A novel and universal model for accurate prediction of PV module characteristics for power optimization under various design layouts and dynamic environmental conditions

Abstract

A comprehensive parametric model of a flexible PV (FPV) array has been developed leading to optimal operation under dynamic and extreme environmental conditions. The model considers the impact of various non-uniform environmental conditions and installation layouts on the performance of flexible FPV modules. For contoured layouts, the Power Voltage (P-V) characteristics of FPV module show multiple peaks around the maximum power region, which fails established tracking algorithms. The power optimization from FPV module is based on modeling of a key PV parameter-Dynamic Module Fill Factor (DMFF)-(which is the measure of module degradation). The advancement from this work is provided in terms of the approach of relating various parameters of flexible PV modules/arrays with environmental factors and layout designs for maximum power extraction. The proposed model provides important information about the design layouts that enable efficient power extraction. It is observed that layouts with up to 6° contouring incur only a minor power penalty compared to a flat panel installation. This is a significant result which can help encourage a greater flexibility in the installation of FPV layout design.