Simulation model for sizing of stand-alone solar PV system with interconnected array

Abstract

Abstract Solar PV arrays made of interconnected modules are comparatively less susceptible to shadow problem and power degradation resulting from the aging of solar cells. This paper presents a simulation model for the sizing of stand-alone solar PV systems with interconnected arrays. It considers the electricity generation in the array and its storage in the battery bank serving the fluctuating load demand. The loss of power supply probability (LPSP) is used to connote the risk of not satisfying the load demand. The non-tracking (e.g., fixed and tilted) and single-axis tracking aperture arrays having cross-connected modules of single crystalline silicon solar cells in a ( 6 × 6 ) modular configuration are considered. The simulation results are illustrated with the help of a numerical example wherein the load demand is assumed to follow uniform probabilistic distribution. For a given load, the numbers of solar PV modules and batteries corresponding to zero values of LPSP on diurnal basis during the year round cycle of operation are presented. The results corresponding to the surplus and deficit of energy as a function of LPSP are also presented and discussed to assess the engineering design trade offs in the system components. Furthermore, a simple cost analysis has also been carried out, which indicates that for Delhi the stand-alone solar PV systems with fixed and tilted aperture arrays are better option than those with single-axis tracking aperture (with north–south oriented tracking axis) arrays.