A Comparison of Predicted to Measured Photovoltaic Module Performance

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty ◽  
Mark W. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Polyvinylidene Fluoride ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Vertical Wall ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Module Performance

Computer simulation models to accurately predict the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules are essential. Without such models, potential purchasers of photovoltaic systems have insufficient information to judge the relative merits and cost effectiveness of photovoltaic systems. The purpose of this paper is to compare the predictions of a simulation model, developed by Sandia National Laboratories, to measurements from photovoltaic modules installed in a vertical wall fac¸ade in Gaithersburg, MD. The photovoltaic modules were fabricated using monocrystalline, polycrystalline, tandem-junction amorphous, and copper-indium diselenide cells. Polycrystalline modules were constructed using three different glazing materials — 6 mm low-iron glass, 2 mm ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and 2 mm polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In order to only assess the simulation model’s ability to predict photovoltaic module performance, measured solar radiation data in the plane of the modules is initially used. Additional comparisons are made using horizontal radiation measurements. The ability of the model to accurately predict the temperature of the photovoltaic cells is investigated by comparing predicted energy production using measured versus predicted photovoltaic cell temperatures. The model was able to predict the measured annual energy production of the photovoltaic modules, with the exception of the tandem-junction amorphous modules, to within 6% using vertical irradiance measurements. The model overpredicted the annual energy production by approximately 14% for the tandem-junction amorphous panels. Using measured horizontal irradiance as input to the simulation model, the agreement between measured and predicted annual energy predictions varied between 1% and 8%, again with the exception of the tandem-junction amorphous silicon modules. The large difference between measured and predicted results for the tandem-junction modules is attributed to performance degradation. Power measurements of the tandem-junction amorphous modules at standard reporting conditions prior to and after exposure revealed a 12% decline. Supplying post-exposure module parameters to the model resulting in energy predictions within 5% of measured values.

Comparison of Predicted to Measured Photovoltaic Module Performance

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty ◽  
Mark W. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Polyvinylidene Fluoride ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Vertical Wall ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Module Performance

To accurately predict the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules computer simulation models are essential. Without such models, potential purchasers of photovoltaic systems have insufficient information to judge the relative merits and cost effectiveness of photovoltaic systems. The purpose of this paper is to compare the predictions of a simulation model, developed by Sandia National Laboratories, to measurements from photovoltaic modules installed in a vertical wall façade in Gaithersburg, MD. The photovoltaic modules were fabricated using monocrystalline, polycrystalline, tandem-junction amorphous, and copper-indium diselenide cells. Polycrystalline modules were constructed using three different glazing materials: 6 mm low-iron glass, 0.05 mm ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, and 0.05 mm polyvinylidene fluoride. In order to only assess the simulation model’s ability to predict photovoltaic module performance, measured solar radiation data in the plane of the modules is initially used. Additional comparisons are made using horizontal radiation measurements. The ability of the model to accurately predict the temperature of the photovoltaic cells is investigated by comparing predicted energy production using measured versus predicted photovoltaic cell temperatures. The model was able to predict the measured annual energy production of the photovoltaic modules, with the exception of the tandem-junction amorphous modules, to within 6% using vertical irradiance measurements. The model overpredicted the annual energy production by approximately 14% for the tandem-junction amorphous panels. Using measured horizontal irradiance as input to the simulation model, the agreement between measured and predicted annual energy predictions varied between 1% and 8%, again with the exception of the tandem-junction amorphous silicon modules. The large difference between measured and predicted results for the tandem-junction modules is attributed to performance degradation. Power measurements of the tandem-junction amorphous modules at standard reporting conditions prior to and after exposure revealed a 12% decline. Supplying post exposure module parameters to the model resulted in energy predictions within 5% of measured values.

Comparison of Photovoltaic Module Performance Measurements

Solar Energy ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Mark W. Davis ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty ◽  
David L. King ◽  
William E. Boyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Input Parameters ◽  
Module Performance ◽  
The Impact

Computer simulation tools used to predict the energy production of photovoltaic systems are needed in order to make informed economic decisions. These tools require input parameters that characterize module performance under various operational and environmental conditions. Depending upon the complexity of the simulation model, the required input parameters can vary from the limited information found on labels affixed to photovoltaic modules to an extensive set of parameters. The required input parameters are normally obtained indoors using a solar simulator or flash tester, or measured outdoors under natural sunlight. This paper compares measured performance parameters for three photovoltaic modules tested outdoors at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Two of the three modules were custom fabricated using monocrystalline and silicon film cells. The third, a commercially available module, utilized triple-junction amorphous silicon cells. The resulting data allow a comparison to be made between performance parameters measured at two laboratories with differing geographical locations and apparatus. This paper describes the apparatus used to collect the experimental data, test procedures utilized, and resulting performance parameters for each of the three modules. Using a computer simulation model, the impact that differences in measured parameters have on predicted energy production is quantified. Data presented for each module include power output at standard rating conditions and the influence of incident angle, air mass, and module temperature on each module’s electrical performance. Measurements from the two laboratories are in excellent agreement. The power at standard rating conditions is within 1% for all three modules. Although the magnitude of the individual temperature coefficients varied as much as 17% between the two laboratories, the impact on predicted performance at various temperature levels was minimal, less than 2%. The influence of air mass on the performance of the three modules measured at the laboratories was in excellent agreement. The largest difference in measured results between the two laboratories was noted in the response of the modules to incident angles that exceed 75°.

