Papers by Keyword: PV

Abstract: A modern bio-inspired optimization algorithm, namely Coot Bird Optimization (COBO), is proposed and displayed in this paper to investigate the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of Positive Output Super Lift Luo (POSLL) DC-DC converter for control of the proposed photovoltaic (PV) power system. The effectiveness of this suggested algorithm is evaluated. The goal of the optimization problem is to reduce the rising time, settling time, and ripple of the POSLL converter's output voltage in response to step changes in input voltage with the connected load. To improve control performance, the gain parameters of the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller are tuned using the MPPT proposed optimization technique. The MPPT algorithm has been developed to prove an efficient present optimization algorithm for solving optimization problem.

Abstract: Peak load shaving is a crucial strategy for enhancing grid reliability, efficiency, and sustainability by reducing maximum electricity demand. This study investigates the design and optimization of a 100-kW grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system for peak load shaving and ancillary support at the Bahir Dar Distribution Substation (15 kV side). The system addresses the projected overloading of the substation within 22 months from 2023, as forecasted using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on historical domestic customer data. Utilizing Bahir Dar’s abundant solar resources, the PV system replaces diesel gensets at the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) datacenter, contributing to the national electrification goal by 2030. To enhance power quality and grid stability, the proposed system integrates an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)-based boost converter for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), increasing the DC-link voltage from 437.6V to 730.04V. A five-level Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) with Voltage Oriented Control (VOC) is implemented. Achieving a significant reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) from 16.27% to 1.12%, ensuring compliance with international standards. Additionally, the economic feasibility analysis indicates that the PV system, consisting of 41 panels in series and 8 in parallel, requires a total installation cost of $39,013 and generates approximately 170,209.18 kWh annually. Compared to the existing diesel-based power system, which incurs an annual operating cost of 571,663.35 ETB, the PV system offers substantial cost savings with an estimated payback period of 27 months. Despite these advantages, challenges such as weather variability, transient response analysis, and system scalability remain. Future work will focus on real-world validation through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, grid disturbance simulations including Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) and Low Frequency Ride Through (LFRT), and field trials to assess large-scale deployment feasibility. The findings highlight the potential of grid-connected PV systems to enhance energy reliability, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and support Ethiopia’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable power infrastructure.

Abstract: The ability of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) to combine the advantages of several renewable energy sources has attracted a lot of attention. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such wind and solar power, can make it difficult to keep the grid's power quality constant. Advanced intelligent control strategies are presented in this work with the goal of improving power quality in HRES. In order to reduce power quality difficulties, the research suggests a multidimensional approach that combines the capabilities of advanced control algorithms, intelligent decision-making, and predictive analytics. The main goal is to solve typical issues in HRES, such as harmonic distortions, voltage fluctuations and frequency variations. Proactive system management is made possible by the control approach, which forecasts renewable energy generation trends using machine learning techniques. In addition, real-time monitoring and control systems are included to enable prompt responses to modifications in the power generating mix. The HRES guarantees smooth integration and interaction by utilizing sophisticated hardware and software components to achieve these control mechanisms. This paper presents the results of an extensive simulation research that shows how well the suggested intelligent control solutions mitigate problems with power quality. The results show that the grid's frequency regulation, harmonic distortions, and voltage stability have all significantly improved.

Abstract: This paper aims to review the methodologies used to conduct microstructure evaluation of the photovoltaic (PV) interconnection. This analysis is important to identify the microstructural properties of the interconnection for failure analysis purposes. The interconnection becomes a major concern towards the efficiency and reliability of PV technology. In this paper, the common techniques used for the interconnection technology such as soldering, conductive adhesive and ultrasonic were presented with the assessment method to identify the failure mode and failure mechanism at the bonding interface. The identification of the failure mode and failure mechanism through visual analysis and conformation of failure phenomenon was important to highlight the risks and develop the countermeasures. The evaluation of microstructure characterization techniques in the electronics and PV industry has been presented by identifying the outcomes of each technique with different reliability tests. The discoveries of failure analysis in the electronics industry were more matured and becomes the reference to the PV development. The outcomes from this review could be beneficial to improve the interconnection bond in the PV industry by eliminating or minimizing the failure through design modification at the earliest point in the development process.

