Summary
The current project, namely “Efficiency of PV Systems in the Jordan Valley” went a step further towards optimizing the produced energy / capital investment costs ratio by increasing the efficiency of the PV array, incorporating maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system, optimizing the electrical generation system’s assembly and design, and removing overhead controllers and wiring due to a new design layout. As well as, assessing the impact of the external environmental factors, namely, the temperature and dust accumulation on the overall performance of the system.
The electrical generation system in the first phase of the project utilized conventional on/off charge controllers, where their performance is not optimized in terms of power generation. For that reason, a maximum power point type of charge controllers is deployed in the second phase of the project. The results of using the new type of charge controllers has increased the power generation at the same environmental conditions as well as minimizing the wiring needed because of higher voltage capabilities. The layout was modified to match the ratings of the new adapted charge controllers which are fewer in number as compared to the system topology in phase one.
Objectives
- Development and evaluation of methods to increase the efficiency of PV arrays
- Predict the effects of environmental and local weather conditions on the performance of the PV system
- Collection of measurement data that will be made available for further research projects
Research Outcomes
- Effective and clear study for the environmental and design parameters on the efficiency and the performance of the PV system. Factors contribution towards efficiency enhancement was defined, modeled and verified.
- Methodology to optimize the sizing of off-grid PV systems were proposed taking advantage of the experimental and validation results of the project. Savings in infrastructure and minimizing running cost are thus projected.
- Validated models to quantify single parameter-induced deterioration in system performance. For example, the individual effects of the temperature, dust accumulation and MPPT utilization were presented and quantified.
- Enhanced electrical design was presented for maximizing the system efficiency.
Publications
- Performance analysis of off-grid pv systems in the Jordan valley
- Modeling and Quantifying the impact of the dust accumulation on PV system’s performance
- IMPACT OF MODULE TEMPERATURE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF POLYCRYSTALLINE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN THE JORDAN VALLEY, PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS WITH A COOLING SYSTEM AND SCALEU