Effect of Torque-Tube Parameters on Rear-Irradiance and Rear-Shading Loss for Bifacial PV Performance on Single-Axis Tracking Systems: Preprint
The emergence of cost-competitive bifacial PV modules has raised the question of the additional value of bifacial modules in 1-axis tracking arrays, in particular when considering rear-irradiance losses from the tracker system itself. In this work, the effect of different geometries and materials of torque tubes is evaluated and found to reduce rear-irradiance averages without any torque-tube shading by 0.1 to 12% for metallic and black absorptive torque tubes respectively for a clear-sky day. This paper will compare modeled to measured rear-irradiance profiles, and propose a recommended range of rear-shading loss factors for different geometry conditions. The effect of rear-irradiance distribution into electrical mismatch loss will also be explored.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1571384
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-5K00-73203
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Presented at the 46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 46), 16-21 June 2019, Chicago, Illinois
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Effect of Torque-Tube Parameters on Rear-Irradiance and Rear-Shading Loss for Bifacial PV Performance on Single-Axis Tracking Systems
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