Engineering topics

Deline, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Deline, C..

6 records

DOE OSTI2015

Performance Modeling and Testing of Distributed Electronics in PV Systems; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Computer modeling is able to predict the performance of distributed power electronics (microinverters, power optimizers) in PV systems. However, details about partial shade and other mismatch must be known in order to give the model accurate information to go on. This talk will describe recent updates in NREL’s System Advisor Model program to model partial shading losses with and without distributed power electronics, along with experimental validation results. Computer modeling is able to predict the performance of distributed power electronics (microinverters, power optimizers) in PV systems. However, details about partial shade and other mismatch must be known in order to give the model accurate information to go on. This talk will describe recent updates in NREL’s System Advisor Model program to model partial shading losses.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2015

Processing and Device Oriented Approach to CIGS Module Reliability; SunShot Initiative, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Abstract: A device level understanding of thin film module reliability has been lacking. We propose that device performance and stability issues are strongly coupled and simultaneous attention to both is necessary. Commonly discussed technical issues such as light soaking, metastability, reverse bias breakdown and junction breakdown can be understood by comparing the behaviors of cells made inAbstract: A device level understanding of thin film module reliability has been lacking. We propose that device performance and stability issues are strongly coupled and simultaneous attention to both is necessary. Commonly discussed technical issues such as light soaking, metastability, reverse bias breakdown and junction breakdown can be understood by comparing the behaviors of cells made in the laboratory and industry. It will then be possible to attribute the observed effects in terms of processing and cell design. Process connection to stability studies can help identify root causes and a path for mitigating the degradation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2015

Modeling Microinverters and DC Power Optimizers in PVWatts

Module-level distributed power electronics including microinverters and DC power optimizers are increasingly popular in residential and commercial PV systems. Consumers are realizing their potential to increase design flexibility, monitor system performance, and improve energy capture. It is becoming increasingly important to accurately model PV systems employing these devices. This document summarizes existing published documents to provide uniform, impartial recommendations for how the performance of distributed power electronics can be reflected in NREL's PVWatts calculator (http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2014

Evaluation of Maxim Module-Integrated Electronics at the DOE Regional Test Centers: Preprint

Module-embedded power electronics developed by Maxim Integrated are under evaluation through a partnership with the Department of Energy's Regional Test Center (RTC) program. Field deployments of both conventional modules and electronics-enhanced modules are designed to quantify the performance advantage of Maxim's products under different amounts of inter-row shading, and their ability to be deployed at a greater ground-coverage-ratio than conventional modules. Simulations in PVSYST have quantified the predicted performance difference between conventional modules and Maxim's modules from inter-row shading. Initial performance results have identified diffuse irradiance losses at tighter row spacing for both the Maxim and conventional modules. Comparisons with published models show good agreement with models predicting the greatest diffuse irradiance losses. At tighter row spacing, all of the strings equipped with embedded power electronics outperformed their conventional peers. An even greater performance advantage is predicted to occur in the winter months when the amount of inter-row shading mismatch is at a maximum.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2014

Evaluation of Maxim Module-Integrated Electronics at the DOE Regional Test Centers (Presentation)

Module-embedded power electronics developed by Maxim Integrated are under evaluation through a partnership with the Department of Energy's Regional Test Center (RTC) program. Field deployments of both conventional modules and electronics-enhanced modules are designed to quantify the performance advantage of Maxim's products under different amounts of interrow shading, and their ability to be deployed at a greater ground-coverage ratio than conventional modules. Simulations in PVSYST have quantified the predicted performance difference between conventional modules and Maxim's modules from interrow shading. Initial performance results have identified diffuse irradiance losses at tighter row spacing for both the Maxim and conventional modules. Comparisons with published models show good agreement with models predicting the greatest diffuse irradiance losses. At tighter row spacing, all of the strings equipped with embedded power electronics outperformed their conventional peers. An even greater performance advantage is predicted to occur in the winter months when the amount of interrow shading mismatch is at a maximum.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2014

User's Manual for Data for Validating Models for PV Module Performance

This user's manual describes performance data measured for flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) modules installed in Cocoa, Florida, Eugene, Oregon, and Golden, Colorado. The data include PV module current-voltage curves and associated meteorological data for approximately one-year periods. These publicly available data are intended to facilitate the validation of existing models for predicting the performance of PV modules, and for the development of new and improved models. For comparing different modeling approaches, using these public data will provide transparency and more meaningful comparisons of the relative benefits.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