Optimal PV system dimensioning with obstructed solar radiation

This paper describes an analytical methodology for the optimised design of stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at locations where the solar radiation is considerably shortened by obstacles, i.e. at the bottom of a gorge. A method for the computation of the real available solar energy incident on the PV panel is proposed, based on easily conducted measurements. The optimum tilt of the PV array, under such conditions, is obtained and a dimensioning procedure provides the optimal size of the PV-array/storage. The resulting system is tested by a verification routine. A case study, employing the complete algorithm proposed, is illustrated.     

Maximum power transfer in non-linear source-load systems

This paper is concerned with the conceptual design and realization of matching networks for the continuous transfer of maximum power from a non-linear source with randomly varying characteristics to a load. Such sources are commonly encountered in the use of photovoltaic arrays or wind energy conversion systems for the production of electric power. Experimental studies as well as computer simulation results verify the validity of the design and point to methods for its practical implementation.     

A roadmap towards intelligent net zero- and positive-energy buildings

Buildings nowadays are increasingly expected to meet higher and more complex performance requirements: they should be sustainable; use zero-net energy; foster a healthy and comfortable environment for the occupants; be grid-friendly, yet economical to build and maintain. The essential ingredients for the successful development and operation of net zero- and positive-energy buildings (NZEB/PEB) are: thermal simulation models, that are accurate representations of the building and its subsystems; sensors, actuators, and user interfaces to facilitate communication between the physical and simulation layers; and finally, integrated control and optimization tools of sufficient generality that using the sensor inputs and the thermal models can take intelligent decisions, in almost real-time, regarding the operation of the building and its subsystems. To this end the aim of the present paper is to present a review on the technological developments in each of the essential ingredients that may support the future integration of successful NZEB/PEB, i.e. accurate simulation models, sensors and actuators and last but not least the building optimization and control. The integration of the user is an integral part in the dynamic behavior of the system, and this role has to be taken into account. Future prospects and research trends are discussed.     

Development of an integrated data-acquisition system for renewable energy sources systems monitoring

Data-acquisition systems are widely used in renewable energy source (RES) applications in order to collect data regarding the installed system performance, for evaluation purposes. In this paper, the development of a computer-based system for RES systems monitoring is described. The proposed system consists of a set of sensors for measuring both meteorological (e.g. temperature, humidity etc.) and electrical parameters (photovoltaics voltage and current etc.). The collected data are first conditioned using precision electronic circuits and then interfaced to a PC using a data-acquisition card. The LABVIEW program is used to further process, display and store the collected data in the PC disk. The proposed architecture permits the rapid system development and has the advantage of flexibility in the case of changes, while it can be easily extended for controlling the RES system operation.     

On the Control and Stability of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Sources

A methodology is proposed for the effective integration of photovoltaic (PV) devices into the electric utility distribution network operations. The dispersed PV generator is viewed as an active device used to improve system stability by appropriately modulating the power conditioning unit's output power. Disturbances on the utility system can be damped out by injecting this power into the grid in such a way so that the net effect is a cancellation of undesirable oscillations. The approach is implemented by monitoring the oscillating power and generating control signals which shape accordingly the interface unit's output power. Successful implementation of the scheme relies heavily on the speed and flexibility with which the electronic inverter moves power from the primary source/storage facility to the utility lines. Simulation studies, using the proposed control approach, indicate that application of these policies may result in reduced load following requirements for conventional power generating units, increase the value and acceptability of new energy technologies, and improve power quality and stability of the interconnected system.     

Reinforcement learning for energy conservation and comfort in buildings

This paper deals with the issue of achieving comfort in buildings with minimal energy consumption. Specifically a reinforcement learning controller is developed and simulated using the Matlab/Simulink environment. The reinforcement learning signal used is a function of the thermal comfort of the building occupants, the indoor air quality and the energy consumption. This controller is then compared with a traditional on/off controller, as well as a Fuzzy-PD controller. The results show that, even after a couple of simulated years of training, the reinforcement learning controller has equivalent or better performance when compared to the other controllers.     

Development of an FPGA-based system for real-time simulation of photovoltaic modules

Photovoltaic (PV) simulators are indispensable for the operational evaluation of PV energy production system components (e.g. battery chargers, DC/AC inverters, etc.), in order to avoid the time-consuming and expensive field-testing process. In this paper, the development of a novel real-time PV simulator based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), is presented. The proposed system consists of a Buck-type DC/DC power converter, which is controlled by an FPGA-based unit using the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) principle. The system operator is able to define both the PV module type to be simulated and the environmental conditions under which the selected PV module operates. The proposed design method enhances the rapid system prototyping capability and enables the reduction of the power converter size and cost due to the high clock speed feature of the FPGA-based control unit. The experimental results indicate that, using the proposed method, the PV module current-voltage characteristics examined are reproduced with an average accuracy of 1.03%.     

Designing a new generalized battery management system

Battery management systems (BMSs) are used in many battery-operated industrial and commercial systems to make the battery operation more efficient and the estimation of battery state nondestructive. The existing BMS techniques are examined in this paper and a new design methodology for a generalized reliable BMS is proposed. The main advantage of the proposed BMS compared to the existing systems is that it provides a fault-tolerant capability and battery protection. The proposed BMS consists of a number of smart battery modules (SBMs) each of which provides battery equalization, monitoring, and battery protection to a string of battery cells. An evaluation SBM was developed and tested in the laboratory and experimental results verify the theoretical expectations.     

A marsupial robotic system for surveying and inspection of freshwater ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems are vast areas that are constantly changing and evolving. To maintain the ecosystem as well as the structures located close to bodies of water, frequent monitoring is required. Although dangerous and time consuming, manual operations are the conventional way of monitoring such areas. Recently, Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) have been proposed to undertake the monitoring task. As any other platform, ASVs have limitations, such as a restricted point of view and access only where the water is sufficiently deep. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can fly over any terrain and provide a “bird's‐eye‐view” of the environment. However, UAVs have limited operational time due to power constraints. Heterogeneous marsupial robotic systems use different types of robots to augment their operation envelope, taking advantage of their individual strengths. A marsupial survey system comprised an ASV and a UAV for freshwater monitoring is developed and presented in this paper. This system is able to complete long missions and reach remote locations while also being able to generate detailed maps and inspections of points of interest. The system was thoroughly tested during a 6‐month period in a number of field deployments in freshwater ecosystems at Lake Murray and at the Congaree River, SC, USA, to validate its capabilities.     

A methodology exploiting geographical information systems to site a photovoltaic park inside a sustainable community

This paper describes a methodology for applying geographical information systems (GIS) tools to site a photovoltaic (PV) park inside a sustainable community, in order, not only to meet all siting restrictions, such as environmental protection, but also to operate a PV park more efficiently reducing the shading effect erection and cabling cost. Additionally, the PV operation impact on the grid is investigated, integrating GIS maps into power systems analysis software, such as the PowerWorld^® Simulator. In other words, this paper also stresses the importance of GIS for the design, installation and monitoring of power systems. A case study considering the Campus of the Technical University of Crete has been performed showing that siting properly a PV installation meeting 20% of the demand can gain significant savings in both peak and regular energy demands, especially on peak summer days.