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2024 Vol.44, Issue 6 Preview Page

Research Article

Analysis of Power Loss Mitigation Effects using BIPV Module-Level Power Optimizer under Partial Shading Conditions

부분 음영을 고려한 BIPV 모듈 단위 Power Optimizer의 발전 손실 완화 효과 분석

Ji-Young Eum1
,
Hyun-Jung Choi2*
엄 지영1
,
최 현중2*
1Research Specialist, Department of Building Energy Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology / PhD Student, Department of Energy Grid, Sangmyung University
2Senior Researcher, Department of Building Energy Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
1한국건설기술연구원 건축에너지연구소, 전임연구원 / 상명대학교 일반대학원 에너지그리드학과, 박사과정
2한국건설기술연구원 건축에너지연구소, 수석연구원
*Corresponding Author
30 December 2024. pp. 25-34
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Abstract

The expansion of zero-energy building requirements has intensified the interest in Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems as a solution to the limited installation space for renewable energy sources in urban environments. BIPV systems serve both as building envelope elements and power generators. Partial shading from surrounding buildings and structures often causes significant power losses in these systems. Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), such as power optimizers, can reduce these power losses by optimizing individual module performance; however, conventional products designed for standard photovoltaic (PV) modules are limited when applied to BIPV modules. These limitations occur because BIPV modules have lower electrical specifications owing to custom designs that meet the architectural requirements of various sizes and colors. This study develops a power optimizer specifically for BIPV modules to mitigate power loss, featuring hardware improvements with a buck converter for low-voltage operation and firmware enhancements for optimized shadow detection and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control. Comparative experiments were conducted under various shading conditions (10%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) on vertically installed BIPV modules. Results indicate that the developed power optimizer improved performance under high shading conditions, demonstrating reduced power loss by 12.1% compared to that of conventional products under 75% shading. These findings confirm that the developed power optimizer can maintain power generation under partial shading in urban environments, thereby facilitating the adoption of zero-energy buildings through enhanced BIPV system reliability.

Keywords
Building integrated photovoltaic system
Power optimizer
Partial shading
Power loss mitigation
Zero-energy building
키워드
건물일체형 태양광발전시스템
파워 옵티마이저
부분 음영
발전 손실 완화
제로에너지건축물
References
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2

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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Solar Energy Society
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회 논문집
  • Volume : 44
  • No :6
  • Pages :25-34
  • Received Date : 2024-10-24
  • Revised Date : 2024-11-05
  • Accepted Date : 2024-11-07
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7836/kses.2024.44.6.025
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