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Firefly Algorithm-Based Optimization of the Additional Energy Yield of Bifacial PV Modules

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  • Ibukun Damilola Fajuke

    (Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

  • Atanda K. Raji

    (Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

A solar bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module is designed so that it permits the addition of the back electrode to the prevailing silicon PV on the front side. Hence, it has the ability to harvest energy using its front and back faces. This study presents an optimization model for calculating the extra energy yield (EY) that can be harvested from the backside of a bifacial PV module using the Firefly Algorithm (FA). Mathematical modelling of the various parameters that influence the extra EY of the backside of a bifacial module was carried out using SIMULINK. Moreover, the mathematical model of the EY of the module was also carried out and then optimized using FA. The optimization model was confined to two orientation states namely the vertical south–north and vertical east–west at Ogbomosho (8.1227° N, 4.2436° E), Nigeria, with different values of albedo and mounting heights. The simulation result shows that the vertical east–west oriented modules outperform the vertical south–north oriented modules in terms of the EY generated. The result also showed that the maximum value of the EY is harvested at a mounting height of 1 m above the ground with row spacing of 2.5 m and a tilt angle of 25 degrees. Therefore, an optimal selection of the mounting surface (albedo) and mounting elevation values can harvest an extra EY of 5 to 45 per cent and help minimize the cost of energy generated using bifacial PV modules for electricity generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ibukun Damilola Fajuke & Atanda K. Raji, 2022. "Firefly Algorithm-Based Optimization of the Additional Energy Yield of Bifacial PV Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:7:p:2651-:d:787017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khan, M. Ryyan & Hanna, Amir & Sun, Xingshu & Alam, Muhammad A., 2017. "Vertical bifacial solar farms: Physics, design, and global optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 240-248.
    2. Lo, Chin Kim & Lim, Yun Seng & Rahman, Faidz Abd, 2015. "New integrated simulation tool for the optimum design of bifacial solar panel with reflectors on a specific site," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 293-307.
    3. Guo, Siyu & Walsh, Timothy Michael & Peters, Marius, 2013. "Vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules: A global analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 447-454.
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    Cited by:

    1. Naveed Ahmed Malik & Naveed Ishtiaq Chaudhary & Muhammad Asif Zahoor Raja, 2023. "Firefly Optimization Heuristics for Sustainable Estimation in Power System Harmonics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-20, March.

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