ENERGY SYSTEMS MODELLING AND

OPTIMISATION:

2) PV SYST SIMULATION

by
Eng H Chingosho
MREN-Programme
Mechanical Engineering -University of Zimbabwe
 OUTLINE FOR TODAY’S TALK

Part 1: BASIC APPROACH: MY FIRST PROJECT

• 1- First contact with PVsyst
• 2- Full study of a sample project
• 3- Saving the Project
• 4- Executing the first simulation
• 5- Adding further details to your project .
Part 2: Meteorological Data Management
• 1- Introduction
• 2- Geographical sites
• 3- Synthetic hourly data generation
• 4- Visualization of the hourly values
• 5- Importing Meteo data from predefined sources
• 6- Importing Meteo Data from an ASCII file
 1- FIRST CONTACT WITH PVSYST
• When opening PVsyst you get to the main page :
DATABASES AND TOOLS
 DATABASES
“Databases” includes the climatic data management which consists of
monthly and hourly data, synthetic generation of hourly values and importing
external data.
The databases contain also the definitions of all the components involved in
the PV installations like modules, inverters, batteries, etc
 TOOLS
“Tools” provides some additional tools to quickly estimate and visualize the
behaviour of a solar installation.
It also contains a dedicated set of tools that allows measured data of existing
solar installations to be imported for a close comparison to the simulation
GRID CONNECTED
SYSTEMS
This gives access to the four main
parts of the program:
• “Preliminary design” provides a
quick evaluation of the potentials
and possible constraints of a project
in a given situation. This is very useful
for the pre-sizing of Stand-alone and
Pumping systems.
• “Project design” is the main part of
the software and is used for the
complete study of a project. It
involves the choice of
meteorological data, system design,
shading studies, losses
determination, and economic
evaluation.
• “Databases” includes the climatic
data management which consists
of monthly and hourly data,
synthetic generation of hourly
values and importing external data.
• The databases contain also the
definitions of all the components
involved in the PV installations like
modules, inverters, batteries, etc.
• “Tools” provides some additional
tools to quickly estimate and
visualize the behaviour of a solar
installation.
 HOME WORK
Transposition Factor
• The Transposition Factor is the ratio of the incident irradiation on the plane, to
the horizontal irradiation. I.e. what you gain (or loose) when tilting the
collector plane.

Time shift correction

• In the PVsyst convention, the time label always refers to the beginning of the
record, and concerns the accumulation up to the next record.
Case Project
In Mahusekwa, a solar grid connected plant is to
be located at a site with latitude XXo South and
longitude YYo East. The designer proposes to use
125 m² of his rooftop to install mono-crystalline
PV modules. The building in question is shown on
the following sketch.

NB: PV system uses either:

• Planned Power VV kWp or
• Available area for module installation 125 m²
to size the dimensions of the system.

