MODELING AND SIMULATION OF 3.

5KVA STAND ALONE POWER

SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY RIBADU CAMPUS

KADUNA, KADUNA STATE.

BY

ATOBOR BEST AGWARITOMA

Matric No: (NDA/PGS/FE/EEE04/2019/P03532)

BAMIDELE OLUWAJUWON C.

Matric No: (NDA/PGS/FE/EEE/2019/P03505)

NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY

KADUNA

JUNE, 2022
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF 3.5KVA STAND ALONE POWER

SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY RIBADU CAMPUS

KADUNA, KADUNA STATE.

BY

ATOBOR BEST AGWARITOMA

Matric No: (NDA/PGS/FE/EEE04/2019/P03532)

BAMIDELE OLUWAJUWON C.

Matric No: (NDA/PGS/FE/EEE/2019/P03505)

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING,

NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY KADUNA, KADUNA STATE.

IN PARTIAL FUFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE AWARD OF POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN

ELECTRICAL/ELCTRONICS ENGINEERING (PGDEE)

JUNE, 2022.

i
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this report was prepared and presented by ATOBOR BEST AGWARITOMA,

BAMIDELE OLUWAJUWON C. with student matriculation number in the Department of

Electrical/Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna,

Kaduna State, Nigeria under my supervision during the 2020/2021 academic session.

Student’s Signature: ..........................................................................

Supervisor: .......................................................................................... Date: ................................

Dr. Abel Airoboman

HOD Electrical/Electronics Dept: ..................................................... Date: ................................

Prof. S. N. John

ii
 DEDICATION

I am dedicating this report is to the Almighty God, who has sustained me all through the journey of

seeing this PGD programme to this point of writing this project. I am also dedicating this project report

to my parents, my spouse and my wonderful children who have all been there for me since this

programme commenced. This report is also dedicated to friends colleagues and classmates who have

contributed in making this a success.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to appreciate God, for his continuous guidance and divine wisdom granted unto me in making it

possible for me to undertake this project successfully.

My special appreciation goes to my supervisor Dr. Abel Airoboman who has painstakenly supervised

this project despite the enormous challenges encountered in carrying out this project and his very tight

schedule, I say thank you sir and may God in his infinite mercies continual strengthen and uphold you

and may he make all your heart desires come to pass in your life speedily, Amen.

I also want to acknowledge the HOD and the entire lecturers of the department for their guidance and

words of encouragement at all the various stages of this project work. Thank you for your

contributions.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 2.1: Map of Nigeria showing the solar irradiance levels by zones

Fig 2.2: Electrical Circuit of the Single Diode Model

Fig 2.2 (a): Map showing the global positioning of NDA Afaka, Kaduna State

Fig 2.2 (b): Data of Different Irradiance obtained from the map data of NDA Afaka, Kaduna State

Fig 3.1: Simulation of Single, Parallel and Series PV Module arrangement on MATLAB Simulink

Fig. 3.2: The short circuit model of a solar cell in STC.

Fig. 3.3 The open circuit model of a solar cell in STC

Fig 3.4: Diode equivalent of a solar pv cell

Fig 3.4(a): Characteristic I-V curve of a solar pv cell

Fig 3.4(b): Characteristic P-V curve of a solar pv cell

Fig. 3.5(a): I – V characteristics of PV cell at constant irradiance of 1000 w/m2 and varying
temperature of 25oc, 50oc, 75oc.

Fig. 3.5(b): P – V characteristics of PV cell at constant irradiance of 1000 w/m2 and varying
temperature of 25oc, 50oc, 75oc.

Fig. 3.5(a): I – V characteristics of PV cell at constant temperature of 25oc and varying solar
irradiance of 1000 w/m2, 800 w/m2, 500 w/m2, 300 w/m2 and 100 w/m2

Fig. 3.5(b): P – V characteristics of PV cell at constant temperature of 25oc and varying solar
irradiance of 1000 w/m2 , 800 w/m2, 500 w/m2, 300 w/m2 and 100 w/m2

Fig 3.6 (a): AT Battery voltage = 23.5V, output of charge controller is 15.8mA

Fig 3.6 (b): AT Battery voltage = 24V, output of charge controller is 6.09mA

Fig 3.6 (c): AT Battery voltage = 24.2V, output of charge controller is 2.48mA

Fig 3.6 (c): AT Battery voltage = 24.2V, output of charge controller is 0.00mA

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Manufacturer data sheet of the TPL SOLAR MONO 300W SOLAR PANEL

Table 2: Summary of output current of charge controller at different battery charged voltages

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 CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE i
CERTIFICATION ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
ABSTRACT ix

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Aims and Objectives

1.4 Methodology

1.5 Scope of Study

1.6 Significance of the study

1.7 Report Organisation

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction:

2.2 Solar Energy Potential in Nigeria

2.3 PV Systems

2.3.1 Standalone PV Systems

2.3.2 Integrated or Grid Connected System

2.3.3 Hybrid systems

2.4 PV Module

2.4.1 PV Cell Diode Model

2.5 Irradiance

2.5.1 Terms associated with solar irradiance

2.5.1.1 Total Solar Irradiance (TSI)

2.5.1.2 Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI):

2.5.1.3 Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI):

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2.5.1.4 Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI):

2.5.1.5 Global Normal Irradiance (GNI):

2.5.2 Peak Sun Hour (PSH):

2.5.3 Solar Irradiance of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna State

2.6 SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER

2.6.1 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM):

2.6.2 Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT):

