Neural network-based multi-photocell array developments

摘要

A multi-photocell array (MPA) is an apparstus with a number of photovoltaic (PV) cells evenly spaced from one another and is used to determine global and direct beam solar radiation components. The present MPA uses a neural network (NN) tocalculate these two insolation components in neal4itne. This type of solar sensing equipment can be useful in remote areas or un-maintained areas where insolation values are of importance but ordinary sun-tracking equipment is unfeasible. The present MPA consists of 21 PV cells, each wired individually. Average cell temperature is also measured and is used in the neural network along with cell currents to predict the two components of solar radiation. Results from one month of testing show that the MPA NN can calculate radiation components more accurately than similar multi-pyranometers reported in the literature.