# A New Configuration of Vertically Connecting Solar Cells: Solar Tree

Authors: Anouar Bella Baci; Mohamed Salmi; Younes Menni; Samira Ghafourian; Milad Sadeghzadeh; Mohammad Ghalandari
Journal: International Journal of Photoenergy
 (2020)

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## Abstract

Solar energy is a renewable type, clean, and inexhaustible which is sufficiently available on the Algerian territory. The energy received daily on a horizontal surface of 1 m2 is in the order of 5 kWh over almost the whole Algerian territory; the duration of sunshine surpasses 2000 hours annually and can reach 3900 hours on the highlands and the Sahara. The importance of this work is based on exploiting solar energy to produce electricity. This study is based on the experimental exploitation of solar energy using solar tree’s prototype suggestion. This new model is focused to replace the leaf of a tree by the solar cell, starting by examining the solar field and physical phenomenon related with it; the description of cell photovoltaic comes after; and finally, the dimension of the solar system and the experimental studies are virtually released in the University of M’sila. In this work, a prototype of new artificial solar tree is proposed experimentally by using material available in the local market: 25 solar panels, metal support, electrical queues, regulator, and battery. The results highlight a power improvement in the case of the proposed new model (solar tree) compared to the traditional one provided (solar panel), for the specified time range between 8 am and 2:30 pm. On the other hand, the traditional model values improve if the time dimension is extended from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. This is due to the temperature of the region and the presence of interstellar spaces between the cells of the solar tree.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

In a world that tends towards the exploitation of renewable energy resources, while thinking practically and gradually of the exhaustion of fossil fuels, Algeria is highly called to be up to date because of its natural potential in this field [1–5]. Renewable energy is known for its advantages such as cleanliness and low cost of exploitation for a lifetime of 25 years of electricity production [6, 7]. In addition, it helps to avoid greenhouse gases and pollution, and the big advantage is that it is inexhaustible [8, 9]. In this renewable energy, solar energy represents a huge potential that can be exploited through different technologies [10–13]. Photovoltaic energy (PV) is one of the examples. Due to the global availability of solar energy [14, 15], photovoltaics are an interesting solution for electricity generation [16, 17].Several recent studies were conducted to obtain the best conditions for successful PV systems. Katayama et al. [18] gave details on different kinds of degradation and failure in PV cells including potential-induced degradation (PID) and interconnect ribbon, as well as mechanical stress. Hernández-Callejoet et al. [19] discussed in their review the hybrid systems and the power quality. Gruber et al. [20] explored the effect of unorganized charge-extraction/transport layers on the measurements of solar cell photocurrent. Antonacci and Scognamiglio [21] were interested in the realization of smart biosensors and the development of hybrid nanostructures composed of photosynthetic elements and nanomaterials. Jeong et al. [22] combined perovskite PV cells and a few-nanometer thin MoTe2 field-effect transistor (FET) for the development of a self-power circuit. By mathematical modeling and simulation, Lakeh et al. [23] studied the effect of some parameters, including the load resistance of TEG, cold side temperature, and other parameters on the efficiency of an integrated thermoelectric-PV cell. For the hydrogen production, Shaygan et al. [24] analyzed the characteristics of a hybrid system. Other studies can be found in the referenced works (Malathy and Ramaprabha [25], Wu et al. [26], Araki and Yamaguchi [27], Wang et al. [28], Merten et al. [29], Kazem and Khatib [30], Ikegami et al. [31], Jha and Triar [32], Quaschning and Hanitsch [33], Xie et al. [34], El Iysaouy et al. [35], Echendu et al. [36], Bouraiou et al. [37], Ciulla et al. [38], Huang et al. [39], Abdul Kadir et al. [40], Chaaban et al. [41], and Ali et al. [42]) for various photovoltaic cell structures and different studied governing parameters.In Algeria, the equivalent of 300 billion Tep per year in solar energy is received in terms of sunshine; the energy received daily on a horizontal surface in 1 m2 is of the order of 5 kWh on almost the entire Algerian territory. The duration of sunshine exceeds 2000 hours each year and can go up to 3900 hours in the highlands and the Sahara, which is a high average compared to other countries around the world [1]. Solar energy in Algeria has great importance [43–46], but its productivity depends on the area covered by solar panels, so our research problem is how to achieve high efficiency in a very limited space? The proposed solution to this problem is the use of solar or photovoltaic tree. In this work, a small artificial solar tree, which will imitate the appearance of a tree whose leaves are replaced by photovoltaic cells, is presented and the output generated electricity is measured and analyzed.The present research work is based on the experimentation of solar energy using solar tree’s prototype suggestion. This current PV type is focused to replace the leaf of a tree by the solar cell, starting by examining the solar field and physical phenomenon related with it, the description of cell photovoltaic comes after and finally, the dimension of the solar system and the experimental studies are virtually released in the University of M’sila.