2.7 Modeling and Simulation Tools

CHAPTER THREE

SIMULATIONS

3.1 Simulation Procedures

3.2 Characteristic Effects of PV Array on Current, Voltage and Power of PV Module

3.2.1 Single PV Module

3.2.2 Parallel PV Module Array

3.2.3 Series PV Module Array

3.3 DIODE EQUIVALENT OF A PV CELL

3.4 Effect of Varying Temperature on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module

3.4.1 Effect of Varying Irradiance on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module

3.5 Circuit Implementation and Simulation of Charge Controller (regulator)

3.5.1 AT Battery Voltage 23.5V

3.5.2 AT Battery Voltage 24V

3.5.3 AT Battery Voltage 24.2V

3.5.4 AT Battery Voltage 24.5V

CHAPTER FOUR

TESTING, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 Characteristic Effects of PV Array on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module

4.1.2 Single PV Module

4.1.3 Parallel PV Module

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4.1.4 Series PV Module

4.2 Diode Equivalent of PV Cell

4.3 Effect of Varying Temperature on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module

4.4 Effect of Varying Solar Irradiance on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module

4.5 Circuit Implementation and Simulation of Charge Controller

4.5.1 At Battery Voltage 23.5V

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Problems Encountered

5.3 Recommendations

REFERENCES

viii
 Abstract

Recently with the fast growing energy demand for renewable energy, the need for PV systems has

drastically increased due to availability and easy controllability. One of the major pros of PV systems

designing is their high efficiency in the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and their

ability to greatly reduce cost.

This project report is the modelling and simulation of a photovoltaic system by using the single diode

model of a PV solar cell coupled with voltage controlled resistors. The series and shunt resistances of

the model are calculated and the various parameters like temperature and irradiance are simulated. The

simulation time was reduced by limiting the input parameters which are based on previous information

taken from the PV module datasheets. This allows the researcher to predict the PV cell’s current

voltage and power voltage characteristics curve by varying sunlight, cell temperature and series

resistance values. In order to operate the PV module at its maximum power point, the Perturb and

Observe algorithm was used in generating the controlled gate pulse for the Boost converter of the

charge controller. The characteristic curves were then plotted by the simulation of different models

matched with data provided by the manufacturers in their datasheets.

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study:

Solar energy which is a form of renewable energy can be said to be the cleanest and most

developed form of all the various options of renewable energy. In trying to be independent of

the grid source system, the best option available to us is the solar stand-alone power system.

The need for a stand-alone system is born out of the various challenges facing the nation’s

power system from generation down to distribution. These challenges have really affected the

overall performance of the entire electricity grid system that total national grid collapse is

gradually becoming a recurrent national index as is evident in the number of system collapse of

the national grid experienced this year (2022) alone. From January 2022 till this date, the nation

has experienced not less than 6 collapse of the national grid with the latest being the one

experienced on Sunday 12th June, 2022 at about 18:47hrs. The previous collapse were

experienced on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th January; Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th of

March, 2022; Friday 8th April 2022 which was reported as being caused by vandalism on a

transmission tower which led to a loss of about 400MW. It should be noted that system

collapse of the national grid is just a fraction of the numerous challenges of the nation’s electric

power system. Other factors responsible for the poor performance of the power system includes

poor and sometimes obsolete distribution network which limits the effective discharge of the

total generated power from the GENCO’s into the national grid; total generated power of just

over 4000MW being grossly inadequate for the country’s entire population and needs; political

instability and insecurity in some regions of the country thus resulting in vandalism and

sabotage of some key power installations and equipments; poor funding and poor system

maintenance culture etc.

With these challenges being experienced, the whole states of the federation as a whole has not

been experiencing the best of power supplies of which Kaduna state where the Nigerian

Defence Academy is situated is not an exemption. Kaduna states share of these problems is

1
even further compounded with the terrorism acts of both the Herdsmen and Bandits operating

in various parts of the states thus creating a war like situation across these areas of the state.

These have affected power installations and power supplies to the people and businesses within

these areas. Also, due to the vast terrain of some of these areas, where winds travel at very

speeds especially during the advent of rainfall causing massive destructions of Power

equipments, installations and lines, frequent outages during these times are experienced across

the whole state.

The Nigerian Defence Academy has not been spared in this regard as most times the whole

campus do experience power outages which sometimes hampers the students effective learning

especially when lecture slides are being projected on the screen in class. Though the central

generator installed is working but it is not always put on when there is power outage. This has

even made the students to make alternative arrangements to power for themselves by buying

generators for the class use. Thus, the need for an alternative source of power in the Electrical

Electronics Department of the NDA.

This project work takes a look at the Modeling and Simulation of 3.5KVA stand-alone power

system for the Electrical Electronics Engineering Department of The Nigerian Defence

Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State. This work would basically center on the mathematical

modeling and simulation of the Photo Voltaic (PV) system and its constituent components

(charge controller, batteries, Inverter etc.), evaluating and analyzing the energy generated,

performance of the system and losses using various softwares like Hybrid Optimization Model

for Electric Renewables (HOMER), PVsyst, MATLAB Simulink etc.

This project work entails using a photovoltaic (PV) array, load, battery and charge controller

which consists of a boost-type DC–DC converter. The solar irradiance characteristics, which

are intrinsic in nature which can also be affected by cloud shading, and the behavioural effects

of the various battery voltage levels are also modeled.

