Analysis and synthesis of the variability of irradiance and PV power time series with the wavelet transform

The irradiance fluctuations and the subsequent variability of the power output of a PV system are analysed with some mathematical tools based on the wavelet transform. It can be shown that the irradiance and power time series are nonstationary process whose behaviour resembles that of a long memory process. Besides, the long memory spectral exponent α is a useful indicator of the fluctuation level of a irradiance time series. On the other side, a time series of global irradiance on the horizontal plane can be simulated by means of the wavestrapping technique on the clearness index and the fluctuation behaviour of this simulated time series correctly resembles the original series. Moreover, a time series of global irradiance on the inclined plane can be simulated with the wavestrapping procedure applied over a signal previously detrended by a partial reconstruction with a wavelet multiresolution analysis, and, once again, the fluctuation behaviour of this simulated time series is correct. This procedure is a suitable tool for the simulation of irradiance incident over a group of distant PV plants. Finally, a wavelet variance analysis and the long memory spectral exponent show that a PV plant behaves as a low-pass filter.     

Study on areal solar irradiance for analyzing areally-totalized PV systems

This paper describes the methodology for quantification of solar irradiance fluctuation in order to analyze the areally totalized PV systems, which consist of a large number of PV systems connected to each other in the optimum size of a certain community area. Two factors quantifying the fluctuation, fluctuation factor and power spectral density, and some examples are presented. Also cross-correlation analysis between nine stations' measurements were operated to estimate the extent of the power fluctuation in a certain area size and to determine optimum size of the area of areally localized PV systems.     

A voltage regulation method for dispersed grid-connected PV systems under high-density connection

This paper describes a voltage regulation method for dispersed grid-connected PV systems under high-density connection. In the near future, many PV systems will be connected to distribution systems. The reverse power flow of the grid-connected PV systems will raise line voltage to the upper limit of the legal voltage range. In the first part of this paper we examine the voltage characteristics of a distribution system under high-density connection, while the second part of the paper describes a voltage regulation method for high-density PV connections, using reactive power proportional to global irradiance. The results of tests clearly demonstrate a restraining effect on voltage during the daytime and a smoothing effect on voltage fluctuation.     

Short term solar irradiance forecasting using a mixed wavelet neural network

In modern smart grids and deregulated electricity markets, accurate forecasting of solar irradiance is critical for determining the total energy generated by PV systems. We propose a mixed wavelet neural network (WNN) in this paper for short-term solar irradiance forecasting, with initial application in tropical Singapore. The key advantage of using wavelet transform (WT) based methods is the high signal compression ability of wavelets, making them suitable for modeling of nonstationary environmental parameters with high information content, such as short timescale solar irradiance. In this WNN, a combination of the commonly known Morlet and Mexican hat wavelets is used as the activation function for hidden-layer neurons of a feed forward artificial neural network (ANN). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, hourly predictions of solar irradiance, which is an aggregate sum of irradiance value observed using 25 sensors across Singapore, are considered. The forecasted results show that WNN delivers better prediction skill when compared with other forecasting techniques.     

Photovoltaic (PV) performance modelling in the absence of onsite measured plane of array irradiance (POA) and module temperature

In this study, the outputs from a simple PV performance model were compared to measurements of AC power for three PV systems located across Sydney, Australia. The study aimed to investigate the level of uncertainty and bias of the model when onsite measurements of plane of array (POA) irradiance and module temperature were not available. The results demonstrated that the simple PV performance model estimated the AC performance with a low level of model bias (NBME = ±3.2%) and uncertainty (NRMSE < 6%) when onsite measurements of POA irradiance and module temperatures were available. For POA irradiance, the results indicated that modelling uncertainty increased significantly (NRMSE < 13%) when alternative methods to estimate POA irradiance were utilised. For module temperature, the results indicated that the choice of model coefficients had a significant impact on the performance of the module temperature models. In particular, for the three parallel roof mounted PV systems studied, the results suggested that the open rack/free standing or well ventilated module temperature coefficients should be used within the module temperature models investigated. This selection of coefficients was not directly evident given the PV systems investigated were parallel roof mounted PV systems, not free standing rack mounted arrays.     

