Journal_papers3.1.3_PV_performance5_Submission_to_LU_Institutional_RepositorySolarEnergy10.84(4)Firth[1].pdf (2.43 MB)
A simple model of PV system performance and its use in fault detection
journal contribution
posted on 2010-05-06, 10:29 authored by Steven FirthSteven Firth, Kevin LomasKevin Lomas, Simon J. ReesResults are presented from a monitoring study of the performance of a sample of UK domestic PV systems.
Five minutely average climatic and performance data was recorded for 27 PV systems at two sites for up to
two years of operation. On average, the annual energy losses due to faults were 3.6% (Site A, first year of
operation), 6.6% (Site A, second year of operation) and 18.9% (Site B, first year of operation). Simple
empirical models are constructed to describe the performance of the PV systems under ‘normal operation’
(when no faults occur). New analysis techniques are developed which estimate the energy losses of four
different fault categories: sustained zero efficiency faults; brief zero efficiency faults; shading; and non-zero
efficiency non-shading faults. The results demonstrate that faults have the potential to cause significant
energy losses in domestic PV systems. The benefits of applying the data analysis techniques described in this
work to PV system clusters and other urban micro-generation technologies are discussed.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Citation
FIRTH, S.K., LOMAS, K.J. and REES, S.J., 2010. A simple model of PV system performance and its use in fault detection. Solar Energy, 84 (4), pp.624-635.Publisher
© ElsevierVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Publication date
2010Notes
This article was accepted for publication in the journal, Solar Energy [© Elsevier] and the definitive version is available at: www.elsevier.com/locate/solenerISSN
0038-092XLanguage
- en