Computational model to study the performance of PV modules under non-homogeneous radiation conditions

The computational models to study the behaviour of the PV modules, particularly under non-homogeneous radiation, are useful tools to optimize their operational conditions improving the electrical performance of the whole generation system. A computational application has been developed in this research to represent the Optical, Thermal and Electrical characteristics of a PV module under non-homogeneous radiation patterns. In this case, the sunrays that arrive to the PV module were coming not only directly from the Sun but also from a flat reflective surface attached to the lower end of the PV module. This configuration creates non-homogeneous radiation patterns that increase the amount of energy available to be converted in electricity by the PV cells. The developed application was implemented by means of the “Mathematica” programming language and it was organized using the “Cells Structure” of the “Mathematica” environment. Thus, each model (optical, thermal and electrical) could be executed individually or as a single integrated code to fully evaluate the PV module performance. This implementation strategy increases the versatility of the simulation tool to study the system from different approaches.