基于动态阻抗匹配控制下的光伏冷库性能研究

为确保光伏制冷的运行性能,该文针对离网型光伏冷库采用动态等效阻抗匹配的控制策略,通过阻抗变换器进行脉宽调制输出不同占空比,使光伏发电输出与负载相匹配,构建光伏最大功率点等效阻抗与温度、辐照度和标准测试条件下最大功率点等效阻抗之间的数学模型.基于所提的控制方法,搭建一套5.4 kW的分布式光伏直驱冷库实验系统,研究表明,...     

一种多逆变器太阳能光伏并网发电系统的组群控制方法

对光伏发电系统中的光伏阵列一逆变器对进行轮循分组控制,在逆变器输入功率小于设定的下限阈值时,部分光伏阵列并联后连接到一台逆变器输出;在并联开关分合闸过程中,一直保持光伏阵列以最大功率不问断输出;并且该方法对光照突变情况进行自适应判断,作为控制的预启动条件。此方法的优点是：能够同时提高逆变器和光伏阵列的转换效率,改善电能质量,降低并联开关和逆变器的动作次数,延长设备使用寿命,并且控制过程系统输出功率平稳。     

Dynamic evaluation of maximum power point tracking operation with PV array simulator

This paper presents an innovative method to measure the dynamic control ability of maximum power point tracking for PV inverters under the condition of irradiance fluctuation. The PV array I–V curve simulator is a kind of indoor testing facility and easy to be adopted by industries. Basic functions are given by a specially designed PV array I–V curve simulator composed of the active power load. Most of the parameters are controllable by sophisticated software with capability of treating a lot of 1-s data for a very long period of time. In this paper, detailed structure of the equipment is described and test examples are also given by using a commercial PV inverter.     

PV power conversion and short-term forecasting in a tropical,densely-built environment in Singapore

With the substantial growth of solar photovoltaic installations worldwide, forecasting irradiance becomes a critical step in providing a reliable integration of solar electricity into electric power grids. In Singapore, the number of PV installation has increased with a growth rate of 70% over the past 6 years. Within the next decade, solar power could represent up to 20% of the instant power generation. Challenges for PV grid integration in Singapore arise from the high variability in cloud movements and irradiance patterns due to the tropical climate. For a thorough analysis and modeling of the impact of an increasing share of variable PV power on the electric power system, it is indispensable (i) to have an accurate conversion model from irradiance to solar power generation, and (ii) to carry out irradiance forecasting on various time scales. In this work, we demonstrate how common assumptions and simplifications in PV power conversion methods negatively affect the output estimates of PV systems power in a tropical and densely-built environment such as in Singapore. In the second part, we propose and test a novel hybrid model for short-term irradiance forecasting for short-term intervals. The hybrid model outperforms the persistence forecast and other common statistical methods.     

基于光伏组件的太阳能资源观测

鉴于太阳能资源的测量和评价是太阳能开发利用的重要基础,按照光伏电池两种主要安装方式(倾斜固定和太阳跟踪),利用单晶、多晶和非晶三种典型的光伏组件设计进行了太阳能光伏资源观测试验,获得了各季节典型晴天条件下各类型光伏组件辐照度的日变化特征和倾斜面光伏组件一年中月均每日可发电量的极大值、极小值及其月份。通过对比各类型光伏组件在太阳跟踪器上和纬度倾斜面上光伏辐照度变化,得出跟踪光伏组件日均光伏曝辐量与倾斜光伏组件日均光伏曝辐量的相比较优势。根据光伏组件的观测结果推算出各类型光伏组件的光伏反演辐照度,与气象辐射观测用总辐射表的总辐射辐照度趋势非常一致,在太阳能光伏主要利用时段相对误差基本在10%以内。     

Monitoring and remote failure detection of grid-connected PV systems based on satellite observations

Small grid-connected photovoltaic systems up to 5 kW_p are often not monitored because advanced surveillance systems are not economical. Hence, some system failures which lead to partial energy losses stay unnoticed for a long time. Even a failure that results in a larger energy deficit can be difficult to detect by PV laymen due to the fluctuating energy yields.Within the EU project PVSAT-2, a fully automated performance check has been developed to assure maximum energy yields and to optimize system maintenance for small grid-connected PV systems. The aim is the early detection of system malfunctions and changing operating conditions to prevent energy and subsequent financial losses for the operator. The developed procedure is based on satellite-derived solar irradiance information that replaces on-site measurements. In conjunction with a simulation model the expected energy yield of a PV system is calculated. In case of the occurrence of a defined difference between the simulated and actual energy yield, an automated failure detection routine searches for the most probable failure sources and notifies the operator.This paper describes the individual components of the developed procedure—the satellite-derived irradiance, the used PV simulation model, and the principles of the automated failure detection routine. Moreover, it presents results of an 8-months test phase with 100 PV systems in three European countries.     

