Comparison of different PV power simulation softwares: case study on performance analysis of 1 MW grid-connected PV solar power plant
Journal Title: International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 7
Abstract
Several simulation softwares have been developed to simulate and optimize photovoltaic system. Engineers and Researchers used these simulation tools for sizing of PV power plant, pre-feasibility analysis, and optimization, technical and economic analysis in order to avoid system over-size, poor reliability, and high installation cost. In this paper, 10 simulation softwares with their main features and developers of these tools are discussed, the softwares studied are SAM, PVsyst, HOMER, PV*SOL, RETScreen, Solarius PV, HelioScope, Solar Pro, SOLARGIS, and PV F-Chart. The main objectives of this paper are to highlight researchers to identify the suitable software for research analysis and to perform degradation and performance analysis of PV power plant. A case study on performance analysis of I MW grid-connected PV solar power plant has been carried out using these simulation tools. Simulation results are then compared with actual data of the power plant to identify the suitable and most effective softwares for research and development. The annual average Performance Ratio (PR) and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) were found to be 0.7737 and 14.57% respectively.The PR was then used to determine the annual degradation rate of the PV plant which is found to be 0.98%/year. The defects in the power plant were analyzed to identify various degradation modes of PV modules. Encapsulant discoloration, glass shattering and deposited dust have been seen in few modules. The current status, abilities, limitations, and availability of all the software have also been presented. Homer, SAM, RETScreen and PVsyst are found to be the best and suitable software for performance analysis. There is a need for some improvements on these softwares like allowing the user to modify or change some techniques and incorporation of extensive meteorological and PV system components database. This study is useful for further study on degradation and performance analysis of PV power plant and a comparison of various PV simulation tools in order to identify the most suitable software.
Authors and Affiliations
Najibhamisu Umar, Birinchi Bora, Chandan Banerjee, B. S. Panwar
Keywords
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