Comparison of Photovoltaic Module Performance Measurements

2006 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Mark W. Davis ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty ◽  
David L. King ◽  
William E. Boyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Input Parameters ◽  
Module Performance ◽  
The Impact

Computer simulation tools used to predict the energy production of photovoltaic systems are needed in order to make informed economic decisions. These tools require input parameters that characterize module performance under various operational and environmental conditions. Depending upon the complexity of the simulation model, the required input parameters can vary from the limited information found on labels affixed to photovoltaic modules to an extensive set of parameters. The required input parameters are normally obtained indoors using a solar simulator or flash tester, or measured outdoors under natural sunlight. This paper compares measured performance parameters for three photovoltaic modules tested outdoors at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Two of the three modules were custom fabricated using monocrystalline and silicon film cells. The third, a commercially available module, utilized triple-junction amorphous silicon cells. The resulting data allow a comparison to be made between performance parameters measured at two laboratories with differing geographical locations and apparatus. This paper describes the apparatus used to collect the experimental data, test procedures utilized, and resulting performance parameters for each of the three modules. Using a computer simulation model, the impact that differences in measured parameters have on predicted energy production is quantified. Data presented for each module includes power output at standard rating conditions and the influence of incident angle, air mass, and module temperature on each module’s electrical performance. Measurements from the two laboratories are in excellent agreement. The power at standard rating conditions is within 1% for all three modules. Although the magnitude of the individual temperature coefficients varied as much as 17% between the two laboratories, the impact on predicted performance at various temperature levels was minimal, less than 2%. The influence of air mass on the performance of the three modules measured at the laboratories was in excellent agreement. The largest difference in measured results between the two laboratories was noted in the response of the modules to incident angles that exceed 75deg.

RESULTS OF THE PERFORMANCE NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR MODULE WITH A THERMAL-PHOTOVOLTAIC RECEIVER

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (41) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
DMITRIY STREBKOV ◽  
◽  
NATAL’YA FILIPPCHENKOVA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Photovoltaic Cells ◽  
Calculated Data ◽  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Research Purpose ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
Solar Concentrator ◽  
Ansys Fluent ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Agroindustrial Complex

In the field of energy supply to agro-industrial facilities, there is an increasing interest in the development of structures and engineering systems using renewable energy sources, including solar concentrator thermal and photovoltaic modules that combine photovoltaic modules and solar collectors in one structure. The use of the technology of concentrator heat and photovoltaic modules makes it possible to increase the electrical performance of solar cells by cooling them during operation, and significantly reduces the need for centralized electricity and heat supply to enterprises of the agroindustrial complex. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in numerical modeling of thermal processes occurring in a solar concentrator heat-photovoltaic module. (Materials and methods) Authors used analytical methods for mathematical modeling of a solar concentrator heat and photovoltaic module. Authors implemented a mathematical model of a solar concentrator heat and photovoltaic module in the ANSYS Fluent computer program. The distribution contours of temperature and pressure of the coolant in the module channel were obtained for different values of the coolant flow rate at the inlet. The verification of the developed model of the module on the basis of data obtained in an analytical way has been performed. (Results and discussion) The results of comparing the calculated data with the results of computer modeling show a high convergence of the information obtained with the use of a computer model, the relative error is within acceptable limits. (Conclusions) The developed design of the solar concentrator heat and photovoltaic module provides effective cooling of photovoltaic cells (the temperature of photovoltaic cells is in the operating range) with a module service life of at least twenty-five years. The use of a louvered heliostat in the developed design of a solar concentrator heat and photovoltaic module can double the performance of the concentrator.

scholarly journals Modeling the Functioning of the Half-Cells Photovoltaic Module under Partial Shading in the Matlab Package

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2575
Author(s):  
Mariusz T. Sarniak
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
Partial Shading ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Replacement Model ◽  
Current Voltage Characteristics ◽  
Matlab Package

