PVSAT: Remote performance check for grid connected PV systems using satellite data

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0542

Key words (English)

Remote performance check; connected PV systems; satellite data

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: JOR3-CT98-0230

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 5.1 Nonnuclear energies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (D)

Abstract (English)

The PVSAT procedure will provide an operational, bw cost, long-term surveillance for small PV Systems, applicable to any site within Europe. There are no additional hardware expenses at the individual Systems, the accuracy will be stable over the whole geographic region. Through the early detection of faults or malfunction, the energy output of a large number of systems may be optimised remarkable.
PVSAT operates as follows:
- Images of the geostationary METEOSAT satellites will be used to derive irradiation values for the individual PV-Plant site.
- Using the satellite irradiation values and individual configuration information on each PV system, individual target yield values are determined.
- The results will be distributed automatically via postcard, fax or e-mail.
- The operator compares the target value with the actual production.
This procedure will remind the system operator periodically to check the performance of his installation.
The accuracy of satellite data come to +-1 0%. Only in bw radiation periods (H<1 .5kWhImA2 per day), the satellite image derived irradiation data probably overestimate the real solar energy
availability. In the reporting year the system was implemented with a total of about 70 pilot participants in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0542