This paper proposes a novel approach based on Lyapunov function method to analyse the stability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Lyapunov function is formulated using the method of quadratic forms, i.e., Krasovskii’s method. The stability of the photovoltaic systems under different operating conditions is analysed based on the formulated Lyapunov function. A comparison of stability analysis us...

This master’s thesis concerns three different areas in the field of fault detection in photovoltaic systems. Previous studies have concerned homogeneous systems with a large set of parameters being observed, while this study is focused on a more restrictive case. The first problem is to discover immediate faults occurring in solar panels. A new online algorithm is developed based on similarity ...

During the last decades, human lifestyle and economic growth has had a profound effect on the energetic sector considerably changing the perspective on the energy issue (Ambros et al., 2004). The increasing energy demand and variable oil price, insecure energy resources and carbon dioxide emission have made us aware of the fact that energy is indeed a limited product (Awerbuch, 2002). Regarding...

Knowledge of the charge efficiency of lead-acid batteries near top-of-charge is important to the design of small photovoltaic systems. In order to know how much energy is required from the photovoltaic array in order to accomplish the task of meeting load, including periodic full battery charge, a detailed knowledge of the battery charging efficiency as a function of state of charge is required...

The increasing penetration of renewable sources with power-electronic interfaces in power systems is raising technical problems and the overall efficiency of photovoltaic systems can decrease dramatically. In this context, the optimal layout for the photovoltaic system is required. The most adequate strategy to connect the renewable system to the electrical power grid or to supply the end users...

© 2008 American Institute of Physics, S-0031-9228-0807-030-0 Physicists seldom allow students in their courses to escape without understanding and being able to perform calculations pertaining to energy. Outside of science circles, however, “energy” generally refers not to an overall conserved quantity but rather to the large-scale conversion of stored energy into electricity, locomotion, or ma...

Electricity generation using solar photovoltaic systems pose a unique challenge to improve the efficiency and to minimise the manufacturing cost. Research and development in this area has been expanding as it is environmentally friendly and helps the planet to reduce the greenhouse gas emission while reducing the carbon footprint. As a result, solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical power generation...

Many of the photovoltaic (PV) systems on buildings are of sufficiently high voltages, with potential to cause or promote fires. However, research about photovoltaic fires is insufficient. This paper focuses on the flammability and fire hazards of photovoltaic modules. Bench-scale experiments based on polycrystalline silicon PV modules have been conducted using a cone calorimeter. Several parame...