PVUSA instrumentation and data analysis techniques for photovoltaic systems
The Photovoltaics for Utility Scale Applications (PVUSA) project tests two types of PV systems at the main test site in Davis, California: new module technologies fielded as 20-kW Emerging Module Technology (EMT) arrays and more mature technologies fielded as 70- to 500-kW turnkey Utility-Scale (US) systems. PVUSA members have also installed systems in their service areas. Designed appropriately, data acquisition systems (DASs) can be a convenient and reliable means of assessing system performance, value, and health. Improperly designed, they can be complicated, difficult to use and maintain, and provide data of questionable validity. This report documents PVUSA PV system instrumentation and data analysis techniques and lessons learned. The report is intended to assist utility engineers, PV system designers, and project managers in establishing an objective, then, through a logical series of topics, facilitate selection and design of a DAS to meet the objective. Report sections include Performance Reporting Objectives (including operational versus research DAS), Recommended Measurements, Measurement Techniques, Calibration Issues, and Data Processing and Analysis Techniques. Conclusions and recommendations based on the several years of operation and performance monitoring are offered. This report is one in a series of 1994--1995 PVUSA reports documenting PVUSA lessons learned at the demonstration sites in Davis and Kerman, California. Other topical reports address: five-year assessment of EMTs; validation of the Kerman 500-kW grid support PV plant benefits; construction and safety experience in installing and operating PV systems; balance-of-system design and costs; procurement, acceptance, and rating practices for PV power plants; experience with power conditioning units and power quality.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Gas and Electric Co., San Ramon, CA (United States). Dept. of Research and Development
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, Sacramento, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC04-92AL82993
- OSTI ID:
- 125070
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/AL/82993--25; ON: DE96001987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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