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1.2 Problem Statement:

The multifaceted challenges bedeviling the nations power system network which has seen total

system collapse of the national grid becoming a new phenomenon and the resultant effects of

the previously talked about challenges facing the power sector of the country it has become

highly imperative to look into alternative means of power generation in other to effectively run

the day to day activities of the Electrical Electronics Engineering Department of the Nigerian

Defence Academy especially in this era of Internet of Things (IoT) which has seen the advent

of many technical gadgets and equipments for both the advancement of our technology and

effective research and learning. Without a steady and effective power supply, research works,

learning and administrative duties in the department will be hampered hence the essence of this

project, to overcome the devastating effects of epileptic power supplies to the Department of

Electrical Electronics Engineering of The Nigerian Defence Academy by Modeling and

Simulating a 3.5KVA stand-alone power system that will eventually be installed after taking

due considerations, evaluation and analysis of the project.

1.3 Aims and Objectives:

The main aim and objectives of this project work is to Model and Simulate a 3.5KVA stand-

alone power system by evaluating and analyzing the energy generated, the performance of the

overall system and losses if any, by using specialized softwares like PVsyst, HOMER,

MATLAB Simulink etc.

1.4 Methodology:

i. The methodology implored in this project work

ii. Evaluate the energy generated by the Standalone Power System

iii. Performance of the system under simulated real climatic conditions by analyzing:

a. Solar cell I-V and P-V characteristics

b. Irradiance effect on PV solar module (effect of the solar PV I-V and P-V characteristics

curves by varying the irradiance.

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 c. Temperature effect on PV module

d. To predict the PV characteristics and power output under partially shaded conditions

e. The effect of array configuration on the output power

1.5 Scope of Study:

This project work will be limited basically to the use of specialized softwares specially and

specifically designed for the evaluation and performance projection and prediction of solar pv

modules and pv systems in order to ascertain the most efficient and cost effective configuration

to emplore in the system.

1.6 Significance of the study:

This study is carried out to help evaluate the performance of the pv power system and to know

the best pv array to be employed in order to attain and the best possible result that can be gotten

and then enabling its implementation easier.

1.7 Report Organisation:

This is a five chapter report in which the first chapter is a brief introduction of this project

work, aims and objectives of the project. Chapter two is the literature review of previous works

related to the project. Chapter three centers on the modeling and simulations of the various

components of the pv stand-alone system as outlined under methodology. Chapter four of this

report is the discussion of the results obtained from the simulation processes of chapter three.

Chapter five gives the conclusion and recommendations.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction:

Since the advent of the discovery of solar potentials as a source of power generation it has been

constantly considered as an alternative source of power which other alternatives includes wind,

hydro, wave, geothermal, hydrogen etc. Due to this discovery, research and development

studies are being carried out vigorously to maximize the full potentials of the sun as an

alternative source of power to the conventional ones and since the energy from the sun is free,

unlimited, readily available, clean and reliable further research works are being carried out on

daily basis to fully harness the potentials of this great gift (Sun) from God to man. Thus, this

has given rise to what is now known as Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Nigeria has

enormous potential for these renewable energy sources. These renewable energy sources

includes solar, wind etc. where solar radiation within the Nigeria space is estimated to be 3.5–

7.0 kWh/m2 and wind to be about 150,000 terra joules per year, which can generate an

average wind speed of 2.0 – 4.0 m/s. (Olomiyesan and Oyedum, 2016).

2.2 Solar Energy Potential in Nigeria:

Solar PV system is a system that has the ability to trap energy from the sun, convert this

trapped energy, store the converted energy and then use this stored energy to drive a load. Since

conventional source of power supply is not really dependable in Nigeria, solar PV system

which is one of the forms of renewable energy sources, comes in handy as an alternative source

of energy. According to Ezugwu (2012), solar power supply is of immense value and advantage

and considering the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of sun light and its low cost

compared to other conventional sources of power supply, solar power supply comes in as a

very good alternative. Ezugwu (2012) further stated that for comparative cost, solar power

system is advantageous as the use of generators as alternative source of power supply consumes

5
 fuel or diesel and are really expensive, also the life span of a solar PV system is better and

reliable when used within the stipulated rating of the solar power device.

Thus, the solar potentials of Nigeria could be seen from the work of Yohanna and Umogbai

(2010) which shows that the nation has excellent and sustainable potential for large scale solar

photovoltaic (PV) system implementations, particularly in the semi-arid region of the country.

It is seen that the solar radiation distribution in Nigeria from the map in the figure below shows

three distinct categories namely Zones I, II and III respectively, with each zone having different

radiation levels. This is depicted in Abubakar et al. / Nigerian Research Journal of Engineering

and Environmental Sciences 6(2) 2021 pp. 690-691.

Zone I which comprises all the states in the North-east and part of the northwest geo-political

zone, has the highest solar radiation incident on the horizontal surface. Zone II which

comprises of the states of the Northwest and North central, also have adequate solar radiation.

Zone III which is the vast majority of the southern part of Nigeria, has the lest potential for

solar harvesting due to its plenty rainfall and rainforests regions, though still able to readily

support decentralized solar energy projects.

Fig. 2.1: Map of Nigeria showing the solar irradiance levels by zone

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2.3 PV Systems:

Solar PV systems could either be standalone systems (off grid), Integrated or Grid connected

systems, Hybrid Systems.

2.3.1 Standalone PV Systems:

The standalone PV Systems involves a solar PV system without any form of supply connected

to it from the grid power supply network. Here, the solar PV module is connected directly to

the charge controller and then to the battery which is then connected to the inverter and

subsequently to the load. The grid supply network is cut off completely from this setup. This is

the basis of this project work i.e. a standalone power supply system.

