Research on Shadow Mitigation Strategy for Sloped Photovoltaic Arrays Based on Environmental Parameter Model

ObjectivesThe anti-shadow strategy plays a vital role in the large-scale application of photovoltaic systems. In order to cope with the problem of power generation loss caused by shadow shading between photovoltaic arrays in areas with low slope, it is necessary to optimize the daily tracking strategy of photovoltaic modules.MethodsTaking a photovoltaic power station in Ningxia as an example, the dynamic shadow shading calculation model and irradiance model were established based on terrain and environmental factors. An anti-shadow flat single-axis solar tracking strategy was proposed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution were tested using a simulation model constructed by MATLAB software. Finally,a typical sunny day was selected for field comparison and verification in the selected area.ResultsUnder low-slope terrain conditions, compared with the photovoltaic array using the original tracking strategy, the photovoltaic array with the proposed anti-shadow and automatic tracking strategy can reduce shadow occlusion by about 12%. Additionally,the overall electricity output efficiency of the system can be improved by about 10%.ConclusionsThe proposed strategy is optimized from the perspective of terrain and environmental factors, which effectively solves the applicability problem of the anti-shadow tracking system, broadens the location area of photovoltaic power station, and provides reliable technical support for it, which is of great significance in the large-scale application of photovoltaic systems.