Advanced PV Plant Planning based on Measured Energy Production Results - Approach and Measured Data Processing

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a model for a prototype measurement station built for recording data relevant for the production of electrical energy by PV modules in order to improve the modelling. The measured data for specific time period (annually), or periods (monthly or otherwise), was processed after measurement results are available, and allow better and more accurate planning of the PV plant. Therefore, data processing time is not significant since it is not used in real-time. Measurement station was designed in a way which allows for the total energy production to be quantified for various modes of operation (fixed, single-axis or dual-axis tracking). In this article energy production in weekly time periods is analyzed since data for short time periods is available and the main goal is to find the most accurate method in PV module characterization. Once the data are obtained, it will be possible to propose improvements of conventional analytical models when measured and modelled results are compared. These improvements will be specific for the location on which prototype measurement station is installed. The proposed improvements will allow upgrades in model estimations without the need for additional measurements by a prototype measurement station.

Keywords

• energy capture
• power control
• power system analysis computing
• power system measurements
• photovoltaic cells