Effect of Micro Inverter on Different Combinations of Solar Module Efficiency in Shaded and Non-Shaded Conditions

Abstract Research and development in photovoltaic (PV) systems have usually been concentrated in studies on radiation availability, efficient operating strategies, design and sizing of these systems. On the other hand, the influence of shadow on the performance of PV systems

Project Title

Effect of Micro Inverter on Different Combinations of Solar Module Efficiency in Shaded and Non-Shaded Conditions

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

Abstract

Research and development in photovoltaic (PV) systems have usually been concentrated in studies on radiation availability, efficient operating strategies, design and sizing of these systems. On the other hand, the influence of shadow on the performance of PV systems has not been given much attention. In such a country, no effort has been made to check the efficiency of how can we improve it. This research aims to experimentally analyze the overall efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by different combinations, i.e., series or parallel in shaded or non-shaded conditions. And also, by using string invertors and micro-invertors.

Introduction

Nowadays, electrical energy is a significant concern because most human activities are based on energy. The energy consumption rate around the world is increasing due to industrialization and the growing population. Global warming is another big issue to ensure the energy demand by burning fossil fuels.

So, there is a need for power generation by using renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal etc. Direct solar energy utilization is the most efficient way to produce power than other resources as they have low initial and running costs. Solar energy can be directly used for generating electrical power with the help of PV panels. PV panels are devices that can convert solar radiation to electrical power.

Problem Statement

As there are no moving parts like windmills, there will be no mechanical losses. But still, the efficiency of solar panels is very low. Researchers found the highest efficiency of solar panels during various researches to be 28-30%. One of the factors that reduce the efficiency in the module is temperature and, secondly, the shading of the panels.

        The performance of photovoltaic systems is sensitive to obstacles that keep sunshine from being evenly distributed on solar panels. The barriers, which are trees, dust and clouds, shades on panels. When the shadow covers part or the complete panels, it causes a significant impact on the output power of an inverter due to the sudden drop of the output current. To get over the mentioned instability of the entire power inverting system, a micro-inverter (MIC) is developed, which can generate power from each panel.

Our project is meeting the two United Nation Sustainable Development Goals which is as under:

“7. Affordable and Clean Energy” and “13. Climate Change”. How this work is addressing these goals are discussed in section of in intended outcomes and applications.

Project Objectives

The objective of our project is

• To find highest efficiency by experiencing different Photo-Voltaic combinations.
• To analyze the effect of inverters on different Photo-Voltaic combinations.
• To find the optimum solution that offers the least energy cost for minimum capital investment and net present value.
• To find the efficient way by which affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is obtained.
• As we are working to find the highest efficiency using inverters which promotes the renewable source of energy as it is the clean source of producing energy and discourage the non-renewable source which helps in protecting the climate change.

Project Implementation Method

Method is as follows:

1. First, we will learn the basics of solar panels and invertors and how to connect them.
2. We will connect the panels in series and then in parallel, and at last, we will make an interconnected connection (combination of series & parallel).
3. Then we will connect the inverter with each of the panels individually with each of the combinations. 
4. Connect some load. Connect the voltmeter and ammeter, measure the voltage and current and then calculate the efficiency. For each combination.
5. Then we remove the individually connected invertors and connect only one invertor to the combined system.
6. Then again, connect the load, measure the voltage and current and then calculate the efficiency for each combination.
7. There is no effect of shuffling because we take the solar panels of the same rating.
8. Then we again repeat the procedure when there is a shadow on some parts of the panels. Calculate efficiency in that case also.
9. Measure the efficiency of both the cases and then analyze the results.

Benefits of the Project

Social aspects are the primary consideration for the development of any country. We can achieve the following social benefits by using a hybrid energy system: Local employment, better health and job opportunities. The study concluded that the total emission reduction of corban footprint is exponentially increasing in different years after installing renewable projects in remote areas.

Social impacts of each resource used in our project with its magnitude are listed below in Table 1.

Table 1: Social impacts assessment for different renewable energy sources [11].

Technology

Photovoltaic

Visual

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A device used with solar arrays to convert the energy that is generated (Direct Current) to usable electricity for a home (Alternating Current). They are connected to multiple solar panels. One string inverter can handle the energy produced from a row of 5-10 panels.

Advantages of string invertor are it is easy to troubleshoot, its cost is low and it has low probability of wiring mishap. But is has also some disadvantages but the most of them is that its efficiency decreases rapidly when panel goes in shade.

Micro-Inverter:

Solar micro-inverter is an inverter designed to operate with a single PV module. The micro-inverter converts the direct current output from each panel into alternating current. Its design allows parallel connection of multiple, independent units in a modular way.

Micro-inverter advantages include single panel power optimization, independent operation of each panel, plug-and play installation, improved installation and fire safety, minimized costs with system design and stock minimization.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Others

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Shared Economy

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action

Required Resources

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