2.3.2 Integrated or Grid Connected System:

This involves the addition of the grid supply network to the Solar PV Setup thus they may

usually not need battery backup, because when the system generates more energy than required

by the load, the excess power generated will be automatically transfered to the linked utility

gird. Also, in some instances where the generated pv power is insufficient, the grid feeds the

load.

2.3.3 Hybrid systems:

This is the addition of another electrical production source e.g. wind turbines, fuel cells or

conventional engine-based generators, in addition to the solar powered generation system.

2.4 PV Module:

The simplest form of a PV Module is the solar cell which is the fundamental device for the

conversion of photon energy into electricity. When solar cells are connected in either series or

parallel form together, then a PV module (panel) is formed. PV modules are usually

manufactured with glass used in front of the panel for protection of the semiconductor plate

inside the case while allowing light to pass through the glass. When these modules are coupled

in series and parallel arrangements, PV arrays are formed.

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2.4.1 PV Cell Diode Model:

Fig 2.2: Electrical Circuit of the Single Diode Model

When a solar cell exposed to sun light then a current which is proportional to solar irradiation is

generated. A simple ideal solar cell can be modelled in a circuit as a current source connected

to a diode in parallel. As no cell is ideal so for accurate modeling there are shunt and series

resistance connected as shown in fig 2.2. A solar cell is a unit of a photovoltaic module

consisting of a P-N junction made in a thin layer of a semiconductor. The P-N junction

converts the solar electromagnetic radiation to electricity. When light strikes the solar cell the

electrons will jump from the valence band to the conduction band in the semiconductor. The

most common model used to predict energy production in a photovoltaic cell is the single diode

model as shown in Fig. 2.2 above. A single solar cell can be represented as a component of an

electrical circuit. It contains a p–n junction called as a diode, a photocurrent generator

represented a generation of current from light and two resistors, one is arranged in series and

another one is in parallel which described the Joule effect and recombination losses. Then this

combination is called as a single diode solar cell model. For modeling of a solar PV module

same methodology is adopted as described for a solar cell.

8
2.5 Irradiance:

Solar Irradiance is the power per unit area (watt per square meter, W/m2), that is received from

the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation. It is also known as solar irradiation, solar

exposure, or solar insolation. The SI unit of irradiance is watt per square meter (W/m2, which

may also be written Wm−2). An alternative unit of measure is the Langley (1 thermochemical

calorie per square centimeter or 41,840 J/m2) per unit time.

2.5.1 Terms associated with solar irradiance:

2.5.1.1 Total Solar Irradiance (TSI):

This is a measure of the total solar power wavelengths per unit area incident on

the Earth's upper atmosphere. It is measured perpendicular to the incoming

sunlight.

2.5.1.2 Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI):

This is the measure of a surface element perpendicular to the Sun within a given

location on the surface of the earth.

2.5.1.3 Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI):

It is the radiation at the Earth's surface from light scattered by the atmosphere.

2.5.1.4 Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI):

This is the total irradiance from the sun on a horizontal surface on Earth.

2.5.1.5 Global Normal Irradiance (GNI):

This is the total irradiance from the sun given by a surface element perpendicular

to the Sun at a given location on the surface of Earth.

2.5.2 Peak Sun Hour (PSH):

This is the average solar radiation a certain location receives throughout the day from the sun.

Its unit is kWh/m2 per day. A PSH is defined as an hour in the day when the intensity of the

sunlight reaches an average of 1000 watts/meter². For example, a location gets 5 PSH

9
 (kWh/m²), means the area gets 5 hours of solar power when the average intensity of sunlight is

1000 watts/meter². The graph shown below explains concept of PSH.

2.5.3 Solar Irradiance of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna State:

The Solar Irradiance of the area covered by The Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna

State were obtained from data gotten from aerial observations carried out by Global Solar Atlas

and obtained from their web address: https://globalsolaratlas.info/map?

m=site&c=11.474641,3.746338,7&s=10.612062,7.377666. The data obtained is as shown in

the figures below:

Fig 2.2 (a): Map showing the global positioning of NDA Afaka, Kaduna State

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Fig 2.2 (b): Data of Different Irradiance obtained from the map data of NDA Afaka, Kaduna State

2.6 SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER:

In solar PV system, the PV module voltage can best be generated during the day time when

there is adequate availability of sunshine. Thus, a PV based standalone system requires an

energy storage device in order to store energy during the day time for use at night time. This is

achievable with the use of a battery as the energy storage device. Therefore, a solar charge

controller would be needed for this type of energy storage setup to enable the controller control

the amount of current to or from the battery whilst it is under charging and discharging

conditions. A solar charge controller is used to sense when the batteries are fully charged and to

stop, or decrease, the amount of current flowing to the battery. Also, the charge controller helps

prevent overcharging of the battery by limiting the voltage supplied to the battery by the PV

array. It also helps in preventing undercharging by disconnecting the battery from the system

load when the battery has been drained to a set point voltage e.g 11.5V. Therefore in summary,

the charge controller or regulator protects the battery from being damaged by regulating the

11
 voltage and current coming from the solar panels and going to the battery, limiting the rate at

which electric current is applied to or drawn from the battery, prevent undercharging and also

guard against the complete draining of the battery’s juice below the allowable battery voltage

limit and also helps prevent a reverse current flowing from battery to the system.

