Photovoltaic Systems Training: Session 1 Design

PhotovoltaicSystemsTraining
Session1 Design
JavierRelancio&LuisRecuero
GeneraliaGroup
September14th 2010
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/training-pv-systems-designconstruction-operation-and-maintenance
PHOTOVOLTAICSYSTEM
Design,Execution,Operation&Maintenance
FACILITYDESIGN
JavierRelancio.GeneraliaGroup.14/09/2010
www.generalia.es
2
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/training-pv-systems-design-construction-operation-and-maintenance
INDEX
Evaluation of the solar resource
Increasing the plant profitability from the design
Choosing the components
Photovoltaic facilities calculations
Single-line diagram
INDEX
Increasing the profitability of the plant from the design
Single-line diagram
Solar resource evaluation
Characteristics of the solar resource: random and variable
Great quantity and quality of measurement stations, both the global radiation and its
components: direct and diffuse
These stations are insufficient to allow the evaluation of any geographical location
or with changeable topography.
The usage of Geostationary satellites images are

a tool that can cover this gap
They are more reliable than the interpolation

of the data from closer meteorological stations
Solar resource evaluation:

Solar Radiation maps
Each day, we can find new
maps, which have less

uncertain measures
They allow a first approach to
the viability study for a solar

plant location
They can be considered
enough for small solar facilities
Source: NASA
But, to get a completely certain measure, a rigorous solar radiation evaluation must
be done in situ.
Then, we could additionally compare them with the satellite information and
the closer meteorological stations
INDEX
Single-line diagram
Towards the profitability of

the plant from the design
Resourceevaluation
Systemlosses(PR)
Latitude
Shadows
Longitude
Disconnections & Breakdowns
Altitude
Panel tolerance
Data from closest
Pollution, dispersion & reflectance
meteorological stations
Temperature
Data from satellites
Inverter
Cables
OPTIMUM
PROFITABILITY
8
INDEX
Single-line diagram
Inverters: Trends
The inverter can be considered as the heart of a solar facility
Its cost, in relation to the complete installation, is between 6% - 9%
Its performance is already between 95 %-97 %
It is important to know about their operation principles. We can find 3 options:
MULTI POWER STAGES
ONE POWER STAGE
MULTI CONTROLLED
POWER STAGES
The electrical companies can ask for galvanic isolation transformers when the connection
is in low voltage
10
Inverters: features
Theinvertermainfeaturesare:
MaximumInputVoltage:
ThePVgeneratorvoltagemustbeunderthe
invertermaximuminputvoltage
MPPTVoltage:
Itistherangewheretheinverterisabletoget
theMaximumPowerPointfromthePV
generatorIVprofile.
ThePVgeneratorvoltagemustbewithinthis
rangeinthedifferentconditionsandweather
duringthewholeyear.
11
Source: SolarMax
Inverters: Features
Otherimportantparametersare:
Inverterefficiency:
Asitisshowninthegraphic,theinverterhasadifferentefficiencydependingontheload.Usually,
themanufacturersgivethemaximumefficiencyandtheeuropean efficiency,whichistheweighting
ofthedifferentefficiencieswhentheloadis:5%,10%,30%...100%
Invertertemperaturerange:
Thisisreallyimportant,asinsomeplacesthetemperaturecanreachover40,andextracooling
mightbeconsidered
12
Crystalline or Thin-film Panels
Visual identification:
Monocrystalline
Policrystalline
Thin film ASi:H
Source: Atersa
Thin film panel observations:
13
They are cheaper, but they need larger surfaces & structures
The guaranteed output power is not as precise as in Mono/Poli crystalline modules
There are no references from facilities producing an important amount of years
Crystalline or Thin film modules
CRYSTALLINE PANEL
PRICE*
TEMPERATURE
INFLUENCE
EFFICIENCY
REQUIRED
SURFACE
Mono crystalline
Poli crystalline
THIN FILM PANEL
CGIS(CopperGalliumIndium
Selenide)
CIS(CopperIndiumSelenide)
CdTe(Cadmiumtelluride)
ASi:Htriple(Amorphoussilicon
tripleunion)
ASi:Htandem(Amorphoussilicon
doubleunion)
ASi:Hsingle(Amorphoussilicon)
* This information can be altered depending on each manufacturer price policy
14
PV Module Specs
Themostimportantelectricalspecisthepanelefficiency
Thehighesttheefficiencyis,wewillrequireasmaller
surfacetoreachacertainoutputpower
Voltageandcurrentparametersarenotdeterminant,aswe
canconnectthepanelsinseriesorinparallelstofitthe
inverterinput.
15
Source: Atersa
PV Module Specs
Thelossesduetotemperatureaffecttheproduction
speciallyincountrieswithlatitudesbetween0 35
Amongpanelswiththesametechnology: the
thermalcoefficientisquitesimilaramongthe
differentmanufacturers&models
Source: Atersa
Amongpanelswithdifferenttechnologies:wecanfindbigdifferences,aswecanseeinthetechnical
informationbelow.
Polycrystalline
A: Si
Source: QS Solar
16
Concentration Panel
17
Concentration technology is still being developed
Fresnel Lens (and other kinds)
Refractive optical system
Concentration up to 500x
Potential cost savings
Improvement in cell efficiency: from actual 30% towards 40%
Increasing the concentration: from actual 500x towards 1000x
Source: Everphoton
Hardest challenges
Extremely accurate suntracking (Accuracy < 0.1 - 0.2): High costs
Optical elements degradation
Cooling systems are required