## 2. Governing Data

### 2.1. Constitutions of the PV System

In this section, the different elements that make up the PV installation system are presented. There are 4 main elements constituting a photovoltaic generator system: the PV panel, the battery (storage), the voltage regulator, and the converter (inverter), which are shown in Figure1, i.e., a solar system with energy storage.Figure 1
Solar system with energy storage.


### 2.2. Region of M’sila

M’sila, in its current boundaries, occupies a privileged position in the central part of northern Algeria as a whole; it is part of the Central Highland region and covers an area of 18,175 km2.Its geographical position makes its main vocation remain agropastoralism tributary of an unfortunately low and irregular rainfall not exceeding 250 mm per year. It is limited to the following:(i)
In the North East: the wilayas of Bordj Bou-Arreridj and Setif(ii)
North West: the wilayas of Medea and Bouira(iii)
In the East: the wilaya of Batna(iv)
To the West: the wilaya of Djelfa(v)
South East: the wilaya of BiskraIts geographical coordinates are as follows:(i)
Altitude: 477 m(ii)
Latitude: 35° 7 North(iii)
Longitude: 4° 54194 East


### 2.3. Climate of M’sila

The climate of the region is continentally submitted in part to Saharan influences. Summer is dry and very hot, while the winter is very cold. In terms of rainfall, the most watered zone is located in the north; it receives more than 480 mm per year; for the rest of the territory, the driest area is located in the extreme south of the Wilaya and receives less than 200 mm/year. The annual average rainfall of the wilaya in 2010 was 153 mm per year. The average monthly temperatures of a year were 20°C, where 32°C was recorded in the warmest month (August) and 11°C in the coldest month (January). The min and max temperatures recorded were -0.2°C in January and 45.7°C in July.


## 2.1. Constitutions of the PV System

In this section, the different elements that make up the PV installation system are presented. There are 4 main elements constituting a photovoltaic generator system: the PV panel, the battery (storage), the voltage regulator, and the converter (inverter), which are shown in Figure1, i.e., a solar system with energy storage.Figure 1
Solar system with energy storage.


## 2.2. Region of M’sila

M’sila, in its current boundaries, occupies a privileged position in the central part of northern Algeria as a whole; it is part of the Central Highland region and covers an area of 18,175 km2.Its geographical position makes its main vocation remain agropastoralism tributary of an unfortunately low and irregular rainfall not exceeding 250 mm per year. It is limited to the following:(i)
In the North East: the wilayas of Bordj Bou-Arreridj and Setif(ii)
North West: the wilayas of Medea and Bouira(iii)
In the East: the wilaya of Batna(iv)
To the West: the wilaya of Djelfa(v)
South East: the wilaya of BiskraIts geographical coordinates are as follows:(i)
Altitude: 477 m(ii)
Latitude: 35° 7 North(iii)
Longitude: 4° 54194 East


## 2.3. Climate of M’sila

The climate of the region is continentally submitted in part to Saharan influences. Summer is dry and very hot, while the winter is very cold. In terms of rainfall, the most watered zone is located in the north; it receives more than 480 mm per year; for the rest of the territory, the driest area is located in the extreme south of the Wilaya and receives less than 200 mm/year. The annual average rainfall of the wilaya in 2010 was 153 mm per year. The average monthly temperatures of a year were 20°C, where 32°C was recorded in the warmest month (August) and 11°C in the coldest month (January). The min and max temperatures recorded were -0.2°C in January and 45.7°C in July.


