Modeling, simulation and analysis of photovoltaic modules under partially shaded conditions

Abstract

The power output of photovoltaic (PV) cells is influenced by the environmental conditions, particularly by solar irradiation level. The irradiation level of light falling on all the cells in the module or the PV modules in an array is uneven under the cloudy weather conditions; this produces multiple peaks in the output of PV modules. It is essential to have a model of PV module in which the partial shading effect can be analyzed so that an effective Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system can be implemented for a PV system. This paper presents the modeling and performance analysis of PV modules under partial shaded conditions. A generalized PV module model is developed in MATLAB based on the mathematical equation of PV cell. The model is simulated for analysis of partially shaded cells in the PV module and also for partial shaded modules in the PV string for various weather conditions. The obtained results are satisfactory and confirm the accuracy of the developed PV module model. The developed model can be used for simulation and analysis of any PV modules under partially shaded conditions and also for development of PV power system with MPPT.