A Simulink Model of Photovoltaic Modules under Varying Environmental Conditions

In this paper, a model for predicting the effects of environmental conditions on the performance of photovoltaic panels is developed and analysed. A one-diode model taking into account effects of environmental conditions such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature and wind was developed and simulated in Simulink/Matlab environment. The accuracy of the developed model was confirmed via a comparison of the simulated results with the output characteristics of two polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules from different manufacturers. Effects of various environmental parameters on the cell temperature and output characteristics of PV modules were analysed using the developed model. The results revealed that environmental condition variations have significant effects on the electrical performances of PV modules and should be taken into consideration in PV system design. The developed model could also be useful in the design of optimum cooling systems for photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems since it takes into consideration the cooling effects of the wind.