WG 3: PV simulation

This WG’s Chair is prof.dr. Nicola Pearsall (Northumbria University, UK) and its Vice Chair is prof.dr Joao Serra (University of Lisbon, Portugal)

Email for contact: Nicola.Pearsall-at-northumbria.ac.uk

Objectives:

PV simulation has gained increased attention due to the capability to improve the energy performance of PV systems, lower costs by achieving a higher yield and enable the reduction of perceived risk. The specific objectives of WG 3 are: 

  • Classification of PV simulation models by content ranging from (i) fundamental solar cell research, (ii) PV irradiance modelling incl. forecasting and cloud formation, (iii) PV systems (grid-connected, stand alone, and hybrid), (iv) PV in the built environment and (v) PV grid interactions. Distinction will be made between simulation models that can predict performance on short and long timescales as well models that can predict durability of PV modules and PV systems. 
  • Identification of PV simulation tools and models by category (i to v). 
  • Provision of access to information about PV solar electricity simulation models. 
  • Comparison of various PV solar electricity simulation models. 
  • Sharing knowledge originating from WG3 with a wider community of PV and other renewable energy experts by internet, workshops, seminars and joint publications about the topic of PV simulation. 

Tasks:

Task 3.1: Development of a common description of PV simulation in the categories above mentioned (i to v) by meetings and communications with PV researchers and other experts leading to a shared document to be published on the website of this COST Action website.

Task 3.2: Identification of PV simulation tools and models in the categories above mentioned (i to v) by collecting information by internet, publications and persons involved in this COST Action and their association. Listing of results on the website of this COST Action for sharing information about and web links to existing PV simulation tools and models, so that participants and other users of the COST website can download easily. These PV simulation models will be made available with or without payment depending on the requirements of this developer of the specific models.

Task 3.3: Testing of simulation models in various categories in independently executed round- robin tests conducted by participants of this action using the same input data sets. Each year another round-robin test will be executed resulting in reports and papers.

Deliverables:

D8. Publications of findings originating from WG3 in high-impact journals, conference proceedings and a book.

D9. Reports of the WG 3 activities (month 12, 24, 36, 48), including the organisation of two workshops and two seminars on PV simulation.

D10. Open source software for the simulation of PV modules and PV systems.

Conclusions and future outlook:

Initially, WG3 conducted a survey of existing simulation tools and evaluated the scope of research in this area, to identify the approaches being used and the perceived gaps in modelling capability. The development work within WG3 has concentrated on the modelling of new system designs, particularly relating to ground-mounted bifacial systems, building integration and novel applications. Furthermore, the identification of gaps and needs for new versions of the simulation tools to include effects such as shadowing and new technology PV devices and modules has also been carried out. WG3 brings together experience from across Europe on modelling and simulation to make recommendations on the simulation methods best used in a range of situations. 

WG 3 in the context of Country Reports: 

The main purpose of simulation of PV module and system operation is to provide a better understanding of the relationship between design and performance. For example, it may be used to predict system output for a specific system design and location, or to assess whether actual performance is in line with expectation. Because system output is location dependent, the simulation must represent location data in an appropriate way, even though the simulation approach may be unchanged. The work of WG3 considers how to simulate systems for a wide range of designs and locations and, hence, the Country Reports, covering different latitudes and conditions, provide a useful context for country dependent system and climate information. See here for the Country Reports 2020: Pearl PV Country Reports 2020 download – PEARL PV (pearlpv-cost.eu)

References:

Robledo, J. Leloux, E. Lorenzo and C. A. Gueymard, “From video games to solar energy: 3D shading simulation for PV using GPU”, Solar Energy, 193, 2019, pp.962-980

Riedel-Lyngskær, D. Berrian, D. Alvarez Mira, A.A. Protti, S. Thorsteinsson, P.B. Poulsen, J. Libal, J. Vedde, “Large-Scale Bifacial PV Test Field Performance Compared to Simulations Using Commercially Available Software, Research-Based and Open Source Tools, 37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), 2020

Riedel-Lyngskær, D. Berrian, D. Alvarez Mira, A.A. Protti, P.B. Poulsen, J. Libal, J. Vedde, “Validation of Bifacial Photovoltaic Simulation Software against Monitoring Data from Large-Scale Single-Axis Trackers and Fixed Tilt Systems in Denmark”,  Appl. Sci.2020, 10(23), 8487; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238487

Jesús Robledo, Jonathan Leloux, Babacar Sarr, Christian A. Gueymard, Anton Driesse, Pierre-François Drouin, Sébastien Ortega, Damien André, “Lessons learned from simulating the energy yield of an agrivoltaic project with vertical bifacial photovoltaic modules in France”, 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), 2021 

Jesús Robledo, Jonathan Leloux, Babacar Sarr, Christian A. Gueymard, Anton Driesse, “Dynamic and visual simulation of bifacial energy gain for photovoltaic plants”, 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), 2021 

Jesús Robledo, Jonathan Leloux, Babacar Sarr, Christian A. Gueymard, Anton Driesse, Pierre-François Drouin, “Simulating the energy yield of bifacial photovoltaic modules installed on carports or canopies”, 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), 2021 

Jesús Robledo, Jonathan Leloux, Babacar Sarr, Christian A. Gueymard, Patricia Darez, “Dynamic simulation of the shading cast by a wind farm on an adjacent photovoltaic plant”, 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), 2021 

List of WG members (status update May 2022)

Nicola PEARSALL, Northumbria University, UK (WG Chair)

Timohir BETTI, University of Split, Croatia

Alexandros CHARALAMBIDES, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus

Steve RANSOME, SCRL Ltd., UK

Nicholas RIEDEL-LYNGSKAER, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

Jesus ROBLEDO BUENO, Spain

Joao SERRA, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Budomir SUDIMAC, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Abraham YOSIPOV, College of Law and Business, Israel