Figure 4.76: SIMULINK model for the PV array 110 Figure 4.77: Current -Voltage characteristics of a cell for test module 110
Figure 4.78: Power -Voltage characteristics of a cell for test module 111
Figure 4.79: Current -Voltage characteristics for test module 111
Figure 4.80: Power -Voltage characteristics for test module 111
Figure 4.81: Current -Voltage characteristics of array for test module 112
Figure 4.82: Power -Voltage characteristics of array for test module 112
Figure 4.83: Test Module (JKM250M-60) 113
Figure 4.84: Simulation result of Current -Voltage Characteristics at 580 W/m2 114
xiv
Figure 4.85: Simulation result of Power -Voltage Characteristics at 580 W/m2 114
Figure 4.86: Experimental results of Current -Voltage Characteristics at 580 W/m2 114
Figure 4.87: Experimental Results of Power -Voltage Characteristics at 580 W/m2 115
Figure 4.88: Simulated and experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at 580 W/m2 115
Figure 4.89: Simulated and experimental Power -Voltage characteristics at 580 W/m2 116
xv
List of Tables
Table 2.1: Source of Electricity (World total year 2012) 5
Table 2.2: Worldwide Renewable Electricity Generation as a percentage of
Total Generation 6
Table 2.3: Best efficiencies reported for different solar cells and modules 20
Table 3.1: Ideality factor n dependence on PV technology 59
Table 4.1: Major Specifications for the test module 66
Table 4.2: Datasheet of series and shunt resistance w.r.t solar Irradiance 74
Table 4.3: Comparing series resistance between experimental and developed
equation value 75
Table 4.4: Compare equation with another experimental data 75
Table 4.5: Specifications of PV panels used in this experiment 78
Table 4.6: Comparing performance between mono crystalline and poly crystalline
solar panel 81
Table 4.7: Comparing output parameters between experimental and developed
model value 82
Table 4.8: Comparing Simulation result with experimental results 89
Table 4.9: Extracted values of Rs and Rsh for the considered crystalline silicon solar
cell at irradiance of 1 kW/m2 96
Table 4.10: Simulation result for the test module of varying Rs 98
Table 4.11: Different parameters with varying number of solar cell in series 104
Table 4.12 Comparison of simulation and experimental value for two modules in series 106 Table 4.13: Different parameters with varying number of solar cell in parallel 107
Table 4.14 Comparison of simulation and experimental value for two modules in
Parallel 109
Table 4.15: Key specification of the test module (JKM250M-60) 113
Table 4.16: Comparison of simulation and experimental result for test module
(JKM250M-60) at irradiance of 580 W/m2 116
xvi
List of Abbreviations
PV Photovoltaic
FF Fill Factor
STC Standard Test Condition
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
EIA Energy Information Administration
EFF Efficiency
AM Air Mass
MPP Maximum Power Point
SPS Sim Power System
kwh kilo watt hour
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
OPVC Organic Photovoltaic Cell
CIGS Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide
CSP Concentrated Solar Power
NOCT Normal operating cell temperature
xvii
List of Symbols
Φ Photon flux
λ Wavelength
q Electronic charge
Eg Bandgap
ISC Short circuit current
VOC Open circuit voltage
I0 Saturation Current
η Efficiency
n Ideality factor
Rsh Shunt Resistance
Rs Series Resistance
Iph Light generated current
K Boltzmann’s constant
TC Cell temperature
G Solar Irradiance
NP No. of cell in parallel
NS No. of cell in series
1
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
1.1 Introduction The entire world is facing a challenge to overcome the hurdle of energy crisis. With increasing
concerns about fossil fuel deficit, skyrocketing oil prices, global warming and damage to
environment & ecosystem, the promising incentives to develop alternative energy resources with
high efficiency and low emission are of great importance. Renewable energy resources will be an
increasingly important part of power generation in the new millennium. Besides assisting in the
reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases, they add the much- needed flexibility to the
energy resource mix by decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels [1]. Among the renewable
energy resources, the energy through the photovoltaic (PV) effect can be considered the most
essential and prerequisite sustainable resource because of the ubiquity, abundance and
sustainability of solar radiant energy. Regardless of the intermittency of sunlight, solar energy is
a renewable, inexhaustible, widely available & completely free of cost and ultimate source of
energy. The main direct or indirectly derived advantages of solar energy are the following; No
emissions of greenhouse (mainly CO2, NOx) or toxic gasses (SO2, particulates), reclamation of
degraded land, reduction of transmission lines from electricity grids, increase of
regional/national energy independence, diversification and security of energy supply,
acceleration of rural electrification in developing countries [2]. If used in a proper way, it has a
capacity to fulfill numerous energy needs of the world. The power from the sun intercepted by
earth is approximately 1.8 x 1011 MW [3]. This figure, being thousands of time larger than the
present consumption rate enables more and more research in the field of solar energy so that the
present and future energy needs of the world can be met. India is endowed with vast solar energy
potential. Photovoltaic (PV) system produces DC electricity when sunlight falls on the PV array,
without any emissions. The DC power is converted to AC power with an inverter and can be
used to power local loads or fed back to the utility [4]. PV module represents the fundamental
power conversion unit of a PV Generator system. PV system consists of a PV generator (cell,
module or array), energy storage devices (such as batteries), AC and DC consumers and
2
elements for power conditioning. The PV application can be grouped, depending on the scheme
of interaction with utility grid as: grid connected, stand alone and hybrid. The output
characteristics of PV module depends mainly on the solar insolation, the cell temperature and
output voltage of PV module. Since PV module has nonlinear characteristics, it is necessary to
model the PV unit for MPPT (maximum power point tracking) in PV-based power systems. It is
crucial to maximize the output electrical power available from the PV module. Several MPPT
(Maximum Power Point Tracking) techniques have been proposed [5]. It is difficult to simulate
and analyze PV in the generic modeling of PV power system. This motivates to develop a
generalized model for PV module using MATLAB/Simulink. This work refers about a model for
modeling and simulation of PV module.
1.2 Background and Present State of the Problem The present electric energy crisis has made the necessity to the exploitation of non conventional
and renewable energy sources. Solar energy could be a major source of power generation in the
world. Solar energy is rapidly gaining its popularity as an important source of renewable energy.
The energy potential of the sun is immense, and it is one of the emerging energy sources, which
is subsidized in order to secure the distribution of the technology worldwide. The market for PV
systems is growing worldwide. In fact, nowadays, solar PV provides around 4800 GW [6].
Between 2004 and 20011, grid connected PV capacity reached 71 GW [7] and was increasing at
an annual average rate of 60% [8]. In fact, the demand for solar energy has increased by 20% to
25% over the past 20 years [9].The Solar Home System (SHS) is considered to be one of the
most successful of its kind in the world, bringing power to rural areas where grid electricity
supply is neither available nor expected in the medium term [10]. More than 100 countries use
solar PV. Installations may be ground-mounted (and sometimes integrated with farming and
grazing) or built into the roof or walls of a building (either building-integrated photovoltaics or
simply rooftop. As solar energy is one of the cleanest and simplest forms of energy, it can hope
to find [11].
Solar power (photovoltaic) systems are a sustainable way to convert the energy of the sun into
electricity. The expected lifetime of a system is 25-30 years. But the efficiency of solar panel is a
big factor. In order to get benefit from the application of PV systems, research activities are
being conducted in an attempt to gain further improvement in their cost, efficiency and
3
reliability. The research in solar energy has become an increasingly important topic in the 21st
century with the problem of energy crisis becoming more and more aggravated, resulting in
increased exploitation and search for new energy resources around the world. PV module
represents the fundamental power conversion unit of a PV generator system. To experiment with
PV cells and module in the laboratory is a time consuming and costly task [12]. Thus, it is
difficult to simulate and analyze in the generic modeling of PV power system. Since PV module
has nonlinear characteristics, it is necessary to model it for the design and simulation of
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for PV system applications. The mathematical PV
models used in computer simulation have been built for over the past two decades. Almost all
well developed PV models describe the output characteristics mainly affected by the solar
insulation, cell temperature, series parallel combination of solar cell and load voltage [13]. But
parasitic resistance of solar cell is expected to be affected by solar radiation and temperature.
However, to the best of our knowledge, no model considers the radiation and temperature effect
on parasitic resistances of solar cell. To overcome this problem it is necessary to develop a
generalized model for PV cell, module and array considering the effect of solar radiation.
1.3 Objectives of the Work
The main goal of this work is to develop a model of photovoltaic (PV) solar module and
compare the photovoltaic characteristics of the commercial PV module to that of the
characteristics obtained using the developed model. the effect of varying solar irradiation and
temperature on series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), fill factor (FF), efficiency, power,
short circuit current (ISC), open circuit voltage (VOC) of crystalline module and array will be
analyzed . The developed model will be expected to predict photovoltaic characteristics under
varying solar irradiance using the specifications of the commercial PV module.
1.4 Organization of This Thesis
The dissertation is structured as follows. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction followed by
the background and the objectives of the work. Chapter 2 demonstrates the review of the
modeling of solar cell characteristics. Chapter 3 presents test modeling of systems and
simulation tools. Results of analyses have been introduced and talked over in Chapter 4.
Conclusion and future research suggestions are offered in Chapter 5.
4
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW ON PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE MODELING
2.1 Introduction This chapter introduces existing models of PV solar cell and module characteristics. The output
power of solar cells can be affected by many factors, such as irradiance, temperature and
material. The raw material of solar cells can be mainly categorized into silicon and compounds.
Silicon is the most widely used raw material to manufacture solar cells, and can be subdivided
into monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon. The arrangement of
silicon atoms in monocrystalline solar cells is regular, and its transfer efficiency is comparatively
high. The theoretical transfer efficiency of monocrystalline solar cells is 15% to 18%, and
12~16% for polycrystalline solar modules. Polycrystalline silicon has advantage of low cost but
disadvantage of less efficiency. The transfer efficiency of polycrystalline solar module is about
10~14% [14]. Modeling of photovoltaic module is an essential topic of research since there is
always a need to ensure that the generation of electricity via solar technologies prediction is as
accurate as possible .Over the last forty years several theoretical as well as experimental studies
on the modeling of the solar photovoltaic system performance have been carried out. In doing so,
the concept of circuit equivalence to represent a solar cell has been widely established .
2.2 Source of Electric Energy Electricity is energy that has been harnessed and refined from a wide range of sources and is
suitable for diverse uses. The production of electricity in 2012 was 20,261TWh. Sources of
electricity were fossil fuels 67%, renewable energy 16% (mainly hydroelectric, wind, solar and
biomass), and nuclear power 13%, and other sources were 3%. The majority of fossil fuel usage
for the generation of electricity was coal and gas. Oil was 5.5%, as it is the most expensive
common commodity used to produce electrical energy. Ninety-two percent of renewable energy
was hydroelectric followed by wind at 6% and geothermal at 1.8%. Solar photovoltaic was
0.06%, and solar thermal was 0.004% [15].
5
Table 2.1: Source of Electricity (World total year 2012) [16]
(Source: EIA International Energy Statistics database)
- Coal Oil Natural
Gas Nuclear Renewable other Total
Average electric power (TWh/year) 8,263 1,111 4,301 2,731 3,288 568 20,261
Average electric power (GW) 942.6 126.7 490.7 311.6 375.1 64.8 2311.4
Proportion 41% 5% 21% 13% 16% 3% 100%
.
2.3 Alternative Energy Source: Fossil fuels are nonrenewable; they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle,
becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. Alternative energy or
renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, are constantly replenished and will
never run out. Renewable energy is a socially and politically defined category of energy sources.
Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from resources which are
continually replenished on a human timescale such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and
Fig. 2.1: Annual electricity net generation from renewable energy in the world [17]
6
geothermal heat [18]. About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewable
resources, with 10% of all energy from traditional biomass, mainly used for heating, and 3.4%
from hydroelectricity. New renewable (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal,
and bio fuels) accounted for another 3% and are growing rapidly [19]. The share of renewable
in electricity generation is around 19%, with 16% of electricity coming from hydroelectricity and
3% from new renewable [20].
2.4 Growth of Renewable Energy: From the end of 2004, worldwide renewable energy capacity grew at rates of 10–60% annually
for many technologies. For wind power and many other renewable technologies, growth
Table 2.2: Worldwide Renewable Electricity Generation as a percentage of Total
Generation [21]
accelerated in 2009 relative to the previous four years [22]. More wind power capacity was
added during 2009 than any other renewable technology. However, grid-connected PV increased
the fastest of all renewable technologies, with a 60% annual average growth rate [23]. In 2010,
renewable power constituted about a third of the newly built power generation capacities. By
2014 the installed capacity of photovoltaic will likely exceed that of wind, but due to the
7
lower capacity factor of solar, the energy generated from photovoltaic is not expected to exceed
that of wind until 2015. Projections vary, but scientists have advanced a plan to power 100% of
the world's energy with wind, hydroelectric and solar power by the year 2030 [24].
2.5 Solar Energy Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity, solar
architecture and artificial photosynthesis. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as
either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute
solar energy. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and thermal
collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun,
selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing
spaces that naturally circulate air. In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the
development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge
longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an
indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance sustainability,
reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and keep fossil fuel prices lower
than otherwise. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth's surface is mostly spread across the
visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet [27].
Earth's land surface, oceans and atmosphere absorb solar radiation, and this raises their
temperature. Warm air containing evaporated water from the oceans rises, causing atmospheric
circulation or convection. When the air reaches a high altitude, where the temperature is low,
water vapor condenses into clouds, which rain onto the Earth's surface, completing the water
cycle. The total solar energy absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land masses is
approximately 3,850,000 EJ per year [28]. In 2002, this was more energy in one hour than the
world used in one year. The technical potential available from biomass is from 100–300 EJ/year
[80]. The amount of solar energy reaching the surface of the planet is so vast that in one year it is
about twice as much as will ever be obtained from all of the Earth's non-renewable resources of
coal, oil, natural gas, and mined uranium combined, solar energy can be harnessed at different
levels around the world, mostly depending on distance from the equator.
8
2.6 Application of Solar Technology
Sunlight has influenced building design since the beginning of architectural history. Advanced solar architecture and urban planning methods were first employed by the Greeks and Chinese, who oriented their buildings toward the south to provide light and warmth.
The common features of passive solar architecture are orientation relative to the Sun, compact
proportion (a low surface area to volume ratio), selective shading (overhangs) and thermal mass.
Agriculture and horticulture seek to optimize the capture of solar energy in order to optimize the
productivity of plants.
Development of a solar-powered car has been an engineering goal since the 1980s. The
North and the planned South African Solar Challenge are comparable competitions that reflect
an international interest in the engineering and development of solar powered vehicles.
Solar thermal technologies can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and
process heat generation Solar energy may be used in a water stabilization pond to treat waste
water without chemicals or electricity. Solar cookers use sunlight for cooking, drying and
pasteurization. They can be grouped into three broad categories: box cookers, panel cookers and
reflector cookers.
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV),
or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP systems use lenses or mirrors and
tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. PV converts light into
electric current using the photoelectric effect.
Solar chemical processes use solar energy to drive chemical reactions. These processes offset
energy that would otherwise come from a fossil fuel source and can also convert solar energy
into storable and transportable fuels. Solar induced chemical reactions can be divided into
thermo chemical or photochemical. A variety of fuels can be produced by artificial
photosynthesis.
2.7 Solar Cell Structure A solar cell is an electronic device which directly converts sunlight into electricity. Light shining
on the solar cell produces both a current and a voltage to generate electric power. This process
requires firstly, a material in which the absorption of light raises an electron to a higher energy
9
state, and secondly, the movement of this higher energy electron from the solar cell into an
external circuit. The electron then dissipates its energy in the external circuit and returns to the
solar cell. A variety of materials and processes can potentially satisfy the requirements
for photovoltaic energy conversion, but in practice nearly all photovoltaic energy conversion
uses semiconductor materials in the form of a p-n junction.
Fig. 2.2: Cross section of a solar cell [29]
The basic steps in the operation of a solar cell are:
the generation of light-generated carriers; the collection of the light-generated carries to generate a current; the generation of a large voltage across the solar cell; and the dissipation of power in the load and in parasitic resistances. 2.8 Light Generated Current The generation of current in a solar cell, known as the "light-generated current", involves two
key processes. The first process is the absorption of incident photons to create electron-hole
pairs. Electron-hole pairs will be generated in the solar cell provided that the incident photon has
an energy greater than that of the band gap. However, electrons (in the p-type material), and
holes (in the n-type material) are meta-stable and will only exist, on average, for a length of time
equal to the minority carrier lifetime before they recombine. If the carrier recombines, then the
light-generated electron-hole pair is lost and no current or power can be generated [30].
A second process, the collection of these carriers by the p-n junction, prevents this recombination
by using a p-n junction to spatially separate the electron and the hole. The carriers are separated
by the action of the electric field existing at the p-n junction. If the light
10
generated minority carrier reaches the p-n junction, it is swept across the junction by the electric
field at the junction, where it is now a majority carrier. If the emitter and base of the solar cell are
connected together (i.e., if the solar cell is short-circuited), the light-generated carriers flow
through the external circuit.
2.9 The Photovoltaic Effect The collection of light-generated carriers does not by itself give rise to power generation. In
order to generate power, a voltage must be generated as well as a current. Voltage is generated in
a solar cell by a process known as the "photovoltaic effect". The collection of light-generated
carriers by the p-n junction causes a movement of electrons to the n-type side and holes to the p-
type side of the junction. Under short circuit conditions, there is no build up of charge, as the
carriers exit the device as light-generated current [32].
