Speaker
Ms
Ntokozo Mahlangu
(University of Venda)
Description
Abstract
Novel methods of energy production (clean, inexpensive and abundant) are steadily replacing the conventional and out-dated methods (toxic, high-cost and rapidly depleting). Photovoltaics, in particular, show a relentless incline in the global contribution to electricity production. South Africa experiences large solar energy, the core of PV application, yet its contribution to PV power production significantly lags behind many low solar resource countries. To effectively exploit this abundant natural resource, the nature of solar radiation and the performance of PV technology must be well-documented and well-understood. Due to its shortage, this paper focuses on the latter.
PV performance depends on the solar cell material and the PV system environment. Despite this, manufacturers characterize PV performance under the non-representative standard testing conditions (25 °C, 1 kW/m^2 and AM1.5) that overestimate performance. To accurately characterize PV performance, analysis must be conducted under the actual outdoor conditions of the site of installation. The most appropriate PV technology can then be deployed at the most appropriate location for maximum solar energy harvest.
In this work, the performance of high-efficiency PV technology (CdTe and pc-Si) at the coastal (Port Elizabeth) and inland (Vuwani and Johannesburg) areas of South Africa is analysed and compared. This work uses DAQ system-controlled ground stations to collect, transmit and permanently store time-averaged solar resource and meteorological data over 1-minute, hourly and daily intervals. Also, the PV systems under analysis use mppt of a data logger to collect, transfer and store PV performance data. MATLAB software is finally used to analyse and compare PV performance.
Due to its lower dependency on spectral effects, pc-Si is expected to perform best in P.E. (coastal area). Due to its lower dependency on temperature, CdTe is expected to perform best in Vuwani (inland area).
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
Yes
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
MSc
Primary author
Ms
Ntokozo Mahlangu
(University of Venda)
