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Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems
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Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 22381

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mariusz Filipowicz

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Guest Editor
Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: renewable energy technologies; energy conversion; photovoltaics; solar energy; biomass; wind energy; hybrid energy systems; polygeneration; waste heat recovery; energy modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Krzysztof Sornek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Department of Sustainable Energy Development, AGH University, Krakow, Poland
Interests: renewable energy technologies; solar energy; photovoltaic; energy efficiency in buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the Sustainable Development Scenarios, the power generated by solar energy systems will constantly continue to increase. Scientists claim that, in the field of photovoltaics, the value of 720 TWh produced electric energy will grow to about 3300 TWh in 2030. Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems are also considered as one of the most dynamically developing energy sources, with energy produced in 2019 at the level of 15.6 TWh, and forecasted to reach 183.8 TWh in 2030. To make it happen, it is necessary to develop highly efficient systems of solar energy conversion, at prices available to the average user wishing to become a prosumer. Such an idea is connected with interdisciplinary research in the fields of material engineering, process management, designing of energy systems, and energy policy. It is important to make the use of technology as easy as possible in the processes of designing stand-alone and on-grid energy systems. This Special Issue is an opportunity to present new approaches in the field of material engineering for photovoltaics, power plants based on photovoltaic, small and micro-scale photovoltaic systems, solar energy storage, hybrid energy systems with photovoltaics, solar concentration systems, building integrated photovoltaics, photovoltaic hydrogen generation, solar-powered vehicles and policy and economy related to the topic. Both review articles and original research papers are invited for publication in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Mariusz Filipowicz
Dr. Krzysztof Sornek
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Photovoltaics
  • Solar energy
  • Hybrid solar systems
  • Concentration of solar radiation
  • Ray-tracing analysis
  • CFD analysis
  • Dynamic simulations
  • Photovoltaic hydrogen generation
  • Solar powered vehicles
  • Renewable energy policy
  • Solar energy storage
  • Desalination

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 4978 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of a Linear CPV/T System in Different Working Conditions
by Carlo Renno, Alessandro Perone, Diana D’Agostino and Francesco Minichiello
Energies 2023, 16(5), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052115 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1062
Abstract
The performance of Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal (CPV/T) systems is also linked to climatic conditions. In this paper, the main purpose is to determine the energy and economic performance of a line-focus CPV/T system used for a residential user, considering three cities with [...] Read more.
The performance of Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal (CPV/T) systems is also linked to climatic conditions. In this paper, the main purpose is to determine the energy and economic performance of a line-focus CPV/T system used for a residential user, considering three cities with different weather conditions: Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Marrakech (Morocco), and Salerno (Italy). A modular configuration of a CPV/T system, with a concentration factor equal to 90 and module of 60 Triple-Junction (TJ) cells, is considered. The electrical power is linked to the values of TJ cell temperature and concentrated radiation by an experimental model. Electric production is highly influenced by the TJ cell temperature values. Hence, Marrakech presents lower power generation in summer than Amsterdam, 126 W, and 134 W respectively; in winter season the trend is reversed. However, the electric production in Marrakech will be higher because presents a higher number of daylight hours than other cities considered. The CPV/T system electrical and thermal producibility is evaluated for each city and for typical winter and summer sunny days, together with the modules number able to obtain the investment profitability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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15 pages, 1112 KiB  
Article
Energy Production Analysis of Rooftop PV Systems Equipped with Module-Level Power Electronics under Partial Shading Conditions Based on Mixed-Effects Model
by Ngoc Thien Le, Thanh Le Truong, Widhyakorn Asdornwised, Surachai Chaitusaney and Watit Benjapolakul
Energies 2023, 16(2), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020970 - 15 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1170
Abstract
The rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system that uses a power optimization device at the module level (MLPE) has been theoretically proven to have an advantage over other types in case of reducing the effect of partial shading. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of [...] Read more.
The rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system that uses a power optimization device at the module level (MLPE) has been theoretically proven to have an advantage over other types in case of reducing the effect of partial shading. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of studies about the energy production of such a system in real working conditions with the impact of partial shading conditions (PSC). In this study, we evaluated the electrical energy production of the PV systems which use two typical configurations of power optimization at the PV panel level, a DC optimizer and a microinverter, using their real datasets working under PSC. Firstly, we compared the energy utilization ratio of the monthly energy production of these systems to the reference ones generated from PVWatt software to evaluate the effect of PSC on energy production. Secondly, we conducted a linear decline model to estimate the annual degradation rate of PV systems during a 6-year period to evaluate the effect of PSC on the PV’s degradation rate. In order to perform these evaluations, we utilized a mixed-effects model, a practical approach for studying time series data. The findings showed that the energy utilization ratio of PVs with MLPE was reduced by about 14.7% (95% confidence interval: −27.3% to −2.0%) under PSC, compared to that under nonshading conditions (NSC). Another finding was that the PSC did not significantly impact the PV’s annual energy degradation rate, which was about −50 (Wh/kW) per year. Our finding could therefore be used by homeowners to help make their decision, as a recommendation to select the gained energy production under PSC or the cost of a rooftop PV system using MLPE for their investment. Our finding also suggested that in the area where partial shading rarely happened, the rooftop PV system using a string or centralized inverter configuration was a more appropriate option than MLPE. Finally, our study provides an understanding about the ability of MLPE to reduce the effect of PSC in real working conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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17 pages, 4917 KiB  
Article
Predicting the Potential Energy Yield of Bifacial Solar PV Systems in Low-Latitude Region
by Rahimat O. Yakubu, Maame T. Ankoh, Lena D. Mensah, David A. Quansah and Muyiwa S. Adaramola
Energies 2022, 15(22), 8510; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15228510 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
The validation of the potential energy yield of bifacial PV systems of various configurations at low latitudes under West African climatic conditions is critical for evaluating performance and for promoting market expansion of the technology since validation has mostly occurred in high-latitude regions. [...] Read more.
The validation of the potential energy yield of bifacial PV systems of various configurations at low latitudes under West African climatic conditions is critical for evaluating performance and for promoting market expansion of the technology since validation has mostly occurred in high-latitude regions. In this paper, the potential energy yield from an inclined south-facing bifacial PV module and a vertically mounted east–west bifacial PV module are compared to an inclined south-facing monofacial PV module using an analytical model, field-measured data, and simulations. For measured/modelled and PVsyst/modelled monofacial systems, the model predicts RMSE values of 1.49 and 9.02, respectively. An inclined bifacial PV system has RMSEs of 1.88 and 7.97 for measured/modelled and PVsyst/modelled, respectively, and a vertically installed system has RMSEs of 10.03 for measured/modelled and 3.76 for PVsyst/modelled. Monthly energy yield is predicted by the model, with deviations from measured data ranging from 0.08% to 1.41% for monofacial systems, from 0.05% to 4.06% for inclined bifacial systems, and from 4.63% to 9.61% for vertical bifacial systems. The average bifacial gains from the modelled, measured, and simulated data of an inclined south-facing stand-alone bifacial PV system over an inclined south-facing stand-alone monofacial system are 9.05%, 10.15%, and 5.65%. Finally, at 0.25 albedo, the inclined monofacial PV system outperforms and yields more energy than the vertically installed bifacial PV system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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16 pages, 5257 KiB  
Article
Development and Tests of the Water Cooling System Dedicated to Photovoltaic Panels
by Krzysztof Sornek, Wojciech Goryl, Rafał Figaj, Gabriela Dąbrowska and Joanna Brezdeń
Energies 2022, 15(16), 5884; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165884 - 13 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Among all the energy production technologies based on renewables, the photovoltaic panels are the ones with the highest rate of development and applications worldwide. In this context, significant efforts are put into research on innovative materials in order to improve the performance of [...] Read more.
Among all the energy production technologies based on renewables, the photovoltaic panels are the ones with the highest rate of development and applications worldwide. In this context, significant efforts are put into research on innovative materials in order to improve the performance of photovoltaic cells. Nevertheless, possibilities available to enhance the energy yield of existing technologies also exist and are explored, such as the cooling of photovoltaic modules. This approach can decrease the mean operation temperature of photovoltaic cells, leading to an increase in efficiency and energy produced. In the present paper, this method is investigated by developing and testing a dedicated water cooling system for photovoltaic panels. In order to investigate the performance of the cooling system, two market-available monocrystalline photovoltaic panels with a power of 50 and 310 Wp were tested under laboratory and real operation conditions, respectively. Based on the results obtained under laboratory conditions, the most promising variant of the cooling system was selected and assessed under real operation conditions. For this system, the maximum temperature of the water-cooled 310 Wp panel was lower by approx. 24 K compared to an uncooled panel, as pointed out by a measurement performed during a typical sunny day when solar irradiation was approximately 850 W/m2. This improvement of the cell temperature led to a 10% increase in power generated by the water-cooled photovoltaic panel compared to the uncooled one. The economic analysis revealed that the estimated simply payback time for installing the cooling system in typical domestic photovoltaic installations can be less than 10 years, while from the point of view of net present value, the introduction of the water cooling system can be a profitable option for a 10-year period when a discount rate of 5% is considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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28 pages, 5221 KiB  
