Power performance assessment of PV blinds system considering self-shading effects

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system has been considered as an effective solution to enhance building energy performance. Shading effects by adjacent obstacles are an important issue in the power generation performance of BIPV systems. This study presents a comparative analysis to evaluate the power generation performance of angle-movable PV blinds compared to a typically fixed BIPV system. An experimental study first compares power output behaviors between PV blind modules by self-shading effects. A simulation-based analysis is then conducted through different cases of angle-adjustable PV blinds with a reference module operated at a fixed angle throughout the year. This study also considers the monthly optimized-angle operation of PV blinds to improve the performance based on different locations. Results from the experimental analysis present that most slat modules, except for the top slat module, have similarly reduced power output patterns by shading effects of the upper slat module. In simulated results, the PV blinds-angle case of 30 & DEG; shows the most significant annual power generation performance reduction due to self-shading effects among controlled angles. In addition, even when PV blinds operate under monthly optimal-angle conditions, PV blinds still have significant shading effects and show reduced power generation performance compared to the fixed reference one.

Automated summary

The study compares the power generation performance of angle-movable PV blinds with a typically fixed BIPV system. Experimental and simulation-based analyses are conducted to evaluate the effects of shading on power output. The results show that shading effects significantly reduce the power generation performance of PV blinds, even under monthly optimal-angle conditions.