Abstract
Photovoltaic inverter conversion efficiency is closely related to the energy yield of a photovoltaic system. Usually, the peak efficiency (ηmax) value from the inverter data sheet is used, but it is inaccurate because the inverter rarely operates at the peak power. The weighted efficiency is a preferable alternative as it inherently considers the power conversion characteristics of the inverter when subjected to varying irradiance. However, since the weighted efficiency is influenced by irradiance, its value may not be appropriate for different climatic conditions. Based on this premise, this work investigates the non-suitability of the European weighted efficiency (ηEURO) for inverters installed in the Equatorial region. It utilizes a one year data from the Equatorial irradiance profile to recalculate the value of ηEURO (ηEURO_recal) and to compare it with the original ηEURO. Furthermore, a new weighted efficiency formula for the Equatorial climate (ηEQUA) is proposed. Validation results showed that calculated energy yield with ηEQUA closely matched the real energy yield of 3 kW system with only 0.16% difference. It is envisaged that the usage of ηEQUA instead of ηmax or ηEURO will results in a more accurate energy yield and return of investment calculations for PV systems installed in Equatorial regions.
Highlights
The photovoltaic (PV) system provider (PVSP) performs a site survey to determine the suitability of the location and to propose the most appropriate system design
This report allows for the return of investment (ROI) or the payback period to be calculated and correspondingly, the financial capital can be secured [1]
It is difficult to validate the accuracy of the ηEQUA formula using the power data obtained from a real PV system
Summary
The photovoltaic (PV) system provider (PVSP) performs a site survey to determine the suitability of the location and to propose the most appropriate system design. The energy yield (Esys ) prediction report will be provided to the customer. This report allows for the return of investment (ROI) or the payback period to be calculated and correspondingly, the financial capital can be secured [1]. One important element in the Esys calculation is PV inverter conversion efficiency. Many PVSP use the maximum (peak) efficiency (ηmax ) value from the inverter datasheet to compute Esys [2,3]. It has to be noted that the ηmax refers to the maximum achievable conversion efficiency of the dc-ac power converter (or inverter) under the standard test
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