Fig. 2.3: Photovoltaic effect [34]
However, if the light-generated carriers are prevented from leaving the solar cell, then the
collection of light-generated carriers causes an increase in the number of electrons on the n-type
side of the p-n junction and a similar increase in holes in the p-type material. This separation of
charge creates an electric field at the junction which is in opposition to that already existing at
the junction, thereby reducing the net electric field. Since the electric field represents a barrier to
the flow of the forward bias diffusion current, the reduction of the electric field increases the
diffusion current. A new equilibrium is reached in which a voltage exists across the p-n junction.
Under open circuit conditions, the forward bias of the junction increases to a point where the
11
light-generated current is exactly balanced by the forward bias diffusion current, and the net
current is zero. The voltage required to cause these two currents to balance is called the "open-
circuit voltage"[33]. Note the different magnitudes of currents crossing the junction. In
equilibrium (i.e. in the dark) both the diffusion and drift current are small. Under short circuit
conditions, the minority carrier concentration on either side of the junction is increased and the
drift current, which depends on the number of minority carriers, is increased. Under open circuit
conditions, the light-generated carriers forward bias the junction, thus increasing the diffusion
current. Since the drift and diffusion current are in opposite direction, there is no net current from
the solar cell at open circuit.
2.10 Solar Cell Parameters 2.10.1 Current Voltage Characteristics Curve of Solar Cell The IV curve of a solar cell is the superposition of the IV curve of the solar cell diode in the dark
with the light-generated current. The light has the effect of shifting the IV curve down into the
fourth quadrant where power can be extracted from the diode. Illuminating a cell adds to the
normal "dark" currents in the diode so that the diode law becomes [35]:
퐼 = 퐼0 exp qVnKT
− 1 − 퐼L
where IL = light generated current. The equation for the IV curve in the first quadrant is:
퐼 = 퐼L − 퐼0 exp qVnKT
− 1
The -1 term in the above equation can usually be neglected. The exponential term is usually >> 1
except for voltages below 100 mV. Further, at low voltages the light generated current
IL dominates the I0 term so the -1 term is not needed under illumination.
퐼 = 퐼L − 퐼0 exp qVnKT
Several important parameters which are used to characterize solar cells are discussed in the
following pages. The short-circuit current (ISC), the open-circuit voltage (VOC), the fill
factor (FF) and the efficiency are all parameters determined from the IV curve.
(2.1)
(2.2)
(2.3)
13
2.10.2 Short-Circuit Current The short-circuit current is the current through the solar cell when the voltage across the solar
cell is zero (i.e., when the solar cell is short circuited). Usually written as ISC, the short-circuit
current is shown on the IV curve below.
Fig 2.5: Current-Voltage characteristics of a solar cell showing the short-circuit current [37].
The short-circuit current is due to the generation and collection of light-generated carriers. For an
ideal solar cell at most moderate resistive loss mechanisms, the short-circuit current and the
light-generated current are identical. Therefore, the short-circuit current is the largest current
which may be drawn from the solar cell.
The short-circuit current depends on a number of factors which are described below:
the area of the solar cell. To remove the dependence of the solar cell area, it is more common to list the short-circuit current density (Jsc in mA/cm2) rather than the short-circuit current;
the number of photons (i.e., the power of the incident light source). Isc from a solar cell is directly dependant on the light intensity as discussed in Effect of Light Intensity;
the spectrum of the incident light. For most solar cell measurement, the spectrum is standardized to the AM1.5 spectrum;
the optical properties (absorption and reflection) of the solar cell ; and
the collection probability of the solar cell, which depends chiefly on the surface
passivation and the minority carrier lifetime in the base.
14
2.10.3 Open-Circuit Voltage The open-circuit voltage, VOC, is the maximum voltage available from a solar cell, and this
occurs at zero current. The open-circuit voltage corresponds to the amount of forward bias on the
solar cell due to the bias of the solar cell junction with the light-generated current. The open-
circuit voltage is shown on the IV curve below.
Fig. 2.6: Current-Voltage characteristics of a solar cell showing the open-circuit voltage [38]
An equation for Voc is found by setting the net current equal to zero in the solar cell equation to
give:
The above equation shows that Voc depends on the saturation current of the solar cell and the
light-generated current. While Isc typically has a small variation, the key effect is the saturation
current, since this may vary by orders of magnitude. The saturation current, I0 depends on
recombination in the solar cell. Open-circuit voltage is then a measure of the amount of
recombination in the device. Silicon solar cells on high quality single crystalline material have
open-circuit voltages of up to 730 mV under one sun and AM1.5 conditions, while commercial
devices on multicrystalline silicon typically have open-circuit voltages around 600 mV.
2.10.4 Fill Factor The short-circuit current and the open-circuit voltage are the maximum current and voltage
respectively from a solar cell. However, at both of these operating points, the power from the
(2.4)
15
solar cell is zero. The "fill factor", more commonly known by its abbreviation "FF", is a
parameter which, in conjunction with Voc and Isc, determines the maximum power from a solar
cell. The FF is defined as the ratio of the maximum power from the solar cell to the product of
VOC and ISC. Graphically, the FF is a measure of the "squareness" of the solar cell and is also the
area of the largest rectangle which will fit in the IV curve. The FF is illustrated below.
Fig. 2.7: Cell output current and power as a function of voltage.
As FF is a measure of the "squareness" of the IV curve, a solar cell with a higher voltage has a
larger possible FF since the "rounded" portion of the IV curve takes up less area. The variation in
maximum FF can be significant for solar cells made from different materials. For example, a
GaAs solar cell may have a FF approaching 0.89.
The FF is most commonly determined from measurement of the IV curve and is defined as the
maximum power divided by the product of ISC*VOC, i.e.:
2.10.5 Efficiency The efficiency is the most commonly used parameter to compare the performance of one solar
cell to another. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of energy output from the solar cell to input
energy from the sun. In addition to reflecting the performance of the solar cell itself, the
efficiency depends on the spectrum and intensity of the incident sunlight and the temperature of
the solar cell. Therefore, conditions under which efficiency is measured must be carefully
(2.5)
16
controlled in order to compare the performance of one device to another. Terrestrial solar cells
are measured under AM1.5 conditions and at a temperature of 25°C. Solar cells intended for
space use are measured under AM0 conditions. Recent top efficiency solar cell results are given
in the page Solar Cell Efficiency Results.
The efficiency of a solar cell is determined as the fraction of incident power which is converted
to electricity and is defined as [40]:
Where VOC is the open-circuit voltage;
where ISC is the short-circuit current; and
where FF is the fill factor
where η is the efficiency.
2.11 Resistive Effects Resistive effects in solar cells reduce the efficiency of the solar cell by dissipating power in the
resistances. The most common parasitic resistances are series resistance and shunt resistance.
The inclusion of the series and shunt resistance on the solar cell model is shown in the figure
below [41]. In most cases and for typical values of shunt and series resistance, the key impact of
parasitic resistance is to reduce the fill factor. Both the magnitude and impact of series and shunt
resistance depend on the geometry of the solar cell, at the operating point of the solar cell. Since
the value of resistance will depend on the area of the solar cell, when comparing the series
resistance of solar cells which may have different areas, a common unit for resistance is in Ωcm2.
This area-normalized resistance results from replacing current with current density in Ohm's law
as shown below [42]:
(2.7)
(2.6)
(2.8)
17
Fig 2.8: Parasitic series and shunt resistances in a solar cell circuit [41]
i) Series Resistance
Series resistance in a solar cell has three causes: firstly, the movement of current through the
emitter and base of the solar cell; secondly, the contact resistance between the metal contact and
the silicon; and finally the resistance of the top and rear metal contacts. The main impact of
series resistance is to reduce the fill factor, although excessively high values may also reduce the
short-circuit current as shown in Eqn.2.9 [43].
where: I is the cell output current, IL is the light generated current, V is the voltage across the
cell terminals, T is the temperature, q and k are constants, n is the ideality factor, and Rs is the
cell series resistance. The formula is an example of an implicit function due to the appearance of
the current, I, on both sides of the equation and requires numerical methods to solve.
However, near the open-circuit voltage, the IV curve is strongly affected by the series resistance.
A straight-forward method of estimating the series resistance from a solar cell is to find the slope
of the IV curve at the open-circuit voltage point.
ii) Shunt Resistance
Significant power losses caused by the presence of a shunt resistance, Rsh are typically due to
manufacturing defects, rather than poor solar cell design. Low shunt resistance causes power
losses in solar cells by providing an alternate current path for the light-generated current. Such a
diversion reduces the amount of current flowing through the solar cell junction and reduces the
voltage from the solar cell. The effect of a shunt resistance is particularly severe at low light
levels, since there will be less light-generated current. The loss of this current to the shunt
(2.9)
18
therefore has a larger impact. In addition, at lower voltages where the effective resistance of the
solar cell is high, the impact of a resistance in parallel is large. The equation for a solar cell in
presence of a shunt resistance is [44]:
Where: I is the cell output current, IL is the light generated current, V is the voltage across the
cell terminals, T is the temperature, q and k are constants, n is the ideality factor, and Rsh is the
cell shunt resistance.
An estimate for the value of the shunt resistance of a solar cell can be determined from the slope
of the IV curve near the short-circuit current point.
The impact of the shunt resistance on the fill factor can be calculated in a manner similar to that
used to find the impact of series resistance on fill factor. The maximum power may be
approximated as the power in the absence of shunt resistance, minus the power lost in the shunt
resistance.
2.12 Types of Solar Cell Materials PV cells are made of semiconductor materials. The major types of materials are crystalline and
thin films, which vary from each other in terms of light absorption efficiency, energy conversion
efficiency, manufacturing technology and cost of production. Industrial photovoltaic solar cells
are made of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium
elluride or copper indium selenide/sulfide, or GaAs based multijunction material systems [45].
Many currently available solar cells are made from bulk materials that are cut
into wafers between 180 to 240 micrometers thick that are then processed like other
semiconductors [46].
i) Inorganic Solar Cell The inorganic semiconductor materials used to make photovoltaic cells include crystalline,
multicrystalline, amorphous, and microcrystalline Si, the III-V compounds and alloys, CdTe, and
the chalcopyrite compound, copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). We show the structure of
the different devices that have been developed, discuss the main methods of manufacture, and
review the achievements of the different technologies. A photograph of a cell is given in Fig. 2.9.
(2.10)
19
The highest efficiency Si solar cell produced in the laboratory is the ‘passivated emitter rear
locally diffused’ solar cell, which has an efficiency of 24.7% [47].
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.9: Photographs of (a) crystalline Si, and (b) multicrystalline Si solar cells [48].
ii) Organic solar cell An organic solar cell or plastic solar cell is a type of polymer solar cell that uses organic
electronics, a branch of electronics that deals with conductive organic polymers or small organic
molecules for light absorption and charge transport to produce electricity from sunlight by the
photovoltaic effect. The plastic used in organic solar cells has low production costs in high
volumes. Combined with the flexibility of organic molecules, organic solar cells are potentially
cost-effective for photovoltaic applications. Molecular engineering (e.g. changing the length and
functional group of polymers) can change the energy gap, which allows chemical change in these
materials. The optical absorption coefficient of organic molecules is high, so a large amount of
light can be absorbed with a small amount of materials [49]. The main disadvantages associated
with organic photovoltaic cells are low efficiency, low stability and low strength compared to
inorganic photovoltaic cells.
Types of junctions for OPVC:
* Single layer organic photovoltaic cell
* Bilayer organic photovoltaic cells
*Bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells
*Graded Heterojunction photovoltaic cells
20
The best efficiencies obtained with each cell type are given in Table 2.3 and the market share of
the different cell types during 2012 are given in Fig.2.10
Fig.2.10: Market share of solar cell types sold during 2012 [50].
Table 2.3 Best efficiencies reported for different solar cells and modules (Source: NREL, USA)[51]
Types of Solar Cell Efficiency (%) Silicon (Crystalline) 24.7 Silicon(Multicrystalline) 20.3 Silicon(thin film) 16.6 Silicon(amorphous) 9.5 Silicon(nanosrystalline) 10.1 III-V GaAs(Crystalline) 25.1 III-V GaAs(thin film) 24.5
III-V GaAs(Multicrystalline) 18.2
Thin film CIGS 18.4 Thin film CdTe 16.5 GaInP/GaAs/Ge 32.0 GaInP/GaAs 30.3 GaAs/CIS 25.8
21
Fig.2.11. Evolution of best laboratory efficiency for different solar cell technologies. (Source:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2013) [52]
2.13 Module and Array The basic element of a PV System is the photovoltaic (PV) cell, also called a Solar Cell. An
individual silicon solar cell is quite small, typically about 6 inches square producing only about 1
or 2 watts of power.
To increase their utility, a number of individual PV cells are interconnected together in a sealed,
weatherproof package called a Panel (Module) [53].
To achieve the desired voltage and current, Modules are wired in series and parallel into what is
called a PV Array. The flexibility of the modular PV system allows designers to create solar
power systems that can meet a wide variety of electrical needs. Fig.2.12 shows PV cell, Panel
(Module) and Array.
22
Fig.2.12: PV cell, Module and Array [54]
In this way, solar systems can be built to meet almost any electric power requirement, small or
large. The picture in Fig. 2.13 below shows a small part of a Module with cells in it. It has a
glass front, a backing plate and a frame around it.
The performance of PV modules and arrays are generally rated according to their maximum
DC power output (watts) under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Standard Test Conditions are
defined by a module (cell) operating temperature of 25o C (77o F), and incident solar irradiance
level of 1000 W/m2 and under Air Mass 1.5 spectral distribution [55]. Since these conditions are
not always typical of how PV modules and arrays operate in the field, actual performance is
usually 85 to 90 percent of the STC rating.
Fig.2.13: Construction of a typical Mono-crystalline PV Solar Panel [56]
23
2.14 Review of Existing Models of PV Cell/Module Characteristics
The current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of a PV cell characterizes the non-linear electrical
behavior which strongly varies with sunlight intensity and the cell temperature. One-diode model
and the two-diode model are the two most commonly used PV cell equivalent circuits (Lasnier
and Ang, 1990). In this new era, there is a remarkable improvement in mathematical modeling
and simulation of photovoltaic modules. This section provides the related review of literatures on
the study performed by several researchers specifically in the mathematical modeling and
simulation of solar photovoltaic cells to predict system performance. Several models of PV
generator have been developed in literature [57-60]. The aim is to get the I-V characteristic in
order to analyze and evaluate the PV systems performance. The difference between all models is
the number of necessary parameters used in the computational. The most models used are:
•Single Exponential Ideal Diode Model without Any Resistance
• Explicit Model
• Solar Cell Model using Four Parameters
• Solar Cell Model using Five Parameters
• Solar Cell Model using Two Exponential
2.14.1 Single Exponential Diode Model without Any Resistance
Consider an idealized diode without resistance whose I-V characteristics may be described by a
Fig. 2.14: Ideal solar cell with single-diode [61].
24
lumped parameter equivalent circuit model consisting of a single exponential type ideal junction
[61].The terminal current I of this lumped equivalent circuit model is explicitly described in
mathematical terms by Shockley’s equation [62]:
The ideal equivalent circuit of a solar cell is a current source in parallel with a single-diode. The
configuration of the simulated ideal solar cell with single-diode is shown in Figure 1.
In Figure 1, G is the solar radiance, Iph is the photo generated current, Id is the diode current, I is
the output current, and V is the terminal voltage.
The I-V characteristics of the ideal solar cell with single diode are given by[64]:
Where,
I0 is the diode reverse bias saturation current,
q is the electron charge,
n is the diode ideality factor,
k is the Boltzman’s constant, and T is the cell temperature.
A solar cell can at least be characterised by the short circuit current Isc , the open circuit voltage
Voc , and the diode ideality factor n. For the same irradiance and p-n junction temperature
Conditions, the short circuit current Isc is the greatest value of the current generated by the cell.
The short current Isc is given by:
For the same irradiance and p-n junction temperature conditions, the open circuit voltage
(2.11)
(2.12)
25
Voc is the greatest value of the voltage at the cell terminals . The open circuit voltage
Voc is given by[65]:
The output power is given by:
Modeling for the single diode ideal model it has to consider ideal diode’s basic equation. For
Calculating the light generated current, block diagram seems like as shown in below.
Fig 2.15: Block diagram for calculate light generated current [66]
(2.13)
(2.14)
26
For calculating the Diode current, block diagram seems like as shown in below.
Fig. 2.16: Block diagram for calculate diode current [66]
Fig. 2.17: Block diagram for calculate current [66]
After calculate the current, we can easily find out the P (power). For that we have to just
multiplication the current with voltage.
27
Fig. 2.18: Current-Voltage characteristic of an ideal PV cell [66].
