Irradiance Sensing through PV Devices: A Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

In this work, a sensitivity analysis for the closed-form approach of irradiance sensing through photovoltaic devices is proposed. A lean expression to calculate irradiance on a photovoltaic device, given its operating point, temperature and equivalent circuit model, is proposed. On this expression, the sensitivity towards errors in the measurement of the photovoltaic device operating point and temperature is analyzed, determining optimal conditions to minimize sensitivity. The approach is studied for two scenarios, a stand-alone sensor and irradiance sensing on an operating power-producing photovoltaic device. A low-cost realization of a virtual sensor employing the closed form for monitoring performance of photovoltaic module is also presented, showing the advantage of this kind of simple solution. The proposed solution can be used to create a wireless sensor network for remote monitoring of a photovoltaic plant, assessing both electrical and environmental conditions of the devices in real time.

Machine Learning-Based Monitoring of DC-DC Converters in Photovoltaic Applications

“…Initially, all currents and voltages on the passive components are taken into consideration, and their variations with respect to the irradiance and temperature are graphically evaluated through the Simulink model. The operating points considered for this simulation are extracted from [37] and represent common situations with a realistic relationship between irradiance and working temperature. Table 5 summarizes these working points.…”