The roof of the farm is facing north and we intend to cover it

on an area of about 5m x 25 m = 125 m²
with mono-crystalline PV modules.
• When you choose "Grid connected"
project, you will get the following
dashboard for the management of
a project:
• The dashboard has two parts: the
Project basic definitions and the
System variant management.
• What we call ‘Project’ in PVsyst, is
just the central object for which you
will construct different variants.
• The Project contains the
geographical site of your system,
the reference to a file with the
meteorological data, and some
general parameters.
• Each System Variant contains all the
detailed definitions of your system,
which will result in a simulation
calculation.
• In the database, the files with the
Variants of a project will have the
Project's file name, with extensions
VC0, VC1, VCA, etc. You can
define up to 36 Variants per project.
 STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
PROJECT
When developing a project in PVsyst, 3. - Define successive
you are advised to proceed in small
steps: variants by progressively
adding perturbations to this
1. - Create a project by first system, e.g., far
specifying the geographical
location and the • shadings, near shadings,
meteorological data. specific loss parameters,
economic evaluation, etc.
2. - Define a basic system
variant, including only the
orientation of the PV modules,
• the required power or
• available area and the type
of PV modules and inverters.
 DEFINING A PROJECT
• In the project dashboard click on
«New project» and define the
project's name.
• You can either choose a site from
the built-in database, which holds
around 1,200 sites from
• Meteonorm, or you can define a
new site that can be located
anywhere on the globe.
• The project’s site defines the
coordinates (Latitude, Longitude,
Altitude and Time zone), and
contains monthly meteorological
data.
• Usually you will never modify the • This page defines sizing
albedo factor. The value of 0.2 is a temperatures, which may be site-
standard adopted by most systems. dependent.
 SAVING THE PROJECT
• When you are finished (i.e. you
have gone to the Variant
choices), you will be prompted
to save the definitions of your
project.
 CREATING THE FIRST (BASIC) VARIANT
FOR THIS PROJECT
• After having defined the site
and the meteorological input
of the project, we can
proceed to create the first
Variant.
 SUPPLY VALUES FOR THE
TYPE OF FIELD, TILT AND AZIMUTH ANGLES.
• The solar panels in our case will
be installed on a fixed tilted
plane. From the project's
drawing we get the Plane Tilt
and Azimuth angles.
• Recall azimuth as the angle
between the South direction
and the direction where the
panels are facing. Angles to
the west are counted positive,
while angles to the east are
counted negative.
 SELECTING A PV MODULE
• Choosing a PV module in the
database.
 SELECTING OF AN INVERTER
• Choose either a Tri-phased inverter
or a Mono-phased inverters.
• PVsyst proposes a complete
configuration for the system.
• The blue panel in the bottom right
part of the dialog should be either
empty or orange. If you get a red
error message, check all choices
you made and correct them.
 MESSAGE COLORS IN PVSYST
• In many of the PVsyst dialogs you will be prompted with messages that are meant to
guide you through the different steps of the definition and execution of a
simulation. The colour of the text gives you a clue on how important the message is:

- Messages in black are additional information or instructions on how to proceed.

- Warnings in orange indicate design imperfections, but the system is still acceptable.

- Errors in red mean serious mistakes, which will prevent the execution of the
simulation.

• A similar colour code is also valid for the buttons on the project's dashboard (in
addition a greyed-out button means “has not been defined”).
 EXECUTING THE FIRST SIMULATION
• On the Project's
dashboard, all
buttons are now
green (eventually
orange) or Off.
• The "Simulation"
button is activated,
and we can click on
it.
 SIMULATION
• The simulation dates are
those of the underlying
meteo data file. Don't
modify them (you cannot
perform a simulation
outside of the available
meteo data).
• The preliminary definitions
are additional features
which may be defined for
advanced purposes.
 ANALYSING THE RESULTS
• This dialog shows on the top a
small summary of the simulation
parameters that you should
quickly check to make sure that
you made no obvious mistake in
the input parameters.
• Below is a frame with six values
that summarize at one glance
the main results of the simulation.
 SIMULATION RESULTS
In this report you will find:

First page: All the parameters underlying this simulation: Geographic situation and
Meteo data used, plane orientation, general information about shadings (horizon
and near shadings), components used and array configuration, loss parameters,
etc.
Second page: A reminder of the main parameters, and the main results of the
simulation, with a monthly table and graphs of normalized values.
Third page: The PVsyst arrow loss diagram, showing an energetic balance and all
losses along the system. This is a powerful indicator of the quality of your system,
and will immediately indicate the sizing errors, if they exist.
 CLASS EXERCISE
1 a) Using PV syst and through following the procedures we have just completed , design a 30KWp solar
grid connected plant to be located at a site in Chivhu town. Determine :
i. The optimum tilt angle
ii. Resultant transposition factor
iii. Optimum azimuth and global irradiation on collector plane

b) Analyze and interpret the results with reference to:

i. Yearly system production in MWh/yr
ii. Specific energy production of modules in kW/kWp/yr
iii. Normalized energy production in kWh/kWp/day

c) Comment on the array and system losses of the system, is there room for improvement?

d) Adjust for an albedo setting of 30% in June and 45% in July (months with persistent cloudy
cover).Compare with the previous and comment on the difference from the part (b) results.

