Optimizing photovoltaic arrays: A tested dataset of newly manufactured PV modules for data-driven analysis and algorithm development

Abstract

This data article presents a comprehensive dataset comprising experimentally tested characteristics of newly manufactured photovoltaic (PV) modules, which have been collected by using a commercial PV testing system from a solar panel manufacturer company. The PV testing system includes an artificial sunlight simulator to generate input light for the PV and the outputs of the PV are tested by a professional IV tracer in a darkroom environment maintaining IEC60904–9 standard. The dataset encompasses modules with power ratings of 10 W, 85 W, and 247 W, each represented by 40 individual module records. The tested and collected characteristics of each module include open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power point voltage, maximum power point current, maximum power point power, and fill factor. The motivation for this dataset lies in addressing the challenges posed by manufacturing defects and a ± 5 % manufacturing tolerance, which can lead to mismatch power losses in newly installed PV arrays. These losses result in lower current in series strings and lower voltage in parallel branches, ultimately decreasing the array's output power. The dataset serves as a valuable resource for academic research, particularly in the domain of PV array optimization. To facilitate optimization efforts, different algorithms have been explored in the literature. This dataset supports the exploration of these optimization algorithms to find solutions that enhance the position of each module within the array, consequently increasing the overall output power and efficiency of the PV system. The objective is to mitigate mismatch power losses, which, if unaddressed, can contribute to increased degradation rates and early aging of PV modules. This dataset lays the groundwork for addressing critical PV array performance and efficiency issues. In future research, this dataset can be reused to explore and implement optimization algorithms, to improve the overall output power and lifespan of newly installed PV arrays. The smart solution proposed in [1], utilizing a genetic algorithm-based module arrangement, demonstrates promising results for maximizing PV array output power using this dataset.

Keywords

• New photovoltaic module
• Electrical parameters of modules
• Tested data
• Commercial PV testing system
• Mismatch power loss
• Manufacturing tolerance