STUDENT KIT LAB MODULE

Program: EE242/CEEE242/CEEE223 Semester: 7

Ownership: Discipline of Power
Version: 1.0 Date Issued: March 2022
Course Name: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY V
Course Code: EPO662

Mode of Delivery: ✔ Face to Face Virtual

PV MODULES ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

AND SOLAR IRRADIATION

Authors

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Maliki Bin Omar

Prepared by: Ts. Dr. Siti Zaliha Binti Mohammad Date : Dec 2010
Noor
Ts. Dr. Siti Zaliha Binti Mohammad
1 Revision : Noor
st
Date : March 2022
Ir. Dr. Hj. Zulkifli Bin Othman
Dr. Habibah Binti Zulkefle

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 ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Field/Module: Photovoltaic / PV1

Experiment Title: PV MODULES ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

AND SOLAR IRRADIATION
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
CLO1: Work in a team effectively to perform laboratory works
(A3)
CLO2: Display proficiency using laboratory tools in conducting
Course Learning
experiment. (P4)
Outcomes:
CLO3: Determine a suitable technique in order to solve the
complex engineering problem (C4)
CLO4: Present the findings observed from the experiment/case
study clearly and effectively through a lab/PBL report (A3)

Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to:

Module Outcomes:
MO1. Measure solar irradiance using a solar irradiance meter.
MO2. Determine expected electrical output of the PV Module.
MO3. Learn how to use the Solar Pathfinder®.
MO4. Estimate the solar irradiation at a particular

Instructions: 1. Perform the tasks as given/instructed in the lab module.

2. Submit the report in a group

1. No food or drink is allowed in lab unless food or drinks are

provided as a part of the lab.
2. Shoes must be worn in lab.
Safety Instructions: 3. Please ensure all the diagram connection is checked or
approved by instructor/assistance engineer before running the
experiment.
4. Always bring test pen during laboratory session.

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1. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
PART A: ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PV MODULES

1. Introduction

This experiment consists of two parts. The first part is to calculate expected electrical
characteristics of PV Modules with variation of solar irradiance. The second part is to assess
solar irradiation at potential PV site using Solar Path Finder. Theoretically, the short circuit
current of PV module varies linearly with the solar irradiance.

1.1 Electrical Characteristics of The PV Modules and Solar irradiation

The DC power generates from PV modules is depends on the amount of solar

irradiance received by the PV module. Any shading on the PV modules will reduce the power
output generated. One of the important tools used to assess solar irradiation at any potential
PV site is Solar Path Finder.

2. Pre-lab Work

1. The students MUST have the PSIM software by Powersim or download a free demo
version at https://powersimtech.com/try-psim/

2. In the PSIM Software, open the simulation model from tab File > Open Example >
Renewable Energy (Folder) > Solar Power (Folder) > test - solar module - Solarex MSX-
60 (functional model).psimsch

3. The simulation model is shown in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1: Test Circuit of Solar Cell (Functional Model)

5. Please explain the function all block in the circuit as shown in Figure 2.1 by filling in
Table 2.1.

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 Table 2.1: Components in Test Circuit of Solar Cell (Functional Model)
Block Function
Solar Module
(Functional mode)

Voltage Probe:
Pmax, Vcell & Power

Current Probe: Icell

(between two nodes)

Voltage sensor:
Vsen1

Current sensor:
Isen1

Triangular-wave
voltage source

Simulation control

Multiplier

Ground

6. Run the simulation circuit shown in Figure 2.1, capture the P-V and I-V curves and
label the output (Pmp, Vmp, Voc, Isc and Imp) measured from the curves (the curves
can be referred to Figure 2.2).

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 Figure 2.2: A typical I-V and P-V curve with Fill Factor

3. Equipments

a. Personnel and area safety equipments (hard hat, sun glass, dry leather gloves, etc)
b. Solar Irradiance Meter
c. Digital multimeter (2 units)
d. Module 1: Mono-crystalline PV module with datasheet (1 unit)
e. Module 2: Poly-crystalline PV module with datasheet (1 unit)
f. Temperature measurement device (2 unit)

4. Schematic Diagram

Figure 1.1 : Measuring short circuit current

5. Procedures

a. This experiment is best done on a bright and clear day with solar irradiance
(G) value of 350 W/sq.m and above. It can still work if there are some clouds
in the sky but do not work in the field when there is rain/drizzle.

b. At the back of the PV modules or PV modules datasheet, find the electrical

characteristics at Standard Test Conditions (STC), and the temperature
coefficient of short circuit current. Record these values in Table 1.

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c. Using solar irradiance meter/pyranometer, monocrystalline and
polycrystalline PV modules, assemble the equipments side-by-side as shown
in Figure 1.1.
d. Place the PV modules and solar irradiance meter at elevated angle, about 10
to 30 degrees from the ground with the active surface facing the south
direction/sun/sky, make sure the modules are elevated so that you can make
temperature measurements at the back of the PV module. PV module and solar
irradiance meter at the same tilt angle.

e. Condition – wait until the cloud which change in the solar irradiance meter
reading and then repeat step 5.

f. Synchronously, measure and record the solar irradiance, G; short circuit

current, Isc; and module temperature, T; for all the PV modules. Record the
values in Table 2.

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2. DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

2.1. From the data in Table 2, calculate the value of short circuit current for each
module using equation (1).

2.2. Find the % difference between the short circuit currents between the measured
versus the calculated values for each type of module and fill up Table 2. Explain
the differences (if any). You may use equation (2).