Solar charge controllers could either be of the

 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) type or

 Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

2.6.1 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM):

In achieving constant voltage for battery charging the best way of achieving this is by the use

of a Pulse Width Modulation charge controller. This is done by adjusting the duty ratio of the

switches. With the advent of better technologies, cells can attain 20% efficiency. They are

usually set by making them equal with the input power of the battery irrespective of the power

generated by the panels. There is an inherent loss in power observed in this type of charger.

2.6.2 Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT):

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers are regulators which track the

maximum power point of operation of a solar panel. For a charger to be termed efficient, the

charger needs to charge the battery as quickly as possible by harnessing the maximum power

available at the solar panel. Thus in order to extract this maximum available power, the solar

panel needs to be operated at its maximum power point. Maximum Power Point Trackers allow

panels to be connected in series to create a higher voltage e.g. 150V, and step the output down

to 12V, 24V and 48V. MPPT systems adjust the duty cycle of a DC-DC converter in such a

way that the operating voltage of the panel is consistently maintained at its maximum operating

point

2.7 Modeling and Simulation Tools:

The tools which will be considered for the modeling and simulation of this project includes

MATLAB Simulink, Proteus Isis.

12
 CHAPTER THREE

SIMULATIONS:

3.1 Simulation Procedures:

Simulations were done to determine the I–V and P–V characteristics of Solar PV Module,

determine the effects of Maximum Power Point Tracking, shading, temperature etc. on PV

system performance using MATLAB Simulink, HOMER, Proteus and PVSyst softwares and

the results obtained were validated by comparing them with standard results obtained from

manufacturer data sheets.

3.2 Characteristic Effects of PV Array on Current, Voltage and Power of PV Module:

3.2.1 Single PV Module:

For a single PV module with a rated power output of 300watts, compared with the data sheet of

TPL Solar Mono 300w solar panel module data sheet obtained from the manufacturers data

sheet on https://www.enfsolar.com/pv/panel-datasheet/crystalline/39841 as listed in the table 1,

the current, voltage and power rating with a resistive load of 3.5Ω are obtained as follow from

the simulation on MATLAB.

Current i = 9.26A, Voltage V = 32.41V Power = 300.1W

3.2.2 Parallel PV Module Array:

For a parallel array arrangement, at maximum power point, it is expected that the power will be

greater than that of single PV array (doubled for 2 panel parallel array and tripled for a 3 panel

parallel array etc.), the current is twice that of the single array while the voltage is unaffected

i.e remains the same while the resistive load is halved for a 2 panel array or divided by 3 for a 3

panel parallel array, which gives 1.16Ω (3.5/3). Thus the following results were recorded:

Current i = 27.86A, Voltage V = 32.32V Power = 900.5W

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3.2.3 Series PV Module Array:

For a series array arrangement, at maximum power point, the power is the same with that of the

parallel PV array but the voltage is twice that of the single array for 2 PV modules in series and

thrice for 3 PV modules in series while the current is same as that of the single PV array while

the resistive load is doubled for a 2 panel array or tripled for a 3 panel series array, which gives

10.5Ω (3.5 x 3). Thus the following results were recorded:

Current i = 9.26A, Voltage V = 97.23V Power = 900.3W

The simulated arrangement of the single, parallel and series arrangements on MATLAB is

shown below:

Fig 3.1: Simulation of Single, Parallel and Series PV Module arrangement on MATLAB Simulink

14
 TPL SOLAR MONO 300W SOLAR PANEL MODULE DATA SHEET OBTAINED FROM:
https://www.enfsolar.com/pv/panel-datasheet/crystalline/39841
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Model No. 300W
WARRANTY
Product Warranty 12 Years
Power Warranty 12 Years of 90.2% Output Power, 30 Years of
80.7% Output Power
ELECTRICAL DATA AT STC
Maximum Power (Pmax) 300 Wp
Voltage At Maximum Power (Vmpp) 32.26 V
Current At Maximum Power (Impp) 9.31 A
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 39.83 V
Short Circuit Current (Isc) 9.74 A
Panel Efficiency 18.3 %
Power Tolerance (Positive) + 1.5 %
Standard Test Conditions (STC):
Air Mass AM 1.5, Irradiance 1000W/m2, Cell Temperature 25°C
ELECTRICAL DATA AT NOCT
Temperature 45±2 °C
Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT):
800W/m2, AM 1.5, Windspeed 1m/s, Ambient Temperature 20°C
THERMAL RATINGS
Operating Temperature Range -40-85 °C
Temperature Coefficient Of Pmax -0.36 %/°C
Temperature Coefficient Of Voc -0.36 %/°C
Temperature Coefficient Of Isc 0.06 %/°C
MAXIMUM RATINGS
Maximum System Voltage 1000V
MATERIAL DATA
Panel Dimension (H/W/D) 1640 x 992 x 35 mm
Weight 18.5 kg
Cell Type Monocrystalline
Cell Size 156 × 156 mm
Cell Number 60
Junction Box Diodes 3
Junction Box Protection Class IP 67
Connector Type MC4
Cable Crossection 4 mm2
Cable Length 900 mm
Table 1: Manufacturer data sheet of the TPL SOLAR MONO 300W SOLAR PANEL

3.3 DIODE EQUIVALENT OF A PV CELL:

A solar PV cell which is the simplest form of a PV module, can be represented by a diode

equivalent circuit which is disposed to solar irradiance where the solar irradiance consists of

15
photons containing different levels of energy. The equivalent circuits commonly used for

modelling of a PV cell are:

i. The single-diode model and

ii. The two diode models.

