J.P.M. Correia

A PSO algorithm for the calculation of the series and shunt resistances of the PV panel one-diode model

Different equivalent circuit models can be found in the literature to describe the electrical performance of PV panels. Among all the models, the one diode models are widely used. However the determination of the electrical parameters of these models is not an easy task. In this paper, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method was applied to extract the equivalent circuit parameters of PV panels. The PSO method was implemented in Matlab to calculate the series and shunt resistances of two modified one-diode models used to determine the electrical performance of a photovoltaic panel. The PSO method allowed us to plot I-V curves close to those provided by the PV manufacturer and proved to be a good approach capable of working with any electrical model.

Thermal Analysis of Solar Panels

In this work, we propose to analyze the thermal behavior of PV panels using finite element simulations (FEM). We applied this analysis to compute the temperature distribution in a PV panel BP 350 subjected to different atmospheric conditions. This analysis takes into account existing formulations in the literature and, based on NOCT conditions, meteorological data was used to validate our approach for different wind speed and solar irradiance. The electrical performance of the PV panel was also studied. The proposed 2D FEM analysis is applied to different region’s climates and was also used to consider the role of thermal inertia on the optimization of the PV device efficiency.

Electromagnetic Sheet Bulging: Analysis of Process Parameters by FE Simulations

Electromagnetic forming is a non-conventional forming process and is classified as a high-speed forming process. It provides certain advantages as compared to conventional forming processes: improved formability, high repeatability and productivity, reduction in tooling cost and reduction of springback and of wrinkling. However, various process parameters affect the performance of the electromagnetic forming system. Finite element simulations are very useful to optimize a process because they can reduce time and costs. With the aim of investigating the effects of the process parameters on the deformed blank geometry, finite element simulations of an electromagnetic sheet bulging test have been performed in this work. Furthermore the role of first impulse of discharged current is also investigated.

Numerical Simulation of Plug-Assisted Thermoforming Process: Application to Polystyrene

In the present work, the thickness distribution in a plug-assisted thermoforming process is investigated using finite element (FE) simulations. Numerical simulations have been performed with the FE code ABAQUS/Explicit. The contact between sheet and tools is considered as isothermal. Moreover, the coefficient of friction between plug and sheet is assumed constant. The behavior of the material is described by three hyperelastic laws available in the FE code. The comparison between experimental and FE results highlights that the neglected thermal effects (conduction and convection) and the thermal dependence of coefficient of friction should be considered. For future work, we propose an elasto-viscoplastic model which appears to better describe the behavior of the material than a hyperelastic model.