Developing and simulating an inexpensive solar irradiance metre for photovoltaic utilisation

International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion, vol. 15, pp. 376–388

Abstract

Our study introduces a cost-effective design for a solar irradiance metre that uses a photovoltaic (PV) cell, offering an affordable alternative to traditionally expensive irradiance measuring devices like pyranometers. The core idea of our approach is to establish a straightforward correlation between the solar irradiance and the short circuit current produced by the PV cell. Through detailed simulations, we have shown that it is possible to accurately assess solar irradiance by monitoring the voltage difference across a shunt resistor linked to the PV cell. This voltage fluctuation is then amplified, filtered, and converted into a digital signal by a microcontroller, with real-time results promptly displayed on a small LCD screen for immediate feedback. Designed for use in solar energy projects, our system enables effective monitoring of direct solar irradiance, thus aiding in the estimation of power generation by PV panels.

Authors 9

1. Bachir Benhala

   Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

2. Pascal Schmitz Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Solar-Institut Jülich, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Jülich, Germany

3. Mostafa El Ouariachi

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   Higher School of Technology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

4. Kamal Hirech

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   PESIP Team - LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

5. Mustapha Melhaoui

   Cadi Ayyad University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Sciences and Technics - LSEET Laboratory, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

6. Ilias Atmane

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   PESIP Team - LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

7. Anas Hassari

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   PESIP Team - LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

8. Mohammed Karrouchi

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   Higher School of Technology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

9. Mohammed Rhiat

   Mohamed I University

   Affiliation as printed

   PESIP Team - LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco