A CAD package for modeling and simulation of PV arrays under partial shading conditions

A computer-aided design CAD package, with a graphical user interface (GUI), to aid the design and analysis of two- dimensional photovoltaic (PV) arrays under partial shading conditions is presented. The package uses a variant of the two-diode model of a PV cell and has been developed using MATLAB. The simulation model allows insolation to be set for each PV module individually, which is a major advantage of the package. The effects of partial shading and temperature on the electrical characteristics of PV arrays were successfully investigated using the package. Results obtained from the simulation were in good agreement with the manufacturers’ datasheets.