2.14.2 Explicit Model This model needs four input parameters, the short circuit current Isc , the open-circuit voltage
Voc, the maximum current Im, and the maximum voltage Vm [67]. The relation between the load
current I and the voltage V is given by [68]:
An explicit set of equations is written based on the ideal PV model given by Equation 2.15.A
single-diode without series and shunt resistances is considered, Equation 2.15 is used to write
down expressions for currents and voltages at each key point shown in Figure 2.14. Hence, the
short-circuit current, the open-circuit voltage, the maximum power voltage and current are
written as:
(2.15)
(2.16)
(2.17)
28
It is obvious that Equation 2.18 is implicit, therefore to obtain an explicit expression for every PV key
parameter this equation has to be rewritten in a different form. As has been previously mentioned, a PV
cell has a hybrid behavior, i.e., a current-source at the short-circuit point and voltage-source at the open-
circuit point. These two regions are characterized by two asymptotes of the I-V curve , where the
transition is a compromise between the two behaviors. It is interesting to remark that the maximum
power point corresponds to a trade-off condition where the current is still high enough before it starts
decreasing with increasing the output voltage. Based on this observation, the tangent of the I-V curve can
be used to evaluate the transition between current- to voltage-source controlled regions; this operation
yields:
This derivative is then used to calculate the output voltage that corresponds to the maximum
power operation condition of the cell; thus:
It is apparent that this equation requires an expression of the derivative of the current with
voltage evaluated at the maximum power point. The fact that the maximum power corresponds
to an extremum, the variation of the maximum output power with voltage is relatively small, i.e.,
a change on Vm has a relatively small effect on the maximum power of the cell. Therefore,
considering the asymptotic behavior of the I-V curve at short- and open-circuit conditions, the
derivative required by Eqn. 2.21 can be calculated as:
Replacing this equation into Equations 2.21 and 2.19, the voltage and current at the maximum
(2.18)
(2.19)
(2.20)
(2.21)
(2.22)
29
power point and consequently the maximum output power, are expressed as follows:
These equations are used to calculate key cell parameters at the maximum power point
as function of both cell temperature and irradiance, which are not necessarily given by PV
manufacturers. The following expression is used to calculate the photocurrent as function of
irradiance and temperature [67]:
where the reference state of the cell is given by the irradiance Gref = 1000 W/m2 and the
temperature Tref =298.15 K In this equation, µ1is a short-circuit current temperature coefficient
(A/K) and corresponds to the photocurrent obtained from a given PV cell working at (STC)
reference conditions (i.e., provided by cell manufacturers). Furthermore, Villalva et al. [68] have
proposed a relationship that allows the saturation current Io to be expressed as a function of the
cell temperature. In this work, this relation is explicitly written based on cell open-circuit
conditions using the short-circuit current temperature coefficient as well as the open-circuit
voltage temperature coefficient, hence [69]:
where Voc,ref is the reference open-circuit voltage and µv is an open-circuit voltage temperature
(2.23)
(2.24)
(2.25)
(2.26)
(2.27)
30
coefficient (V/K).Finally, the quality factor of the diode n, which is usually considered as a
constant [70], is determined at the reference state. Using the maximum power point current
equation and the saturation current at the reference temperature given by Eqn. 2.27, the diode
quality coefficient is determined as:
Where Vm,ref , Voc,ref , Im,ref and Isc,ref are key cell values obtained under both actual cell
temperature and solar irradiance conditions, usually provided by manufacturers.
The model is now completely determined; it requires the actual cell temperature, the actual Solar
irradiance and common data provided by manufacturers. The cell temperature, how- ever, is
difficult to be established; applying the energy balance equation to a module at actual and NOCT
conditions, Duffie and Beckman [71] proposed a formulation for estimating the temperature as a
function of solar irradiance, and an overall convective and radiation heat transfer coefficient
from the cell to the environment. This coefficient is determined using a correlation that includes
the wind velocity.
Since this model is written based on the derivative of the I-V curve at the maximum power
operation point, the effect of this derivative is also investigated. Values obtained with the
proposed method are compared to real values also determined from the derivative of the I-V
curve at actual Vm and Im conditions by using the implicit set of equations. Further, a standard
mean error of 7.67 % is obtained between the derivative of the I-V curve at the maximum power
point for the present model and the similar one for the third reference case (i.e., the poorest
array). The characteristic I-V curves obtained by using iterative calculations as well as this
present model for the KC200GT array are plotted in Figures 2.19 to 2.22 [72]. The results for a
constant temperature of 25°C and for solar irradiances of 200 W/m² and 800 W/m² are shown in
Figures 2.19 and 2.21, respectively. Similar data obtained for a constant solar irradiance of 1000
W/m² and for cell temperatures of 10 and 50°C are illustrated in Figures 2.20 and 2.22,
respectively. From Figures 2.19 to 2.22, it is apparent that the temperature essentially affects
(2.28)
31
the voltage while the current seems to be mostly affected by the irradiance. It is obvious that for
high solar irradiances the proposed model is quite accurate. However, the open-circuit voltage at
low solar irradiance, as shown in Figures 2.19 and 2.21, is underestimated. In particular, the
temperature has a relative small effect on both the I-V and P-V characteristic key points of the
solar array, especially under short- and open-circuit conditions.
Fig. 2.19: Current-Voltage characteristics of the KC200GT array at T=25°C [72].
Fig. 2.20: Current-Voltage characteristics of the KC200GT array at G =1000 W/m² [72].
G=800 W/m2
G=200 W/m2
32
Fig. 2.21: Power-Voltage characteristics of the KC200GT array at T=25°C [72].
Fig. 2.22: Power-Voltage characteristics of the KC200GT array at G =1000 W/m² [72].
The model is based on an ideal cell where effects of series and parallel resistances are neglected.
This simplification allows an analytical method to be used for determining current, voltage and
power at every key operation conditions of the cell. Thus, explicit expressions are written for key
cell parameters without the necessity of performing iterative numerical calculations. Some
G=800 W/m2
G=200 W/m2
33
unknown parameters such as photocurrent, saturation current and diode quality factor are
calculated based on data usually provided by PV panel manufacturers. The proposed method is
validated against reference values obtained from iterative calculations applied to known solar
panels. The performance of the model is evaluated as a function of standard and weighted mean
errors observed between reference and estimated values. In general the proposed model is able to
provide quite accurate results; it is relatively simple to use and it can be very useful for design
engineers to quickly and accurately determine the performance of PV arrays as a function of
environmental constraints without carrying out numerical calculations.
2.14.3 Solar Cell Model Using Four Parameters More accuracy can be introduced to the model by adding a series resistance. The configuration
of the simulated solar cell with single-diode and series resistance is shown in Figure 2.23. The
classical equation describing the I-V curve of a single solar cell is given by [73]:
Fig. 2.23: Solar cell with single-diode and series resistance [73].
Where I is the load current and V the output voltage, I0 is the diode reverse saturation current ,
Iph is photo generated current, RS is the series resistance is the electric charge, K is the Boltzman
constant. T is the temperature (0K). The four parameters of this model are: Iph, I0, RS and n.The
effect of shunt resistance is not taking a count in this model. Equation (2.29) describes the I-V
curve quite well, but the parameters cannot be measured in a simple manner. Therefore, a fit
based on a smaller number of parameters which can be measured have been developed [74].
(2.29)
34
For the same irradiance and p-n junction temperature conditions, the inclusion of a series
resistance in the model implies the use of a recurrent equation to determine the output current in
function of the terminal voltage. A simple iterative technique initially tried only converged for
positive currents. The Newton–Raphson method converges more rapidly and for both positive
and negative currents [74].
The short circuit current Isc is given by [75]
Normally the series resistance is small and negligible. Hence, The open circuit voltage Voc is
given by:
The output power P is given by
The diode saturation current at the operating-cell temperature is given by:
Where I*0 is the diode saturation current at reference condition, TC is p-n junction cell
temperature, T* cell p-n junction at reference condition and ε is the band gap.
(2.30)
(2.31)
(2.32)
(2.33)
35
To simulate the selected PV array, a PV mathematical model having Np cells in parallel and Ns cells in series is used according to the following equation (neglecting shunt resistance):
Assuming that the selected solar module has Np equal to 1, the above equation can be
rewritten as:
The photo current, Iph , depends on the solar radiation (G) and the cell temperature (T)
according to the following equations as:
Where,
The series resistance of the cell is given as:
Where
The PV power, P, is then calculated as follows:
Using the above equations and the specifications supplied by the manufacturer data , a program
is developed using Matlab software to simulate the I-V and P-V characteristics of the 60W PV
panel as shown in Fig. 2.24 and Fig.2.25 respectively.
In Fig 2.24, the intersection of the graph with the y-axis gives the value of the short circuit
current of the solar cell, which in this case corresponds to 3.74 A. The open circuit voltage for
(2.34)
(2.35)
(2.36)
(2.37)
(2.38)
(2.39)
(2.40)
(2.41)
36
each cell is derived from the I-V plot. The crossing of the I-V curve with the voltage axis is the
open circuit voltage, which corresponds to almost 584 mV for each individual solar cell.
According to the specifications supplied in the Manufacturer Data Sheet (MDS) of the 60W
solar panel, there are 36 cells connected in series, hence the total open circuit voltage is 584mV
× 36 = 21.0V.
It is observed that the value of the open circuit voltage depends logarithmically on the Iph/Is
ratio. This implies that under constant temperature the value of the open circuit voltage scales
logarithmically with the short circuit current, but since the short circuit current scales linearly
with irradiance, the open circuit voltage is logarithmically dependent on the irradiance. This
relationship indicates that the effect of irradiance is much larger on the short circuit current than
that on the open circuit voltage value.
Fig. 2.24: Current-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar module [76]
A model of 60W solar panel is implemented in Matlab. The selected solar module represents 36
identical solar cells connected in series, with the same irradiance value. The I-V characteristic
of the solar module is expected to have the same short circuit current as a single solar cell while
the voltage drop is 36 times the voltage drop in one solar cell. The I-V characteristic of the solar
module is shown in Fig. 2.24.
37
Fig: 2.25: Power-Voltage characteristic of 60W solar module [76]
The output power of the solar cell is the product of the output current delivered to the load and
the voltage across the cell. The power at any point of the I-V characteristic is given by equation
2.41. There is no power output at the short circuit point where the voltage is zero and also at the
open circuit point where the current is zero. Power is generated between the short circuit point
and the open circuit point on the I-V characteristic. Somewhere on the characteristic, between the
two zero points, there exists a point where the solar cell generates the maximum power. The
point is called the maximum power point (MPP). A plot of the P-V characteristic of considered
solar module is shown in Fig 2.25.
The PV panel is modeled using the electrical characteristics of the solar panel provided by the
manufacturer’s data sheet. The open circuit voltage is 21.0V while the short circuit current is
3.74A. The maximum power delivered is 60W and the maximum power voltage and current
occur at 17.1V and 3.5A respectively. The PV module is initially modeled under varying
irradiation conditions with the solar cell temperature set to 25ºC. The I-V and P-V characteristics
of the solar panel for irradiance values of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 W/m2 shown in Fig.2.26
and Fig. 2.27 respectively.
38
Fig. 2.26 Current-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying irradiance [76]
Fig. 2.27: Power-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying irradiance [76]
Operating temperature affects the electrical output of the solar module. The I-V and P-V
characteristics with varying operating temperatures are shown in Fig 2.28 and Fig 2.29
respectively. The module is set to operate with an irradiance value of 1000 W/ m2. The operating
temperatures are set at 25ºC, 40ºC, 50oC and 60ºC. The x-axis is the module’s voltage while the
y-axis is the module’s current or power.
39
Fig. 2.28: Current-Voltage characteristics of 60W solar panel with varying temperature [76]
Fig. 2.29: Power-Voltage characteristics of 60W panel with varying temperature [76] The short circuit current of the cell depends linearly on irradiation while the open circuit voltage
depends logarithmically on irradiation. Therefore it is observed that the output voltage should
increase as the irradiation level increases. However this is not necessarily so, since the cell
temperature is likely to rise as the irradiation level increases. An increase in cell temperature
will generally lead to a reduction of the output voltage. This makes it imperative to consider the
40
effect of temperature on the cell output voltage. Overall, there is a reduction of the voltage at
higher irradiances due to the accompanying higher cell temperature. A reduction in the terminal
voltage or current will lead to a decrease in the output power since both the voltage and current
are directly proportional to the output power, P = V * I.
2.14.4 Solar Cell Modeling Using Five Parameters:
Photovoltaic cell models have long been a source for the description of photovoltaic cell
behavior. The most common model used to predict energy production in photovoltaic cell
modeling is the single diode lumped circuit model [77]. In the single diode model, there is a
current source parallel to a diode. The current source represents light-generated current Iph that
varies linearly with solar irradiation. This is the simplest and most widely used model as it
offers a good compromise between simplicity and accuracy . Figure 2.30 shows the single diode
equivalent circuit model of PV cell which is commonly used in many studies and provides
sufficient accuracy for most applications.
In this model, the effect of shunt resistance is considered .Figure 2.30 shows a solar cell
equivalent circuit including series resistance Rs and shunt resistance Rsh [78].
Fig.2.30: Solar cell equivalent circuit including series resistance and shunt resistance
The mathematical description of this circuit is given by the following equation [79]:
The five parameters of this model are: Iph, I0, Rs, Rsh and n. For a given temperature and solar
irradiation intensity, these parameters are determined by using the open circuit voltage VOC, the
V
(2.42)
41
short circuit current Isc, the voltage Vm, and the current Im, at the maximum point and the slopes
of curve near VOC and ISC.
The light generated current of the module depends linearly on solar irradiation and is also
influenced by temperature [80] according to equation (2.43)
퐼ph = [퐼ph,n + 퐾I ∆푇 )]
The diode saturation current I0 dependance on temperature can be expressed by [81]
퐼0 = 퐼0,n n
푒푥푝 푞퐸G n
Where Eg is the band gap energy and I0,n the nominal saturation current at standard test
condition.
All model parameters can be determined by examining the manufacturer’s specification of
photovoltaic products. The performance characteristics of a PV module depend on its basic
materials, manufacturing technology and operating conditions. The most important points widely
used for describing the cell electrical performance are: the short circuit point where the current is
at maximum (short circuit current Isc) and the voltage over the module is zero; the open circuit
point where the current is zero and the voltage is at maximum (open circuit voltage Voc); the
Maximum power point where the product of current and voltage has its maximum. The power
delivered by a PV cell attains a maximum value at the points (Imp, Vmp).
Typically, three points (ISC, 0), (VOC, 0) and (Vmp, Imp) are provided by the manufacturer’s
datasheet at Standard Test Conditions. An accurate estimation of these points for other
conditions is the main goal of every modeling technique. From the aforementioned models, it is
obvious that the PV cell acts as a current-source near the short circuit point and as a voltage-
source in the vicinity of the open-circuit point. Therefore, the series resistance Rs, which
represents structural resistances of photovoltaic panel [81], has a strong effect in the voltage-
source region. In turn, the shunt resistance RSH that accounts for current leakage in [82] the p-n
junction, is of great importance in the current-source region and the maximum power point
(2.43)
(2.44)
42
appears to be compromise of the hybrid behavior of the cell between both voltage and current-
source region.
The values of the five parameters in the equation (2.42) must be determined to reproduce the I-V
curve of a PV system. This requires five equations containing five unknowns that should be
solved simultaneously to obtain the values of the parameters [83]. G .Walker [84] has further
simplified this model by removing the shunt resistance RSH to obtain a model as the four
parameters model. This model reliably predicts the performance of single crystal and
polycrystalline PV systems. The four parameters model assumes that the slope
of the I-V curve is flat at the short circuit condition.
For the five parameters model, the first equation is derived from open circuit condition where I
=0 and V = Voc. Equation (2.42) becomes
0 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp ( )
− 1 −
sh
The second equation occurs at short circuit condition where I = ISC and V =0. Then equation
(10) becomes
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp S
− 1 − S
sh
The measured current voltage pair at the maximum power point can be substituted into equation
(2.42) to obtain the third equation where I = Impp V=Vmpp
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp S
− 1 − S
sh
These three equations are obtained using the key points. In order to get another two equations,
we can differentiate equation (2.42) with respect to V; thus we get:
Again at the open circuit point on the I-V curve, V =Voc
and I = 0, therefore after substituting in equation (2.49) we obtain the following
results:
(2.46)
(2.45)
(2.47)
(2.48)
(2.49)
43
The power transferred from the P-V device at any point is given by:
An addition equation can be derived using the fact that on the P-V characteristic of a PV system
at the maximum power point, the derivative of power with voltage is zero.
After substituting in equation (2.49) the following equation is obtained:
The five parameters (Iph, I0, n, Rs and Rsh) can be obtained simultaneously solving these
equations in MATLAB using iterative method like Newton Raphson’s method to solve system of
nonlinear equations. For notational convenience, the following can be defined:
Based on the work [85], RS and Rsh can be obtained experimentally from the I-V curve. Thus the
initial can be calculated by calculating the diode ideality factor [86]:
(2.50)
(2.56)
(2.51)
(2.54)
(2.52)
(2.55)
(2.53)
44
The rest of the initial parameters can be found from the following equation
To compute the five parameter Iph, Io,Rs ,n and Rsh which are necessary to apply equation
(2.42), the above equations (2.54)-(2.57) have been used.
Finally, the equation of I-V characteristics is solved using the Newton Raphson’s method. In
order to validate the modeling and simulation method presented above for PV module, the
calculated values and experimental values are compared for a commercial polycrystalline silicon
cells from Solarex MSX60 module, composed of one parallel string of 36 solar cells.