Review of the maximum power point tracking algorithms for stand-alone photovoltaic systems

A survey of the algorithms for seeking the maximum power point (MPP) is proposed. As has been shown, there are many ways of distinguishing and grouping methods that seek the MPP from a photovoltaic (PV) generator. However, in this article they are grouped as either direct or nondirect methods. The indirect methods (“quasi seeks”) have the particular feature that the MPP is estimated from the measures of the PV generator's voltage and current PV, the irradiance, or using empiric data, by mathematical expressions of numerical approximations. Therefore, the estimation is carried out for a specific PV generator installed in the system. Thus, they do not obtain the maximum power for any irradiance or temperature and none of them are able to obtain the MPP exactly. Subsequently, they are known as “quasi seeks”.Nevertheless, the direct methods (“true seeking methods”) can also be distinguished. They offer the advantage that they obtain the actual maximum power from the measures of the PV generator's voltage and current PV. In that case, they are suitable for any irradiance and temperature. All algorithms, direct and indirect, can be included in some of the DC/DC converters, Maximum power point trackings (MPPTs), for the stand-alone systems.     

非晶硅与晶硅太阳电池在太阳能光伏发电应用中热性能的研究

对在北京地区屋面上固定角度安装(目前光伏发电应用中最常见的安装形式)的非晶硅和多晶硅太阳电池组件进行了近二年的数据采集,纪录了北京地区温度数据和太阳电池阵列的实际发电量,分析了它们各自的特点,为用户更为关心的户外使用情况提供了参考依据;认为如果仅从温度特性考虑,是否采用非晶硅替代晶体硅电池在不同地区应有不同考虑,如果再考虑到人们普遍认为的非晶硅电池没有解决的稳定性问题,表面玻璃的非钢化、效率低等其它问题,非晶硅的使用应慎重,不应盲从.同时在使用中不论何种电池都不应忽视组件的通风问题.     

A comparison of spectral irradiance profiles for two nigerian cities using the spectral 2 computer code

The spectral profiles of two Nigerian cities were studied using SERI's SPECTRAL 2 computer code to reveal the nature of the irradiance reaching the ground at the two locations. The spectral profiles show a high diffuse content in the Lagos area even for a clear day and a lower diffuse content and high beam content for Sokoto. The implications of these to photovoltaic systems have been discussed and the conclusions are firstly, PV systems mounted in the fixed tilt position would be practicable in Lagos because the available and usable solar energy inthe global solar spectrum is larger than in the direct solar spectrum due to the high diffuse content. A tracking system would not be very efficient due to the high diffuse content. Secondly, PV systems in the fixed and tracking modes would work well in Sokoto since the global total and the beam irradiance are high. A tracking device would be more efficient here than in Lagos.     

Influence of photovoltaic generation model and time resolution on the reliability evaluation of distribution systems

This paper aims to investigate the influence of photovoltaic (PV) generation on reliability evaluation of distribution systems. Two PV generation models are used to predict the output power injected into the grid, taking into account the main relevant environmental variables, the irradiance and ambient temperature. Issues that directly affect the output power, such as the spatial smoothing effect due to the plant size and the influence of the irradiance and temperature measurement interval are taken into consideration. Using measurement time series of irradiance and local temperature, the models are used to generate power series in 4‐minute and hourly resolutions. The generated power series are used in a reliability assessment model, with the objective of evaluating the impact of solar resource variability on the reliability indices of the system. Case studies on the IEEE RBTS‐Bus 2 and on the real distribution system of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil are presented and discussed, for power plants of different capacities, considering the effect of the PV generation models, the temporal resolution of the time series and the spatial smoothing of the power output fluctuations. The results show that the power time series in hourly resolution significantly underestimates the frequency of interruptions. For the real system, this index is underestimated at the system level (up to 43%) and at the load points (up to 72%). On the other hand, for the interruption duration index, the temporal aggregation results in a small underestimation (just 4%). The results also indicates that the smoothing effect is irrelevant for typical PV system sizes of distribution systems with discretization equal to or above 4 minutes.     