## 3. Experimental Study

### 3.1. PV Field Orientation

In Algeria and more generally in the entire northern hemisphere, the selected orientation of the PV field towards the south 0 (full south) must be similar to what is represented in Figure2.Figure 2
PV field orientation.


### 3.2. Inclination Angle

The angle of inclination corresponds to the angle formed by the plane of the solar module relative to the horizontal (see Figure3).Figure 3
Angle of inclination of photovoltaic modules.


### 3.3. Determination of the Solar Field

The solar radiation of the place can be chosen by the following:(i)
Real data measured by metrological stations(ii)
Calculations using by a mathematical model(iii)
Data provided by NASA, PVGIS, and MeteonormThe average monthly irradiation of “M’sila” commune is given by the PVGIS (Photovoltaic GISement). The map of the region of M’sila [47] is shown in Figure 4, and the solar radiation values are mentioned in Table 1.Figure 4
Map of the region of “M’sila.”Table 1
Monthly average of irradiation in M’sila.
MonthIrradiation with optimal inclination (Hopt)Optimal inclination (Lopt)January479061°February544053°March651039°April659025°May678011°June70403°July72506°August725018°September640034°October610048°November501058°December443063°Year614035°The following results were obtained:(i)
The optimum angle of inclination is 35°deg.(ii)
Annual irradiation lost due to shade(iii)
Hopt: plan irradiation with optimal inclination (Wh/m2/day)(iv)
Lopt: optimal inclination (deg.)


## 3.1. PV Field Orientation

In Algeria and more generally in the entire northern hemisphere, the selected orientation of the PV field towards the south 0 (full south) must be similar to what is represented in Figure2.Figure 2
PV field orientation.


## 3.2. Inclination Angle

The angle of inclination corresponds to the angle formed by the plane of the solar module relative to the horizontal (see Figure3).Figure 3
Angle of inclination of photovoltaic modules.


## 3.3. Determination of the Solar Field

The solar radiation of the place can be chosen by the following:(i)
Real data measured by metrological stations(ii)
Calculations using by a mathematical model(iii)
Data provided by NASA, PVGIS, and MeteonormThe average monthly irradiation of “M’sila” commune is given by the PVGIS (Photovoltaic GISement). The map of the region of M’sila [47] is shown in Figure 4, and the solar radiation values are mentioned in Table 1.Figure 4
Map of the region of “M’sila.”Table 1
Monthly average of irradiation in M’sila.
MonthIrradiation with optimal inclination (Hopt)Optimal inclination (Lopt)January479061°February544053°March651039°April659025°May678011°June70403°July72506°August725018°September640034°October610048°November501058°December443063°Year614035°The following results were obtained:(i)
The optimum angle of inclination is 35°deg.(ii)
Annual irradiation lost due to shade(iii)
Hopt: plan irradiation with optimal inclination (Wh/m2/day)(iv)
Lopt: optimal inclination (deg.)


## 4. Realization of Solar Tree

The proposed solar tree is designed by using the following components.


### 4.1. Photovoltaic Panel

For the solar tree design [48–50], 25 solar panels (Figure 5) are needed that are characterized by(i)
Pmax=3.0 W(ii)
Voc=7.2 V(iii)
Isc=0.56 A(iv)
Vmp=6 VFigure 5
Photovoltaic panel.Imp=5 A, and the maximum system voltage is 1000 V.


### 4.2. Iron Bars

Seven iron bars are required to fix the solar panels where the supports of the leaves are symmetrical and the dimensions are as follows:(i)
Two branches with 1.10 m(ii)
Two branches with 0.9 m(iii)
Three branches with 0.8 m, and the distance with the branches is 0.6 m


### 4.3. Panel Connection

In this step, the solar cells are fixed on the support taking into account the optimal orientation while avoiding the shadow [51, 52] (see Figure 6).Figure 6
Solar tree.