The current for single diode with Rs and Rsh that diagram is look like as shown in below
Fig 2.31: Current block diagram for single diode with Rs and Rsh [87]
Fig.2.32: Current-Voltage characteristics at T=25 °C for various irradiance levels [87]
(2.57)
45
Fig.2.33: Power-Voltage characteristics at T=25 °C for different irradiances [87]
Fig.2.32 illustrates the dependence of I-V characteristics on temperature and irradiance for a
solarex MSX-60 module. The Fig.2.33 shows the P-V characteristics of the PV module with
varying irradiance at constant temperature. From the graph when the irradiance increases, the
output current and voltage also increases. This result shows the net increase in power output with
irradiance at constant temperatures. Also, in fig.2.34 and fig.2.35, the P-V and IV characteristics
Under constant irradiance (G=1000W/m2) with varying temperature are presented, respectively.
From these figures, when the operating temperature increases, the output current increases
dramatically while the output voltage decreases marginally, which results in a net reduction in
power with a rise in temperature.
Fig.2.34: Power-Voltage Characteristics at G=1000 W/m2 for various temperatures [87]
46
Fig.2.35: Current-Voltage characteristics at G=1000W/m2 for various temperatures
An accurate PV cell to module electrical model using five parameters is presented and calculated
using MATLAB software. The open circuit I-V and P-V curves, it is obtained from the
simulation of PV module designed in MATLAB environment explains in details its dependence
on the irradiation levels. These results obtained from the MATLAB model show excellent
correspondence to manufacturer’s published curves, the consistency between the data and found
the parameters given by manufacturers (Current, Voltage and Power).This paper provides a clear
and concise understanding of the I-V and P-V characteristics of PV module, which will serve as
the model for researchers in the field of PV modeling.
2.14.5 Solar cell Model Using Two Exponential
The accuracy of this model is more than the single diode model but there are some difficulties to
solve the equation. In this model, the solar cell is modeled as a current source connected in
parallel with a rectifying diode. However, in practice the current source is also shunted by
another diode that models the space charge recombination current and a shunt leakage resistor
to account for the partial short circuit current path near the cell’s edges due to the semiconductor
impurities and non-idealities. In addition, the solar cell metal contacts and the semiconductor
material bulk resistance are represented by a resistor connected in series with the cell shunt
elements [88]. The equivalent circuit for this model is shown in Fig. 2.36.
47
Fig 2.36: Solar cell equivalent circuit for model with two exponential [89].
In this double-diode model, the cell terminal current is calculated as follows:
where
IL: the terminal current,
Iph : the cell-generated photocurrent
I D1, I D2: the first and second diode currents,
Ish: the shunt resistor current.
The two diodes currents are expressed by Shockley equation as illustrated respectively in Eqs
(2.59) and (2.60), while the leakage resistor current Ish is formulated as shown in Eq.(2.61)
V
(2.58)
(2.59)
(2.60)
(2.61)
48
where Rs and Rsh are the series and shunt resistances respectively; ISD1 and ISD2 are the
diffusion and saturation currents respectively; VL is the terminal voltage; n1and n2 are the
diffusion and recombination diode ideality, K is is Boltzmann’s constant; q is the electronic
charge and T is the cell absolute temperature in Kelvin. Substituting Eqs. (2.59), (2.60) and
(2.61) into Eq.(2.58), the cell terminal current is now rewritten as shown in Eq. (2.62) [90].
The seven parameters to be estimated that fully describe the I-V characteristics Rs, Rsh, Iph, ISD1
and ISD2, n1 and n2.
Equations (2.62) is nonlinear transcendental functions that involve the overall output current
produced by the solar cell in both sides of the equation. Furthermore, the parameters Rs, Rsh,
Iph, Isd1, Isd2,n1 and n2 vary with temperature, irradiance and depend on manufacturing tolerance.
Such functions have no explicit analytical solutions for either IL or VL. various techniques such as
Numerical methods, curve fitting techniques, and different optimization methods are often
utilized to solve such functions. The PS optimization technique is employed to estimate the
parameters by minimizing a pre-selected objective function. In order to form the objective
function, the I-V relationships given in any of equations (2.62) is rewritten in the following
homogeneous equations:
The new objective function that sums the individual absolute errors (IAEs) for any given set of
measurements is defined as:
(2.62)
(2.63)
(2.64)
49
where N is the number of data points, ILi and VLi are ith measured current and voltage pair
values, respectively.
The currents Iph , Id1, Id2 and Ish can be implemented using Simulink blocks and are shown in
Fig.s (2.37), (2.38), (2.39). The estimated values of Rs and Rp are fed into the "From" blocks
along with the datasheet values and the constants. The value of the cell current "I" is fed from the
combined simulink block diagram shown in Fig.2.39. The iteration process starts by assuming
I=0 and continues until V becomes VOC. In a typical large PV power system, the cell modules
are in series-parallel combination (NS× NP, where NS, NP being the number of cells connected in
series and in parallel respectively). The output current equation then can be modified as:
Where Iph, Isd1, Isd2, Rsh, Rs, n1 and n2 are the individual cell parameters.
Fig 2.37: Simulink Block diagram for the Light-Generated Current, Iph [91].
(2.65)
50
Fig. 2.38: Block diagram for the Diode Currents, Id1, Id2 [91]
Fig. 2.39: Block diagram for the Output current, I [91]
The model proposed in this work has been validated by the measured parameters of a selected
PV module (BP Solar MSX-50). From the results, it is evident that, data for the proposed model
match very closely with the manufacturer’s data.
The block diagram is simulated using Matlab /simulink for obtaining the module characteristics
with different irradiances and temperatures. Two types of simulation are carried out:
First the temperature is maintained constant at 25° C and varying irradiance (1000, 800, 600,
400, 200 W/m2 ) will generate the characteristic curves. Fig. 2.41 shows the simulation results
under these conditions on current (I)-Voltage (V) characteristics which are very closed to the real
data. It is clear that current generated by the incident light depends on irradiance, the higher the
irradiance, the greater the current. On the other hand, voltage is staying almost constant and it is
not going to vary much. Fig. 2.42 shows the simulation results under the same conditions on
Power-Voltage characteristics which are very closed to the real data. The influence of irradiation
51
on maximum power point is clear, the higher the irradiance, the major the maximum power point
will be. In fig. 2.40 the three remarkable points VOC=21.1V, ISC=3.17A and maximum power
point (Pmax=50W,Vmp =17.1V, Imp = 2.92 A) are shown and are identical to the values given by
the datasheet.
Fig. 2.40: Current (I)-Voltage (V) characteristics at standard conditions, temperature (T)=25° , irradiance (G)=1000W/m2.
Fig. 2.41: Current (I) -Voltage (V) characteristics at temperature (T)=25°C for different irradiances
52
Fig. 2.42: Power (P)-Voltage (V) characteristics at temperature (T)=25°C with different irradiances.
Second the irradiance is maintained constant at 1000W/m2 and varying temperature (25° C, 50°
C, 75° C) will generate the characteristic curves. Fig. 2.43 show the simulation results of current
(I)-Voltage (V) characteristic under these conditions. The curves are very closed to the curves
given by data sheet. The current generated by the incident light is going to stay constant although
it increases slightly while the voltage decreases
Fig. 2.43: Current (I) –Voltage (V) characteristics at irradiance (G) =1000W/m2 for different temperatures.
53
Fig. 2.44 shows the simulation results under the same conditions on Power (P)-Voltage (V)
characteristics and is very closed to the real data. The effect of the temperature increase,
decreases voltage and power.
Fig. 2.44: Power (P) -Voltage (V) characteristics at irradiance (G) =1000W/m2 for different temperatures.
2.15: Limitation of Above Models:
The limitation of explicit model is that it doesn’t take account of series resistance Rs and shunt
Resistance Rsh. Four parameters model is based on single exponential model of solar cell and
and assume that Rsh is infinite, an assumption that may not be valid for the cell having low Rsh
values. The five parameters model is shown to give accurate reliable results but gives non
physical values at low illuminations [92].In actual silicon devices the recombination components
are a complex function of the carrier concentration. For example, in high efficiency PERL solar
cells as the number of carriers increase with the applied voltage, the recombination at the rear
surface changes dramatically with voltage. In such cases the analysis is best performed by a
single diode, but allowing both the ideality factor and the saturation current to vary with voltage
54
[93]. In such cases, which are quite common in silicon devices, a double diode fit yields
erroneous values. Maximum simulation model consider the fixed series resistance for all
illumination level. But practically it varies at different irradiation level. As a result Fill Factor
and efficiency also varies. This is the common limitation for modeling of solar cell.
2.16: Proposed Model for PV Module
Comparative study of various mathematical modeling of PV array has been done by different
researchers. Ideal single diode model (ISDM), Single diode model (SDM) and simplified single
diode model (SSDM) were utilized in order to carry on the comparative analysis [94] . Modeling
and simulation was done in Matlab/Simulink environment. Best model has been selected based
on the maximum power point (MPP) tracking and root mean square deviation (RMSD) from the
experimental data comparisons. Authors conclude that Single diode model with Rs and Rsh has
comparable accuracy levels. For this reason to overcome the limitations of above models,
proposed model is presented an experimental method for determination of Rs and Rsh of a solar
cell using the I-V characteristics based on Five Parameters model (Single diode model with Rs
and Rsh). It will be described elaborately in next chapter.
55
CHAPTER 3
Test System Modeling
3.1 Introduction This chapter presents the implementation of a generalized photovoltaic model using
Matlab/Simulink software package, which can be representative of PV cell, module, and array
for easy use on simulation platform. This makes the generalized PV model easily simulated and
analyzed in conjunction with power electronics for a maximum power point tracker. Taking the
effect of sunlight irradiance and cell temperature into consideration, the output current and power
characteristics of PV model are simulated and optimized using the proposed model. Several
methods are available in the literature for the measurement of series resistance and shunt
resistance [94-97].All these methods are based on single exponential model of solar cell and
assume that Rsh is infinite and presume Rs to be independent of the intensity of solar irradiance,
which may not be valid. In this work, it is proposed a new approach to simulate the I-V
characterization by series resistance to be dependent of the intensity of solar irradiance.
3.2 Photovoltaic Models Solar cell is basically a p-n junction fabricated in a thin wafer or layer of semiconductor. The
electromagnetic radiation of solar energy can be directly converted electricity through
photovoltaic effect. Being exposed to the sunlight, photons with energy greater than the band-
gap energy of the semiconductor are absorbed and create some electron-hole pairs proportional
to the incident irradiation. Under the influence of the internal electric fields of the p-n junction,
these carriers are swept apart and create a photocurrent which is directly proportional to solar
insolation. PV system naturally exhibits a nonlinear I-V and P-V characteristics which vary with
the radiant intensity and cell temperature. PV system naturally exhibits a nonlinear I-V and P-V
characteristics which vary with the radiant intensity and cell temperature. The typical I-V and P-
V characteristics of solar cell are shown in Fig. 3.1.
56
The fundamental parameters related to solar cell characteristics are Short circuit current (ISC),
Open circuit voltage (VOC), Maximum power point (MPP) and Fill factor.
Short Circuit Current is the current that corresponds to the short circuit condition when the
impedance is low and it is calculated when the voltage equals to zero. It is the greatest value of
the current generated by a cell. I (at V=0) = ISC.
Open Circuit Voltage is the voltage when the open circuit occurs and there is no current passing
through the cell. V (at I=0) = VOC.
Maximum Power Point is the operating point at which the power is maximum across the load. Pm
= Vm.Im, where Vm is the maximum voltage and Im is the maximum current.
Fill Factor (FF) is essentially a measure of quality of the solar cell. It is calculated by comparing
the maximum power to the theoretical power (Pm) that would be output at both the open circuit
voltage and short circuit current together. Fill Factor (FF) = Pm / (Voc.Isc). The fill factor is a
measure of the real I-V characteristic. Its value is higher than 0.7 for good cells. Typical fill
factors range from 0.5 to 0.82. Also the open circuit voltage (VOC) increases logarithmically with
the ambient irradiation, while the short circuit current (ISC) is a linear function of the ambient
irradiation.
Fig. 3.1 Typical Characteristics of solar cell [99]
57
3.3 PV Cell Model
A general mathematical description of I-V output characteristics for a PV cell has been studied
for over the past four decades. Such an equivalent circuit-based model is mainly used for the
MPPT technologies. The simplest equivalent circuit of the general model which consists of a
photo current, a diode, a parallel resistor expressing a leakage current, and a series resistor
describing an internal resistance to the current flow, is shown in Fig. 3.2 [100].
Fig. 3.2 PV Cell Equivalent Circuit Model.
The output of the current source is directly proportional to the light falling on the cell
(photocurrent IPH). During darkness, the solar cell is not an active device; it works as a diode, i.e.
a p-n junction. It produces neither a current nor a voltage. However, if it is connected to an
external supply (large Voltage) it generates a current ID, called diode current or dark current. The
diode determines the I-V characteristics of the cell.
The voltage-current characteristic equation of a ideal solar cell is given as [101]
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼d
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp ( ) − 1
The Equation (3.2) describing output current of the non-ideal practical PV cell was derived using
Kirchhoff’s current law as follows
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼d − 퐼sh
(3.2)
(3.1)
(3.3)
58
From Equation ( 3.3) ,we get the following equation
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp ( S)
− 1 − S
sh
Where
Iph is a light-generated current or photocurrent,
I0 is the reverse saturation current of diode (A),
q is the electron charge (1.602×10 -19 C),
V is the voltage across the diode (V),
K is the Boltzmann’s constant (1.381×10 -23 J/K),
TC is the junction temperature in Kelvin (0K).
n Ideality factor of the diode
RS is the series resistance of diode,
Rsh is the shunt resistance of diode
The complete behavior of PV cells is described by five model parameters (Iph, n, Is, Rs, Rsh)
which is representative of the physical behavior of PV cell/module. These five parameters of PV
cell/module are in fact related to two environmental conditions of solar irradiance & temperature.
The determination of these model parameters is not straightforward owing to non-linear nature of
equation (3.4). Based on equation 3.4, the Matlab/SIMULINK model was developed.
The above model includes two subsystems: one that calculates the PV cell photocurrent mainly
depends on the solar irradiance and cell’s working temperature, which is described as [102]
퐼ph = [퐼SC + 퐾I (푇C − 푇Ref )]
Where
ISC is the cell’s short-circuit current at a 25°C and 1000W/m2,
KI is the cell’s short-circuit current temperature coefficient,
TRef is the cell’s reference temperature,
and G is the solar irradiance in W/m2.
An approximate expression for calculating the cell temperature is given by [103]:
(3.4)
(3.5)
59
푇 = 푇 + 퐺
Where,
The best module operated at a NOCT of 33°C, the worst at 58°C and the typical module at 48°C respectively.
G= Irradiance in W/m2.
On the other hand, the cell’s saturation current varies with the cell temperature, which is described as [5]
퐼0 = 퐼RS 푇C
푇Ref
3 푒푥푝 푞퐸G
1푇Ref− 1푇C
푘푛
Where
IRS is the cell’s reverse saturation current at a reference temperature and a solar radiation,
EG is the bang-gap energy of the semiconductor used in the cell.
n is the ideal factor dependent on PV technology and is listed in Table 3.1 [104].
TABLE 3.1 Ideality factor n dependence on PV technology
The reverse saturation current at reference temperature can be approximately obtained as [105]: 퐼RS = SC
OC
S C
Where VOC is the PV open-circuit voltage at the reference temperature
The double exponential model is another more accurate model that describes the PV cell [106].
This model consists of a light-generated current source, two diodes, a series resistance and a
parallel resistance. However, because implicit and nonlinear nature of the model is difficult to
Technology Ideal Factor (n) Si-Mono 1.2 Si-Poly 1.3 a-si:H 1.8 a-Si:H tandom 3.3 a-Si:H triple 5 Cd Te 1.5 CIS 1.5 AsGa 1.3
(3.6)
(3.7)
(3.8)
60
develop expressions for the I-V curve parameters, therefore, this model is not widely used in
literature and is not taken into consideration for the generalized PV model.
The approximate model of a PV cell with suitable complexity can be derived from Eq. (3.4) via
neglecting the effect of the shunt resistance and be rewritten as :
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼o exp ( S)
C− 1
For an ideal PV cell (no series loss and no leakage to ground, i.e., RS = 0 and RSH = ∞,
respectively). The equivalent circuit of PV cell can be further simplified where Eq. (1) can be
rewritten as[12]:
퐼 = 퐼ph – 퐼0 exp ( )
− 1
When I=0, then the output voltage is termed as the open circuit voltage Voc,
shown as in Eq.( 3.11).
푉 = 푙푛 + 1
3.4 PV Module and Array Model
Since a typical PV cell produces less than 2W at 0.5V approximately, the cells must be
connected in series parallel Configuration on a module to produce enough high power. A PV
array is a group of several PV modules which are electrically connected in series and parallel
circuits to generate the required current and voltage. The equivalent circuit for the solar module
arranged in NP parallel and NS series is shown in Fig. 3.3(a). The terminal equation for the
current and voltage of the array becomes as follows [107].
퐼 = 푁P퐼ph − 푁P퐼0 exp푞 푉푁S
+ 퐼푅S푁P
푛푘푇C
− 1 −푁P푉푁S
+ 퐼푅S 푅sh
An approximate equivalent circuit for PV cell, module, and array can be generalized and
expressed in Fig. 3.3(b). Therefore, the current can be expressed as
(3.9)
(3.10)
(3.12)
(3.11)
61
퐼 = 푁P 퐼ph − 푁P 퐼0 exp푞 푉푁S
+ 퐼푅S푁P
푛푘푇 − 1
(a) Generalized array model
(b) Approximate array model
(c) Simplified array model
Fig. 3.3 Equivalent circuit models of generalized PV array.
