A device for enhancing the irradiance of bifacial photovoltaic modules and its tracking algorithm

Abstract

This study presents an innovative Irradiance Enhancement Device (IED) for bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules. The IED employs mirrors to reflect solar radiation onto the rear surface of the modules, dynamically adjusting the mirror tilt angle to optimize solar irradiance capture. Key contributions of this research encompass the design and mathematical modeling of the IED, the development of a mirror tracking control algorithm, and the experimental validation of its enhanced power generation performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed device surpassed conventional PV tracking methods, achieving a 30.41% increase in power generation. Furthermore, compared to fixed PV brackets, the device yields a 65.0% increase in power generation. A comprehensive mathematical irradiance model has been developed to simulate rear-side irradiance accurately on bifacial PV modules under diverse conditions. This model provides a robust theoretical foundation for optimizing PV support structures and enhancing overall system energy efficiency. The findings of this study offer strong technical support for advancing PV module power generation efficiency and facilitating the development of digital and intelligent PV power stations.