### 4.4. Electrical Wiring

30 m of electrical wires is provided to connect to the photovoltaic cell (15 m by 15 m red and black color).


#### 4.4.1. Regulator

To calculate the power of solar panels, a regulator with the features is used (Figure7):(i)
The voltage:U=12 V-24 V(ii)
The current:I=30 AFigure 7
Used regulator.


#### 4.4.2. Battery

A battery is used to store the load to provide power to electrical equipment; the battery that adapts the energy need is Gel Battery (12 V-150 Ah) (Figure8).Figure 8
Adapted battery.


## 4.1. Photovoltaic Panel

For the solar tree design [48–50], 25 solar panels (Figure 5) are needed that are characterized by(i)
Pmax=3.0 W(ii)
Voc=7.2 V(iii)
Isc=0.56 A(iv)
Vmp=6 VFigure 5
Photovoltaic panel.Imp=5 A, and the maximum system voltage is 1000 V.


## 4.2. Iron Bars

Seven iron bars are required to fix the solar panels where the supports of the leaves are symmetrical and the dimensions are as follows:(i)
Two branches with 1.10 m(ii)
Two branches with 0.9 m(iii)
Three branches with 0.8 m, and the distance with the branches is 0.6 m


## 4.3. Panel Connection

In this step, the solar cells are fixed on the support taking into account the optimal orientation while avoiding the shadow [51, 52] (see Figure 6).Figure 6
Solar tree.


## 4.4. Electrical Wiring

30 m of electrical wires is provided to connect to the photovoltaic cell (15 m by 15 m red and black color).


### 4.4.1. Regulator

To calculate the power of solar panels, a regulator with the features is used (Figure7):(i)
The voltage:U=12 V-24 V(ii)
The current:I=30 AFigure 7
Used regulator.


### 4.4.2. Battery

A battery is used to store the load to provide power to electrical equipment; the battery that adapts the energy need is Gel Battery (12 V-150 Ah) (Figure8).Figure 8
Adapted battery.


## 4.4.1. Regulator

To calculate the power of solar panels, a regulator with the features is used (Figure7):(i)
The voltage:U=12 V-24 V(ii)
The current:I=30 AFigure 7
Used regulator.


## 4.4.2. Battery

A battery is used to store the load to provide power to electrical equipment; the battery that adapts the energy need is Gel Battery (12 V-150 Ah) (Figure8).Figure 8
Adapted battery.


## 5. Results and Discussion

### 5.1. Inclination

From our experiments, it was found that the electrical intensity provided by the cells varies in function of the cell inclination, which is maximal when the panel is perpendicular to the light rays. So, it is necessary to monitor the inclination of the sun’s rays in relation to the Earth to better orient the panels of our tree.The experimental study of the designed tree unfolded in the period from May to June by measurements of intensity and tension. So, it is looked for obtaining the best inclination with a panel connected to an ammeter. The results of this step are shown in Table2. So, the solar tree panels are fixed at 33°.Table 2
The intensity according to the inclination.
Inclination with respect to the horizontal (deg.)Intensity (V)0°1.645°1.3910°2.2415°2.8920°3.2325°3.2630°3.4535°3.7840°2.84


### 5.2. Connection of Photovoltaic Panels

From our experiments, it was found that the electrical intensity provided by the cells varied by the inclination of the cells (Table2). This is maximum when the cell is perpendicular to the light rays. We therefore had to look for the inclination of the sun’s rays in relation to the Earth in order to best orient the cells of our tree.The experimental study of our tree takes place in the month period of May and June by measurements of intensity and voltage (Table3). So we fixed the solar tree panels at 35°. The dimension that showed the best connection configuration is three photovoltaic cells in series and fourteen cell branches in parallel.Table 3
Results of the current and voltage.
PotentialU (V)CurrentI (mA)All cells are illuminated20.13.51 cell is in the shade20.12.9


