Introduction to Special Issue on PV Systems Performance and Reliability


Book Description

The papers in this special issue have been selected from the systems and balance-of- systems sessions at the 1998 Photovoltaic Performance and Reliability Workshop. The workshop was held November 3-5, 1998 and hosted by the Florida Solar Energy Center, Cocoa Beach, Florida under sponsorship of the US National Center for Photovoltaics (National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories). The topics and issues addressed by these papers were identified in an invited review paper on PV systems by the guest editors. Their work was published earlier this year in Volume 7, Number 1 of Progress in Photovoltaics ('Photovoltaic Systems: An End-of-Millennium Review'). Experts in the PV community were asked to make presentations on these topics at the workshop. The papers that follow are the results of that effort. The papers are organized by topic: (1) codes and standards; (2) reliability; (3) design issues; and (4) commercialization.










Synerjy


Book Description







The Performance of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems


Book Description

The Performance of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Modelling, Measurement and Assessment explores the system lifetime of a PV system and the energy output of the system over that lifetime. The book concentrates on the prediction, measurement, and assessment of the performance of PV systems, allowing the reader to obtain a thorough understanding of the performance issues and progress that has been made in optimizing system performance. Provides unique insights into the performance of photovoltaic systems Includes comprehensive and systematic coverage of a fascinating area in energy Written by an expert team of authors and a respected editor




Emerging Converter Topologies and Control for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems


Book Description

Continuous cost reduction of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the rise of power auctions resulted in the establishment of PV power not only as a green energy source but also as a cost-effective solution to the electricity generation market. Various commercial solutions for grid-connected PV systems are available at any power level, ranging from multi-megawatt utility-scale solar farms to sub-kilowatt residential PV installations. Compared to utility-scale systems, the feasibility of small-scale residential PV installations is still limited by existing technologies that have not yet properly address issues like operation in weak grids, opaque and partial shading, etc. New market drivers such as warranty improvement to match the PV module lifespan, operation voltage range extension for application flexibility, and embedded energy storage for load shifting have again put small-scale PV systems in the spotlight. This Special Issue collects the latest developments in the field of power electronic converter topologies, control, design, and optimization for better energy yield, power conversion efficiency, reliability, and longer lifetime of the small-scale PV systems. This Special Issue will serve as a reference and update for academics, researchers, and practicing engineers to inspire new research and developments that pave the way for next-generation PV systems for residential and small commercial applications.




Photovoltaic Module Reliability


Book Description

Provides practical guidance on the latest quality assurance and accelerated stress test methods for improved long-term performance prediction of PV modules This book has been written from a historical perspective to guide readers through how the PV industry learned what the failure and degradation modes of PV modules were, how accelerated tests were developed to cause the same failures and degradations in the laboratory, and then how these tests were used as tools to guide the design and fabrication of reliable and long-life modules. Photovoltaic Module Reliability starts with a brief history of photovoltaics, discussing some of the different types of materials and devices used for commercial solar cells. It then goes on to offer chapters on: Module Failure Modes; Development of Accelerated Stress Tests; Qualification Testing; and Failure Analysis Tools. Next, it examines the use of quality management systems to manufacture PV modules. Subsequent chapters cover the PVQAT Effort; the Conformity Assessment and IECRE; and Predicting PV Module Service Life. The book finishes with a look at what the future holds for PV. A comprehensive treatment of current photovoltaic (PV) technology reliability and necessary improvement to become a significant part of the electric utility supply system Well documented with experimental and practical cases throughout, enhancing relevance to both scientific community and industry Timely contribution to the harmonization of methodological aspects of PV reliability evaluation with test procedures implemented to certify PV module quality Written by a leading international authority in PV module reliability Photovoltaic Module Reliability is an excellent book for anyone interested in PV module reliability, including those working directly on PV module and system reliability and preparing to purchase modules for deployment.




Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable Energy Infrastructure


Book Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM DELIVERY AS RELIABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE A practical guide to improving photovoltaic power plant lifecycle performance and output Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable Energy Infrastructure introduces a Preemptive Analytical Maintenance (PAM) for photovoltaic systems engineering, and the RepoweringTM planning approach, as a structured integrated system delivery process. A team of veteran photovoltaics professionals delivers a robust discussion of the lessons learned from mature industries—including PV, aerospace, utilities, rail, marine, and automotive—as applied to the photovoltaic industry. The book offers real-world “technical and fiscal” examples of the impact of photovoltaics to all stakeholders during the concept, specification, operations, maintenance, and RepoweringTM phases. In each chapter, readers will learn to develop RAMS specifications, reliability data collection, and tasks while becoming familiar with the inherent benefits of how these affect the cost of design and development, maintenance, spares, and systems operation. The authors also explain when and how to consider and implement RepoweringTM, plant upgrades and the considerations from concept through retirement and disposal of the plant. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to Preemptive Analytical Maintenance (PAM), including systems engineering, lifecycle planning, risk management, risk assessment, risk reduction, as compared to the historic utility models, An in-depth treatment of the modern photovoltaic industry, including economic factors and the present endlessly evolving state of technology, Constructive discussions and application of systems engineering, including RAMS and System Engineering practices and solutions, Extensive explorations and application of data collection, curation, and analysis for PV systems, including advanced sensor technologies. Perfect for all new through to experienced photovoltaic design and specification engineers, photovoltaic plant owners, operators, PV asset managers and all interested stakeholders. Photovoltaic (PV) System Delivery as Reliable Energy Infrastructure will also earn a place in the libraries of utilities, engineering, procurements, construction professionals and students.




ISTFA 2009


Book Description

This volume features the latest research and practical data from the premier event for the microelectronics failure analysis community. The papers cover a wide range of testing and failure analysis topics of practical value to anyone working to detect, understand, and eliminate electronic device and system failures. Case histories and review papers are included, as well as guides to new and unique tools and methodologies, applications and results.