Modeling of Half-Cut PV Systems through EnergyPlus

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Hello Greg, thank you for writing. We also detected an error in our temperature coefficient input. Once we corrected it, it worked. However, in a half-cut PV with 120 cells, it works when we enter the number of cells as 60. In this case, do you think the system is operating as half-cut? In this way, we achieved a maximum annual production of 373 Wp (DC) with a 375 Wp panel. We selected our inverter with a 96% efficiency, and we obtained a production of 369.95 Wp (AC). What are your results?

I think model is sufficiently accurate. I'm reading that the advantages of half cut cells are a reduction in current. Since the inputs to the EOD model represent the performance of the half cut module, I think it works. Entering the total number of full cells and the representative active area, should do it. My results of the EOD simulation were close to the results of the simple method. I'm satisfied.

Thank you, Greg. I have one more question. In Half-Cut panels, when one of the parallel connected sections is shaded, the other section continues to operate. So, for example, if the upper part of the panel is shaded, the lower part keeps working. Do you think the system operates correctly in EnergyPlus under such shading conditions?

I think your shading point is another benefit of half cut cells. I don't know how the EOD handles shading. A quick review of the Eng Ref for the EOD shows that the photocurrent depends linearly on incident radiation. I'm guessing the incident radiation is averaged across the PV array, which may calculate a photocurrent less than an actual half cut cell. What do you think?

I think the same with you. I think that the system efficiency decreases more during shading compared to a standard half-cut. Therefore, there will be a significant difference between the cases where the surrounding buildings are modeled and those where they are not. However, for now we agree that it works correctly except for shading.