Contribution of a non-uniform magnetic field on the electric power of a photovoltaic panel

Following existing studies on the effects of the uniform magnetic field conducted on a PV module, we note that the effect of a non-uniform magnetic field has not yet been conducted on a PV panel due to its large dimensions. In this paper, the behavior of a PV panel submitted to a non-uniform magnetic field is examined. The simplified synoptic of our PV panel is consisting of two large identical PV modules connected in series. By solving the continuity equation, we determine the distribution of minority carriers in this PV panel. Therefore, the output electrical characteristics (photocurrent, photovoltage and electric power) of this PV panel suggested to the effects of a non-uniform magnetic field are evaluated. In the standard test conditions, numerical simulations are carried out on the evolution of these electrical parameters. Our results show that a non-uniform magnetic field creates a non-uniform distribution of the electrical quantities in a PV panel. Moreover, we establish that, under the effects of a non-uniform magnetic field, the PV panel behaves as a PV panel suggested to the effect of partial shading. A comparative study between the impacts of a non-uniform and a uniform magnetic field on the PV panel is also carried out. It appears that a non-uniform magnetic field reduces the electric power of a PV panel more than a uniform magnetic field. Keywords: Photocurrent; photovoltage; electric power; non-uniform magnetic field; PV panel; Shading. DOI: 10.7176/JETP/10-7-03 Publication date: November 30th 2020