Vector-Based Advanced Computation for Photovoltaic Devices and Arrays: Numerical Reproduction of Unusual Behaviors of Curved Photovoltaic Devices
Source abstract
Abstract
Most equations and models for photovoltaics are based on the assumption that photovoltaic (PV) devices are flat. Therefore, the actual performance of nonplanar PV devices should be investigated and developed. In this study, two algorithms were developed and defined using vector computations to describe a curved surface based on differential geometry and the interaction with non-uniform solar irradiance (i.e., non-uniform shading distribution in the sky). To validate the computational model, the power output from a commercial curved solar panel for the Toyota Prius 40 series was monitored at four orientation angles and in various climates. Then, these were compared with the calculation results obtained using the developed algorithm. The conventional calculation used for flat PV devices showed an overestimated performance due to ignorance of inherent errors due to curved surfaces. However, the new algorithms matched the measured trends, particularly on clear-sky days. The validated computation method for curved PV devices is advantageous for vehicle-integrated photovoltaic devices and PVs including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), drones, and agriphotovoltaics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: solar cell performance optimization · Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques · Structural Analysis and Optimization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
GX Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
Funding
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan
References (100+)
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