Quaid-e-Awam University Research Journal of Engineering, Science & Technology, Volume-15, No.2, Jul-Dec 2016 05 PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL MODELLING AND SIMULATION STRATEGIES Pervez Hameed Shaikh*, Anwar Ali Sahito*, and Aslam Pervaiz Memon** ABSTRACT The main focus of this paper is on the modeling of photovoltaic panels or modules that are composed of numerous basic cells. The constituent which impact on the precision of PV simulation is the equivalent circuit modeling primarily encompasses the estimation of the non-linear I-V and P-V characteristics. The assessment, analysis and depiction of PV model will ultimately describe the parameters for the development of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm along with power conditioners compatibility. This paper intends to collectively organize and assess the mathematical model of the PV cells and to drive the best possible modeling for the continuous varying solar radiation and even under partial shade conditions. Nomenclature defined in equations as follows: e : Charge of electron (1.602 × 10 -19 C). k : Boltzmann’s constant (1.38 × 10-23 J/K). I0 : Reverse saturation current for diode. Iph : Photo-current, a function of junction temperature and irradiation level (5 A). Ic : Output current of cell, A. Rs : Series resistance of cell. Tc : Operating temp. of reference cell (20 °C). Vc : Output voltage of cell, V. Ipv,n: Light-generated current in Amperes at the nominal condition (usually 25 °C and 1000W/m 2 ), ∆T = T – Tn (being T and Tn the actual and nominal temperatures in Kelvin) G : Irradiation on the device surfacein [W/m 2 ], Gn : Nominal irradiation in [W/m 2 ]. Eg : Energy band-gap of the semiconductor at normal ambient temperatures. I 0 ,n : Nominal saturation current Ns : Cells connected in Series. Np : Cells connected in Parallel. Vt,n : Thermal voltage of Ns (series-connected cells) at the nominal temperature Tn. 1. INTRODUCTION Solar photovoltaic is a single stage non-conventional energy transformation source which makes electrical energy from light energy. Edmund Becquerel explained in 1839, as the action of falling of light quantum on silver glazed platinum electrode. PV cell is assemble by thin wafers of p-type and n-type material to form a junction. In dark, it has output characteristics similar to a simple diode [1]. The major benefits that PV generators possess, which has resulted in its huge utilization since last two decades, are small lead duration for designing and fixing new systems, matching of output power with peak load burdens, immobile structure, environmental friendly, portable, light weight, high efficiency per unit of weight, noise free, high useful operating life and no moving parts [2]. When PV cell is exposed to light (e.g. sunlight), photons with superior energy band gap of the semiconductor are enthralled thus creating an electron-hole pair. The inner electric fields of pn-junction will cause to be swept across and will produce current proportional to the incident irradiation. The current flows in the external circuit when PV cell is shorted and shunted internally through intrinsic p-n junction when open circuited. Thus, setup the open circuit voltage exponential characteristics of the cell analogous to that of a diode [3]. PV cells are replicated as a bi-terminal device, which conducts as of a diode in dark and also produce electrical energy when exposed to sunlight. The constituent which impact on the precision of PV simulation is the equivalent circuit modeling primarily Keywords-Photovoltaic, non-linear, model, solar, simulation * Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan ** Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, Nawabshah, Pakistan