Modeling the Operating Modes of a Photovoltaic System

Abstract

During the operation of photovoltaic installations, the inconstancy of the energy characteristics of the flow of incident solar radiation adversely affects the generation of electrical energy. Consumers are highly dependent on climatic factors and solar insolation. For more efficient operation of generating solar installations, it is necessary to conduct detailed studies of the characteristics of the auxiliary and control equipment of the photovoltaic system. When using mathematical programs to simulate the operating modes of solar power generating systems, it is possible to significantly improve the operating parameters of control units and auxiliary systems and increase the generation of electrical energy. The paper presents an improved electrical diagram of a photovoltaic generating system, its control elements, and the efficiency of energy generation is increased. It also describes a method for modeling the operating modes of photovoltaic (PV) modules, implemented in the Matlab/Simulink program. In the work, it was necessary to define a circuit simulation model for the solar array to ensure interaction with the power converter. The characteristics of the solar cells, which are influenced by irradiation and temperature, are modeled by a circuit model. A simplified equivalent circuit for a diode equivalent PV system is used as a model. The simulation results are compared with different types of PV module data. As a result of the work, it was shown that the created simulation blocks in the Matlab/Simulin system well simulate the operation of solar panels, while they are compatible with different types of photovoltaic modules and are convenient in providing various operating modes. In the study of real operating modes of the proposed generating system, the possibility of increasing the generation of electrical energy was shown. When using the proposed circuit solutions for the operation of solar installations, it is possible to significantly increase their efficiency, extend the trouble-free operation, and increase the service life of the equipment. The conducted research contributes to a better use of blocks of photovoltaic systems used to provide electrical energy to industrial, municipal and individual consumers. The circuit solutions proposed in the work are possible for use both at large solar power plants operating in parallel with the general energy system, and at small photovoltaic installations used to provide individual consumers.