Validation and Improvement of Shading Tolearability Assessment Tool

Abstract

The increasing deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules in urban environments, often prone to shading, underscores the critical importance of selecting shading-resistant modules. Unfortunately, a standardized parameter for assessing and comparing PV module performance under shading remains absent. Currently, quantifying a module's ability to withstand shading remains a challenge, as datasheets typically provide vague, qualitative descriptions. This research addresses this issue by presenting the development of a shading tolerance calculator using MATLAB. This calculator yields a numeric parameter known as Shading Tolerability (ST), providing a quantitative measure of a module's ability to cope with shading conditions. By offering a standardized metric for shading tolerance, this tool enables precise characterization and facilitates direct comparisons between different PV modules.

The research's primary objective is to advance the development of a tool that can calculate the ST of any PV module using readily available datasheet parameters. The tool will subsequently be validated through experimental testing and employed to establish a comprehensive database for commercial PV modules, offering guidelines for achieving high ST. Initially, the model transitioned from sectional resolution to cell-level calculations, allowing for a more detailed analysis. The study compares ST results obtained at the cell-level with those at the 12-section level and examines the ensuing impact on ST.

A sensitivity analysis explores the influence of key PV characteristics, including breakdown voltage, nominal operating cell temperature, and bypass diodes, on ST. Notably, the analysis reveals that bypass diodes have a positive effect on ST. Based on these findings, guidelines are formulated to enhance PV module performance under shading conditions and improve the module's ST value.