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U.S. Department of Energy
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PVFORM Version 3. 2: a PV simulation program for mini and micro computer systems. Second version

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6840118

PVFORM is a new photovoltaic (PV) system simulation program that integrates improved modelling techniques into a simplified program that can be run on computers ranging in size from a mainframe to a personal computer. PVFORM is designed to simulate the hourly performance of a PV flat-plate grid-interactive, stand-alone or hybrid system for a one year period. The code is based on simple but accurate approaches to modelling the insolation in the plane of the array, array thermal behavior, and power production portions of a PV system. This paper briefly discusses the theory and operation of the major features of PV system modelling and describes how these features have been integrated into the PVFORM model. Also included are results of some of the SNLA field tests being used to verify the accuracy of the PVFORM grid-interactive model. A major portion of the paper is devoted to describing applications of the PVFORM model to the design, testing, and evaluation of PV systems including some examples of how to use PVFORM to optimize the configuration of stand-alone PV/battery systems.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6840118
Report Number(s):
SAND-86-0272C; CONF-870373-1; ON: DE87002052
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English