Simulation of Shading Effects on the power output of solar modules for enhanced efficiency in photovoltaic energy generation

Shading Effects have a negative influence on the power output of solar cells. They reduce the efficiency of a module, which affects also other cells in the system. Main goal of this work is to have a structure that prevents the energy generation from such effects and bridge the affected modules. Therefor a simulation tool has been developed to compute whether a cell should be bridged or not. Input parameters are the illumination, temperature and the properties of the modules. It simulates the output power of the system and compares the values with and without the affected cells. The result is the decision if a module should be on or off. The MPP (maximum power point) voltage is a side product of this simulation. The goal is to have a retrofittable wireless sensor system which can be used to improve old structures. The simulation algorithm proposed here will be part of this system.