Modelling and Simulation of Bifacial PV Production Using Monofacial Electrical Models

Salim Bouchakour,Daniel Valencia-Caballero,Alvaro Luna,El Amin Kouadri Boudjelthia,Pedro Rodríguez,Eduardo Roman

doi:10.3390/en14144224

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the use of monofacial PV models to simulate the production of bifacial PV systems over different albedos. Analytical and empirical models were evaluated using measured data obtained from three identical bifacial PV arrays: (1) with the backside covered by white plastic, (2) with normal albedo, and (3) with high albedo. The front-and rear-side irradiances were measured in order to integrate bifaciality of the modules into the models. The models showed good performance for non-real-time monitoring, especially under clear skies, and the analytical model was more accurate than the empirical model. The heatmap visualization technique was applied to six months of data in order to investigate the site conditions on the rear side of the modules as well as the accuracy of the models. The heatmap results of the rear- and front-sides irradiances showed that the installation conditions, such as the azimuth angles of the sun and the surrounding obstacles, had a strong impact on the energy received from the back of the modules. The heatmap results of the models validated the performance of the analytical model. The average daily errors for the analytical model were less than 1% and 3% for normal and high albedos, respectively.

Highlights

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module technology is becoming increasingly attractive, with a market share of around 20% in 2020 expected to increase significantly to more than70% over the 10 years [1,2,3,4,5]
The power outputs of the monofacial and bifacial PV arrays were simulated using the analytical and empirical models in which we introduced the ratio of Gr to GPOA (BGg) to integrate the behavior of the bifacial modules
Analytical and empirical models in which we introduced the ratio of Gr to GPOA (BGg) to

Summary

Introduction

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module technology is becoming increasingly attractive, with a market share of around 20% in 2020 expected to increase significantly to more than70% over the 10 years [1,2,3,4,5]. Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module technology is becoming increasingly attractive, with a market share of around 20% in 2020 expected to increase significantly to more than. The bifacial solar cell technology uses similar fabrication methods to monofacial PV cells and implementation only requires minor and affordable changes of the manufacturing equipment. The manufacturing of bifacial modules requires the use of transparent material at the rear side, such as a transparent backsheet or glass, which may increase slightly the cost. The modeling and simulation of bifacial PV modules is a major obstacle to the bankability of bifacial PV technology. Monofacial PV performance forecasting models are well established; their adaption for bifacial systems is still ongoing, and their reliability needs to be proven by comparison with measured data [9,10]. Several studies reported that the geometrical, optical, and environmental conditions dictate the energy output of bifacial

Results

Discussion

Conclusion