The single diode model is the most commonly used models of the two in describing and

analyzing the PV cell because the two-diode equivalent circuit has a more complex structure

and exhibits more nonlinear characteristics than the single-diode equivalent circuit. Thus, as a

trade-off between accuracy and simplicity, Single-diode models are preferred as an equivalent

circuit model. DS-100 M PV module is taken as reference model for practical comparison. The

TPL SOLAR MONO 300W SOLAR PANEL MODULE DATA SHEET parameters are

given as rated power 300W, voltage at maximum power point (MPP) 32.26V, current at MPP

9.31A, open circuit voltage 39.83V, short circuit current 9.74A, the number of cells in series

(Ncell) 60, the number of cells in parallel (N_) 1, maximum system voltage 1000V, the short

circuit current/temperature coefficient (K_) 0.06 and range of operation temperature-40°C -

85°C. The datasheet parameters of the PV module are given at standard test conditions (STK;

25℃ and1000 W/m_)

I =I ph−I d−I p … … … … … … … … … ( 1 )

G
I ph=I pho + K i ( T −T o ) … … … … … … … … … ( 2)
Go

I d=I s
[ VD
e AV t ]
−1 … … … … … … … … … … … … .(3)

( ) … … … … … … … … … … … …( 4)
qEg 1 1

[ ]
3 −
T Ak T o T
I s=I so e
To

V D=I R s +V … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .(5)

kT
V t= … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..(6)
q

I Rs +V
I p= … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..(7)
Rp

The characteristic equation for two diode model is given as

16
I =I ph −I d −I d −I p … … … … … … … … … ( 8 )
1 2

where

I d =I s
1 1
[ VD
e
A1Vt ]
−1 … … … … … … … … … … … …( 9)

I d =I s
2 2
[ VD
e
A2Vt ]
−1 … … … … … … … … … … … … … (10)

It should be noted that the addition of one more diode to the single diode model improves the

accuracy of the model but makes the equation more complex and more nonlinear thus

increasing the computational time required.

I ph=¿ Photon current

I d , V D =¿Diode current and Diode voltage

V t =¿Diode thermal voltage

I p=¿leakage current flowing through the shunt resistance

R p =¿Shunt resistance

R s=¿Series resistance

I = Output current of the PV cell (A)

V = Output voltage of the PV cell (V)

I sc =¿short circuit current (A)

V oc = open circuit voltage (V)

G = Solar irradiation (W/m2)

T = Operating cell temperature (K)

K i=¿short circuit current/temperature coefficient

I s=¿ Diode saturation current(A)

q = Electron charge (1.6 ∗ 10-19 Coulomb)

k =¿Boltzman constant (1.38 ∗ 10-23 J/K)

E g=¿ Band gap energy of the semiconductor (1.1eV)

17
A=¿The ideality factor of the diode (used for convergence to the actual diode characterictics)

The subscript “0” stands for the value in STC of the variable.

In analyzing a PV cell via simulation, its open circuit condition and short circuit condition

should be

investigated. The short circuit model of a PV cell at STC is as shown in the Fig.3.2

Fig. 3.2: The short circuit model of a solar cell in STC.

Considering Fig.3.2 above, photo current in STC I pho is approximately equal to short circuit

current in STC because the series resistance R s given in Fig. 3.1 is very low. Thus,

I pho ≅ I sco … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..(11)

Substituting for I pho ≅ I sco in Equation (2) gives:
G
I ph=I sco+ K i ( T −T o ) … … … … … … … … … … … … ( 12 )
Go

For the open circuit condition, the open circuit model is as shown in figure 3.2 below.

Fig. 3.3 The open circuit model of a solar cell in STC

According to this model, the open circuit voltage in STC V oco is equal to the diode voltage,

V oco =V DO =0.6 V (the diode threshold voltage).

It should be noted that almost all photon current flows through the diode and the current

flowing through the shunt resistance is zero. Thus

I pho ≅ I do … … … … … … … … … … … … …(13)
18
Relating Eqns. (3), (11) and (13), the short circuit current ( I sco) equation can be gotten as

follows:

I sco ≅ I do

The expression for calculating the diode saturation current in STC thus will be,

I d =I s
o o
[ VD
e
AVt
o

o
−1
]
I sc =I s
o o
[ VD
e
AV t
o

o
−1
]
I sco
I so = … … … … … … … … … … … .. … … … … …(14 )

( V oco
e
AVt o
−1
)
I sco
I sc =
Thus, substituting
( V oco
) in Equation (4) gives the expression for diode saturation
o

A Vt
−1
e o

current i.e

( ) … … … … … … … … … … .(15)
q Eg 1 1

[ ]
3
I sco T −
Ak T o T
I s= e

( )
V oco To
AV t
−1
e o

The diode equivalent of a solar PV cell was simulated in Matlab Simulink as shown in the
figure below:

Fig 3.4: Diode equivalent of a solar pv cell

19
 Fig 3.4(a): Characteristic I-V curve of a solar pv cell

Fig 3.4(b): Characteristic P-V curve of a solar pv cell

3.4 Effect of Varying Temperature on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module:

After successfully simulating the diode equivalent of the solar PV cell in MATLAB Simulink,

the characteristics curves of Current – Voltage (I – V), Power – Voltage (P – V) at constant

solar irradiance and varying temperature; constant temperature and varying solar irradiance

20
 were then plotted to verify their effects on the power output of the solar pv cell. The plotted

graphs are as shown in the figures below:

At a constant solar irradiance of 1000 w/m2, and varying temperatures of 25oc, 50oc, 75oc the I –

V characteristics is as shown in Fig.3.5 (a) while the P – V characteristics is as shown in Fig.

