PVFORM - a new approach to photovoltaic system performance modeling

Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6406868

Menicucci, D F

Over the past two years a number of studies have resulted in important changes in photovoltaic (PV) system simulation. For example, a Sandia National Laboratories (SNLA) study showed that the major cause of error in PV performance models is incorrect estimates of insolation in the plane of the array of the system under study. Other studies have resulted in improvements in the modelling of various array subsystems. SNLA has integrated improved modelling techniques into a simplified program named PVFORM that can be run on mainframe or personal computers. The new model simulates the hourly performance of a PV flat-plate system for a one-year period. Verification tests at SNLA have shown that predicted values from the PVFORM model are typically within 1% to 5% of measured values. This paper describes the PVFORM model and gives examples of its application to the design, testing, and evaluation of PV systems.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6406868
• Report Number(s): SAND-85-2271C; CONF-851043-13; ON: DE86001752
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COST
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INSOLATION
LIFE-CYCLE COST
OPTIMIZATION
P CODES
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SIMULATION
SIZING
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
VALIDATION