### 5.3. Electric Power

To compare the electric power supplied by our tree, a fixed panel inclined at 35° was built (Figure9) with the same number of cells and the same electrical connection as our tree. The electrical power was measured at different times of a typical sunny day (Monday, June 18). The fixed panel was oriented south-north while the front face of the tree was south.Figure 9
Electrical measurement of the tree and fixed panels.Figure10 shows the variation of the current (I) as a function of voltage (V) for the fixed panels and the solar shaft, respectively. The predicted results of the I-V characteristic are approximately similar to the theoretical results, where the maximum of the measurement error is about 0.18%. As expected, the current changes with the change in the tension. There is an inverse proportionality between the values of I and V; whereas V increases, the I intensity decreases, in both cases studied. The comparison of the two models proves that in the case of using the solar panel, it gives high values in terms of I at V less than 20.5 volts. 3.00 A is reported in the case of the PV first model, i.e., solar panel, at the minimum tension value (19.5 V), while 3.75 A is highlighted in the case of the PV second model, i.e., solar tree, at the same I minimum, whereas the two models present the same current strength at 20.5 volts of tension, while there is a difference when the V value is above 20.5 volts; the solar tree model produces the largest value of current.Figure 10
Current according to the voltage.In Figure11, the electric power supplied by the fixed panels and the solar tree as a function of time is illustrated, where the maximum of the measurement error is about 3.75%. The specified time range, from 11 am to 1 pm, gives the best conditions for a high performance for the first system, i.e., solar tree, as its power reached about 75 watts at midday, while the power is about 58 watts for the case of using the second model at 2 pm. The figure also highlights a power improvement in the case of the proposed new model (solar tree) compared to the traditional one provided (solar panel), for the specified time range between 8 am and 2:30 pm. On the other hand, the traditional model values improve if the time dimension is extended from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.Figure 11
Variation in production power over time.This is due to the effect of the negative temperature, where the efficiency of the solar tree is better than that of the installed solar panel in the morning, while in the evening, the efficiency of the solar panel was better than that of the solar tree. This is due to the temperature of the region and the presence of interstellar spaces between the cells of the solar tree [53, 54].


### 5.4. Parameters Affecting Tree Performance

To optimize the efficiency of the cells of the tree, the overall energy of the luminous flux, i.e., the diffuse energy and the direct energy, was taken into account. The cells heat up too much they produce less energy. To improve their yields, favorable conditions that will allow the proper functioning of the PV system must be proposed and be designed [55, 56].


## 5.1. Inclination

From our experiments, it was found that the electrical intensity provided by the cells varies in function of the cell inclination, which is maximal when the panel is perpendicular to the light rays. So, it is necessary to monitor the inclination of the sun’s rays in relation to the Earth to better orient the panels of our tree.The experimental study of the designed tree unfolded in the period from May to June by measurements of intensity and tension. So, it is looked for obtaining the best inclination with a panel connected to an ammeter. The results of this step are shown in Table2. So, the solar tree panels are fixed at 33°.Table 2
The intensity according to the inclination.
Inclination with respect to the horizontal (deg.)Intensity (V)0°1.645°1.3910°2.2415°2.8920°3.2325°3.2630°3.4535°3.7840°2.84


## 5.2. Connection of Photovoltaic Panels

From our experiments, it was found that the electrical intensity provided by the cells varied by the inclination of the cells (Table2). This is maximum when the cell is perpendicular to the light rays. We therefore had to look for the inclination of the sun’s rays in relation to the Earth in order to best orient the cells of our tree.The experimental study of our tree takes place in the month period of May and June by measurements of intensity and voltage (Table3). So we fixed the solar tree panels at 35°. The dimension that showed the best connection configuration is three photovoltaic cells in series and fourteen cell branches in parallel.Table 3
Results of the current and voltage.
PotentialU (V)CurrentI (mA)All cells are illuminated20.13.51 cell is in the shade20.12.9