Article
Optimal Fuzzy-Based Energy Management Strategy to Maximize Self-Consumption of PV Systems in the Residential Sector in Ecuador
by Cristian Tapia, Diana Ulloa, Mayra Pacheco-Cunduri, Jorge Hernández-Ambato, Jesús Rodríguez-Flores and Victor Herrera-Perez
Energies 2022, 15(14), 5165; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145165 - 16 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1766
Abstract
This paper proposes a fuzzy-based energy management strategy (EMS) to maximize the self-consumption from a PV installation with an energy storage system (ESS) for the residential sector adapted to the Ecuadorian electricity market. The EMS includes two control levels: Energy management at the [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a fuzzy-based energy management strategy (EMS) to maximize the self-consumption from a PV installation with an energy storage system (ESS) for the residential sector adapted to the Ecuadorian electricity market. The EMS includes two control levels: Energy management at the end-user level (Fuzzy-based EMS and optimized by genetic Algorithm) and Energy management at the distribution grid level (Fuzzy-based EMS). Both strategies aim to maximize the use of the energy generated at home (taking into account the local solar generation profile), fulfilling the loads’ demand and injecting the energy surplus into the main grid to be economically compensated. Additionally, this paper presents economical modeling according to the electricity market in Ecuador. The main results showed a cost reduction in the electricity bill up to 83.64% from the base case (residential consumption without a PV system). In the scenario of a community electricity market (still not contemplated under the Ecuadorian electricity law), the potential economic savings may be more than double compared to the exact case but only with a self-consumption system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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16 pages, 1324 KiB  
Article
DC Optimal Power Flow Model to Assess the Irradiance Effect on the Sizing and Profitability of the PV-Battery System
by Fernando García-Muñoz, Miguel Alfaro, Guillermo Fuertes and Manuel Vargas
Energies 2022, 15(12), 4408; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124408 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
The decreasing cost of renewable energy resources and the developments in storage system technologies over recent years have increased the penetration of photovoltaic systems to face the high rise in the electricity load. Likewise, there has also been an increase in the demand [...] Read more.
The decreasing cost of renewable energy resources and the developments in storage system technologies over recent years have increased the penetration of photovoltaic systems to face the high rise in the electricity load. Likewise, there has also been an increase in the demand for tools that make this integration process in the current power systems profitable. This paper proposes a mathematical model based on the DC optimal power flow equations to find the optimal capacity of the PV panels and batteries for a standalone system or a system supported by the grid, while the investment and the energy required by the grid are minimized. In this regard, five different locations have been used as case studies to measure the influence of the irradiance level on the PV-Battery capacity installed and on the economic indicators such as CAPEX, OPEX, NPV, IRR, and the payback period. Thus, a modified 14-bus system has been used to replicate the grid technical limitations and show that a PV-Battery system connected to the grid could produce 26.9% more savings than a standalone PV-Battery and that a location with irradiance levels over 6.08 (kWh/m2/yr) could reduce the payback period for two years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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20 pages, 5722 KiB  
Article
Specific Yield Analysis of the Rooftop PV Systems Located in South-Eastern Poland
by Slawomir Gulkowski
Energies 2022, 15(10), 3666; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15103666 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3121
Abstract
In the last few years, Poland has experienced a significant increase in photovoltaic (PV) installations. A noticeable contribution to this dynamic growth belongs to the prosumers. This paper presents the energy efficiency analysis of nine prosumers’ PV installations located in South-Eastern Poland. Eight [...] Read more.
In the last few years, Poland has experienced a significant increase in photovoltaic (PV) installations. A noticeable contribution to this dynamic growth belongs to the prosumers. This paper presents the energy efficiency analysis of nine prosumers’ PV installations located in South-Eastern Poland. Eight of the systems are grid-connected and one is a hybrid (PV with the energy storage). New technology modules with efficiencies between 19% and 21%, as well as various PV system configurations related to orientation and tilt, were taken into consideration. Final yields were found and a financial assessment was presented. The average annual specific yield of all analyzed PV systems was found to be 990.2 kWh/kWp. The highest ratio of yearly energy production was noted for the system of bifacial monocrystalline silicon modules with 20.3% efficiency (1102.9 kWh/kWp). Median and maximum yields obtained by this system for the best insolation month (June 2021) were 6.64 kWh/kWp and 7.88 kWh/kWp respectively. The annual specific yield of other systems ranged between 868.8 kWh/kWp and 1075.5 kWh/kWp in dependency on module efficiency, system orientation, or tilt angle. The amount of energy produced in the summer half-year was found to be significantly higher (between 76% and 83% depending on the system) than in the winter period. The self-consumption ratio of the energy produced by the PV system installed for company prosumers ranged from about 50% in the summer months to almost 97% in winter. The payback period was below 8 years with the levelized cost of electricity equal to 0.14 €/kWh. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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23 pages, 2816 KiB  
Article
Global Energy Production Computation of a Solar-Powered Smart Home Automation System Using Reliability-Oriented Metrics
by Raul Rotar, Sorin Liviu Jurj, Robert Susany, Flavius Opritoiu and Mircea Vladutiu
Energies 2021, 14(9), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14092541 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2617
Abstract
This paper presents a modified global energy production computation formula that replaces the traditional Performance Ratio (PR) with a novel Solar Reliability Factor (SRF) for mobile solar tracking systems. The SRF parameter describes the reliability and availability of a dual-axis solar tracker, which [...] Read more.
