Abstract
Most PV modules are fabricated by 6 cell-strings with solar cells connected in series. Moreover, bypass diodes are generally installed every 2 cell-strings to prevent PV modules from a damage induced by current mismatch or partial shading. But, in the case of special purpose PV module, like as BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), the number of cell-strings per module varies according to its size. Differ from a module employing even cell-strings, the configuration of bypass diode should be optimized in the PV module with odd strings because of oppositely facing electrodes. Hence, in this study, electrical characteristics of special purposed PV module with odd string was empirically and theoretically studied depending on arrangement of bypass diode. Here, we assumed that PV module has 3 strings and the number of bypass diodes in the system varies from 2 to 6. In case of 2 bypass diodes, shading on a center string increases short circuit current of the module, because of a parallel circuit induced by 2 bypass diodes connected to center string. Also, the loss is larger, as the shading area in the center string is enlarged. Thus, maximum power of the PV module with 2 bypass diode decreases by up to 59 (%) when shading area varies from 50 to 90 (%). On the other hand, In case of 3 and 6 bypass diodes, the maximum power reduction was within about 3 (W), even the shading area changes from 50 to 90 (%). As a result, It is an alternative to arrange the bypass diode by each string or one bypass diode in the PV module in order to completely bypass current in case of shading, when PV module with odd string are fabricated.
