Scalable data storage for PV monitoring systems

Efficient PV research which includes a prolonged data monitoring from multiple experiments with different characteristics, requires a scalable supporting system to handle all of the collected information. This paper presents the development of a relational database for hosting all the necessary information for data modeling, comparative analysis and O\&M systems. Ramer-Douglas-Peucker algorithm and Timescaledb compression are used to decrease the size of the time-series data and increase the performance of the queries. A decision-making algorithm is presented for selecting the optimal inputs to the Ramer-Douglas-Peucker algorithm to ensure the maximum disk space savings while not losing any of the necessary information. Furthermore, alternative ways of implementing the same database are provided.Comment: Editor: Geert Deconinck. 18th European Dependable Computing Conference (EDCC 2022), September 12-15, 2022, Zaragoza, Spain. Fast Abstract Proceedings - EDCC 202

Investigating methods to improve photovoltaic thermal models at second-to-minute timescales

This paper presents a range of methods to improve the accuracy of equation-based thermal models of PV modules at second-to-minute timescales. We present an RC-equivalent conceptual model for PV modules, where wind effects are captured. We show how the thermal time constant $\tau$ of PV modules can be determined from measured data, and subsequently used to make static thermal models dynamic by applying the Exponential Weighted Mean (EWM) approach to irradiance and wind signals. On average, $\tau$ is $6.3 \pm 1~$min for fixed-mount PV systems. Based on this conceptual model, the Filter- EWM - Mean Bias Error correction (FEM) methodology is developed. We propose two thermal models, WM1 and WM2, and compare these against the models of Ross, Sandia, and Faiman on twenty-four datasets of fifteen sites, with time resolutions ranging from 1$~$s to 1$~$h, the majority of these at 1$~$min resolution. The FEM methodology is shown to reduce model errors (RMSE and MAE) on average for all sites and models versus the standard steady-state equivalent by -1.1$~$K and -0.75$~$K respectively.Comment: 24 pages, 11 figures, 8 table

SEEV4-City Policy Recommendations and Roadmap: Recommendations towards integration of transport, urban planning and energy

This report, led by Northumbria University and POLIS, provides a final analysis by project partners regarding policy recommendations and a roadmap based on the culmination of experiences, learnings and additional research within the Interreg NSR SEEV4-City project. It is part of a collection of reports published by the project covering a variation of specific and cross-cutting analysis and evaluation perspectives and spans 6 operational pilots. This report is dedicated to policies relating to the integration of transport, urban planning and energy

State-of-the-Art Assessment of Smart Charging and Vehicle 2 Grid services

Electro-mobility – especially when coupled smartly with a decarbonised grid and also renewable distributed local energy generation, has an imperative role to play in reducing CO2 emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. In parallel, the regulatory framework continues to set new and challenging targets for greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution. • EVs can help to achieve environmental targets because they are beneficial in terms of reduced GHG emissions although the magnitude of emission reduction really depends on the carbon intensity of the national energy mix, zero air pollution, reduced noise, higher energy efficiency and capable of integration with the electric grid, as discussed in Chapter 1. • Scenarios to limit global warming have been developed based on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and these set the EV deployment targets or ambitions mentioned in Chapter 2. • Currently there is a considerable surge in electric cars purchasing with countries such as China, the USA, Norway, The Netherlands, France, the UK and Sweden leading the way with an EV market share over 1%. • To enable the achievement of these targets, charging infrastructures need to be deployed in parallel: there are four modes according to IEC 61851, as presented in Chapter 2.1.4. • The targets for SEEV4City project are as follow: o Increase energy autonomy in SEEV4-City sites by 25%, as compared to the baseline case. o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 150 Tonnes annually and change to zero emission kilometres in the SEEV4-City Operational Pilots. o Avoid grid related investments (100 million Euros in 10 years) by introducing large scale adoption of smart charging and storage services and make existing electrical grids compatible with an increase in electro mobility and local renewable energy production. • The afore-mentioned objectives are achieved by applying Smart Charging (SC) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technologies within Operational Pilots at different levels: o Household. o Street. o Neighbourhood. o City. • SEEV4City aims to develop the concept of 'Vehicle4Energy Services' into a number of sustainable business models to integrate electric vehicles and renewable energy within a Sustainable Urban Mobility and Energy Plan (SUMEP), as introduced in Chapter 1. With this aim in mind, this project fills the gaps left by previous or currently running projects, as reviewed in Chapter 6. • The business models will be developed according to the boundaries of the six Operational Pilots, which involve a disparate number of stakeholders which will be considered within them. • Within every scale, the relevant project objectives need to be satisfied and a study is made on the Public, Social and Private Economics of Smart Charging and V2G. • In order to accomplish this work, a variety of aspects need to be investigated: o Chapter 3 provides details about revenue streams and costs for business models and Economics of Smart Charging and V2G. o Chapter 4 focuses on the definition of Energy Autonomy, the variables and the economy behind it; o Chapter 5 talks about the impacts of EV charging on the grid, how to mitigate them and offers solutions to defer grid investments; o Chapter 7 introduces a number of relevant business models and considers the Economics of Smart Charging and V2G; o Chapter 8 discusses policy frameworks, and gives insight into CO2 emissions and air pollution; o Chapter 9 defines the Data Collection approach that will be interfaced with the models; o Chapter 10 discusses the Energy model and the simulation platforms that may be used for project implementation

