Three grid-connected monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic arrays have been instrumented with research-grade sensors on the Gaithersburg, MD campus of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These arrays range from 73 kW to 271 kW and have different tilts, orientations, and configurations. Irradiance, temperature, wind, and electrical measurements at the arrays are recorded, and images are taken of the arrays to monitor shading and capture any anomalies. A weather station has also been constructed that includes research-grade instrumentation to measure all standard meteorological quantities plus additional solar irradiance spectral bands, full spectrum curves, and directional components using multiple irradiance sensor technologies. Reference photovoltaic (PV) modules are also monitored to provide comprehensive baseline measurements for the PV arrays. Images of the whole sky are captured, along with images of the instrumentation and reference modules to document any obstructions or anomalies. Nearly, all measurements at the arrays and weather station are sampled and saved every 1 s, with monitoring having started on Aug. 1, 2014. This report describes the instrumentation approach used to monitor the performance of these photovoltaic systems, measure the meteorological quantities, and acquire the images for use in PV performance and weather monitoring and computer model validation.
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June 2017
Technical Briefs
High-Speed Monitoring of Multiple Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Array Configurations and Supplementary Weather Station
Matthew T. Boyd
Matthew T. Boyd
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8632,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
e-mail: matthew.boyd@nist.gov
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8632,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
e-mail: matthew.boyd@nist.gov
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Matthew T. Boyd
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8632,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
e-mail: matthew.boyd@nist.gov
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8632,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
e-mail: matthew.boyd@nist.gov
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING: INCLUDING WIND ENERGY AND BUILDING ENERGY CONSERVATION. Manuscript received October 26, 2016; final manuscript received December 19, 2016; published online March 21, 2017. Assoc. Editor: Geoffrey T. Klise.
This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Jun 2017, 139(3): 034502 (7 pages)
Published Online: March 21, 2017
Article history
Received:
October 26, 2016
Revised:
December 19, 2016
Citation
Boyd, M. T. (March 21, 2017). "High-Speed Monitoring of Multiple Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Array Configurations and Supplementary Weather Station." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. June 2017; 139(3): 034502. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4035830
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