Development of a Simple Method for Optimizing Photovoltaic Array Arrangement
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Authors
Heller, Marian E.
Issue Date
1983
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Direct conversion of sunlight into electricity can be accomplished by using photovoltaic cells made of semiconductor material, which work by the photoelectric effect. Photovoltaic cells are usually connected in larger units called panels that are in turn wired together into arrays. Mismatches among the output characteristics of the
photovoltaic panels within an array reduce the array output from the practical maximum. The array can be made most efficient by connecting the panels in series and parallel
combinations chosen to minimize the effect of the mismatches. Elaborate computer programs have been used for large array analysis, a technique too costly for smaller
applications such as residential dwellings. He present a practical method for optimizing the array configuration using easily measured panel parameters. Equations are
derived voltage to predict based on a panel's maximum power current and its effective series resistance, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and cell temperature. Relative insulation levels are also measured and used to normalize raw data to standard conditions. Measurements of the maximum power point using an I-V curve
tracer are compared with values predicted by the simplified method. A simple procedure is then given for optimizing the placement of the panels in the array. The cost-effectiveness of array optimization is analyzed.
Description
vii, 32 p.
Citation
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License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.