MODELING HALF-CUT PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES WITH BYPASS DIODES UNDER VARIOUS SHADING CONDITIONS

This thesis explores the modeling and analysis of half-cut photovoltaic (PV) modules equipped with bypass diodes under various shading conditions. As solar energy becomes increasingly vital in the global energy landscape, understanding the impact of shading on PV system performance is crucial. Shading, whether from environmental factors like trees and clouds or from elements like buildings, chimneys, and wires, significantly affects the performance and longevity of solar panels. The research recreates various shading conditions on six monocrystalline residential PV panels, each equipped with 120 half-cut cells and three bypass diodes to collect a rich dataset using a Fluke SMFT-1000 I-V Curve Tracer. The I-V curves obtained from these tests were used to refine a simulation model for half-cut PV modules with bypass diodes developed in Simulink, which incorporates an equivalent circuit using the eight-parameter model of a PV cell. The Simulink model's optimization involved fine-tuning parameters such as photo-generated current (Iph), series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rp), and temperature coefficients to closely match measured data. To validate the model’s applicability, the model was tested on PV panels from different manufacturers. Key findings demonstrate that half-cut technology significantly reduces power losses compared to conventional PV modules, particularly under partial shading conditions. The integration of bypass diodes further enhances performance by preventing hotspot formation and allowing unshaded portions of the panel to continue generating power. This study also briefly describes the existing solutions (microinverter, DC optimizer, global MPPT) for residential sites with severe shading.