This paper presents a modified global energy production computation formula that replaces the traditional Performance Ratio (PR) with a novel Solar Reliability Factor (SRF) for mobile solar tracking systems. The SRF parameter describes the reliability and availability of a dual-axis solar tracker, which powers a smart home automation system entirely by using clean energy. By applying the SRF in the global energy production formula of solar tracking systems, we can predict the energy generation in real time, allowing proper energy management of the entire smart home automation system. Regarding static deployed Photovoltaic (PV) systems, the PR factor is preserved to compute the power generation of these devices accurately. Experimental results show that the energy production computation constantly fluctuates over several days due to the SRF parameter variation, showing a 26.11% reduction when the dual-axis solar tracker’s availability is affected by system errors and maximum power generation when the solar tracking device is operating in optimal conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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10 pages, 2753 KiB  
Article
Development of Siloxane Coating with Oxide Fillers for Kesteritic (CZTS) Photovoltaic Systems
by Alisa A. Tatarinova, Aleksandr S. Doroshkevich, Olga Yu. Ivanshina, Oleg S. Pestov, Maria Balasoiu and Pavel P. Gladyshev
Energies 2021, 14(8), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082142 - 11 Apr 2021
Viewed by 1773
Abstract
Photovoltaic systems (PV) based on Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTS) solar cells have demonstrated efficiency and high performance. According to the results of comparative studies, the kesterite structure has proven to be ecologically safe and less expensive than other photovoltaic systems. The [...] Read more.
Photovoltaic systems (PV) based on Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTS) solar cells have demonstrated efficiency and high performance. According to the results of comparative studies, the kesterite structure has proven to be ecologically safe and less expensive than other photovoltaic systems. The goal of the present study was to design a disposable high-temperature transparent electrical insulating coating to cover metal plates for photovoltaic devices based on CZTS. The solution was to replace electrically conductive metallics dispersed in a high-temperature siloxane coating with phonon thermal conductivity ceramic particles. Properties of the obtained coating were investigated using different methods. A mathematical model of thermal processes in the film during heating was also developed. For the control sample and the sample with a heat-conducting filler, a quantitative ratio of thermal conductivity was obtained. The research results confirmed the necessary properties of the coating, including resistance to short-term exposure to high temperatures during the synthesis of kesterite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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Review

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49 pages, 8420 KiB  
Review
A Review on Heat Extraction Devices for CPVT Systems with Active Liquid Cooling
by Karolina Papis-Frączek and Krzysztof Sornek
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6123; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176123 - 23 Aug 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Numerous numerical and experimental studies have been conducted regarding the Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) system because of its significant potential for efficient conversion of solar energy. The overall efficiency of the CPVT system is strongly dependent on the device, which extracts excess heat [...] Read more.
Numerous numerical and experimental studies have been conducted regarding the Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) system because of its significant potential for efficient conversion of solar energy. The overall efficiency of the CPVT system is strongly dependent on the device, which extracts excess heat from photovoltaic cells. The most efficient cooling technology involves active cooling, which means that heat is collected from the PV cell via the forced flow of heat transfer fluid. This research paper provides an extensive discussion on devices dedicated to active-cooling CPVT systems, taking into account the latest solutions. First, a short introduction regarding CPVT systems and their main components is presented. The second part of this study presents state-of-the-art solutions in the field of heat extraction devices for the active cooling of photovoltaic cells. The available solutions are classified into two main groups depending on the scale of internal channels: macro- and micro-. Each geometry of the heat receiver is juxtaposed with the corresponding concentrating element, photovoltaic cell, concentration ratio, heat transfer fluid, and operating parameters of the specified system. In addition, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various devices for heat extraction and provides a comparative study of these devices. Finally, a set of recommendations for CPVT cooling devices is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Performance of the Photovoltaic Systems)
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