Analysis of the operational performance and efficiency characteristic for photovoltaic system in Hong Kong

The applications of photovoltaic (PV) systems have become more widespread in both developed and developing countries. The most critical exercise in designing a PV system is the determination of the optimum size of the solar panel and the battery capacity to meet the load demand with acceptable reliability. The amount of power generated by a PV system strongly depends on the availability of solar insolation at the required location. Also, the efficiency of a PV system is influenced considerably by a number of climatic variables, such as solar irradiance availability and ambient temperature. The technical information is provided for standard test conditions that may never occur in practice. Reliable knowledge of the performance of PV systems under actual operating conditions is essential for correct product selection and accurate performance prediction. This paper investigates the operational performance and efficiency characteristic of a small PV system installed at the City University of Hong Kong. The solar data and the power generated by the PV system are systematically recorded and analysed. The findings provide technical data in different months for designers and engineers to assess and size PV systems.     

Using CAD software to simulate PV energy yield - The case of product integrated photovoltaic operated under indoor solar irradiation

In this paper, we show that photovoltaic (PV) energy yields can be simulated using standard rendering and ray-tracing features of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. To this end, three-dimensional (3-D) sceneries are ray-traced in CAD. The PV power output is then modeled by translating irradiance intensity data of rendered images back into numerical data. To ensure accurate results, the solar irradiation data used as input is compared to numerical data obtained from rendered images, showing excellent agreement. As expected, also ray-tracing precision in the CAD software proves to be very high. To demonstrate PV energy yield simulations using this innovative concept, solar radiation time course data of a few days was modeled in 3-D to simulate distributions of irradiance incident on flat, single- and double-bend shapes and a PV powered computer mouse located on a window sill. Comparisons of measured to simulated PV output of the mouse show that also in practice, simulation accuracies can be very high. Theoretically, this concept has great potential, as it can be adapted to suit a wide range of solar energy applications, such as sun-tracking and concentrator systems, Building Integrated PV (BIPV) or Product Integrated PV (PIPV). However, graphical user interfaces of ‘CAD-PV’ software tools are not yet available.     

Enhancement of grid-connected photovoltaic system using ANFIS-GA under different circumstances

In recent years, many different techniques are applied in order to draw maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) modules for changing solar irradiance and temperature conditions. Generally, the output power generation of the PV system depends on the intermittent solar insolation, cell temperature, efficiency of the PV panel and its output voltage level. Consequently, it is essential to track the generated power of the PV system and utilize the collected solar energy optimally. The aim of this paper is to simulate and control a grid-connected PV source by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA) controller. The data are optimized by GA and then, these optimum values are used in network training. The simulation results indicate that the ANFIS-GA controller can meet the need of load easily with less fluctuation around the maximum power point (MPP) and can increase the convergence speed to achieve the MPP rather than the conventional method. Moreover, to control both line voltage and current, a grid side P/Q controller has been applied. A dynamic modeling, control and simulation study of the PV system is performed with the Matlab/Simulink program.     

Design,modeling and testing of a standalone single axis active solar tracker using MATLAB/Simulink

This paper presents the design, modeling and testing of an active single axis solar tracker. The compactness of the proposed solar tracker enables it to be mounted onto the wall. The solar irradiance is detected by two light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors that are located on the surface of the photovoltaic (PV) panel. The smart tracker system operates at different modes to provide flexibility to accommodate different weather conditions and preference for different users. The PV panel rotates automatically based on the sun irradiance during the day while at night; the system is in ‘sleep’ mode in order to reduce the energy consumption. A computer model of the standalone solar tracker system is first modeled using MATLAB?/Simulink?. The efficiency over the fixed solar panel, the power generated and the types of PV systems to achieve the required level of efficiency can be determined before actual implementation. The experimental testing shows some agreement with the simulation results.     

基于图像处理的光伏局部阴影区域分割方法

为解决真实场景中光伏组件局部阴影区域分割受环境干扰的问题,该文提出基于图像处理的光伏局部阴影区域分割方法。根据光伏组件特征用改进的阈值分割方法提取组件边框,采用Hough变换检测组件边框线段,计算包围边框线段端点的最小凸包作为感兴趣区域。在感兴趣区域内再次使用改进的阈值分割方法提取局部阴影区域。用模拟仿真图像和真实场景图像验证该文所提方法的有效性,实验结果表明：所提方法可准确分割出光伏组件上的局部阴影区域且保持了遮挡区域的细节信息。与多阈值分割方法和基于Canny边缘检测的分割方法相比,该文所提方法的错误分类误差更小,类别像素准确率更高。