## 5.3. Electric Power

To compare the electric power supplied by our tree, a fixed panel inclined at 35° was built (Figure9) with the same number of cells and the same electrical connection as our tree. The electrical power was measured at different times of a typical sunny day (Monday, June 18). The fixed panel was oriented south-north while the front face of the tree was south.Figure 9
Electrical measurement of the tree and fixed panels.Figure10 shows the variation of the current (I) as a function of voltage (V) for the fixed panels and the solar shaft, respectively. The predicted results of the I-V characteristic are approximately similar to the theoretical results, where the maximum of the measurement error is about 0.18%. As expected, the current changes with the change in the tension. There is an inverse proportionality between the values of I and V; whereas V increases, the I intensity decreases, in both cases studied. The comparison of the two models proves that in the case of using the solar panel, it gives high values in terms of I at V less than 20.5 volts. 3.00 A is reported in the case of the PV first model, i.e., solar panel, at the minimum tension value (19.5 V), while 3.75 A is highlighted in the case of the PV second model, i.e., solar tree, at the same I minimum, whereas the two models present the same current strength at 20.5 volts of tension, while there is a difference when the V value is above 20.5 volts; the solar tree model produces the largest value of current.Figure 10
Current according to the voltage.In Figure11, the electric power supplied by the fixed panels and the solar tree as a function of time is illustrated, where the maximum of the measurement error is about 3.75%. The specified time range, from 11 am to 1 pm, gives the best conditions for a high performance for the first system, i.e., solar tree, as its power reached about 75 watts at midday, while the power is about 58 watts for the case of using the second model at 2 pm. The figure also highlights a power improvement in the case of the proposed new model (solar tree) compared to the traditional one provided (solar panel), for the specified time range between 8 am and 2:30 pm. On the other hand, the traditional model values improve if the time dimension is extended from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.Figure 11
Variation in production power over time.This is due to the effect of the negative temperature, where the efficiency of the solar tree is better than that of the installed solar panel in the morning, while in the evening, the efficiency of the solar panel was better than that of the solar tree. This is due to the temperature of the region and the presence of interstellar spaces between the cells of the solar tree [53, 54].


## 5.4. Parameters Affecting Tree Performance

To optimize the efficiency of the cells of the tree, the overall energy of the luminous flux, i.e., the diffuse energy and the direct energy, was taken into account. The cells heat up too much they produce less energy. To improve their yields, favorable conditions that will allow the proper functioning of the PV system must be proposed and be designed [55, 56].


## 6. Conclusion

In this experimental study, a prototype of an artificial solar tree is addressed by using materials available in the local market: solar cells, metal support, electrical cables, regulator, and battery. This model is used to replace the leaves of the tree by 25 solar cells, which imitate the appearance of a tree whose leaves are replaced by photovoltaic cells.The predicted results in terms of theI-V characteristic are approximately similar to the theoretical results, where the measurement error maximum is about 0.18%.TheI-V characteristic comparison proves that in the case of using the solar panel, it gave high I values at V<20.5 volts; 3.00 A was reported in the case of the PV first model, i.e. solar panel, at the minimum tension value (19.5 V), while 3.75 A was highlighted in the case of the PV second model, i.e. solar tree, at the same I minimum, while there is a difference when the V value is above 20.5 volts; the solar tree model produced the largest value of current.The specified time range, from 11 am to 1 pm, gave the best conditions for a high performance for the first system, i.e., solar tree, as its power reached about 75 watts at midday, while the power was about 58 watts for the case of using the second model at 2 pm.The result analysis also highlighted an electric power improvement in the case of the proposed new model, i.e., solar tree, compared to the traditional one provided, i.e., solar panel, for the specified time range between 8 am and 2:30 pm. On the other hand, the traditional model values improved if the time dimension is extended from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.In general, the efficiency of the solar tree was better than that of the installed solar panel in the morning, while in the evening, the efficiency of the solar panel was better than that of the solar tree and this is due to the temperature of the region and the presence of interstellar spaces between the cells of the solar tree.The advantage of the realization of the solar tree is to limit the maximum surface of the design. The performance of photovoltaic systems is strongly affected by climatological parameters (solar radiation and temperature) and by the type of solar cell.Then, the results found are encouraged by proposing to do in the future a study of large solar tree installed within the university pole of M’sila.



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*Source: 8817440-2020-09-23.xml*