Reduction of electrical power loss in a photovoltaic chain in conditions of partial shading

Abstract The paper presents the problem of losses of electrical power in photovoltaic chains during partial shading. Photovoltaic modules work best when the illumination is uniform over the entire light-sensitive surface. If a part of this surface is illuminated to a lesser extent, it often ceases to be a part of the electricity generator, but constitutes a resistance. To minimize this phenomenon, PV modules use bypass diodes, e.g. covering several dozen cells in a photovoltaic chain. In addition, parts of the photovoltaic module surface with lower exposure to sunlight may be additionally illuminated with a mirror positioned to reflect light. The analysis uses a photovoltaic chain model implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The model describes the processes of electrical power generation in photovoltaic modules. The model corresponds to a laboratory photovoltaic system located in AGH in Cracow. In the presented model, each individual part may be illuminated with different light intensity. The light incident on the cells is a direct sunlight or light reflected from the mirror. The model allows for the analysis of the electrical power generated depending on the light profile of the photovoltaic system. The results of the model analysis may be applied in optimization of the PV modules’ configuration.