(3.13)
푵푺
푵푷푹푺
푵푺
푵푷푹푺푯
… …푵푷. . …푵푺
푵푺푰푷푯 I
V
푵푺푰푷푯
푵푺
푵푷푹푺
IV푵푺 …푵푷. . …
푵푺푰푷푯
…푵푷.푵푺 V
I
62
Where NS = NP = 1 for a PV cell, NS and NP are the series-parallel number for a PV array. The
simplified model of a generalized PV array is illustrated in Fig. 3.3(c). The equivalent circuit is
described as:
퐼 = 푁P 퐼ph − 푁P 퐼0 exp푞
푁S 푛푘푇− 1
Where Total shunt Resistance;
푅 = 푅sh sp
Total series Resistance:
R = 푅 NNp
3.5 Newton Raphson Algorithm
In this project, the generalized PV module and array models have been used for the PV modeling
using Matlab/Simulink. The output current is required to be an input to the equations of output
current in this model. Iterations may be needed for solving this problem which in many cases end
up with simulation break. Newton Raphson method is used for finding the root of a non linear
function by successively better approximation. If f(x) is a non linear function the first step is to
find the derivative f’(x). Next step is choosing an initial x value xn. Each successive value of x
closer to the value of x for f(x)=0,can be calculated by Eqn.3.17 [108]
Here the value current instead of x.Then the Eqn.(3.12) become
퐼푛 + 1 = 퐼푛 − ( )´( )
Then function of current can be expressed as
푓(퐼) = 퐼 1 +푅푅 − 푁 퐼 + 푁 퐼 exp
푞 푉푁 + 퐼푅
푛퐾푇 − 1 +
푉푁푅
The derivative of f(I) is equal to
푓´(퐼) = (1 +푅푠푇푅푠ℎ푇 –푁푝
푞푅푠푇퐴퐾푇푐 퐼표 exp
푞 푉푁푠 + 퐼푅푠푇푛퐾푇푐
When V=0 ,I=Isc .So we can start with the initial value I=Isc .
(3.17)
(3.18)
(3.19)
(3.15)
(3.16)
(3.14)
63
3.6 Simulation Tools As shown in Fig. 3.4, using Simulink math operations toolbox and Sim Power Systems toolbox,
the simplified model of the PV cell has been simulated using math function block for the
equations of the PV simplified model. The inputs and the parameters are the same as in the
physical model with additional parameters such as, the quality factor, semi-conductor band-gap
energy, and number of cells in series and parallel. A short description of these tools has been
given below. The mathematical PV cell model that is illustrated in Fig. 3.4 has been used as a
sub-system to be integrated into other system simulation and provide an easy way to input the
parameters of the PV module. The mathematical model has more advantages than the physical
model, because additional parameters as quality factor and semi-conductor band gap energy can
be varied/controlled. Moreover, parallel and series PV cells combinations can be formed without
the need for repeating the block diagrams. On the other hand and in order to make a parallel
combination in the physical model, the block of the PV cell has to be duplicated, which add more
complexity to the model. Since Simulink has a powerful toolbox for modeling the power systems
and power electronics components, it is important to illustrate how to interface the mathematical
PV model with the power system toolbox.
3.7 PV Module Simulation at Standard Condition
The PV module simulation on Simulink is shown in Fig.3.4 .The model comprise two graph of
Power-Voltage and Current-Voltage. The input to the simulation is given from the manufactures
datasheets. The other simulation parameters are set in the following values: TC= 25 Degree
Celsius, n=1.3(Polycrystalline solar cell), Rsh=50KΩ, Rs=5mΩ. This value can be varied as any
required. The simulation is done in standard condition to verify the working of simulink PV
model. The unknown parameters are calculated and power voltage and current voltage
characteristics are simulated. The unknown parameters are saturation current at reference
temperature ISR, saturation current Io and Short circuit current ISC at the given temperature are
calculated from the input parameters. We can enter the atmospheric temperature, the system
calculate the cell temperature TC. Series Resistance is found from the developed sub system of
this model. From the input parameters and calculated unknown parameters the simulating
system draw the current voltage, Power voltage and Maximum power point tracking graph.
64
Fig. 3.4 simulation models of generalized PV array.
Fig 3.4: Simulation model of generalized PV array
65
CHAPTER 4
Experimental and Simulation Results Analyses
4.1 Introduction Simulation results of different analyses performed on the proposed model of solar cell as
developed in chapter-4, are presented in this chapter. In this analysis the effect of irradiation and
atmospheric temperature on current -voltage characteristics and power- voltage characteristics
are studied. In this chapter authors also try to show that parasitic resistance of the solar cell be a
function of irradiance that was not considered in any PV model. All effects are observed from
105 W/m2 to 602 W/m2 in this experiment. But simulation is done up to 1000 W/m2.
4.2 Experimental Setup
Fig. 4.1: Schematic diagram of a solar cell/module measurement system.
In this study, the block diagram of the experimental set up is shown in Fig. 4.1. It consists of a
rheostat, a Pyranometer to measure the solar Irradiance, two digital multi-meters and a solar
panel that has the key specifications listed in Table 4.1.
V
Solar cell/module
A
Potentiometer
Pyranometer
66
Table 4.1: Major Specifications for the test module
Shinew XH SERIES,Model:XH-36M-5 Maximum Power (Pmax) 5 W Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 21.47 V Short Circuit Current (Isc) 310m A Voltage at Pmax 17.40 V Current at Pmax 290 mA Module Dimensions 342×160×25 mm Module Weight 0.8kg Cell Type Mono crystalline No. of cells 36 in series Data measured in standard condition(STC): Irradiation 1000 W/m2, AM1.5, cell temperature 250C,Tested according to: IEC 61215 and IEC 61730
4.3 Experimental Result The term Irradiance is defined as the measure of power density of sunlight received at a location
on the earth and is measured in watt per meter square. Whereas irradiation is the measure of
energy density of sunlight. The term Irradiance and Irradiation are related to solar components.
As the solar Irradiation keeps on changing throughout the day similarity I-V and P-V
characteristics varies with the increasing solar irradiance both the open circuit voltage and the
short circuit current increases and hence the maximum power point varies which shows in Fig.
4.2 and Fig. 4.3 .In Fig. 4.2 shows the I-V characteristics at six different irradiation levels. It is
observed that the value ISC which is minimum (0.03A) at irradiation, 105 W/m2 and it is
maximum (0.19A) at irradiation, 602 W/m2.
Fig. 4.2: Current- voltage characteristics at six various irradiance levels.
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Irradiance 105 W/m^2Irradiance 202 W/m^2Irradiance 304 W/m^2Irradiance 400 W/m^2Irradiance 502 W/m^2Irradiance 602 W/m^2
Cur
rent
(A)
Voltage(V)
67
It is observed that the value ISC which is minimum (0.03A) at irradiation, 105 W/m2 and it is
maximum (0.19A) at irradiation, 602 W/m2.
Fig.4.3 : Power Voltage characteristics at six different irradiance levels
In Fig. 4.3 shows the P-V characteristics at six different irradiance levels. It is
observed that the value Pmax which is minimum (0.226 W) at irradiation, 105 W/m2
and it is maximum (2.6 W) at irradiation, 602 W/m2.
Fig. 4.4(a): Short circuit current as a function of Irradiance (Experimental data in this work.)
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
105 W/m^2202 W/m^2304 W/m^2400 W/m^2502 W/m^2602 W/m^2Po
wer
(W)
Voltage (V)
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Shor
tcir
cuit
curr
ent (
Isc)
,(A)
Irradiance (W/m2)
68
Fig. 4.4(b): Short circuit current as a function of Irradiance
(Another experimental data) [109] The PV cell current is strongly dependent on the solar Irradiance. However, the voltage has a
small change with increasing intensity of solar irradiance. The effect of irradiance on open
circuit voltage (VOC) and short circuit current (ISC) have described in Fig. 4.4 and Fig. 4.5. Short
circuit current (ISC) is proportionally increasing with increasing irradiance. But the change of
VOC is very small with increasing irradiance.
Fig. 4.5(a): Open circuit votage as a function of Irradiane
(Experimental data in this work.)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Shor
tcir
cuit
curr
ent
(Isc)
(A)
Radiation(W/m2)
02468
101214161820
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
open
cir
cuit
vota
ge(V
oc)
Irradiance (W/m2)
69
Fig. 4.5(b): Open circuit votage as a function of Irradiane (Another experimental data) [109]
From Fig. 4.5, it is observed that open circuit voltage,VOC is very low (2.2V) at low irradiance,
35 W/m2. But it is jumped at 100 W/m2 and it’s value is 16.26V.Then it increases linearly with
increasing irradiance.
Maximum power (Pmax) is an important parameter for solar cells/module which is highly affected
by solar irradiance. In Fig.4.7, it is observed that Variation power output as a functionof
irradiance for the monocrystalline module. Pmax gradually increases with increasing solar
Irradiance.
Fig.4.6 Pmax as a function of Irradiance
0
5
10
15
20
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
open
cir
cuit
vota
ge(V
oc),(
v)
Radiation(W/m2)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.000 200.000 400.000 600.000Irradiance (W/m2)
P max
(W)
70
The fill factor is denoted as FF, is a parameter that helps in characterizing the non-linear
electrical nature of the solar cell. Fill factor is defined as the ratio of the maximum power from
the solar cell to the product of VOC and ISC and it gives an idea about the power that a cell can
produce with an optimal load under given conditions, P=FF*Voc*Isc. Fill factor is also an
indicator of quality of cell. With FF approaching towards unity the quality of cell gets better. Fill
Factor can be improved in many ways. In Fig. 4.7 shows the variation of fill factor with changing
Irradiance. It is observed that fill factor is gradually rising with increasing irradiance. It is
maximum (0.74) at Irradiance, 602 W/m2.
Fig. 4.7 Fill Factor as a function of Irradiance
The efficiency is the most commonly used parameter to compare the performance of one solar
cell to another. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of energy output from the solar cell to input
energy from the sun. In addition to reflecting the performance of the solar cell itself, the
efficiency depends on the spectrum and intensity of the incident sunlight and the temperature of
the solar cell. Therefore, conditions under which efficiency is measured must be carefully
controlled in order to compare the performance of one device to another. In Fig. 4.8, It is
described that how efficiency varying with varying radiation variation.
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.55
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.000 200.000 400.000 600.000Irradiance(W/m2)
Fill
Fact
or
71
Fig. 4.8: Efficiency as a function of Irradiance
It is observed that efficiency is rising up with solar irradiation. It is maximum (13.6%) at radiation, 602 W/m2.
Resistive effects in solar cells reduce the efficiency of the solar cell by dissipating power in the
resistances. The most common parasitic resistances are series resistance and shunt resistance. In
most cases and for typical values of shunt and series resistance, the key impact of parasitic
resistance is to reduce the fill factor. Both the magnitude and impact of series and shunt
resistance depend on the geometry of the solar cell, at the operating point of the solar cell. Series
resistance in a solar cell has three causes: firstly, the movement of current through the emitter
and base of the solar cell; secondly, the contact resistance between the metal contact and the
silicon; and finally the resistance of the top and rear metal contacts. The main impact of series
resistance is to reduce the fill factor, although excessively high values may also reduce the short-
circuit current. Practically Series resistance is highly affected by irradiance but no model
consider this effect. In Fig.4.9, the effect of irradiance on series resistance is shown. The raise of
the series resistance is rapid for small illumination levels. This resistance varies from 128.15
ohms to 14.35 ohms between 105 W/m2 to 602 W/m2. As pointed out, the decrease can be
attributed it to the increase in conductivity of the active layer with the increase in the intensity of
irradiance.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
0.000 200.000 400.000 600.000Radiation (W/m2)
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
72
Fig.4.9: Series resistances as a function of Solar Irradiance
In Fig. 4.10, It is described that how efficiency varying with varying Series Resistance of the
solar cell. It is observed that efficiency is rising up with decreasing series resistance. Efficiency
varies from 7.7% to 13.6% between 128.15 ohms to 14.35 ohms.
Fig.4.10: Efficiency as a function Series Resistance
Significant power losses caused by the presence of a shunt resistance, RSH, are typically due to
manufacturing defects, rather than poor solar cell design. Low shunt resistance causes power
losses in solar cells by providing an alternate current path for the light-generated current. Such a
diversion reduces the amount of current flowing through the solar cell junction and reduces the
voltage from the solar cell. The effect of a shunt resistance is particularly severe at low light
levels, since there will be less light-generated current. The loss of this current to the shunt
therefore has a larger impact. An estimate for the value of the shunt resistance of a solar cell can
be determined from the slope of the I-V curve near the short- circuit current point. In addition, at
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
0.00 200.00 400.00 600.00
Irradiance (W/m2)
Seri
esRe
sist
ance
(Rs)
,Ω
56789
101112131415
10.00 30.00 50.00 70.00 90.00 110.00 130.00Series Resistance,Rs (Ohms)
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
73
lower voltages where the effective resistance of the solar cell is high, the impact of a resistance
in parallel is large. In Fig.4.11, the effect of irradiance on shunt resistance is shown in below.
The shunt resistance shows a marked dependence on the irradiance in this curve. It is observed
from this curve, RSH decreases with increasing irradiance. The change of shunt resistance, RSH is
not large. It is varied from 1071.2 ohms to 1070.13 between 105 W/m2 to 602 W/m2.
Fig. 4.11: Shunt resistance as a function of Solar Irradiance It is possible to approximate the series and shunt resistances, Rs and Rsh, from the slopes of the I-
V curve at VOC and ISC, respectively. The resistance at Voc, however, is at best proportional to
the series resistance but it is larger than the series resistance. Rsh is represented by the slope at
ISC. Typically, the resistances at ISC and at VOC will be measured and noted, as shown in Figure
4.12.
.
Fig.4.12 : Obtaining Resistances from the I-V Curve
1065.001066.00
1067.001068.00
1069.001070.00
1071.001072.00
1073.001074.00
1075.00
0.00 200.00 400.00 600.00Irradiance (w/m2)
Shun
tRe
sist
ance
(Rsh
),Ω
74
Where
푅 = 푉 퐼
푅 = 푉 퐼
From Fig 4.2, it is found the value of Rs and Rsh by using method that is described in fig 4.12. In
table 4.2, it is shown that the value of series and shunt resistance is varying with Solar irradiance
variation.
Table 4.2: Datasheet of Series and Shunt Resistance w.r.t Solar Irradiance
Solar Irradiation(W/m2) 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 Rs (Ω) 128.15 39.41 30.60 22.69 16.17 14.35 Rsh (Ω) 1071.20 1070.79 1070.79 1070.57 1070.36 1070.13
The author has developed an empirical equation for the irradiance effect on series resistance of
solar cell by using experimental data.
푅 (푚푒푎푠푢푟푒푑) = 푅 (푟푒푓) 푘1푒푥푝 푘2
퐺sinh(푘3 × 퐺)
Where Rs(ref)=Value of series resistance at reference irradiation 1000 w/m2
k1, k2 and k3 are constant [k1=1.5714, k2=27 and k3=0.001255] G=measured solar irradiance
The experimental series resistance value and equation series resistance value are shown in table
4.3. Based on the above equation, the subsystem of Fig. 4.13 is obtained.
Fig. 4.13: Rs Matlab/SIMULINK subsystem for varying solar Irradiance.
(4.1)
75
Table 4.3: Compare series resistance between experimental and developed equation value
Solar Irradiance (W/m2) 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 RS (Ohms) (Experimental value) 116.25 46.41 30.60 22.69 16.17 14.35 RS (ohms) (Equation value) 114.47 49.62 31.21 22.48 17.33 13.92 Deviation error(%) 1.53% 6.91% 1.99% 0.92% 7.17% 2.99% The author could not able to measure the series resistance over 600 W/m2 due to weather
condition of Bangladesh. But it is possible by using the equation which is shown fig 4.14. From
the figure, it is shown that both results are approximately same for all irradiance levels.
Fig 4.14: Series resistance as a function of solar Irradiance
(Compare between experimental and equation value)
This equation is compared with another experimental data [108] .It is shown in table 4.4. Table 4.4: Compare equation with another experimental data
Solar Irradiance (W/m2)
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
RS (Ohms) (Experimental value) 1.40 0.71 0.52 0.32 0.26 0.22 0.19 0.14 0.11 0.11
RS(ohms) (Equation value) 1.45 0.72 0.47 0.35 0.27 0.22 0.18 0.15 0.13 0.11
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200Irradiance (W/m2)
Seri
esRe
sist
ance
(Rs),Ω
76
Fig 4.15: Series resistance as a function of solar Irradiance
(Compare between another experimental data and equation value)
From Fig 4.15, it shown that developed equation is valid for another experimental data.
Figure 4.16 illustrates the effect of solar intensity on ideality factor of crystalline solar cell. It is
observed that ideality factor decreases with increasing solar Irradiance. It varies from 2.5 to 1.2
with varying 101 W/m2 to 602 W/m2. The value of n is extracted by using equation (4.2) [109].
In a silicon solar cell, the values of n are governed by the combination of space charge
recombination, bulk recombination and surface recombination mechanisms. The space charge
recombination is more effective at low intensities and low junction voltage. So the higher n
values at lower intensities as shown in fig 4.16 can be attributed to the larger contribution of
space charge recombination to the total recombination in the cell. The contribution of space
recombination decreases at higher Irradiance and then, the values of n also decrease with
increasing solar irradiance.
