A Comprehensive Review on Bypass Diode Application on Photovoltaic Modules

Romênia G. Vieira, Fábio M. U. de Araújo, Mahmoud Dhimish and Maria I. S. Guerra
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Romênia G. Vieira: Department of Engineering and Technology, Semi-Arid Federal University, Francisco Mota Av., Mossoro 59625-900, Brazil
Fábio M. U. de Araújo: Department of Computer and Automation Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
Mahmoud Dhimish: Department of Engineering and Technology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Maria I. S. Guerra: Department of Engineering and Technology, Semi-Arid Federal University, Francisco Mota Av., Mossoro 59625-900, Brazil

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has shown significant expansion on the installed capacity over the last years. Most of its power systems are installed on rooftops, integrated into buildings. Considering the fast development of PV plants, it has becoming even more critical to understand the performance and reliability of such systems. One of the most common problems faced in PV plants occurs when solar cells receive non-uniform irradiance or partially shaded. The consequences of shading generally are prevented by bypass diodes. A significant number of studies and technical reports have been published as of today, based on extensive experience from research and field feedbacks. However, such material has not been cataloged or analyzed from a perspective of the technological evolution of bypass diodes devices. This paper presents a comprehensive review and highlights recent advances, ongoing research, and prospects, as reported in the literature, on bypass diode application on photovoltaic modules. First, it outlines the shading effect and hotspot problem on PV modules. Following, it explains bypass diodes’ working principle, as well as discusses how such devices can impact power output and PV modules’ reliability. Then, it gives a thorough review of recently published research, as well as the state of the art in the field. In conclusion, it makes a discussion on the overview and challenges to bypass diode as a mitigation technique.

Keywords: bypass diode; partial shading; hotspot; mismatch; photovoltaic module; mitigation technique (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

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