Protections
The protections to be installed are:

DC side
DC
Fuses
AC side
DC
MiniatureCircuit
Breaker(MCB)
AC
Differential
AC
MiniatureCircuit
Breaker(MCB)
Example: ABB S800PV (Specifications)

S800PV-S High Performance MCB
Versions: 2P, 3P & 4P
Current: Up to 80 A
Voltage: 800 Vdc with 2P & 1200Vcc with 3P & 4P
S800PV-M Switch-Disconnector
18
Versions: 2P, 3P & 4P
Current: Up to 125 A
Voltage: 800Vcc with 2P & 1200Vcc with 3P & 4P
Source: ABB
Overvoltage protections
Toprotecttheinstallationagainstovervoltagewemust
installhighenergyvaristors closetotheelementthatwe
wanttoprotect
Themainaimofthisdeviceistodetectanovervoltage
withinacertainperiodoftimeandthendivertittothe
ground
Thedevicemaybedestroyeddependingonthepowerto
bedivertedtotheground
Type
150
According tostandard
19
275
320
385
IEC 61643 1
Maximum voltage(AC/DC)
Uc(LN/NPE)
Nominal dischargecurrent(8/20)
In (LN/NPE)
20/20kA
Maximumdischargecurrent(8/20)
Imax(LN/NPE)
40/40kA
ProtectionLevel
Up(LN)
Up(NPE)
Tracking current
If(LN/NPE)
>100ARMS
Responsetime
tA(LN/NPE)
<25ns/100ns
150/200V
<0.9kV
275/350V
<1.5kV
320/420V
<1.5kV
<2kV
385/500V
<1.9kV
Cables
Cable Requirements for PV facilities

The facility has a lifetime of over 25 years
From solar panel to inverter: weatherproof for outdoor conditions and
suitable for indoor conditions (in houses or industries)
From inverters to meters: direct burial or inside cable ducts
If medium-voltage is required, it might be suitable:
For underground installation (inside cable ducts)
For aerial installation
Source: TopCable
20
Cables
It is recommended to use*:
Specific PV usage cable
RZ Cable
Main features:
Conductor: electrolytic copper
Insulation: halogen free
Cover: fireproof; low emissions (corrosive gas & toxic smokes) in
case of fire
To avoid health damages and device damages
Obligatory in public locations
A comparative table can be found in next slides

Source: TopCable
21
* Based in previous slide considerations
Cable FV
CABLEFV
22
Cable RZ
CABLERZ
23
Earthing System
Typical elements (used in every electrical installation):

Earth peg: different sizes depending on the required depth
(from 1,5 to 2,5 meters)
Cable: copper without cover >35mm2.
Depending on the installation:
Low-power installations: it would be enough to use several
earth pegs connected by a copper cable (without cover)
High-power installations: a copper cable grid is usually used
(without cover). Depending on the physical measures, earth pegs
can be also used.
24
Transformation stations
Required elements for a Medium-voltage installation:

Transformer:
With the same power as the PV inverter output.
With the following features:
Mineral oil bath
Accessible neutral (in low-voltage)
Natural cooling
Three-phase voltage reduction: MV - LV
Medium-voltage cells:
We can find different types, such as:
Measurement cell
Automatic switch cell
They can be remotely controlled
Depending on each connection requirement, the company might

define the devices, and the cost may vary drastically.
25
Metering Device
The meter must be certified in the country where it will be used