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
experimental data
equation value
Irradiance (W/m2)
Seri
esRe
sist
ance
(Rs)
,Ω
(4.2)
77
Fig 4.16: Ideality factor (n) as a function of solar Irradiance
4.4 Comparing Efficiency between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Module: An experiment to investigate the performance of two photovoltaic modules is conducted at
different times of the day. The relationship between the performance and the efficiency of mono
crystalline PV and multi crystalline PV is measured in this experiment. The performance value
of the PV solar module is identified and compared with the output values supplied by the
producer of the PV modules and with other PV modules. The experimental investigation has
been carried out at the venue of the BUET. Measurements were taken from the two PV modules.
Efficiency of each panel under the recorded conditions was calculated. Input power has been
calculated by multiplying the incident solar radiation with the PV area. Output power has been
calculated using measured values of the generated voltage and current. Efficiency variation
accordance to solar radiation and output conditions has been calculated and presented in this
section. The panels that have been used in the experimental work and their specifications are
presented in Table 4.5
0.000
0.500
1.000
1.500
2.000
2.500
3.000
0 200 400 600
Irradiance(W/m2)
Idea
lity
Fact
or,n
78
Table 4.5: Specifications of PV panels used in this experiment
PV SOLAR PANEL MODEL
XH-36M-5 ROS05-36M
Maximum power (Pmax) 5 W 5 W Open circuit Voltage (VOC) 21.47V 21.5V Short circuit current (ISC) 310mA 320mA Voltage at Pmax 17.40 V 17.40 V Current at Pmax 290 mA 290 mA Module dimensions 342×160×25mm 300×217×28mm Module weight 0.8kg 0.9kg Cell type Mono crystalline Poly crystalline No. of cells 36 in series 36 in series Data measured in standard condition(STC):Irradiation 1000 W/m2, AM1.5,cell temperature 250C,Tested according to: IEC 61215 and IEC 61730
At early morning solar radiation has a low angle and solar rays penetrate a thick atmospheric
layer. Abundance in radiation occurs at noon, when sun is at the highest angle above the horizon
and radiation encounters minimum thickness of the atmosphere.
The highest radiation intensity was obtained at mid day when sun ray is perpendicular on the
surface. The recorded values are in the range 438 W/m2 in the morning and 463 W/m2 in the
afternoon and 570 W/m2 at midday. The variation in radiation intensity caused variation in the
measured output current which affects efficiency in the same manner. Fig. 4.17 shows solar
Irradiance measurement per hour in randomly.
Output current and voltage of each panel was measured every hour in a randomly selected day
under similar conditions. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current has been measured
directly from the PV panels output without battery connection or electrical load. The efficiency
curve of mono crystalline and multi crystalline PV panels is plotted.
However, the ambient temperature has a considerable effect on the efficiency of PV system. As
the ambient temperature increases cell temperature increases, the open circuit voltage decreases
and the short circuit current become slightly higher to reach the maximum output current. In the
present investigations, the measurements for both types of PV panels have been carried out at the
same time which means that the ambient temperature and temperature of the PV panels were
79
identical. Therefore, the influence of ambient temperature on the efficiency of PV panels is
abandon.
Fig 4.17: Irradiance as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013)
Fig 4.18:Pmax as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Irra
dian
ce ,W
/m2
Time,hr
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
mono
poly
Pmax
,W
Time,Hr
80
Fig 4.19: Efficiency as a function of time in a day (city :Dhaka,date:19/07/2013)
Figure 4.19 illustrates the efficiency curves for both mono crystalline and multi crystalline PV
cells. Figure 4.19 indicates that mono crystalline PV cells have higher efficiency value than multi
crystalline PV cells. The efficiency of mono crystalline PV cells can reach 15.27% while
efficiency of multi -crystalline PV cells reaches 11.87%. Thus, output power of mono crystalline
is higher than that of multi crystalline PV cells. Efficiency increases rapidly with solar
irradiance. A maximum peak occurs at midday when radiation intensity reaches maximum.
Summary of this experiment is shown in table 4.6. The comparison of the efficiency of the
multicrystalline and mono-crystalline PV panels indicates that despite similar behavior of both
PV modules in the selected days, mono-crystalline panel efficiency was higher than that of the
multi-crystalline panel.
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
18.00
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
mono
poly
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
Time,Hr
81
Table 4.6: Comparing performance between mono crystalline and poly crystalline solar panel Date: 19/07/2013, place: Dhaka
Time Solar Irradiance, W/m2
Pin,W (mono)
Pin,W (poly)
Pmax,W (mono)
Pmax,W (poly)
Efficiency (%) (mono)
Efficiency (%) (poly)
6:00 11 0.34375 0.43087 - - - -
7:00 86 2.6875 3.36862 0.18 0.17 6.70 5.05
8:00 198 6.1875 7.75566 0.75 0.74 12.12 9.54
9:00 355 11.09375 13.90535 1.45 1.43 13.07 10.28
10:00 438 13.6875 17.15646 1.85 1.85 13.52 10.78
11:00 503 15.71875 19.70251 2.3 2.1 14.63 10.66
12:00 548 17.125 21.46516 2.56 2.5 14.95 11.65
13:00 570 17.8125 22.3269 2.72 2.65 15.27 11.87
14:00 540 16.875 21.1518 2.5 2.42 14.81 11.44
15:00 503 15.71875 19.70251 2.18 2.18 13.87 11.06
16:00 463 14.46875 18.13571 1.99 1.97 13.75 10.86
17:00 244 7.625 9.55748 0.88 0.8 11.54 8.37
18:00 107 3.34375 4.19119 0.28 0.22 8.37 5.25
18:30 17 0.53125 0.66589 - - - -
Average 327.3571 10.229911 12.8225 1.4028 1.3592 13.71 10.60
Solar Cell Area: Mono crystalline panel:62*14*36 mm2, polycrystalline panel: 64*17*36 mm2
4.5 Simulation Result: The effects of environmental (Irradiance and Temperature) and physical parameters on the I-V
curve are simulated in this section. Some simulation results are compared with experimental
data.
82
4.5.1 Effects of Solar Irradiance Variation
Changing the light intensity incident on a solar cell changes all solar cell parameters, including
the short-circuit current, the open-circuit voltage, the FF, the efficiency and the impact of series
and shunt resistances. The light intensity on a solar cell is called the number of suns, where 1 sun
corresponds to standard illumination at AM1.5, or 1 kW/m2. For example a system with 10
kW/m2 incident on the solar cell would be operating at 10 suns. A PV module designed to
operate under 1 sun conditions is called a "flat plate" module while those using concentrated
sunlight are called "concentrators".
The input parameter of test module is considered for my proposed model which is shown in
table 4.1 and compares the output parameters of my proposed model with test module in table
4.7.
Table 4.7 : Comparison of output parameters between experimental and developed model value
Input Parameters
(manufacture data)
Output parameter
(manufacture data)
Output parameters
(proposed model)
Deviation error (%)
VOC 21.47 V P max 5 W P max 5 W -
ISC 310 mA Vmp 17.40 V Vmp 17.60 V 1.14
Tcell 250C Imp 290 mA Imp 286 mA 1.37
Radiation 1000 W/m2
Ns 36 cell
Np 1
Rs (ohms) 0.07/cell (Measured value)
Rsh ( ohms) 47/cell
(measured value)
Ideality factor ( n)
1.1 (measured value)
83
The I-V and P-V characteristics curve of proposed model is shown in Fig 4.20 and Fig 4.21.
Simulation is done at standard condition (Irradiation 1000 W/m2 and cell temperature 250C).
Fig. 4.20 : Current -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance=1000 W/m2 and Tc =250c
Fig. 4.21: : Power -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance=1000 w/m2
and Tc=250c.
The proposed model includes two subsystems: one that calculates the PV cell photocurrent
which depends on the Irradiance and the temperature according to equation (3.5).
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Cur
rent
(A)
Voltage (V)
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Pow
er (
W)
Voltage (V)
84
Based on the equation (3.5), the subsystem of Fig. 4.22 is obtained and the model simulation
results are shown in Figs. 4.23 and 4.24.
Fig. 4.22: Iph Matlab/SIMULINK subsystem for varying cell temperature and solar Irradiance
As it can be seen from Figs.4.23 and 4.24, the PV cell current and Pmax is strongly dependent on
the solar Irradiance.
Fig.4.23: Current-Voltage characteristics for different solar Irradiance.
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
1000 W/m^2800 W/m^2600 W/m^2400 W/m^2
Voltage, (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
85
Fig.4.24: Power-Voltage characteristics for different solar Irradiance.
Simulation Results are compared with experimental results at six different irradiance levels (105
W/m2 to 602 W/m2). It is shown from fig 4.25 to fig 4.36. The summary of this comparing is
shown in table 5.8
Fig 4.25: Simulated and Experimental Current-Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 105 W/m2
Fig 4.26: Simulated and Experimental Power Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 105 W/m2
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
1000 W/m^2800 W/m^2600 W/m^2400 W/m^2
Voltage, (V)
Pow
er,(W
)
0.00
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.03
0.04
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00
Experimental data
simulation dataCur
rent
, (A
)
Voltage,(V)
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00
Experimental datasimulation data
Voltage,(V)
Pow
er, (
W)
86
Fig 4.27: Simulated and Experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 202 W/m2
Fig 4.28: Simulated and Experimental Power -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 202 W/m2
Fig 4.29: Simulated and Experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 304 W/m2
0.00
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00
Experimental data
simulation data
Voltage,(V)
Cur
rent
, (A
)
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00
Experimental datasimulation data
Voltage,(V)
Pow
er, (
W)
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Experimental datasimulation data
Voltage,(V)
Curr
ent,
( A)
87
Fig 4.30: Simulated and Experimental Power Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 304 W/m2
Fig 4.31: Simulated and Experimental Current Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 400 W/m2
Fig 4.32: Simulated and Experimental Power Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 400 W/m2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Experimental data
simulation dataPo
wer
, (W
)
Voltage,(V)
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Experimental datasimulation data
Cur
rent
, (A
)
Voltage, (V)
00.20.40.60.8
11.21.41.61.8
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
experimental data
simulation dataPow
er, (
W)
Voltage, (V)
88
Fig 4.33: Simulated and Experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 502 W/m2
Fig 4.34: Simulated and Experimental Power -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 502 W/m2
Fig 4.35: Simulated and Experimental Current -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 602 W/m2
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Experimental data
simulation dataCur
rent
, (A
)
Voltage,(V)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
experimental data
simulation data
Voltage,(V)
Pow
er, (
W)
0.000.020.040.060.080.100.120.140.160.180.20
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Experimental datasimulation data
Cur
rent
, (A
)
Voltage,(V)
89
Fig 4.36: Simulated and Experimental Power -Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 602 W/m2
Table 4.8 Comparison of Simulation and experimental results
[Exp- Experimental Result, Sim- Simulation result]
From this table, it is observed that simulation results are approximately same with Experimental
result at different irradiation levels. Maximum deviation error is 2%.
Irradiance effect on Cell Temperature: In this work, proposed model considers the effect of irradiation on cell temperature (Tc). Based
on equation (3.6), the subsystem of this effect is shown in Fig 4.37 and simulation result of this
subsystem is shown in Fig 4.38.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
experimental data
simulation data
Voltage,(V)
Pow
er,(W
)
Irradiance
( W/m2)
105 202 304 400 502 602
Exp Sim Exp Sim Exp Sim Exp Sim Exp Sim Exp Sim
VOC (V) 17.64 17.98 17.98 18.2 18.83 19 18.9 19.2 19.29 19.59 19.79 20
ISC (A) 0.034 0.034 0.06 0.062 0.093 0.093 0.124 0.124 0.155 0.155 0.185 0.185
Pmax (W) 0.40 0.41 0.7 0.7 1.17 1.18 1.67 1.68 2.16 2.18 2.67 2.69
FF 0.640 0.635 0.64 0.638 0.667 0.668 0.712 0.701 0.717 0.722 0.727 0.729
Efficiency (%)
8.02 8.04 10.14 10.00 12.48 12.59 13.36 13.48 13.82 13.95 14.24 14.35
90
Fig 4.37: Tcell Matlab /SIMULINK subsystem for varying solar Irradiance
Fig 4.38: Cell temperature as a function of solar Irradiance
In Fig 4.38, it is observed that cell temperature is dependent on solar Irradiance. Cell temperature
varies from 280c to 580c between 100 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2
4.5.2 Effect of Varying Cell Temperature Temperature plays another major factor in determine the solar cell efficiency. As the temperature
increases the rate of photon generation increases thus reverse saturation current increases rapidly
and this reduces the band gap. Hence this leads to marginal changes in current but major changes
in voltage. The cell voltage reduces by 2.2 mV per degree rise of temperature. Temperature acts
like a negative factor affecting solar cell performance. Therefore solar cells give their full
performance on cold and sunny days rather on hot and sunny weather. Temperature affects the
characteristic equation in two ways: directly, T in the exponential term, and indirectly its effect
on I0 . While increasing T reduces the magnitude of the exponent in the characteristic equation,
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200Radiation(W/m2)
Cell
Tem
pera
ture
, Tc
(0 C)
91
the value of I0 increases exponentially with Tc. The net effect is to reduce VOC (the open-circuit
voltage) linearly with increasing temperature. The magnitude of this reduction is inversely
proportional to VOC; that is, cells with higher values of VOC suffer smaller reductions in voltage
with increasing temperature. For most crystalline silicon solar cells the change in VOC with
temperature is about -0.50%/°C, though the rate for the highest-efficiency crystalline silicon cells
is around -0.35%/°C. By way of comparison, the rate for amorphous silicon solar cells is -
0.20%/°C to -0.30%/°C, depending on how the cell is made.
The amount of photo generated current IL increases slightly with increasing temperature because
of an increase in the number of thermally generated carriers in the cell. This effect is slight,
however: about 0.065%/°C for crystalline silicon cells and 0.09% for amorphous silicon cells.
The diode reverse saturation current varies as a cubic function of the temperature. The reverse
saturation current subsystem shown in Fig.4.39 was constructed based on equation 3.7.
Fig.4.39: Matlab/SIMULINK temperature effect subsystem on diode reverses saturation current.
The figure below shows I-V curves that might typically be seen for a crystalline silicon solar cell
at various temperatures. This behaviour is validated and presented in Figs.4.40 and 4.41.
92
Fig.4.40: Current-Voltage characteristics for different cell temperatures.
Fig.4.41: Power-Voltage characteristics for different cell temperatures.
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
0.200
0.250
0.300
0.350
0.400
0.000 10.000 20.000 30.000
T=25C
T=50
T=75
Voltage , (V)
Curr
ent ,
(A)
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
0.000 10.000 20.000 30.000
T=25C
T=50
T=75
Voltage, (V)
Pow
er,(
W)
93
Fig. VOC as a function of Cell Temperature
Fig.4.43 Isc as a function of Cell Temperature
10.000
12.000
14.000
16.000
18.000
20.000
22.000
24.000
25.000 35.000 45.000 55.000 65.000 75.000
Cell Temperature (T).0C
Volta
ge,V
OC
(V)
0.250
0.270
0.290
0.310
0.330
0.350
25.000 35.000 45.000 55.000 65.000 75.000
Cell Temperature (T).0C
Curr
ent,I
sc (
A)
94
Fig.4.44: Pmax as a function of Cell Temperature .
Fig.4.45: Fill Factor as a function of Cell Temperature.
The overall effect of temperature on cell efficiency can be computed using these factors in
combination with the characteristic equation. However, since the change in voltage is much
stronger than the change in current, the overall effect on efficiency tends to be similar to that on
voltage.
.
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
7.000
25.000 35.000 45.000 55.000 65.000 75.000
Cell Tamperature (T). 0C
Pow
er,P
max
(W)
0.500
0.550
0.600
0.650
0.700
0.750
0.800
25.000 35.000 45.000 55.000 65.000 75.000
Cell Temperature(T).0C
Fill
Fact
or, F
F
95
Fig.4.46. Efficiency as a function of Cell Temperature.
In Table 4.9, extracted values of the series and shunt resistances from current-voltage
characteristics of polycrystalline silicon solar cell at different temperatures under constant
illumination (1 kW/m2) are presented. Rs and Rsh SIMULINK subsystem for varying temperature
is obtained in Fig 4.47.
Fig 4.47: Rs and Rsh MATLAB/SIMULINK subsystem for varying Temperature
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
18.00
25 35 45 55 65 75
Temperature(T).0C
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
96
Table 4.9: Extracted values of Rs and Rsh for the considered crystalline silicon solar cell at
Irradiance of 1kW/m2
T(K) 298 308 318 328 338 348 358
Rs(Ω) 6.92 8.51 10.47 12.88 15.84 19.49 23.97
Rsh(Ω) 1025.38 939.80 866.09 802.15 746.31 697.25 653.88
From the obtained results (Table 4.9), Series resistance increases with an increase in temperature.
the series resistance is a positive temperature coefficient type, so it is possible to make it under
the form [110]:
Where Bs =0.0207K-1 is a coefficient specific to the semiconductor material and Rs0 is the initial
condition resistance. In this simulation, Rs0=0.0145 is considered.
Fig. 4.47 shows the behavior of Rs as a function of temperature. We find that the temperature
increase leads to an increase of the series resistance.