Multi-Objective Techno-Economic-Environmental Optimisation of Electric Vehicle for Energy Services

Electric vehicles and renewable energy sources are collectively being developed as a synergetic implementation for smart grids. In this context, smart charging of electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technologies are seen as a way forward to achieve economic, technical and environmental benefits. The implementation of these technologies requires the cooperation of the end-electricity user, the electric vehicle owner, the system operator and policy makers. These stakeholders pursue different and sometime conflicting objectives. In this paper, the concept of multi-objective-techno-economic-environmental optimisation is proposed for scheduling electric vehicle charging/discharging. End user energy cost, battery degradation, grid interaction and CO2 emissions in the home micro-grid context are modelled and concurrently optimised for the first time while providing frequency regulation. The results from three case studies show that the proposed method reduces the energy cost, battery degradation, CO2 emissions and grid utilisation by 88.2%, 67%, 34% and 90% respectively, when compared to uncontrolled electric vehicle charging. Furthermore, with multiple optimal solutions, in order to achieve a 41.8% improvement in grid utilisation, the system operator needs to compensate the end electricity user and the electric vehicle owner for their incurred benefit loss of 27.34% and 9.7% respectively, to stimulate participation in energy services

SEEV4-City approach to KPI Methodology

SEEV4-City is an innovation project funded by the EU Interreg North Sea Region Programme. Its main objective is to demonstrate smart electric mobility and renewable energy solutions integration and share its learnings. The project must report on the results of 6 Operational Pilots (OPs) of the following three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): A. Estimated CO2 reduction B. Estimated increase in energy autonomy C. Estimated Saving from Grid Investment Deferral The project aimed to establish a common methodology to calculate the contributions to the three main KPIs with significant level of detail and accuracy (where feasible). This was a collaborative exercise between Work package (WP) partners leading WP3-Intelligence (Data analysis, monitoring and simulation), WP4- Operational Pilots Implementation and Coordination and WP5-Policy and Business Case work packages and was done in consultation with the OP partners. The result of this effort is collated in this defined approach the KPI Methodology report. It is part of a collection of reports published by the project covering a variation of specific and cross-cutting analysis as well as different evaluation perspectives spanning the 6 operational pilots

Vehicle4 Energy Services (V4ES) Evaluation for Upscaling and Transnational potential: Assessing the potential of further roll-out of 8 differing V4(ES) solutions

This report is intended to collect, present, and evaluate the various solutions applied in individual operational pilots for their (upscaling and transnational transfer) potential, in terms of opportunities and barriers, over the short and long(er)-term. This is done by identifying the main characteristics of the solutions and sites and the relevant influencing factors at different local (dimension) contexts. The analysis provides insights in barriers but also opportunities and conditions for success across four main dimensions that make up the local context landscape. We consider two main roll-out scenarios: 1. Upscaling within the boundaries of the country where the operational pilot (OP) took place 2. Transnational Transfer relates to the potential for transferring a (V4)ES solution to any of the other three (project) countries There are several aspects within the four main dimensions that are cross-cutting for all four countries, either because EU legislation lies at its roots, or because market conditions are fairly similar for certain influencing factors in those dimension. Ultimately, both Smart Charging and V2X market are still in their relevant infancies. The solutions applied in various SEEV4-City pilots are relatively straightforward and simple in ‘smartness’. This helps the potential for adoption but may not always be the optimal solution yet. The Peak shaving or load/demand shifting solutions are viable options to reduce costs for different stakeholders in the (electricity) supply chain. The market is likely to mature and become much smarter in coming 5 – 10 years. This also includes the evolvement (or spin-offs) of the solutions applied in SEEV4-_City as well. At least in the coming (approximately) 5 years Smart Charging appears to have the better financial business case and potential for large scale roll-out with less (impactful) bottlenecks, but looking at longer term V2X holds its potential to play a significant role in the energy transition. A common denominator as primary barriers relates to existing regulation, standards readiness and limited market availability of either hardware or service offerings. SEEV4-City has published a significant collection of varying reports, many taking a specific focus. For more detailed information on, for example a particular solution at one of the OPs or more in-depth policy evaluation, please look into these additional reports. They can be found through the Interreg NSR or project specific website, or one of the partners of the project would be glad to provide them

De energieopbrengst van een zonnepaneel

nrpages: 06-08status: publishe

Combining photovoltaic modules and food crops: first agrovoltaic prototype in Belgium

Agrovoltaic systems (combination of biomass production and electricity production by photovoltaics (PV)) are typically installed in locations with high insolation and/or arid climates in order to protect the crops against drought and sunburn. However, even in Belgium with a temperate maritime climate, summers are getting warmer and dryer, with reduced crop yields as result. This paper describes the first agrovoltaic prototype in Belgium. By use of a coupled simulation program developed in Python, a checkerboard panel arrangement was selected as an initial validation, in order to have a homogeneous ground radiation and crop growth. Potatoes were grown below the PV modules and the microclimate was measured. Results show lower temperatures below the PV modules and less transpiration and evaporation from crop and soil. The leaf area of the potatoes was larger below the PV modules which indicates an adapted light harvesting capability. Night-time temperatures were not seen to be improved under the agrovoltaic checkerboard structure, which indicates that this arrangement may not provide much protection against frost.status: accepte

Modelling fault behaviour of power electronic converters

status: Published onlin