Research on Photovoltaic Cell Models: A Review

To carry on the theoretical analysis and practice verification to the photovoltaic (PV) power generation system, the accurate model of the PV cell should be established first. Nowadays, a large number of scholars at home and abroad have carried out research on PV systems and PV cells, and have made a lot of breakthroughs and innovations in mathematical and circuit model optimization, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and parameter extraction methods of PV cells. However, the model used cannot be completely compatible with the required precision, computational complexity, and environmental conditions. In this paper, the circuit models, mathematical models, and parameter extraction method of nine commonly used PV cells are reviewed, and the engineering simplified model and shading model of PV cells are reviewed. The above are the steady-state models of PV cells, but the maximum power point tracking is a dynamic optimization process. Therefore, the dynamic characteristics of PV cells (especially the small-signal output impedance) are summarized in this paper. Then a method is proposed which is different from the traditional PV cell model classification, that is to say, all the above models are nonlinear PV cells, which need complex iteration and calculation to extract parameters and research. Therefore, this paper summarizes the linearization model proposed by scholars. By comparing all the above models, a series of conclusions are drawn. Finally, the future development direction of PV cells has prospected. The research results can lay a model foundation for the wide application of PV cells.