Power-generation characteristics of an FPM by simulation with shadow-effect analysis

For increasing power generation in an installation area, a photovoltaic (PV) module assembled with a three-dimensional structure has proven to be very effective. In this paper, a three-dimensional photovoltaic module using Fibonacci numbers (FPM) is proposed in order to optimize the use of solar energy. The characteristics of the FPM are clarified by simulations. A simulation model for an FPM is constructed in order to analyze the shadows of each PV cell. The power-generation characteristics of an FPM are analyzed using the simulation model. It is shown that the power generation of an FPM exceeds that of a conventional planar module by increasing the number of stages in the FPM.