Estimating the effect of module failures on the gross generation of a photovoltaic system using agent-based modeling
Authored by Byungil Kim, Changyoon Kim
Date Published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.04.054
Sponsors:
Korean National Research Foundation (NRF)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
ODD
Flow charts
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Photovoltaic modules represent the largest single investment in most
photovoltaic systems. Ensuring that photovoltaic modules are functioning
as intended is key to achieve its designed voltage and current output.
Unfortunately, photovoltaic modules fail occasionally and a single
failed photovoltaic module, which can go unnoticed for substantial
periods of time, causes all power output for the sting it is included in
to cease. The effect of these module failures on the total electricity
generation of a photovoltaic system during its life cycle has not yet
been adequately explored. The objective of this paper is to investigate
how much the gross generation of a photovoltaic system is reduced due to
module failures over the course of its life cycle. To investigate this
effect, an agent-based model is developed to simulate the module
failures in a 3,229-kW rooftop photovoltaic system located in Daejeon,
South Korea. Through simulation it was found that if routine maintenance
cycles are shortened from 52 weeks to two weeks, the system generates an
additional 430 MWh over its life cycle. These findings can be integrated
into strategic module replacement schemes by enabling photovoltaic
system owners to make more precise system valuations. Further, the
findings provide a basis for determining optimal routine maintenance
schedules for various maintenance costs scenarios.
Tags
Agent-based model
Performance
Reliability
Maintenance
Brazil
Photovoltaic
Rates
Technologies
Field conditions
Module failure
Degradation analysis
Solar-energy
Pv systems
Installation