Title: Developing and simulating an inexpensive solar irradiance metre for photovoltaic utilisation

Authors: Mohammed Rhiat; Mohammed Karrouchi; Anas Hassari; Mustapha Melhaoui; Ilias Atmane; Mostafa El Ouariachi; Pascal Schmitz; Bachir Benhala; Kamal Hirech

Addresses: PESIP Team – LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco ' Higher School of Technology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco ' PESIP Team – LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco ' Faculty of Sciences and Technics – LSEET Laboratory, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco ' PESIP Team – LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco ' Higher School of Technology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco ' Solar-Institut Jülich, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Jülich, Germany ' Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco ' PESIP Team – LGEM Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco; Higher School of Education and Training, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

Abstract: Our study introduces a cost-effective design for a solar irradiance metre that uses a photovoltaic (PV) cell, offering an affordable alternative to traditionally expensive irradiance measuring devices like pyranometers. The core idea of our approach is to establish a straightforward correlation between the solar irradiance and the short circuit current produced by the PV cell. Through detailed simulations, we have shown that it is possible to accurately assess solar irradiance by monitoring the voltage difference across a shunt resistor linked to the PV cell. This voltage fluctuation is then amplified, filtered, and converted into a digital signal by a microcontroller, with real-time results promptly displayed on a small LCD screen for immediate feedback. Designed for use in solar energy projects, our system enables effective monitoring of direct solar irradiance, thus aiding in the estimation of power generation by PV panels.

Keywords: photovoltaic cell; solar irradiance; metre; electronics; energy; power; measurement; acquisition; instrument.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEC.2024.141867

International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion, 2024 Vol.15 No.4, pp.376 - 388

Received: 26 Dec 2023
Accepted: 29 Mar 2024
Published online: 02 Oct 2024 *

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