• Energy Research

This paper is devoted to the design and simulation of an automatic data acquisition system of solar module characteristics. The system is essentially composed of three parts. The first part is devoted to the acquisition of the electrical parameters of the solar module (Current, Voltage and Power) in automatic ways using an automatic variable load. The second part is focused on devices which measure the ambient temperature and solar irradiation. In the last part, we study the design of an acquisition interface and a database for data saving. The results of simulations validate the correct operation of the measuring bench.

This paper is devoted to the design and simulation of an automatic data acquisition system of solar module characteristics. The system is essentially composed of three parts. The first part is devoted to the acquisition of the electrical parameters of the solar module (Current, Voltage and Power) in automatic ways using an automatic variable load. The second part is focused on devices which measure the ambient temperature and solar irradiation. In the last part, we study the design of an acquisition interface and a database for data saving. The results of simulations validate the correct operation of the measuring bench.

In the present study, degradation analysis of two System of 20 poly-crystalline silicon PV module are investigated. This study reports data collected from 20 distinct poly-crystalline modules deployed at two cities with different weather conditions. The first system is installed in Casamance (Senegal), and the second one in Cologne (Germany). After a few years exposition in outdoor, a comprehensive analysis has been carried out through visual inspection, infrared thermal imaging and I-V characteristic. The global degradation of the power output (Pmax) has been measured to be from 8.75%/year to 22.45%/year in Casamance and 0.8%/year to 1,4%/year in Cologne. The following degradation mechanism have been detected: delamination (corrosion), hot-spot, soiling and cell crack.

In the present study, degradation analysis of two System of 20 poly-crystalline silicon PV module are investigated. This study reports data collected from 20 distinct poly-crystalline modules deployed at two cities with different weather conditions. The first system is installed in Casamance (Senegal), and the second one in Cologne (Germany). After a few years exposition in outdoor, a comprehensive analysis has been carried out through visual inspection, infrared thermal imaging and I-V characteristic. The global degradation of the power output (Pmax) has been measured to be from 8.75%/year to 22.45%/year in Casamance and 0.8%/year to 1,4%/year in Cologne. The following degradation mechanism have been detected: delamination (corrosion), hot-spot, soiling and cell crack.

The work proposed here aims at providing scientists and decision-makers with a mean which will help in the performance modeling of PV modules. Based on one of the existing models of solar cells, we developed a behavioral database enriched by the information that can be gathered from the manufacturers' datasheets of the modules. By considering the extraction of the 5 parameters of the module as an optimization non-constraint problem at Standard Test Conditions (STC), analytical expressions without any simplification, derived from the main current-voltage equation are used. By choosing a wise initial guess value we evaluated those 5 unknows more accurately. Datasheets of 10 different types of solar modules that are installed in photovoltaic plants in Senegal were considered. Hence the methodology adopted and applied on them in the simulation process allowed us to replicate first their current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics in STC, then in changing environmental conditions. In the end, this work focused on the prediction of a twelfth part of the output power produced on the DC side before an Inverter Transformer Station (ITS) of one photovoltaic plant. The measurement values compared with the simulation results showed a good match for the same day over two years.

The work proposed here aims at providing scientists and decision-makers with a mean which will help in the performance modeling of PV modules. Based on one of the existing models of solar cells, we developed a behavioral database enriched by the information that can be gathered from the manufacturers' datasheets of the modules. By considering the extraction of the 5 parameters of the module as an optimization non-constraint problem at Standard Test Conditions (STC), analytical expressions without any simplification, derived from the main current-voltage equation are used. By choosing a wise initial guess value we evaluated those 5 unknows more accurately. Datasheets of 10 different types of solar modules that are installed in photovoltaic plants in Senegal were considered. Hence the methodology adopted and applied on them in the simulation process allowed us to replicate first their current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics in STC, then in changing environmental conditions. In the end, this work focused on the prediction of a twelfth part of the output power produced on the DC side before an Inverter Transformer Station (ITS) of one photovoltaic plant. The measurement values compared with the simulation results showed a good match for the same day over two years.