3.5 (b)

Fig. 3.5(a): I – V characteristics of PV cell at constant irradiance of 1000 w/m2 and varying
temperature of 25oc, 50oc, 75oc.

Fig. 3.5(b): P – V characteristics of PV cell at constant irradiance of 1000 w/m2 and varying
temperature of 25oc, 50oc, 75oc.

3.4.1 Effect of Varying Irradiance on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module:

At a constant temperature of 25oc and varying solar irradiance of 1000 w/m2, 800 w/m2, 500

w/m2, 300 w/m2 and 100 w/m2 the I – V characteristics is as shown in Fig.3.5 (c) while the P –

V characteristics is as shown in Fig. 3.5 (d)

21
 Fig. 3.5(a): I – V characteristics of PV cell at constant temperature of 25oc and varying solar
irradiance of 1000 w/m2, 800 w/m2, 500 w/m2, 300 w/m2 and 100 w/m2

Fig. 3.5(b): P – V characteristics of PV cell at constant temperature of 25oc and varying solar
irradiance of 1000 w/m2 , 800 w/m2, 500 w/m2, 300 w/m2 and 100 w/m2

3.5 Circuit Implementation and Simulation of Charge Controller (regulator):

The charge controller circuit was simulated in Proteus with a voltage divider reference voltage

to the comparator set at 4.7v with the Zener diode stabilizing the voltage at 4.7v. The voltage

divider is used to control the upper cut-off and lower cut-off. The above output voltage, Vout is

obtained as thus from the voltage divider circuit formular:

R2
V out =V ¿ x
R 1+ R 2

In other to obtain the resistor values for the voltage divider circuit, it is assumed that R2 = 10K

V ¿ R2 24.5 x 10000
ohms. Thus to obtain the value of R1, R1= −R2= −10,000=42,127
V out 4.7

This gives a resistor value of 42K ohms.

22
 The circuit was simulated at different battery charge voltages to see the effect of the charge

controller on regulation of the charge voltage and current on the battery. As such, the following

test results and observations were made and tabulated.

3.5.1 AT Battery Voltage 23.5V:

With a fixed Solar Panel voltage of 25V, at battery voltage = 23.5V, the Reference Voltage

(voltage at comparator) is 4.52V while the Charge Controller output current is 15.8mA as

shown in Figure 3.6 (a)

Fig 3.6 (a): AT Battery voltage = 23.5V, output of charge controller is 15.8mA

3.5.2 AT Battery Voltage 24V:

At battery voltage = 24V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.62V while the

Charge Controller output current is 6.09mA as shown in Figure 3.6 (b)

23
 Fig 3.6 (b): AT Battery voltage = 24V, output of charge controller is 6.09mA

3.5.3 AT Battery Voltage 24.2V:

At battery voltage = 24.2V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.65V while the

Charge Controller output current is 2.48mA as shown in Figure 3.6 (c)

Fig 3.6 (c): AT Battery voltage = 24.2V, output of charge controller is 2.48mA

3.5.4 AT Battery Voltage 24.5V:

At battery voltage = 24.5V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.7V while the

Charge Controller output current is 0.00mA as shown in Figure 3

24
 Fig 3.6 (c): AT Battery voltage = 24.2V, output of charge controller is 0.00mA

Summary of Results Obtained:

Battery Charged Voltage Reference Voltage Charge Controller Output Current

S/No
(V) (V) (mA)

1 23.5 4.52 15.8

2 24.0 4.62 6.09

3 24.2 4.65 2.48

4 24.5 4.7 0.00

Table 2: Summary of output current of charge controller at different battery charged voltages

It is seen from the table above that as battery voltage increases, there is a gradual reduction of

the charging current from the solar panel with the charging current from the charge controller

totally cut off when the battery voltage reaches 24.45V, thus stopping the charging of the

battery.

25
 CHAPTER FOUR

TESTING, RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

4.1 Introduction:

This chapter presents the simulation results of simulations carried out in in chapter three of this

project work. The results will be validated by comparing with standard known values and

parameters. The results are as follows:

4.1.1 Characteristic Effects of PV Array on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module:

The characteristic effects of PV array on current, voltage and power output of PV module was

simulated based on the possible array (arrangement) of PV modules (i.e single, parallel and

series).

4.1.2 Single PV Module:

For a single PV module array, simulation results yielded a current of 9.26mA, voltage of

32.41V and power of 300.1w

4.1.3 Parallel PV Module:

For the parallel PV module array, the simulation results yielded a current of 27.86mA, voltage

of 32.32V and power of 900.5w. Thus, it is seen that for a parallel array arrangement, the

power and current are three times that of single array, because the array consists of 3 PV

modules in parallel, while the voltage remains almost the same with that of the single array.

Comparing the results obtained from the simulations with data obtained under Standard Test

Conditions (STC) at Maximum Power Point (MPP), it is seen that at MPP under STC, power

and current is twice that of single array for a 2 PV module arrangement and thrice for a 3 PV

module arrangement. Thus comparing results obtained with the data under STC this validates

the results obtained from the simulations.

4.1.4 Series PV Module:

For the series PV module array, the simulation results yielded a current of 9.26mA, voltage of

97.23V and power of 900.3w. Thus, it is seen from the obtained simulated results that for a

series array arrangement, the voltage is three times that of the single array, current is the same

26
 with that of the single array while the power is the same with that of the parallel array.