2 a) Do the same for a ground mounted solar grid connected plant to make use of 500 square meters at
the same site .
 ADDING FURTHER DETAILS TO YOUR
PROJECT
After this first "standard" simulation, you can progressively add the specific details to
your project. You are advised to perform and save a new simulation at each step in
order to check its effect and pertinence - especially by analysing the "Loss diagram".
Variants that can be analyses include but are not limited to;
• Far Shadings (horizons)
• Near shading
• Economic parameters
• Detailed losses
• Module layouts
• Miscellaneous factors such as; power factor, grid power limitations, solar fractions
etc.
 TIPS ON SAVING YOUR VARIANT
SIMULATIONS
• Take the habit to "Save" your different variants for further comparisons.
• Be careful to define a significant title in order to easily identify your variant in the
future.
• This title will be mentioned on the report (it can also be defined in an earlier step,
for example at the time of the simulation).
• The first variant will be saved in the file “File name _Project name.VC0".
• Later Variants will get the file endings VC1, VC2, etc.
• If you want to create a new Variant, make sure that you use "Save As" to avoid
overwriting your previous variants.
• For opening previous simulations of the project, you can click the button "Load"
which is situated just above the "Save" button
 EXAMPLE 1
a) Use the Software PVsyst to design, predict energy performance for a 99 kW AC
grid-connected solar PV plant using fixed-tilt (optimized) flat plate polycrystalline
PV modules. The plant is to be located at a site with latitude 17.8o South and
longitude 30.7o East. Export the design report in PDF file or MS Word files and
save with the name ‘My 2nd PV Project’ .

b) Comment on the system energy flows

c) To what extent are the system losses significant?

 EXAMPLE 2
a) For the previous Example 1 scenario design, predict energy performance and carry
out economic analysis for the 99 kW AC grid-connected solar PV plant. Assuming
the following economic parameters:
Cost Item Value Unit
PV modules 0.70 $/Watt
PV module supports 0.16 $/Watt
Inverter 0.30 $/Watt
Cables 0.06 $/Watt
Power Evacuation 0.06 $/Watt
Civil Works 0.15 $/Watt
Engineering 0.05 $/Watt
Pre-construction costs 0.10 $/Watt
Running Costs 0.02 $/Watt
Sales Tax 5 %
Interest on Loan 10 %
Tax on sold energy 5 %
Save with the name ‘My 2nd PV Project- Economic Analysis variant ’
 EXAMPLE 3
3) Hence or otherwise from Example 2, include System losses as given in the table bellow to design, predict energy
performance and carry out economic analysis for the 99 kW AC grid-connected solar PV plant.

Loss agent Power loss [%]

Temperature losses Free standing

Ohmic losses 1.5%

Auxiliaries 3%

Module quality loss -0.8%

Comment on the simulation results and compare with those from Example One ,explaining for the effect of:

a) Ohmic losses

b) Overall System losses

Save with the name ‘My 2nd PV Project - System Losses variant ’
 ADDING FURTHER DETAILS TO YOUR
PROJECT
After this first "standard" simulation, you can progressively add the specific details to
your project. You are advised to perform and save a new simulation at each step in
order to check its effect and pertinence - especially by analysing the "Loss diagram".
Variants that can be analyses include but are not limited to;
• Far Shadings (horizons)
• Near shading
• Economic parameters
• Module layouts
• Miscellaneous factors such as; power factor, grid power limitations, solar fractions
etc.
 FAR SHADINGS, HORIZON PROFILE
• The horizon profile is only suited for
shading objects that are located
sufficiently far from your PVsystem,
so that the shadings may be
considered global on your array.
• This is the case when the distance
to the shading object is more than
about 10 times the PV system size.
• The Horizon Profile is a curve that is
defined by a set of (Height, Azimuth)
points.
 EXAMPLE 4
4. Hence or otherwise from Example 3 , include Far shading parameters as given in the tables bellow to design, predict
energy performance and carry out economic analysis for the 99 kW AC grid-connected solar PV plant.

Azimuth [degrees] Altitude [degrees]

-120 25

-40 15

40 10

120 5

Comment on the simulation results and compare with those from Example 3 ,explaining for the effect of Far shading
(Horizon ).

4) Preform the same simulation using overall object altitudes of 35 degrees for each individual deviation of object
azimuth. Comment on the results and compare with those for condition (3) above.
 EXAMPLE 5
5. Hwange Town Council proposes to construct a Solar Grid Connected plant to power the city’s Library
. The proposed site is 8 m to the south of a long wall that shades it when the sun is low in the sky. The
wall is of uniform height 6 m high above the centre of the proposed collector area.

a) Calculate the necessary object azimuth angles and object altitude angles

b) Using Pvsysts software to plot, show this wall on a solar position chart with the wall oriented east-
west and;

c) Use the Software PVsyst to design, predict energy performance for a 80 kW AC grid-connected
solar PV plant using fixed-tilt (optimized) flat plate mono-crystalline PV modules located at the
same site, taking into account the far shading from the wall.

d) Comment on the impact of the wall on the system energy performance.

