Evaluation of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System at the University of Brasília Based on Brazilian Standard for Performance Monitoring and Analysis

Paulo Fernandes, Alex Reis, Loana N. Velasco, Tânia M. Francisco, Ênio C. Resende and Luiz C. G. Freitas ()
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Paulo Fernandes: Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil
Alex Reis: Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil
Loana N. Velasco: Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil
Tânia M. Francisco: Administration, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
Ênio C. Resende: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil
Luiz C. G. Freitas: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-14

Abstract: This work presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the performance of the photovoltaic system connected to the electrical grid at the University of Brasília (UnB), Brazil. Following the guidelines established by the Brazilian Standard for Performance Monitoring and Analysis of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems, it was possible to evaluate the system’s performance by determining the Performance Ratio (PR) indicator. The operating temperatures were estimated using measured values of the ambient temperature and solar irradiation. These data were collected by a nearby solarimetric station. Next, the theoretical energy injected into the electrical grid was determined based on calculations of the Direct Current (DC) power at the inverter input and the Alternating Current (AC) power at the inverter output. To this end, the coefficients of the inverter efficiency curve were considered as well as a loss scenario, as recommended. With these results, as well as the information about the total photovoltaics (PV) system AC production obtained from the inverter supervisory system, it was possible to determine the average annual PR achieved and compare the theoretical and practical results obtained. The main contribution of this paper is the performance evaluation of a 125 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system at the University of Brasília (UnB), assessed using Brazilian Standards for performance monitoring and analysis. The system, installed on the rooftop of the UED building, consists of 298 Canadian Solar HiKu CS3W-420P modules with a 15-degree north pitch angle facing geographic north. It interfaces with the grid through two three-phase inverters, model CSI-75K-T400 (74.76 kWp) and a CSI-50KTL-GI (50.4 kWp). The results showed that the system with a 50kW inverter had an average PR of 78%, while the system with a 75 kW inverter showed a PR variation from 56% to 93%. The information obtained in this work will be used to develop computational tools capable of monitoring and evaluating, in real time, the performance of photovoltaic systems and ensuring that the expected financial return is achieved through the use of preventive and corrective maintenance actions in a timely manner.

Keywords: performance assessment; performance ratio; photovoltaic system; photovoltaics reliability; power generation estimation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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