Complex method for performance prediction of photovoltaic systems

Abstract

Abstract. This paper shows a method for modelling photovoltaic (PV) systems, including different models for the solar cells, DC circuit and the inverter. The author created a Matlab simulation based on these models, enabling to perform various calculations. Predicting the amount of energy produced by PV systems has a great impact on the accurate calculation of financial return of investment. Furthermore the more accurate estimation of produced energy promotes the system integration of small-scale PV generators by enabling to schedule their production. The different analyses shown in this paper helps to understand the operation characteristics and the most important design considerations of these small-scale solar plants.

Model-based analysis of the viability of concentrating solar power plants

“…The annual energy production, which is essential in economical payback calculations, was estimated based on a meteorological database. The results were compared with the typical values of PV systems investigated in my previous researches [3]. Similar calculations were made for plants with thermal storage and cogeneration, which have revealed how these possibilities improve the viability of the plant.…”

“…The results of the performance estimation calculations for the four examined CSP plants and a typical PV system can be seen in the Table II [3]. The capacity factor of the parabolic trough and solar tower systems are nearly the same, which indicates a similar annual energy production.…”