 ASSIGNMENT Q 1
Q1. A Solar Grid Connected plant is to be located at a site with latitude 18.9758o South and longitude 32.6504o East. The
proposed site is 9 m to the south of a long wall that shades it when the sun is low in the sky. Given that the wall is of
uniform height 6.5 m high above the centre of the proposed photovoltaic system area, calculate;

a) object azimuth angles and object altitude angles. [5 marks]

b) Show the wall on a solar position chart (in PV Syst) if the wall is oriented east-west (export chart to pdf) and;
[5 marks]

c) Use the Software PVsyst to design, predict energy performance for a 250 kW AC grid-connected solar PV plant using
fixed-tilt (optimized) flat plate polycrystalline PV modules located at the same site, taking into account the far
shading from the wall. [10 marks]

d) Hence or otherwise from (c) above, comment on the impact of the wall on the system energy performance. Hint
(preform a simulation without the horizon) [5 marks]

Nb) Export the design report in PDF file or MS Word files and save with the name “Assignment Q1 Project’
STAND ALONE SYSTEMS
 EXAMPLE 6
A Stand Alone PV system is to be constructed to meet the energy needs for the following appliances:

Appliance Quantity Power (W) Time of Use (hrs) in a day

TV 2 60 6

Fridge 1 120 7

Washer 1 500 1.2

Entertainment 3 240 6

Alarm System 1 80 8

Domestic Blender 1 300 0.5

Others 7 150 0.5

a) Simulate and predict energy performance for the stand alone semi integrated PV system using fixed-tilt
(optimized) flat plate polycrystalline PV modules that will supply energy to the appliances in table above

b) Comment on the system energy performance.

 EXAMPLE 8
8a) Calculate the daily load and peak power required by a PV system that
has the following appliances connected for a household;

• Four lamps, 15W each, operated from 6pm to 11 pm.

• Television, 80, operated from 6pm to 11 pm
• Two Computers, 150 W, operated from 4 pm to 7 pm
• Radio, 25 W, operated from 11 am to 6 pm
• Water pump, 50 W operated from 7am to 10 am.

c) Plot the load profile of the household.

b) Hence or otherwise design a Stand alone PV system to cater for the above
equipment using PV syst given that the house is located in Mvurwi Town.
 ASSIGNMENT Q2
2a) A remote cottage has the following loads. Estimate the daily load and peak
power to be satisfied by a 24V PV system. [5 marks]
Appliance Type Power Daytime Run (h) Night-time Run (h)

5 Lamps DC 11 W each 0 5

Television AC 75 W 2 4

Computer AC 160 W 4 3

Radio DC 25 W 3 1

Water pump AC 60 W 1 1

Stove AC 1200 W 2 3

Microwave AC 800 W 0.5 2

b) Using the above loads, estimate the expected daily energy requirements if the
efficiency of the inverter is 91%, of the battery is 77%, and of the distribution circuit is
96%. [5 marks]
c) Comment and compare your answers to (a) and (b) [5 marks]
d) Hence or otherwise design in Pvsyst a Stand alone PV system to cater for the
expected daily energy requirements as in (1b). Analyse and comment on your results.
[10 marks]
 ASSIGNMENT Q3
3a) Carry out a baseline energy audit to come up with an appliance power
matrix of your household giving the type of appliances, quantity and power
rating of appliances that can be powered by a solar system.

b) Estimate appliance usage times in a calendar day (diurnal) to come up

with an appliance scheduling matrix for your household.

b) Calculate the daily load and peak power required and plot the load profile
of your household.

c) Hence or otherwise design a Stand alone semi integrated PV system using

PV syst that aims to meet the daily energy requirements for your home. You
may use detailed losses, horizon shadings and economic parameters of your
choice. [Total 25 marks]
 EXAMPLE 9
Estimate the daily load and peak power required by a PV system that has
three appliance connected to it with the following characteristics;
• Appliance 1 , 202W operated for 3h (10am-1pm)
• Appliance 2 , 115W operated for 8h (9am-5pm)
• Appliance 3 , 330W operated for 2 h (2pm-4pm)