Typical specifications to meet are:
Class 1.0 ( Class B)
Bidirectional
Optical & RS 485 outputs
Depending on the installed power the meter can be directly connected
or coil inductors are to be used.
The most usual cases are:
Source: Circutor
The grid connected PV facility exports all the generated electricity towards
the grid, except the consumption of its own devices: Inverters, Monitoring &
communications devices, Auxiliary services, Suntracking devices
The grid connected PV facility uses the network as a battery. This type is
known as Net metering
26
Grid connection point
In order to avoid shadowing, MV cable will be buried underground

Usual voltage will be between 15 kV 30 kV (Although it can be a
different one depending on each country)
An underground to aerial link will be done, to connect with the power line
of the electric company
Mainfeaturesforthecoppercable
Density
g/cm3
8,89
Resistivity
Ohm mm2/km
17.241
Conductivity
(%IACS)
100.0
Breakingstrength
Mpa
220
Elongation
25 30
Corrosionresistance
Excellent
MTPVFacility
Source: Centelsa
27
Grid connection point
The MV cable requires a reinforcement to guarantee that the electrical

distribution is homogeneous.
This reinforcement is done in three layers (triple extrusion):
Conductor reinforcement
Insulation
Insulation reinforcement
The cable requires also an external

cover to provide resistance to:
Humidity
Fire
UV sunlight
Source: Centelsa
Impact
Chemicals agents
28
INDEX
Single-line diagram
29
Towards the PR (Performance Ratio)

definition
System Losses
ElectricEnergy(Wh)
PR = 0,74 - 0.78
Radiation(Wh/m2)
Considerations:
1.
The values considered in the following slides are estimated values and should only be used as an
approach. They may vary depending on each location.
2.
30
A detailed Performance Ratio study is fundamental to evaluate the profitability of each solar facility
System Losses evaluation
100%
1. Temperature. (9%)
91%
2. Inverter. We can consider about 6%. New inverters can reach 4%
+10C
4% received energy
87,4%
3. Cable: AC, DC & other electric devices: < 2%
85,6%
4. Panel tolerance. It shouldnt be higher than 3%
83%
5. Pollution, dispersion & reflectance.

1. Fixed panel: aprox.3%
2. Suntracking system: 2%.
80,6%
77,3%
In urban areas, it should de increased by 2%

6. Shadowing. They should be below 4%. In case of using suntracking
systems, a shadowing study might be necessary.
7. Other losses (incidences, etc).
1. Fixed panel: 2%
75,8%
31
2. Suntracking system: 4%.

Keys to optimize the PR
Choose cool locations, as elevated areas
Select inverters with high efficiency and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
Consider extra cable sizing avoiding long traces with voltage drops
Choose solar panels with tolerances between +/- 2-3%
Cleaning the modules in long periods without rain
Balance the separation between panel rows (to avoid shadowing) with the
optimization of the surface area
32
Minimize the impact of breakdowns, with a preventive maintenance.
Shadowing evaluation
Depending on the type of installation, the shadowing study and the surface optimization,
the project profitability may vary.
The main aspect to study are:
Azimuthal deviation from the south (North hemisphere) or north (South hemisphere)
Tilt of the solar panel
Shadows of extern elements
Shadows of own elements
FIX - GROUND
33
SUNTRACKING-GROUND
FIX - ROOF
INTEGRATION
Fix - Ground
1. Distance between panel rows

A basic rule would be to avoid shadows during the 4 central hours of the day, in
the day of the year with less radiation.
This implies calculating the angle of the sun (height regarding the line of the
horizon) to +/-2 hours regarding the solar midday. This angle will vary depending
on the latitude
The objective is to avoid that the top of the front panel projects a shadow to the
lowest part of the panel that is placed behind.
d= h / k
34
Latitude
k
29
1,600
37
2,246
39
2,475
41
2,747
43
3,078
45
3,487
Fix - Ground
2. Tilt angles
The optimum tilt angle of the solar panel can be expressed by the following
simplified formula: Tilt = Latitude 10
In Spain, tilt angles from 30 to 33 is considered as optimum, but tilt angles

