Abstract
The use of stand-alone PV systems (SAPV) must be efficient and profitable for a better integration of solar energy in the global energy mix. However, the performance indicators that allow the evaluation of SAPV systems do not clearly inform us about the actual level of use of their sized and installed capacity. This article aims to determine a new performance indicator, called the theoretical power factor (TPF) by an original method based on the modelling of the SAPV system in the form of a matrix equation. The resolution of this matrix equation, makes it possible to bring out the reactive energy of the system during operation. A case study is presented and scenario I represents the case where the main elements are all assumed to operate at their rated capacity. scenario II represents the case were the rated capacity of storage system is reduced of 40%, scenario III represents the case were the rated current capacity of charge controller is reduced of 40%, and finally scenario IV represents the case were the rated power capacity of inverter is also reduced of 40%. The results obtained after implementation in the Spyder environment (python 5.1) show the effectiveness of TPF in the performance evaluation of SAPV systems. And also show how the TPF is substantially related to the capacity of each main element of the system. This being proved by the results obtained after the simulation of the four scenarios mentioned above. One can observe an increase in TPF of 0.1% in Scenario II during the period of low irradiance, and no change in TPF for the other scenarios in the same period. During the period of high irradiance, an increase in TPF of 17.9% is observed in scenario II and a decrease in TPF of 15.4% and 1.2% respectively in scenarios III and IV.
Publisher
Erciyes Energy Association