Comparing the results obtained from the simulations with data obtained under Standard Test

Conditions (STC) at Maximum Power Point (MPP), it is seen that at MPP under STC, voltage

is twice that of a single array for a 2 PV module arrangement and thrice for a 3 PV module

arrangement. Thus comparing results obtained with the data under STC this validates the

results obtained from the simulations. Also, power under STC is the same with that of parallel

array while current is the same with that of the single array thus this further validates the results

obtained from the simulations.

4.2 Diode Equivalent of PV Cell:

From the single diode model of the PV cell simulated in MATLAB Simulink, with the current

plotted on the Y axis and the voltage on the X axis, the results obtained showed that for the I –

V characteristic curve, the open circuit voltage was 0.6V while the current is 7.34mA. Also,

with the power plotted on the Y axis and the voltage on the X axis, the result obtained showed

that for the P – V characteristic curve, the open circuit voltage was 0.6V while the power is

about 3.5w. Comparing these obtained results with known data from Standard Test Conditions

(STC) shows that the results are the same, thus validating the results obtained from the

simulation.

4.3 Effect of Varying Temperature on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module:

At a constant solar irradiance value of 1000w/m 2, the model was simulated in MATLAB

Simulink with the solar temperature varied at 25oc, 50oc, 75oc respectively. The result obtained

shows an I – V characteristic curve that indicates the current being almost constant despite the

change in temperature which shows that change in temperature has little or no effect on the

current of the PV module. For the P – V characteristics curve, the power output increases as the

temperature drops from 70oc to 25oc. This shows that the peak power occurs at 25oc which is a

validation of the Maximum Power Point of 25oc under the Standard Test Conditions (STC).

27
4.4 Effect of Varying Solar Irradiance on Current, Voltage and Power Output of PV Module:

At a constant temperature value of 25oc, the model was simulated in MATLAB Simulink with

the solar irradiance varied at 1000w/m2, 800w/m2, 500w/m2, 300w/m2 and 100w/m2

respectively. The result obtained shows an I – V characteristic curve that indicates the current

increasing as the solar irradiance increases from 100w/m2 – 1000w/m2 with the highest current

occurring around the Maximum Power Point of the curve. For the P – V characteristics curve,

the power output increases as the solar irradiance increases from 100 w/m2 – 1000w/m2 and the

peak power occurs around the point of the Maximum Power Point of the curve. Thus, these

results validates the known data under the Standard Test Conditions (STC).

4.5 Circuit Implementation and Simulation of Charge Controller:

The charge controller circuit was simulated using Proteus Isis software. Using a voltage divider

reference voltage of 4.7v at the comparator, voltage divider is used to control the upper cut-off

and lower cut-off of the charge controller, the simulation was carried out at different battery

charge voltages to see the effect of the charge controller on regulation of the charge voltage and

current on the battery. These voltages and their results are as follows:

4.5.1 At Battery Voltage 23.5V:

With a fixed Solar Panel voltage of 25V, at battery voltage = 23.5V, the Reference Voltage

(voltage at comparator) is 4.52V while the Charge Controller output current is 15.8mA.

AT Battery Voltage 24V:

At battery voltage = 24V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.62V while the

Charge Controller output current is 6.09mA.

AT Battery Voltage 24.2V:

At battery voltage = 24.2V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.65V while the

Charge Controller output current is 2.48mA.

AT Battery Voltage 24.5V:

28
At battery voltage = 24.5V, the Reference Voltage (voltage at comparator) is 4.7V while the

Charge Controller output current is 0.00mA.

It is seen that as the battery charge current increases during the charging process, the charge

controller output current reduces tending towards 0.00mA. This validates the operation of a

typical industry standard charge controller whose function is to cut off the charge current to the

battery when the battery voltage becomes fully charge and resumes the charging process when

the battery voltage drops to a particular set voltage.

29
 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:

5.1 Conclusion:

The main objective of this project which is to Model and Simulate a 3.5KVA stand-alone

power system by evaluating and analyzing the energy generated, the performance of the overall

system and losses if any, by using specialized softwares like MATLAB Simulink and Proteus

Isis was successfully achieved. This project has offered us the opportunity of further reducing

the dependency of the Electrical Department on the National grid’s power supply and further

reaffirm the fact that renewable energy sources e.g. solar is the future of our total self-

sufficiency in power generation.

5.2 Problems Encountered:

The difficulty encountered during the course of carrying out this project includes the lack of

access to more softwares that would have aided the researcher more in simulations and

validating the results obtained from these simulations. The researcher had to rely solely on

MATLAB Simulink and Proteus Isis. The researcher got HOMER Software but could not use it

in carrying out this project work due to lack of sufficient technical knowhow on the effective

use of the HOMER software.

5.3 Recommendations:

With the success recorded from the use of MATLAB Simulink in the simulations, the

researcher would like to recommend that more softwares are acquired for further works on this

project. These softwares includes HOMER, PVSyst, PVSol, etc. Also, it is not just enough to

acquire these softwares but there should be adequate training on the effective use of these

softwares so as to aid the effective usage of these softwares in achieving set goals.

30
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[1] Omosanya, Hafeez Abolade, “ Design and Construction of 2KW Solar Panel Inverter”
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[9] Oladipo Ositelu, Ruveyda Cetiner, Mesude Bayrakci, Charith Tammineedi, Vasudev
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