.
Fig. 4.47: Rs as a function of temperature
From Table 4.9, It is observed that Shunt resistance decreases with an increase in temperature.
So, the shunt resistance can be expressed as negative temperature coefficient type [110]:
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
298 308 318 328 338 348 358 368T(k)
Rs (o
hms)
(4.3)
97
Where Bsh= 799.93 K is a coefficient specific to the semiconductor material and Rsh0 is the
initial condition resistance.
Fig. 4.48: Rsh as a function of temperature
Fig. 4.48 shows the behavior of Rsh as a function of temperature. We find that the temperature
increase leads to a decrease in Rsh . Rsh0 =70 ohm is considered in this simulation.
4.5.3 Effect of Varying Rs The series resistance of the PV cell is low, and in some cases, it can be neglected. However, to
render the model suitable for any given PV cell, it is possible to vary this resistance and predict
the influence of its variation on the PV cell outputs. As seen in Fig 4.49 and 5.50, the variation
of Rs affects the slope angle of the I-V curves resulting in a deviation of the maximum power
point.
Fig.4.49 : Current-Voltage characteristics for different Rs.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
298 308 318 328 338 348 358 368T(k)
R sh
(ohm
s)
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Rs=0
Rs=0.1
Rs=0.3
Rs=0.6
Voltage , (V)
Curr
ent,
(A)
(4.4)
98
Fig.4.50: Power-Voltage characteristics for different Rs
Table 4.10: Simulation Result for the test module of varying Rs Rs(Ω) 0.00 0.10 0.30 0.60
Pmax (W) 5.32 5.01 4.41 3.56
Voc (V) 21.40 21.40 21.40 21.40
Isc (A) 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31
Pin (W) 31.25 31.25 31.25 31.25
FF 0.80 0.75 0.66 0.54
Eff (%) 17 16 14 11
Consider Tc =250C and Radiation 1000 W/m2
Fig.4.51: Pmax as a function of Rs
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Rs=0
Rs=0.1
Rs=0.3
Rs=0.6
Voltage(V)
Pow
er (W
)
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80Rs,Ohms
P max
, W
99
Fig.4.52: FF as a function of Rs
Fig.5.53: Efficiency as a function of Rs
The simulation was performed for four different values of Rs, namely 0.0Ω, 0.10Ω, 0.30Ω and
0.60 Ω. It was shown that higher values of Rs reduce the power output of the PV cell. The fill
factor also decreases as Rs increases.
4.5.4. Effect of Varying Rsh The shunt resistance of any PV cell should be large enough for higher output power and fill
factor. In fact, for a low shunt resistor, the PV cell current collapses more steeply which means
higher power loss and lower fill factor. These results can be seen in Figs.4.54 and 4.55.
0.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.90
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80
Rs,Ohms
Fill
Fact
or
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
18.00
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
Rs,Ohms
100
Fig.4.54: Current-Voltage characteristics for different Rsh
Fig.4.55: Power-Voltage characteristics for different Rsh
Fig.4.56: Pmax as a function of Rsh
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0 5 10 15 20 25
Rsh=100 Rsh=10 Rsh=5
Curr
ent
(A)
Voltage (V)
00.5
11.5
22.5
33.5
44.5
5
0 5 10 15 20 25
Rsh=100 Rsh=10 Rsh=5
Voltage (V)
Pow
er (
W)
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
0 50 100 150Rsh (ohms)
P max
(W)
101
Fig.4.57 FF as a function of Rsh
Fig.4.58: Efficiency as a function of Rsh
The simulation is performed for three different values of Rsh, namely 5Ω, 10Ω and100Ω. It is
shown that higher values of Rsh increase the power output of the PV cell. The fill factor also
increases with increasing Rsh .
4.5.5. Effects of Varying I0. If one assumes infinite shunt resistance, the characteristic equation can be solved for VOC:
Thus, an increase in I0 produces a reduction in VOC proportional to the inverse of the logarithm
of the increase. This explains mathematically the reason for the reduction in VOC that
accompanies increases in temperature described above. The effect of reverse saturation current
0.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.90
0 50 100 150Rsh(ohms)
Fill
Fact
or
0.002.004.006.008.00
10.0012.0014.0016.0018.00
0 50 100 150
Effic
ienc
y (%
)
Rsh(ohms)
(4.4)
102
on the I-V curve of a crystalline silicon solar cell is shown in the figure to the right. Physically,
reverse saturation current is a measure of the "leakage" of carriers across the p-n junction in
reverse bias. This leakage is a result of carrier recombination in the neutral regions on either side
of the junction. The curves of Figs.4.59 and 4.60 were plotted for three different values of I0:
10nA, 1nA and 0.1nA. The influence of an increase in I0 is evidently seen as decreasing the
open-circuit voltage VOC and maximum power Pmax.
Fig.4.59: Current-Voltage characteristics for different I0
Fig.4.60: Power-Voltage characteristics for different I0
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0 5 10 15 20 25
Io=0.1nA Io=1nA Io=10nA
Voltage (V)
Curr
ent (
A)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 5 10 15 20 25
Io=0.1nA Io=1nA Io=10nA
Voltage (V)
Pow
er (
W)
103
4.5.6. Effects of Varying Ideality Factor The ideality factor (also called the emissivity factor) is a fitting parameter that describes how
closely the diode's behavior matches that predicted by theory, which assumes the p-n junction of
the diode is an infinite plane and no recombination occurs within the space-charge region. A
perfect match to theory is indicated when n = 1. When recombination in the space-charge region
dominate other recombination, however, n = 2. Most solar cells, which are quite large compared
to conventional diodes, well approximate an infinite plane and will usually exhibit near-ideal
behavior under Standard Test Condition (n ≈ 1). Under certain operating conditions, however,
device operation may be dominated by recombination in the space-charge region.
The ideality factor, also known as the quality factor varies from 1 to 2 depending on the
fabrication process and semiconductor material, see in (Fig. 4.61) and (fig. 4.62) show that with
increasing the diode quality factor reduces the maximum power that the panel could provide in
addition, deteriorating fill factor, because although ISC and VOC does not change, if it does the
curvature of the knee where the maximum power occurs.
Fig 4.61: Current-Voltage characteristic as a function of diode ideality factor
Fig 4.62: Power-Voltage characteristic as a function of diode ideality factor
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0 5 10 15 20 25
n=1 n=1.33 n=1.66 n=2
Voltage (V)
Curr
ent (
A)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 5 10 15 20 25
n=1 n=1.33 n=1.66 n=2
Pow
er (W
)
Voltage (V)
104
4.5.7. Effects of Varying Number of Solar Cell in Series Photovoltaic solar panels are interconnected in series to form arrays/ strings which in turn are
connected in parallel. Solar panels similar characteristics are grouped into strings .Each strings is
composed of N-series-connected photovoltaic panels.
The Fig.4.63 and Fig.4.64 are providing information on associations in series. The voltage
resulting from the panel increases proportionally to the number of cells, while the current is not
affected.
Table 4.11: Different parameters with varying number of solar cell in series NS NP VOC (V) ISC (A) Pin (W) Pmax (W) FF Eff (%)
36 1 20.97 0.18 18.124 2.73 0.72 15
72 1 41.94 0.18 36.248 5.46 0.72 15
108 1 62.92 0.18 54.372 8.19 0.72 15
144 1 83.88 0.18 72.495 10.92 0.72 15
This simulation is done at 580 W/m2 by using test module parameter.
Fig 4.63: Current-Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cell in series
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
0.200
0.250
0.300
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Ns=36,Np=1Ns=72,Np=1Ns=108,Np=1Ns=144,Np=1
Voltage (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
105
Fig 4.64: Power-Voltage characteristics as a function of the number of cell in series
Fig 4.65: Rs as a function of the number of cell in series
Fig 4.66: Rsh as a function of the number of cell in series
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Ns=36,Np=1Ns=72,Np=1Ns=108,Np=1Ns=144,Np=1
Voltage (V)
Pow
er (W
)
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
0 50 100 150 200
No. of cell in series (Ns)
Rs (
ohm
s)
0.00500.00
1000.001500.002000.002500.003000.003500.004000.004500.005000.00
0 50 100 150 200
No. of cell in series (Ns)
Rsh
(ohm
s)
106
Fig 4.67: Simulated and Experimental current voltage characteristics of two modules in series at
Irradiance of 580 W/m2
Fig 4.68: Simulated and Experimental power voltage characteristics of two modules in series at
Irradiance of 580 W/m2
Table 4.12 Comparison of Simulation and Experimental value for two modules in series
Experimental Value Simulation Data Deviation error (%) VOC (V) 40 V 41.5 V 1.2
ISC (A) 0.18A 0.18 --
Pmax (W) 5.41 W 5.46 W 0.9
It is found that both results are approximately same.
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
0.200
0.250
0.300
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0
Ns=72,Np=1(Experimental data)Ns=72,Np=1(Simulation data)
Voltage(V)
Cur
rent
(A)
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0
Ns=72,Np=1( Experimental data)
Ns=72,Np=1(Simulation Data)
Pow
er(W
)
Voltage(V)
107
4.5.8. Effects of varying number of solar cell in parallel The Fig.4.69 and Fig.4.70 are providing information on associations in parallel. The resulting
intensity of the panel increase proportionally to the number of cells, while the voltage is not
affected. It is observed that the power supplied by the panel is equal in both cases, since a
proportional increase of the current.
Table 4.13: Different parameters with varying number of solar cell in parallel NS NP VOC (V) ISC (A) Pin (W) Pmax (W) FF Eff (%)
36 1 20.97 0.18 18.124 2.73 0.72 15
36 2 20.97 0.359 36.248 5.46 0.72 15
36 3 20.97 0.539 54.372 8.19 0.72 15
36 4 20.97 0.719 72.495 10.92 0.72 15
Fig 4.69: I-V characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel
Fig 4.70: P-V characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel
0.0000.1000.2000.3000.4000.5000.6000.7000.8000.9001.000
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Ns=36,Np=1
Ns=36,Np=2
Ns=36,Np=3
Ns=36,Np=4
Voltage(V)
Cur
rent
(A)
0.000
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
12.000
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Ns=36,Np=1
Ns=36,Np=2
Ns=36,Np=3
Ns=36,Np=4
Voltage(V)
Pow
er(W
)
108
Fig 4.71: Rs characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel
Fig 4.72: Rsh characteristics as a function of the number of cells in parallel
Fig 4.73: Simulated and Experimental current voltage characteristics of two modules in parallel
at Irradiance of 580 W/m2
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
0 1 2 3 4 5No. of cell in parallel (Np)
Rs(
ohm
s)
0.00
200.00
400.00
600.00
800.00
1000.00
1200.00
0 2 4 6No. of cell in parallel (Np)
Rsh
(ohm
s)
0.000
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Ns=36,Np=2(Experimental data)Ns=36,Np=2(Simulation data)
Voltage (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
109
Fig 4.74: Simulated and Experimental power voltage characteristics of two modules in parallel at
Irradiance of 580 W/m2
Table 4.14 Comparison of Simulation and Experimental value for two modules in Parallel
Experimental Value Simulation Data Deviation error (%) Voc (V) 19.1 19.6 2.5 Isc (A) 0.36 0.36 --
Pmax (W) 5.47 5.46 0.2 It is found that both results are approximately same. 4.5.9 Simulation for cell, module and array In this model, 36 PV cell are interconnected in series to form one module. As a result, the
module voltage is obtained by multiplying the cell voltage by the cells number while the total
module current is the same as the cell’s one. The results are shown in Figs.4.79 and 4.80.
Fig.4.75. SIMULINK model for the PV module.
In order to get benefit from these developed models, an array of PV modules has been
constructed. In fact, these PV modules were interconnected in series and all of them are
connected to the external control block as shown in Fig.4.76.
0.000
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
12.000
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Ns=36,Np=2(Experimental data)Ns=36,Np=2(Simulation data)
Voltage (V)
Pow
er (w
)
110
Fig.4.76: SIMULINK model for the PV array
The PV array model is simulated similarly to the model of the PV module and the obtained
results are shown in Figs.4.81 and 4.82, respectively. All simulations are done at standard test
condition (G=1000 W/m2 and T= 250C). Consider three modules are connected in series for array
simulation.
Fig 4.77: Current-Voltage characteristics of a cell for test module
00.05
0.10.15
0.20.25
0.30.35
0.4
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8Voltage (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
111
Fig 4.78: Power-Voltage characteristics of a cell for test module
Fig 4.79: Current-Voltage characteristics for the test module
Fig 4.80: Power-Voltage characteristics for the test module
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Pow
er (
W)
Voltage (V)
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00Voltage (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Pow
er (
W)
Voltage (V)
112
Fig 4.81: Current-Voltage characteristics of array for test module
Fig 4.82: Power-Voltage characteristics of array for test module
Three modules are connected in series for array simulation.
4.6. Experimental Results and Validation In order to validate the Matlab/SIMULINK model, The PV test module of Fig 4.83 was
investigated. The key specifications are listed in Table 4.14.
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0 20 40 60 80Voltage (V)
Cur
rent
(A)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0 20 40 60 80
Pow
er (W
)
Voltage (V)
113
Fig 4.83: Test Module (JKM250M-60)
Table 4.15 Key specification of Test Module (JKM250M-60) Model:JKM250M-60 Maximum power(Pmax) 250w Open circuitVoltage(Voc) 31.7V Short circuit current(Isc) 8.70 A Voltage at Pmax 30.6 V Current at Pmax 8.17A Module dimensions 1650×992×45mm Module weight 19kg Cell type Mono crystalline No.of cells 60 cells in series Data measured in standard condition(STC):Irradiation 1000 W/m2,AM1.5,cell temperature 250C,Tested according to:IEC 61215 and IEC 61730
The Matlab/SIMULINK model is evaluated for the JKM250M-60 solar panel. The results are
shown in Fig.4.84 and 4.85. On the other hand, the experimental results for a solar radiation of
580 W/m2 are shown in Fig. 4.86 and 4.87.
114
Fig4.84: Simulation result of Current-Voltage characteristics at 580 W/m2
Fig4.85: Simulation result of Power-Voltage characteristics at 580 W/m2
Fig4.86: Experimental results of Current-Voltage characteristics at 580 W/m2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 10 20 30
Voltage (V)
Curr
ent (
A)
Voc=34
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0 10 20 30Voltage (V)
Pow
er (W
)
Pmax=132W
Voc=34
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 10 20 30
Voltage (V)
Curr
ent (
A)
Voc=33.65
115
Fig4.87: Experimental Results of P-V curve at 580 W/m2
Fig 4.88: Simulated and Experimental current voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 580 W/m2
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0 10 20 30
Voltage(v)
Pow
er(W
)
Pmax=130 W
Voc=33.65
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 10 20 30 40
Experimental data
simulation dataCur
rent
(A)
Voltage(v)
116
Fig 4.89: Simulated and Experimental Power-Voltage characteristics at Irradiance of 580 W/m2
Table 4.16 : Comparison of simulation and experimental result for test module (JKM250M-60)
at Irradiance of 580 W/m2
Experimental Result Simulation Result Deviation error (%)
VOC (V) 33.65 34 1
ISC (A) 5.12 5.10 0.4
Pmax (W) 130 132 1.5
FF 0.75 0.76 1.3
Efficiency (%) 14.4 14.6 1.36
Simulation and experimental results of the I-V and P-V characteristics show a good agreement
in terms of short circuit current, open circuit voltage and maximum power, Fill Factor and
Efficiency.
In this study, the Matlab/SIMULINK model not only helps to predict the behavior of any PV cell
under different physical and environmental conditions, also it can be considered a smart tool to
extract the internal parameters of any solar PV cell including the ideal factor, series and shunt
resistance. Some of these parameters are not always provided by the manufacturer.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0 10 20 30 40
Experimental data
simulation data
Pow
er (
W)
Voltage (V)
117
CHAPTER 5
Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Works
5.1 Conclusions This chapter summarizes the central features of this research and its outcomes. This is followed
by the plan for future research work. A generalized PV model which is representative of the all
PV cell, module, and the array has been developed with Matlab/Simulink and been verified with
a PV cell and a commercial module. The proposed model takes solar irradiance and cell
temperature as input parameters and outputs the I-V and P-V characteristics under various
conditions. This model has also been designed in the form of Simulink block libraries. Such a
generalized PV model is easy to be used for the implementation on Matlab/Simulink modeling
and simulation platform. 5 watt crystalline solar modules are used in this work.
In this work, analyzing the effect of irradiance on I-V and P-V characteristics and different
parameters of solar module and compare all experimental data with the simulation result of
developed model. The observation is done from 105 W/m2 to 602 W/m2. Simulation results are
approximately same with experimental results. When analyzing the effect of irradiance, it is
observed that short circuit current (Isc) has proportionally increased with increasing Irradiance
and Voc is very small with increasing irradiance. Maximum power (Pmax) also proportionally
increases with increasing solar irradiance. Fill Factor and efficiency is gradually rising with
increasing irradiance.
It is extracted the value of series and shunt resistance from the I-V characteristic of the solar
module at different irradiation levels. Series resistance is gradually decreasing with increasing
solar irradiance. This resistance varies from 128.15 ohms to 14.35 ohms between 105 W/m2 to
602 W/m2. But the change of shunt resistance is not large.
In this work, It has developed an empirical equation for the Irradiance effect on the series
resistance of solar cell by using experimental data. Developed equation is valid for another
experimental data. Maximum deviation error 7%.
