17 research outputs found
Aerosol-induced losses in the solar potential
The atmospheric aerosol loading may significantly influence the performance
in solar power production. The impact can be very different both in space (even
in short distance) and time (shortterm fluctuations as well as long-term
trend). Aiming to ensure a high degree of generality, this study is focused on
the aerosol impact on the collectable solar energy. Thus, the results are
independent of solar plants characteristics. A new methodology for estimating
the average daily,monthly, and yearly losses in the solar potential due to
aerosols is proposed. For highlighting the loss in the overall solar potential,
a new ideal scenario is defined as a reference for the atmospheric aerosol
background. A new equation for computing the solar potential loss is proposed
to adjust for possible biases. In a departure from similar studies, the
analysis relies on ground measurements (BSRN and AERONET), always more accurate
than remotely sensed satellite data. The seldom discussed impact of aerosol
type is considered. As a general conclusion, the monthly and yearly reductions
of the solar potential due to aerosols are estimated at 12 locations spread
around the globe, amounting to losses of the solar potential ranging from 0.6%
to as high as 7.2%
A Semi-Analytical Model for Separating Diffuse and Direct Solar Radiation Components
The knowledge of the solar irradiation components is required by most solar applications. When only the global horizontal irradiance is measured, this one is typically broken down into its fundamental components, beam and diffuse, by applying an empirical separation model. This study proposes a semi-analytical model for diffuse fraction, defined as the ratio of diffuse to global solar irradiance. Starting from basic knowledge, a general equation for diffuse fraction is derived. Clearness index, relative sunshine, and the clear-sky atmospheric transmittance are highlighted as robust predictors. Thus, the model equation implicitly provides hints for developing accurate empirical separation models. The proposed equation is quasi-universal, allowing for temporal (from 1-min to 1-day) and spatial (site specificity) customization. As a proof of theory, the separation quality is discussed in detail on the basis of radiometric data retrieved from Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), station Magurele, Romania. For temperate continental climate, overall results show for the diffuse fraction estimation a maximum possible accuracy around 7%, measured in terms of normalized root mean square error. One of the many options of implementing the semi-analytical model is illustrated in a case study
Nowcasting the Output Power of PV Systems
This paper presents an innovative procedure for nowcasting the energy production of PV systems. The procedure is relayed on a new version of two-state model for forecasting solar irradiance at ground level and a simplified description of the PV system. The results of testing the proposed procedure against on field measured data are discussed. Generally, the proposed procedure demonstrates a better performance than the main competitor based on ARIMA forecasting of the clearness index
Simple vs complex models for solar cells
In this paper three different procedures for extracting the current-voltage characteristics of a crystalline photovoltaic module are studied. Each procedure is associated to a solar cell model characterized by a well-defined degree of complexity. The results emphasize that the simple models approximate the current-voltage characteristics of a solar cell as good as the more complex models. Even if all the procedures analysed in this paper approximate well the measured characteristics, the specific model parameters experience a large dispersion. From a broader perspective, the results raise a question mark on the ability of the current procedures to accurately extract the solar cell parameters
Nowcasting the Output Power of PV Systems
This paper presents an innovative procedure for nowcasting the energy production of PV systems. The procedure is relayed on a new version of two-state model for forecasting solar irradiance at ground level and a simplified description of the PV system. The results of testing the proposed procedure against on field measured data are discussed. Generally, the proposed procedure demonstrates a better performance than the main competitor based on ARIMA forecasting of the clearness index
On the Nature of the One-Diode Solar Cell Model Parameters
The one-diode model is probably the most common equivalent electrical circuit of a real crystalline solar cell. Extensive research has focused on extracting model parameters from measurements performed in standard test conditions (STC), aiming to replicate the current-voltage characteristics (I-V). This study started from finding that, for the same solar cell, different scientific reports yield significantly different sets of parameters, all allowing for highly accurate replication of the measured I-V characteristics. This observation raises a big question: What is the true physical set of parameters? The present study attempts to address this question. For this purpose, a numerical experiment was conducted. The results show that there is an infinity of distinct sets of parameters that can replicate the I-V characteristics at STC via the one-diode model equation. The diode saturation current IS and the diode ideality factor compensate each other to preserve the open-circuit voltage VOC, always an input data point. Some possible approaches (e.g., the link between VOC and IS) that can lead to the physical set of parameters are discussed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. There is enough room for future research on finding a universal approach able to guarantee the accurate extraction of the one-diode model physical parameters
Impact of Aerosol on the Estimation Accuracy of Solar Radiation
The paper is focused on the solar irradiance estimation in clear-sky conditions and an aerosol-loaded atmosphere. Two parametric models developed by our group and three empirical models are tested. The estimates of the parametric models are based on three atmospheric parameters (ozone, nitrogen dioxide and water vapor column content) and the aerosol properties quantified by means of several specific parameters (Ångström turbidity coefficient, single scattering albedo, asymmetry factor). The empirical models contain no inputs for aerosol properties. Data collected from 10 stations were used to test the models. The inputs for the parametric models were retrieved from Aerosol Robotic Network - AERONET. Global and diffuse solar irradiance data at high-quality standards were retrieved from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network BSRN. A comparative analysis of the models’ accuracy in estimating clear-sky solar irradiance is discussed from the perspective of aerosol proprieties
Improving The Accuracy of the Empirical Clear Sky Solar Irradiance Models
This paper is focused on improving the quality of nowcasting solar irradiance by enhancing the clear sky component of the model. A simple linear correction for the average atmospheric transmittance is proposed. The correction is based on the most recent measurements recorded prior the forecasting moment. The proposed procedure was tested against data measured on the Solar Platform of the West University of Timisoara. Overall results demonstrates a notable improvement in the clear sky model accuracy