Small area high voltage photovoltaic module for high tolerance to partial shading
Luthfan Fauzan,
Min Ju Yun,
Yeon Hyang Sim,
Dong Yoon Lee,
Seung I. Cha
Affiliations
Luthfan Fauzan
Energy Conversion Research Center, Electrical Materials Research Division, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea; Department of Electro-functionality Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea
Min Ju Yun
Energy Conversion Research Center, Electrical Materials Research Division, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea
Yeon Hyang Sim
Energy Conversion Research Center, Electrical Materials Research Division, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea
Dong Yoon Lee
Energy Conversion Research Center, Electrical Materials Research Division, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea
Seung I. Cha
Energy Conversion Research Center, Electrical Materials Research Division, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea; Department of Electro-functionality Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 51543, Korea; Corresponding author
Summary: The urban application of photovoltaics is necessary to achieve carbon-free electricity production. However, the serial connections within modules cause problems under partial shading conditions, which is inevitable in urban applications. Therefore, a partial shading-tolerance photovoltaic module is needed. This research introduces the small-area–high-voltage (SAHiV) module with rectangle and triangle shapes for high partial shading tolerance and compares its performance with conventional and shingled modules. We tested it with discrete and continuous shading shape groups to represent unpredictable shading by simulations using LTspice with Monte Carlo simulation combined with latin hypercube sampling that were validated by comparison with experimental results. The SAHiV triangle module exhibited the best partial shading tolerance under most scenarios. Both types of SAHiV modules (rectangular and triangular) were robust against all types of shading patterns and angles, as indicated by their stable shading-tolerance values. These modules are thus suitable for use in urban areas.