In this paper, the usefulness of photovoltaic modules built of half cells for partially obstructed photovoltaic (PV) installations was analyzed based on verified simulation studies. The parameters of these modules are similar to the classic, but the internal structure is different. Instead of 60 cells in a typical classic PV module, there are twice as many cells in modules with half cells. A simulation model was built in the Matlab/Simulink engineering calculations package, using the “Solar Cell” component, which is a double-diode PV cell replacement model. The simulation model reflects the internal structure of the PV module from half cells so that the output current is divided into two equal parts inside, and the structure of the module is divided into six sections. Simulation tests were performed for the same parameters that were measured during actual measurements of the current–voltage characteristics of the partially shaded PV module. Verification tests were carried out for the photovoltaic module—JAM60S03-320/PR—using the I–V 400 meter. Four different cases of partial shading of the module were verified and one for the case of no shading, but in conditions different from the standard, given by the manufacturer.

Thermal and Electrical Performance of a PV Module Integrated With Microencapsulated Phase Change Material

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Ho ◽  
A. O. Tanuwijaya ◽  
Chi-Ming Lai
Keyword(s):  
Phase Change ◽  
Phase Change Material ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Material Layer ◽  
Microencapsulated Phase Change Material ◽  
Change Material

The efficiency in photovoltaic modules decreases as the cell temperature increases. It is necessary to have adequate thermal management mechanism for a photovoltaic module, especially when combined with building facade. This study aims to investigate the thermal and electrical performance of a photovoltaic module integrated with a microencapsulated phase change material layer under temporal variations of daily solar irradiation and exterior ambient temperature, via computational fluid dynamics simulations. The results show that the melting temperature and aspect ratio of the microencapsulated phase change material layer have significant effects on the thermal and electrical performances of photovoltaic modules.

scholarly journals Guidelines to Calibrate a Multi-Residential Building Simulation Model Addressing Overheating Evaluation and Residents’ Influence

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 242
Author(s):  
Christoph Schünemann ◽  
David Schiela ◽  
Regine Ortlepp
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Building Simulation ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Building Performance Simulation ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
3D Simulation Model ◽  
Building Physics

Can building performance simulation reproduce measured summertime indoor conditions of a multi-residential building in good conformity? This question is answered by calibrating simulated to monitored room temperatures of several rooms of a multi-residential building for an entire summer in two process steps. First, we did a calibration for several days without the residents being present to validate the building physics of the 3D simulation model. Second, the simulations were calibrated for the entire summer period, including the residents’ impact on evolving room temperature and overheating. As a result, a high degree of conformity between simulation and measurement could be achieved for all monitored rooms. The credibility of our results was secured by a detailed sensitivity analysis under varying meteorological conditions, shading situations, and window ventilation or room use in the simulation model. For top floor dwellings, a high overheating intensity was evoked by a combination of insufficient use of night-time window ventilation and non-heat-adapted residential behavior in combination with high solar gains and low heat storage capacities. Finally, the overall findings were merged into a process guideline to describe how a step-by-step calibration of residential building simulation models can be done. This guideline is intended to be a starting point for future discussions about the validity of the simplified boundary conditions which are often used in present-day standard overheating assessment.

Settings, Experimentation and Evaluation of the Simulation Models

2013 ◽  
Vol 309 ◽  
pp. 366-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
František Manlig ◽  
Radek Havlik ◽  
Alena Gottwaldova
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Customer Requirements ◽  
Evaluation Functions ◽  
Operational Management ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Setting Parameters

This paper deals with research in computer simulation of manufacturing processes. The paper summarizes the procedures associated with developing the model, experimenting with and evaluating the model results. The key area is of experimentation with the simulation model and evaluation using indicators or multi-criteria functions. With regards to the experiment the crucial variables are the simulation model. The key ideas are to set the number of variables, depending on what a given simulation will be. For example, when introducing new technology into production, modify the type of warehouse, saving workers, thus economizing. The simulation models for the operational management uses simplified models, if possible, a minimum number of variables to obtain the result in shortest possible time. These models are more user friendly and the course will be conducted mostly in the background. An example of a criteria function is the number of parts produced or production time. Multi-criteria function has given us the opportunity to make better quality decisions. It is based on the composition of several parameters, including their weight to one end point. The type of evaluation functions, whether it is an indicator or criteria function is selected and based on customer requirements. In most cases it is recommended to use the multi-dimensional function. It gives us a more comprehensive view of the results from the model and facilitates decision-making. The result of this paper is a display of setting parameters for the experimentation on a sample model. Furthermore, the comparisons of results with a multi-criteria objective function and one-criterion indicator.

Overirradiance effect on the electrical performance of photovoltaic systems of different inverter sizing factors

Solar Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 561-568
Author(s):  
Letícia Toreti Scarabelot ◽  
Giuliano Arns Rampinelli ◽  
Carlos Renato Rambo
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems
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