G. Almonacid

Quantifying the effect of air temperature in CPV modules under outdoor conditions

CPV modules are influenced by incident irradiance, air temperature and incident spectrum. However, the study of these effects and the ability to quantify them individually is not easy and it is still under study. The aim of this paper is describe a procedure to study the influence of air temperature in the maximum power point independently of the incident irradiance and spectrum. Two different CPV modules have been studied during one year, the main conclusions and the differences in the behaviour of CPV modules under study will be given.

RMS Current of a Photovoltaic Generator in Grid-Connected PV Systems: Definition and Application

This paper includes a definition of a new and original concept in the photovoltaic field, RMS current of a photovoltaic generator for grid-connected systems. The RMS current is very useful for calculating energy losses in cables used in a PV generator. As well, a current factor has been defined in order to simplify RMS current calculation. This factor provides an immediate (quick and easy) calculation method for the RMS current that does not depend on the case particular conditions (orientation, location, etc.). RMS current and current factor values have been calculated for different locations and modules.

Analysis of high concentrator photovoltaic modules in outdoor conditions: Influence of direct normal irradiance, air temperature, and air mass

The study of high concentrator photovoltaic (HCPV) technology under real conditions is essential to understand its real behavior. The influence of direct normal irradiance (DNI), air temperature (Tair), and air mass (AM) on the maximum power of two HCPV modules was studied for more than three years. Results found are presented in this paper. As expected, the main influence on the maximum power is DNI. Also, Tair has been found to have small influence on the maximum power. Regarding AM, two different behaviors have been found. The maximum power could be considered independent of AM for AM ≤ 2, while it decreases with an approximate linear behavior for AM > 2. Also, the maximum power of a HCPV module could be estimated with a linear mathematical fitting based on DNI, Tair, and AM.

Analysis and Performance of a Two-Axis PV Tracker in Southern Spain

El Girasol, a two-axis photovoltaic (PV) tracker system of 9.6 kWp connected to the grid at the Campus of the University of Jaen in Southern Spain, has reached an average yield of 2092 kWh/kWp·year. As far as it is known, it is one of the highest productivity data reported up to now in PV systems. This paper presents a description of the system and the working analysis during 2 years of operation. Related to the system behavior, the following performances are highlighted: global efficiency of 10.4%, performance ratio of 73.1%, a yield increase versus a fixed and ideally faced PV system of 45.8%, and high operation reliability with minimal maintenance needs.

Proposal Of A Spanish CPV Feed‐in Tariff

The recent research and field experiences in CPV systems have proved that this technology has present and potential advantages when compared with other sources of energy. Despite of that, if this technology wants to initiate its learning curve with the increment of the production and the consequent price reduction, it is necessary an institutional support that allows this technology to compete against other sources of energy through the creation of a favourable and attractive economic environment for potential investors to get interested in this new technology. Nowadays, Spain is a world CPV referent. The research developed by some of its organism and the industrial experience obtained in the past years through the installation of thousands of MW, is a guarantee of its scientific and industrial potential.The intention of this report is to justify the reasons to set aside a power cap of 10 MW in the Spanish PV regulatory framework dedicated exclusively to CPV systems, and the increment of the feed‐in tarif...