Small area high voltage photovoltaic module for high tolerance to partial shading

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Urban photovoltaic (PV) deployment is crucial for carbon-free electricity.
• Partial shading, common in urban settings, degrades performance of conventional PV modules due to series connections.
• A need exists for PV modules with enhanced tolerance to partial shading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the partial shading tolerance of novel small-area-high-voltage (SAHiV) modules.
• To compare the performance of SAHiV modules (rectangular and triangular) against conventional and shingled PV modules.
• To assess the suitability of SAHiV modules for urban PV applications.

Main Methods:

• Simulations using LTspice incorporating Monte Carlo and Latin Hypercube sampling.
• Testing with discrete and continuous shading patterns to mimic unpredictable urban shading.
• Validation of simulation results through comparison with experimental data.

Main Results:

• The SAHiV triangle module showed the highest partial shading tolerance across most tested scenarios.
• Both rectangular and triangular SAHiV modules demonstrated robustness against diverse shading patterns and angles.
• Stable shading-tolerance values were observed for SAHiV modules, indicating consistent performance.

Conclusions:

• SAHiV modules, particularly the triangular design, offer significant improvements in partial shading tolerance.
• These modules are well-suited for the demanding conditions of urban photovoltaic applications.
• The developed SAHiV technology contributes to the advancement of reliable renewable energy solutions in cities.