2.3. From the data in Table 2, calculate the irradiance using equation 3 and fill up Table
3.

2.4. Plot against for beach type of PV module based on your results from Table 2.
Perform a linear regression plot to predict the relationship between the two
parameters. Plot against for each type of PV module based on your results from
Table 2. Perform a linear regression plot to predict the relationship between the two
parameters.
(a) Both PV modules in 1 graph Isc_measured vs G measured (scatter plot with
regression line)
(b) Both PV modules in 1 graph G calculated vs G measured (scatter plot with
regression line)

2.5. Discuss the nature of the graph G calculated vs G measured and Isc_measured vs
G measured obtained in terms of the linearity i.e. which type gives a better straight
line? good linearity? Solar irradiance increased, what happen to the current, Isc?

3. SUMMARY OF DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

Table 1 : Electrical Characteristics of the PV Module

Brand and model number of the PV Module:

1) Monocrystalline.…………………………………………………………
2) Polycrystalline……………………………………………………………

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 Characteristics Unit Monocrystalline Polycrystalline
Maximum Power (Pmax)
Voltage at Maximum Power (Vmp)
Current at Maximum Power (Imp)
Short-circuit current (Isc)
Open-circuit voltage (Voc)
Temperature coefficient of short-circuit
current
Temperature coefficient of power

Table 2 : Field Data

Monocrystalline
Field data Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 3
Value Unit Value Unit Value Unit Value Unit
G_measured
G_calculated
Isc_measured
Isc_calculated
Temperature_measured
%Different

Polycrystalline
Field data Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4
Value Unit Value Unit Value Unit Value Unit
G_measured
G_calculated
Isc_measured
Isc_calculated
Temperature_measured
%Different

4. CONCLUSION

Conclude in detail the findings and the outcomes of this experiment. This should include
the summary of knowledge gained, comments and discussion of the results, errors and
their possible sources and how this experiment can be improved.

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 ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Field/Module: Photovoltaic / PV1

Experiment Title: SOLAR IRRADIATION (PART B: Solar Irradiation Measurement)

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

CO1: Work in a team effectively to perform laboratory works (A3)

Display proficiency using laboratory tools in conducting

CO2:
Course Outcomes: experiment. (P4)
Determine a suitable technique in order to solve the complex
CO3:
engineering problem (C4)
Present the findings observed from the experiment/case
CO4:
study clearly and effectively through a lab/PBL report (A3)
Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to
model, simulate and determine:
Module Outcomes: MO1: Learn how to use the Solar Pathfinder®.

MO2: Estimate the solar irradiation at a particular site.

The students MUST watch the video from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJc4pGwZh-c to understand
Instructions: how to assess solar irradiation at potential PV sites using Solar Path
Finder. The lab is unsuccessful if the student does not watch this
video.

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 1. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
(PART B: Solar Irradiation Measurement)
1.1. Introduction

The DC power generates from PV modules is depending on the amount of solar

irradiance received by the PV module. Any shading on the PV modules will reduce the power
output generated. One of the important tools used to assess solar irradiance at any potential
PV site is Solar Path Finder.

1.2. Measurement of solar irradiance

Measurement of solar irradiance is very important in designing and monitoring the system
related to solar. Equipment to measure solar irradiance is shown in Figure 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.

Figure 1.2: Eppley pyranometer

Figure 1.3: LICOR solarimeter

Figure 1.4: Reference cell

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Solar Path Chart tool as shown in Figure 1.5 is used for shading analysis. It is very useful
for solar PV system design. Solar path chart shown in Figure 1.6 is used to trace the shading.

Figure 1.5: Solar Pathfinder™ (see: www.solarpathfinder.com)

Figure 1.6: Solar path chart

1.3 Equipment
1. Personnel and area safety equipments (hard hat, sun glass, dry leather
gloves, etc)
2. Magnetic compass
3. Solar Pathfinder set
4. Pathfinder charts (1 chart per person or group)
5. Digital camera or hand phone camera

1.4 Procedures
1. Cut your pathfinder chart as precisely as possible.
2. Select a site of your choice and place your Solar Pathfinder accordingly.
3. Position your camera on the top of solarpath finder with adequate distance, take a picture
of pathfinder chart with surrounding image as shown in Figure 1.7.
4. Attach your Chart with the lab report submission.

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 Figure 1.7: Solar path finder

3. EXPERIMENTAL WORK

From your chart, calculate the amount of peak sun hour (PSH) for one complete year. You
need to show your calculations and results in your report.

From the chart, fill-up Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Annual Solar Irradiation

Unshaded % Shaded Left

solar side+ right hand Monthly Solar
irradiation side Irradiation
Month (kWh/sq.m) (kWh/sq.m)
Jan 122
Feb 130
Mac 145.9
Apr 134.8
May 135
Jun 132
July 135
Aug 137
Sep 130.9
Oct 133.9
Nov 119
Dec 119

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4. DISCUSSION

Discuss which month received the highest and the lowest solar irradiation based on the shading
profile (including the shading area in the calculation).

5. CONCLUSION

Conclude in detail the findings and the outcomes of this lab session. This should include the
summary of knowledge gained, comments and discussion of the results. Please follow the
rubric.

5. QUIZ

1. Define of Solar Irradiance and Solar Irradiation?

2. What is Peak Sun Hour (PSH)?
3. What is solar fraction?
4. Which PV modules have better temperature coefficient for power?

7. REFERENCES

1. Sulaiman Shaari, Ahmad Maliki Omar, Ahmad Hadri Haris, Sharil Irwan Sulaiman, “Solar
Photovoltaic Power: Fundamentals”, Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water
Malaysia, 2010, ISBN: 9789834389383

2. Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, “SEDA Malaysia Grid-

connected Photovoltaic System Design Course”, 2nd, Sustainable Energy Development
Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, 2016, ISBN: 9789671094273

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Appendix 1

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