between 20 40 dont mean considerable system losses
Tilt angles below 15 in urban areas may cause system losses due to pollution
and dirt accumulation on the panels.
Local land slope will be logically taken into account, which can help reducing
distance between the panel rows to improve the surface profit. (Obviously, the
opposite effect can happen)
35
Fix - Ground
3. Orientation angle
The most favorable orientation is 0 South (North hemisphere).
An orientation deviation below 20 (East or West) cause negligible system losses.
The following graph (which is valid for a 40 latitude) shows how additional losses
may appear depending on the combination of orientation and tilt angle.
36
Suntracking - ground
Placement optimization
A practical example: Solar Plant in Valdecarabanos (Spain)
37
Location optimization
Previous tasks:
38
Environmental conditions
Urban conditions
Topography
External elements shadowing study (trees, electrical posts, etc)
Own elements shadowing study: direct & crossed (in suntracking

cases)
Definition of the distance between suntrackers (or panel rows)
Location optimization. Shadowing study
39
Fix - Roofs
As grid connected solar facilities are considered as an investment, we have to choose

between the following cases:
To place the solar panels at the optimum tilt and orientation angle.
To adapt the solar panels to the roof shape
OPTIMUM ANGLE & ORIENTATION
We should take into account:

Impact of angle orientation.
Impact of tilt angle.
Impact of shadows
Comparison between adapted VS optimum
Roof geometrical limits
ROOF ADDAPTED
Remarks: be careful with panels from

the same row in different planes
40
Architectural integration
Two possibilities:
To avoid visual impact, adapting the solar panels to the roof shape
To integrate the panel as a constructive element with a certain function:
Electricity generation
Sunshade effect: special panels which allow some sunlight to go

through
Innovative design: usually special structures are required, and this

may increase the installation costs
In architectural integration, the solar facility is not considered as just an

profitable investment, but also as an image and design element
41
Annual production
We will consider that the radiation, in the south of Madrid (Spain), for a certain
year can be around 4.77 kW-h/m2 (Average)
42
Annual production
Production by kWp (installed)
Hmed day PR finc days / year Pinst

Eannual / kWp =
ISTC
(4.7 kW-h/ m2 day x 0.74 x 1.15 x 365 day x 1 kW) / 1 kW/m2
Hmed-day
Average solar radiation per day
PR
Performance ratio for the solar installation. Dimensionless
Tilt coefficient: a ratio normally obtained from the optimum tilt for a fixed
panel (Which optimizes its performance). In Spain (Latitude = 40) it is 1.15
inc
Pinst
Installed solar power
ISTC
Average irradiance in the horizontal plane
Expected production for this horizontal radiation, with a PR = 0.74, would be: 1460 kW-h
43
System configuration
Once the modules and inverters are selected, the configuration of the system allows to
maximize the produced energy
It is possible that in some cases we should consider the use of a different module or
inverter in order to improve the system performance.
The configuration of the systems takes into account:
Maximum input voltage of the inverter
Maximum input current of the inverter
Voltage and current at Maximum Power Point
When designing the solar panel configuration in series and parallels, we must take into
account that the voltage and current of the branch will change depending on the
temperature. Therefore it will be necessary to choose extreme values of the region for the
calculation.
44
System configuration
A configuration example of a designing software for Solar Plants (PVSYS screen shot )
45
Source: PVsyst
Electricalcalculation
It is very important to take into account:
Maximum current in the cables
Maximum allowed voltage drop.
If there is a long distance the main factor to determine the cable section will be the
voltage drop.
If there is a very short distance the current that flows along the cable will determine the
100% 70% 30%
46
Imax_admisible
Seccion estandar (mm2)
Seccion (mm2)
Seccin calc. (mm2)
V max (V)
Wp inst (kWp)
V max (%)
Conduct.
Inom (A)
V nom (V)
Long.
Tramo
section of the cable
100% 70% 30%
ZA01
93
541
72
50
22
133
93
40 35 1,0 5,4
131
92
39
ZA02
97
541
72
50
22
133
93
40 35 1,0 5,4
136
95
41 101 150 338
ZA03
115
541
72
50
22
133
93
40 35 1,0 5,4
162
113
48 120 150 338
ZA04
133
541
38
27
12
71
50
21 35 1,0 5,4
100
70
30
97 150 338
74
95 245
Electrical design
In order to do a simplified earthing calculation, we can start with the following formulas
depending on the soil resistivity and the electrode characteristics
Electrode
Soil resistivity (Ohm)
Buriedplate
R=0,8/P
,soil resistivity (Ohmxm)
Verticalpeg
R=/L
P, Plateperimeter (m)
Buriedconductor
R=2/L
L, Peg orconductor length (m)
The average values of the resistivity, depending on the type of soil are:
47
Type ofSoil
Soilresistivity (Ohm)
Cultivableandfertilesoils, compactandwetsoils
50
Cultivablenonfertilesoil, orothersoils
500
Nakedrocksoils,anddriedandpermeablesoils
3.000
Electrical calculations
The cable sizing is based on the following formulas:
Three Phases
Considering:
P = Power
L = Cable length
One Phase
= Cable conductivity
E = Allowed voltage drop
U= Line voltage
For example, for LV in Europe:
400V in Three-phase
230V in One-phase
TABLE OF CONDUCTIVITY DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE
48
Material
20
70
90
Copper
56
48
44
Aluminium
35
30
28
Temperature
20C
70 C
90C
Over Voltage
A lightning may produce a transitory overvoltage of