118
It is also extracted the value of the ideality factor from the I-V characteristics of solar module at
different irradiation levels. It is observed that ideality factor decreases with increasing solar
irradiance. It varies from 2.5 to 1.2 with varying 105 W/m2 to 602 W/m2.
In this study, comparing the efficiency between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar
module. Using manufacturer’s input parameters; it verifies the output parameters of simulation
result of my proposed model with end product data of the manufacturer. Deviation error is found
1.37% of this verification.
It has also examined the effect of varying the number of solar cells in series and parallel.
Experimental and simulation data are approximately same for this work. In series condition, the
voltage increases with increasing number of cells, but current is not affected. In parallel
condition, current increases with increasing number of cells but voltage is not affected. But the
change of maximum power is equal in both cases. Parasitic resistance increases with increasing
the solar cell in series and decreases with increasing solar cell in parallel.
The effect of parasitic resistance is also analyzed in this work. The ISC and VOC remain constant
but the maximum power point is varying. The series resistance influences the slope of the I-V
Characteristics at the constant voltage region. At the same time parallel resistance Rsh influences
the slope of the curve at the constant current region. Pmax, FF and Efficiency gradually decreases
with increasing series resistance and inverse situation is occurred for shunt resistance.
Temperature effect on different parameters of the solar module is reported in this work only
simulation basis. From I-V and P-V characteristics, it is observed that Voc reduces linearly with
increasing temperature, but the change of ISC is very small. FF, Maximum power and efficiency
gradually decreases with increasing temperature. It is also observed that Rs increases and Rsh
decreases with increasing temperature.
From this work, one can extract the different physical parameters of the solar cell from I-V and
P-V characteristic in particular Irradiance level and using all of parameters, it is possible to
simulate I-V and P-V characteristics at another Irradiance level without experiment.
119
5.2 Further Works
The simulations have been presented here on a silicon solar cell; merely it is generalized to all kinds of solar cell. Thus, high efficiency solar cells can be effectively simulated using the above model.
Due to time constraint for this project, further research could be done to identify a better model
for parallel PV cells for partial shading. To further increase the accuracy of the predictions, it is
suggested that the manufacturers provide two sets of data at two different reference conditions.
Further research could be exercised on the performance impact of different types of solar
material. Finally, it is also suggested that the manufacturers provide either a complete current-
voltage curve, at the reference condition so that the parameters for modeling the panel
performance can be determined.
In this study, it is experimentally demonstrated that an ideality factor varies with varying solar
irradiance. In future, this effect may be considered for modeling.
A Photovoltaic system doesn’t just consist of PV modules, but also involves a good deal of
power electronics as an interface between PV modules and load for effective and efficient
utilization of naturally available Sun power. Such a PV model is easy to be used for the
implementation on Matlab/Simulink modeling and simulation platform. In future, both PV
modules and the associated power electronics under different operating conditions and load may
be simulated by using Simulink.
The proposed model has a generalized structure so that it can be used as a PV power generator
along with wind, fuel cells and small hydro system by establishing proper interfacing and
controllers. The model may be simulated with connecting a three phase inverter and interfaced to
AC loads as well as the AC utility grid system. Therefore the model proposed here can be
considered as a part of distributed power generation systems.
The applications of photovoltaic will increase both for small-decentralized power supplies and
for large power stations. This makes a significant energy contribution. The rate of this progress
will depend on the amount of expert knowledge, contributes by those involved in the planning,
construction and operation of PV system.
120
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Appendix A
Unit Conversion & Basic Equations
A-1 Units and Conversions
Energy and Power Conversions
1kWh 3.6 × 106 J
1 hp (horsepower) 746 W
1 Btu 1.055 kJ
Time Conversions
1 year 8765.8 hours
1 hour 3600 sec
1 year 3.157 x 107sec
Solar Radiation Conversions
1 kWh/m2 1 Peak Sun Hour
1 kWh/m2 3.6 MJ/m2
1 kWh/m2 0.0116 Langley
1 kWh/m2 860 cal/m2
1 MJ/m2/day 0.01157 kW/m2
1 kW/m2 100 mW/cm2
Standard SI prefixes
Symbol Prefix Factor
T tera 1012
G giga 109
M mega 106
132
k kilo 103
c centi 10-2
m milli 10-3
µ* micron 10-6
n nano 10-9
p pico 10-12
A-2 Physical Constant
Symbol Value Description
q 1.602 × 10-19 coulomb electronic charge
q 1.602 × 10-19 conversion from joules to eV
m0 9.108 × 10-31 kg electron rest mass
c 2.998 × 108 m/s speed of light in vacuum
ε0 8.85418 × 10-14 farad/cm 8.85418 × 10-12 farad/m permittivity of free space
h 6.626 × 10-27 erg·s 6.626 × 10-34 joule·s Planck's constant
k 1.380 × 10-16 erg/K 1.380 × 10-23 joule/K Boltzmann's constant
σ 5.67 × 10-8 J/m2s K4 Stefan-Boltzmann constant
kT/q 0.02586 V thermal voltage at 300 K
λ0 wavelength of 1 eV photon 1.24 μm
A-3 Basic Equations
Density of States in Conduction and Valence Band
Fermi function:
133
Carrier Concentration in Equilibrium
Law of mass action:
Carrier concentrations:
n-type material:
p-type material:
Carrier Concentration Under Bias
Generation
Number of photons:
Generation rate:
Generation, homogeneous semiconductor: G = const:
P-type:
N-type:
134
Recombination
General SRH recombination rate:
Under low injection conditions:
For electrons:
For holes:
Basic PN Junction Equation Set
1. Poisson's equaion:
2. Transport equations:
3. Continuity equations:
General solution for no electric eifled, constant generation
135
Equations for PN Junctions
Built-in voltage pn homojunction:
General ideal diode equation:
I0 for wide base diode:
I0 for narrow base diode:
Full diode saturation currrent equation:
Depletion region recombination:
136
Solar Cell Equations
for constant G, wide base
Material Constants and Common Units
Intrinsic carrier concentration:
Effective density of states:
Intrinsic energy level:
Diffusivity
Minority carrier diffusion length:
Resistivity and conductivity:
137
Resistance, homogeneous:
Permittivity:
Radiant Energy
Wavelength and energy of a photon:
If E is in eV and λ is in μm:
Spectral irradiance for black body:
Power density of a non-ideal black body:
Photon flux and power density:
138
Appendix B
Simulation Data
B-1. Simulation Data at 1000 W/m2 for Fig 4.21 & 4.22
v(1000) I(1000) P(1000) v(1000) I(1000) P(1000) 0 0.311409 0 12.84 0.310948 3.992567
0.428 0.311402 0.13328 13.268 0.310819 4.123944 0.856 0.311394 0.266553 13.696 0.310628 4.254365
1.284 0.311387 0.399821 14.124 0.310345 4.383309
1.712 0.311379 0.533082 14.552 0.309921 4.509966 2.14 0.311372 0.666336 14.98 0.309285 4.633089
2.568 0.311365 0.799584 15.408 0.30833 4.750749
2.996 0.311357 0.932826 15.836 0.306894 4.859972 3.424 0.31135 1.066061 16.264 0.304733 4.956177
3.852 0.311342 1.19929 16.692 0.301481 5.032318 4.28 0.311335 1.332513 17.12 0.296588 5.077584
4.708 0.311327 1.465729 17.548 0.289232 5.075437
5.136 0.31132 1.598939 17.976 0.278187 5.000681 5.564 0.311312 1.732142 18.404 0.261637 4.815175
5.992 0.311305 1.865338 18.832 0.236921 4.461693
6.42 0.311297 1.998528 19.26 0.200181 3.855493 6.848 0.311289 2.13171 19.688 0.145949 2.873452
7.276 0.311282 2.264886 20.116 0.066688 1.3415 7.704 0.311274 2.398052 20.544 0.04756 0.97712
8.132 0.311265 2.53121 20.972 0.020922 0.4108
8.56 0.311257 2.664357 21.4 0.00012 0.002568 8.988 0.311247 2.79749
9.416 0.311237 2.930605
9.844 0.311225 3.063697 10.272 0.311211 3.196755
10.7 0.311193 3.329763 11.128 0.31117 3.462698
11.556 0.311139 3.595523
11.984 0.311096 3.728177 12.412 0.311035 3.860573
139
B-2. Simulation Data at for Fig 4.24 & 4.25
v(1000) i(1000) p(1000) v(800) i(800) p(800) v(600) i(600) p(600) v(400) i(400) p(400)
0.00 0.31 0.00 0.00 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.12 0.00
0.43 0.31 0.13 0.43 0.25 0.11 0.43 0.19 0.08 0.43 0.12 0.05 0.86 0.31 0.26 0.86 0.25 0.21 0.86 0.19 0.16 0.86 0.12 0.11
1.28 0.31 0.40 1.28 0.25 0.32 1.28 0.18 0.24 1.28 0.12 0.16
1.71 0.31 0.53 1.71 0.25 0.42 1.71 0.18 0.32 1.71 0.12 0.21 2.14 0.31 0.66 2.14 0.25 0.53 2.14 0.18 0.39 2.14 0.12 0.26
2.57 0.31 0.79 2.57 0.25 0.63 2.57 0.18 0.47 2.57 0.12 0.31 3.00 0.31 0.92 3.00 0.25 0.73 3.00 0.18 0.55 3.00 0.12 0.36
3.42 0.31 1.05 3.42 0.24 0.84 3.42 0.18 0.63 3.42 0.12 0.41
3.85 0.31 1.18 3.85 0.24 0.94 3.85 0.18 0.70 3.85 0.12 0.46 4.28 0.31 1.31 4.28 0.24 1.04 4.28 0.18 0.78 4.28 0.12 0.51
4.71 0.31 1.44 4.71 0.24 1.15 4.71 0.18 0.85 4.71 0.12 0.56
5.14 0.31 1.57 5.14 0.24 1.25 5.14 0.18 0.93 5.14 0.12 0.61 5.56 0.30 1.70 5.56 0.24 1.35 5.56 0.18 1.01 5.56 0.12 0.66
5.99 0.30 1.82 5.99 0.24 1.45 5.99 0.18 1.08 5.99 0.12 0.71 6.42 0.30 1.95 6.42 0.24 1.55 6.42 0.18 1.16 6.42 0.12 0.76
6.85 0.30 2.08 6.85 0.24 1.65 6.85 0.18 1.23 6.85 0.12 0.81
7.28 0.30 2.21 7.28 0.24 1.75 7.28 0.18 1.30 7.28 0.12 0.85 7.70 0.30 2.33 7.70 0.24 1.85 7.70 0.18 1.38 7.70 0.12 0.90
8.13 0.30 2.46 8.13 0.24 1.95 8.13 0.18 1.45 8.13 0.12 0.95
8.56 0.30 2.58 8.56 0.24 2.05 8.56 0.18 1.52 8.56 0.12 0.99 8.99 0.30 2.71 8.99 0.24 2.15 8.99 0.18 1.60 8.99 0.12 1.04
9.42 0.30 2.83 9.42 0.24 2.25 9.42 0.18 1.67 9.42 0.12 1.08 9.84 0.30 2.96 9.84 0.24 2.35 9.84 0.18 1.74 9.84 0.11 1.13
10.27 0.30 3.08 10.27 0.24 2.45 10.27 0.18 1.81 10.27 0.11 1.18
10.70 0.30 3.21 10.70 0.24 2.55 10.70 0.18 1.88 10.70 0.11 1.22 11.13 0.30 3.33 11.13 0.24 2.64 11.13 0.18 1.95 11.13 0.11 1.26
11.56 0.30 3.46 11.56 0.24 2.74 11.56 0.18 2.02 11.56 0.11 1.31
11.98 0.30 3.58 11.98 0.24 2.84 11.98 0.17 2.09 11.98 0.11 1.35 12.41 0.30 3.70 12.41 0.24 2.93 12.41 0.17 2.16 12.41 0.11 1.39
12.84 0.30 3.82 12.84 0.24 3.03 12.84 0.17 2.23 12.84 0.11 1.44 13.27 0.30 3.95 13.27 0.24 3.12 13.27 0.17 2.30 13.27 0.11 1.48
13.70 0.30 4.07 13.70 0.23 3.22 13.70 0.17 2.37 13.70 0.11 1.52
14.12 0.30 4.19 14.12 0.23 3.31 14.12 0.17 2.44 14.12 0.11 1.56 14.55 0.30 4.31 14.55 0.23 3.40 14.55 0.17 2.50 14.55 0.11 1.60
14.98 0.30 4.42 14.98 0.23 3.50 14.98 0.17 2.57 14.98 0.11 1.64
15.41 0.29 4.54 15.41 0.23 3.58 15.41 0.17 2.63 15.41 0.11 1.68 15.84 0.29 4.65 15.84 0.23 3.67 15.84 0.17 2.69 15.84 0.11 1.71
140
16.26 0.29 4.75 16.26 0.23 3.75 16.26 0.17 2.74 16.26 0.11 1.74 16.69 0.29 4.85 16.69 0.23 3.82 16.69 0.17 2.79 16.69 0.11 1.76
17.12 0.29 4.94 17.12 0.23 3.88 17.12 0.16 2.82 17.12 0.10 1.77
17.55 0.28 5.00 17.55 0.22 3.92 17.55 0.16 2.84 17.55 0.10 1.76 17.98 0.28 5.04 17.98 0.22 3.93 17.98 0.16 2.83 17.98 0.10 1.72
18.40 0.27 5.02 18.40 0.21 3.90 18.40 0.15 2.77 18.40 0.09 1.65 18.83 0.26 4.94 18.83 0.20 3.80 18.83 0.14 2.66 18.83 0.08 1.51
19.26 0.25 4.76 19.26 0.19 3.60 19.26 0.13 2.44 19.26 0.07 1.28
19.69 0.22 4.41 19.69 0.16 3.25 19.69 0.11 2.08 19.69 0.05 0.91 20.12 0.19 3.84 20.12 0.13 2.67 20.12 0.07 1.51 20.12 0.02 0.33
20.54 0.14 2.94 20.54 0.09 1.78 20.54 0.03 0.63 20.54 0.03 0.54
20.97 0.08 1.59 20.97 0.02 0.46 20.97 0.03 0.68 20.97 0.09 1.82 21.40 0.002 0.035 21.40 0.007 0.144 21.40 0.012 0.254 21.40 0.017 0.365
B-3. Simulation Data for Fig 4.29 & 4.30
v(T=25C) I(T=25C) P(T=25C) v(T=50C) I(T=50C) P(T=50C) v(T=75C) I(T=75C) P(T=75C) 0.000 0.310 0.000 0.000 0.315 0.000 0.000 0.320 0.000
0.600 0.309 0.186 0.600 0.314 0.189 0.600 0.319 0.192 1.200 0.309 0.370 1.200 0.314 0.376 1.200 0.319 0.382
1.800 0.308 0.555 1.800 0.313 0.564 1.800 0.318 0.573
2.400 0.308 0.738 2.400 0.313 0.750 2.400 0.318 0.762 3.000 0.307 0.921 3.000 0.312 0.936 3.000 0.317 0.951
3.600 0.306 1.103 3.600 0.311 1.121 3.600 0.316 1.139
4.200 0.306 1.285 4.200 0.311 1.306 4.200 0.316 1.327 4.800 0.305 1.466 4.800 0.310 1.490 4.800 0.315 1.513
5.400 0.305 1.646 5.400 0.310 1.673 5.400 0.315 1.699 6.000 0.304 1.825 6.000 0.309 1.856 6.000 0.314 1.883
6.600 0.304 2.004 6.600 0.309 2.037 6.600 0.313 2.066
7.200 0.303 2.183 7.200 0.308 2.219 7.200 0.312 2.247 7.800 0.303 2.360 7.800 0.308 2.399 7.800 0.311 2.424
8.400 0.302 2.537 8.400 0.307 2.579 8.400 0.309 2.595
9.000 0.301 2.713 9.000 0.306 2.757 9.000 0.306 2.757 9.600 0.301 2.889 9.600 0.306 2.935 9.600 0.302 2.903
10.200 0.300 3.064 10.200 0.305 3.111 10.200 0.296 3.022 10.800 0.300 3.238 10.800 0.304 3.285 10.800 0.287 3.096
11.400 0.299 3.411 11.400 0.303 3.455 11.400 0.271 3.091
12.000 0.299 3.584 12.000 0.302 3.620 12.000 0.246 2.958 12.600 0.298 3.756 12.600 0.300 3.776 12.600 0.207 2.613
13.200 0.297 3.926 13.200 0.297 3.915 13.200 0.147 1.935
141
13.800 0.297 4.096 13.800 0.292 4.025 13.800 0.055 0.754 14.400 0.296 4.264 14.400 0.284 4.085 14.400 0.0079 0.1142
15.000 0.295 4.428 15.000 0.270 4.057 15.600 0.294 4.588 15.600 0.249 3.879 16.200 0.293 4.739 16.200 0.213 3.446 16.800 0.290 4.874 16.800 0.155 2.598 17.400 0.286 4.981 17.400 0.064 1.111 18.000 0.280 5.036 18.000 0.0072 0.1300 18.600 0.269 4.998
19.200 0.250 4.791 19.800 0.217 4.289 20.400 0.161 3.285 21.000 0.071 1.483 21.600 0.0069 0.11496
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