Modeling PV installations under partial shading conditions

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of a photovoltaic (PV) array model under partial shading conditions. Based on the one diode equivalent circuit of a PV cell, and mathematical developments proposed in literature, the authors propose a simple and accurate model of PV arrays under partial shading conditions. First, the equations to calculate the needed I–V curve parameters are presented. Then, the paper synthesizes a simple implementation of these equations on MATLAB software. In order to validate the author’s propositions, experimental results are carried out on two parallel connected 180 W PV modules. Each module has 72 mono-crystalline cells, connected in series and organized in 3 cell strings. Each cell string has 24 cells and is protected by one bypass diode. The simulation and experimental results aim to prove the performances of the proposed modeling methodology of the PV module and/or array when partially shaded.