short duration, with a huge amplitude.
TRANSITORY OVERVOLTAGE
The overvoltage produced due to network unbalances is

a permanent overvoltage, with a longer duration and a
lower amplitude.
In order to protect our installation against overvoltage,
electrical dischargers can be connected at the input and
output of each device to be protected.
PERMANENT OVERVOLTAGE
There are three different protection levels:

High
Middle
DEVICE
Low
PROTECTIONLEVEL
INVERTER
METER
49
CCCABINET
Source: Cirprotect
Transformers connection topology
In installations where more than one Medium Voltage transformer is required, it is

important to define the correct topology for the connection between all the MV
transformers and the main grid (Power line).
The possible connections options are:
STAR
RING
PRODUCTION
LOSSES
CABLE BREAK DOWN
NOPRODUCTION
LOSSES
50
INDEX
Single-Line diagram
51
Single-line diagram
FUSE
DC
MCB
DIFERENTIAL
PROTECTION
AC
MCB
ELECTRICALCOMPANY
DEVICE
52
End of Session 1
Thank you for attending
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/training-pv-systems-designconstruction-operation-and-maintenance
53

Photovoltaic Systems Training: Session 1 Design

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Photovoltaic Systems Training: Session 1 Design

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Photovoltaic Systems Training: Session 1 Design

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PhotovoltaicSystemsTraining

Solar resource evaluation

Characteristics of the solar resource: random and variable

The usage of Geostationary satellites images are

They are more reliable than the interpolation

Solar resource evaluation:

Each day, we can find new

maps, which have less

the viability study for a solar

enough for small solar facilities

Towards the profitability of

Disconnections & Breakdowns

Data from closest

Pollution, dispersion & reflectance

Data from satellites

The inverter can be considered as the heart of a solar facility

Its cost, in relation to the complete installation, is between 6% - 9%

Its performance is already between 95 %-97 %

It is important to know about their operation principles. We can find 3 options:

MULTI POWER STAGES

ONE POWER STAGE

Crystalline or Thin-film Panels

Thin film ASi:H

Thin film panel observations:

The guaranteed output power is not as precise as in Mono/Poli crystalline modules

There are no references from facilities producing an important amount of years

Crystalline or Thin film modules

THIN FILM PANEL

* This information can be altered depending on each manufacturer price policy

Concentration technology is still being developed

Fresnel Lens (and other kinds)

Refractive optical system

Potential cost savings

Improvement in cell efficiency: from actual 30% towards 40%

Increasing the concentration: from actual 500x towards 1000x

Extremely accurate suntracking (Accuracy < 0.1 - 0.2): High costs

Optical elements degradation

Cooling systems are required

The protections to be installed are:

Example: ABB S800PV (Specifications)

Versions: 2P, 3P & 4P

Voltage: 800 Vdc with 2P & 1200Vcc with 3P & 4P

Versions: 2P, 3P & 4P

Voltage: 800Vcc with 2P & 1200Vcc with 3P & 4P

Cable Requirements for PV facilities

Specific PV usage cable

Conductor: electrolytic copper

Insulation: halogen free

Cover: fireproof; low emissions (corrosive gas & toxic smokes) in

To avoid health damages and device damages

Obligatory in public locations

A comparative table can be found in next slides

* Based in previous slide considerations

Typical elements (used in every electrical installation):

Required elements for a Medium-voltage installation:

With the same power as the PV inverter output.

With the following features:

Mineral oil bath