Abstract: Thin films of mixed amorphous/ microcrystalline-phases have been researched during the last decade, for manufacturing silicon solar cells. In this work the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition PECVD process parameters; namely dilution ratios and substrate temperature, were controlled to build i-layer at low dilution ratios with moderate substrate temperatures. In this work an intrinsic layer was deposited on Indium Tin Oxide ITO glass by PECVD technique, with different dilution ratios of silane in hydrogen to study the transition from amorphous to microcrystalline phase. The Si:H thin film was evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The structural transition between a-Si:H to μc-Si:H achieved at dilution ratio 13.3 and substrate temperature 250°C with surface roughness 22.5 nm.

Abstract: Interface quality plays a key role in solar cell applications. Interface recombination at the front and rear surfaces, which determine this quality, have significant effects on open circuit voltage and fill factor values. In this work, several surface treatments were applied on Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) surfaces to improve the interface quality. Besides, the passivation layer implementation was investigated to reduce interface recombination between the buffer and absorber layers.

Abstract: Copper indium gallium selenide/sulfide (CIGS) and copper zinc tin selenide/sulfide (CZTS) are two thin film photovoltaic materials with many similar properties. Therefore, three new processing steps – which are well-known to be beneficial for CIGS solar cell processing – are developed, optimized and implemented in CZTS solar cells. For all these novel processing steps an increase in minority carrier lifetime and cell conversion efficiency is measured, as compared to standard CZTS processing. The scientific explanation of these effects is very similar to its CIGS equivalent: the incorporation of alkali metals, ammonium sulfide surface cleaning, and Al₂O₃ surface passivation leads to electrical enhancement of the CZTS bulk, front surface and reduced front interface recombination, respectively.

Abstract: The continuous rise of energy demand worldwide combined with the decrease of natural resources such as fossil fuel represents a huge energy problem which facing humanity. Industry as well as consumers must rethink how to produce energy at low cost price. Renewable Energy (RE) applications and energy savings are keys to meet this challenge in a sustainable way. In the hot and sunny areas of the Arab countries, renewable sources like solar energy can play a role to slove energy problem. According to that the renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic, wind, biomass, etc… have an important role especially when the (high-tech.) new technologies can interfere. This paper investigates RE sources applications at Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, besides a simulation using HOMER software to three proposed systems newly erected in Yanbu Industrial College Renewable Energy (RE) lab. The lab represents a hybrid system, composed of PV, wind turbine, and Fuel cell systems. The cost of energy is compared in the three systems to compare the generated energy cost. This study is to evaluate the actual cost of RE sources in developing countries. The climatic variations at Yanbu that is located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia are considered.

Abstract: In photovoltaic MPPT control ,Compared with the traditional methods ,the conventional fuzzy algorithm had overcome the shortcomings of low accuracy, tracking slow and low efficiency from the external environment changes, And have no need to have excessive demands on the precision of the sensor and no "false positives" , Volatile situation still exist around the track points for it is asynchronous control, so there is a steady state error .A new method was proposed which combines the principle of fuzzy control and the PID control theory in this paper , The simulation results show the fuzzy PID can not only quickly respond to changes in the external environment, which can effectively eliminate the work of the maximum power point of the oscillation in fuzzy control and also make up shortcomings of a longer transition time. the simulation results proved the superiority of this algorithm.

Abstract: Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm directly affect the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic power generation system independent of energy, the thesis of common strengths and weaknesses of the MPPT algorithm to summarize, the traditional method of perturbation and observation maximum power point tracking algorithm is improved and build a simulation model, the simulation model are direct and network controllers and input grid and grid-independent photovoltaic power generation system model of network simulation, and network time from both the grid conditions, and the impact of current network waveforms and grid voltage waveform analyzed. Simulation results observed with the conventional perturbation method were compared and analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the improved method.