Jie Lin^*, Hongchi Shen, Tingting Pei, Yan Wu

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.6, pp. 2449-2463, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.065163 - 29 May 2025

Abstract This study proposes a novel visual maintenance method for photovoltaic (PV) modules based on a two-stage Wiener degradation model, addressing the limitations of traditional PV maintenance strategies that often result in insufficient or excessive maintenance. The approach begins by constructing a two-stage Wiener process performance degradation model and a remaining life prediction model under perfect maintenance conditions using historical degradation data of PV modules. This enables accurate determination of the optimal timing for post-failure corrective maintenance. To optimize the maintenance strategy, the study establishes a comprehensive cost model aimed at minimizing the long-term average cost… More >

Jie Lin^*, Hongchi Shen, Tingting Pei, Yan Wu

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.1, pp. 331-347, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2024.055611 - 27 December 2024

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) modules, as essential components of solar power generation systems, significantly influence unit power generation costs. The service life of these modules directly affects these costs. Over time, the performance of PV modules gradually declines due to internal degradation and external environmental factors. This cumulative degradation impacts the overall reliability of photovoltaic power generation. This study addresses the complex degradation process of PV modules by developing a two-stage Wiener process model. This approach accounts for the distinct phases of degradation resulting from module aging and environmental influences. A power degradation model based on the More > Graphic Abstract

Yongcan Zhu^1,2, Jiawen Wang¹, Ye Zhang^1,2, Long Zhao¹, Botao Jiang¹, Xinbo Huang^1,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.4, pp. 895-911, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2023.041002 - 26 March 2024

Abstract The accumulation of snow and ice on PV modules can have a detrimental impact on power generation, leading to reduced efficiency for prolonged periods. Thus, it becomes imperative to develop an intelligent system capable of accurately assessing the extent of snow and ice coverage on PV modules. To address this issue, the article proposes an innovative ice and snow recognition algorithm that effectively segments the ice and snow areas within the collected images. Furthermore, the algorithm incorporates an analysis of the morphological characteristics of ice and snow coverage on PV modules, allowing for the establishment… More >

Ramkiran Bhallamudi^1,2, Sudhakar Kumarasamy^3,4,5, Chinnayan Karuppaiyah Sundarabalan^1,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.118, No.6, pp. 1827-1838, 2021, DOI:10.32604/EE.2021.016798 - 10 September 2021

Abstract This study presents an experimental performance of a solar photovoltaic module under clean, dust, and shadow conditions. It is found that there is a significant decrease in electrical power produced (40% in the case of dust panels and 80% in the case of shadow panels) and a decrease in efficiency of around 6% in the case with dust and 9% in the case with the shadow, as compared to the clean panel. From the results, it is clear that there is a substantial effect of a partial shadow than dust on the performance of the More >