Research

A Genetic Algorithm Approach as a Self-Learning and Optimization Tool for PV Power Simulation and Digital Twinning

Abstract

A key aspect for achieving a high-accuracy Photovoltaic (PV) power simulation, and reliable digital twins, is a detailed description of the PV system itself. However, such information is not always accurate, complete, or even available. This work presents a novel approach to learn features of unknown PV systems or subsystems using genetic algorithm optimization. Based on measured PV power, this approach learns and optimizes seven PV system parameters: nominal power, tilt and azimuth angles, albedo, irradiance and temperature dependency, and the ratio of nominal module to nominal inverter power (DC/AC ratio). By optimizing these parameters, we create a digital twin that accurately reflects the actual properties and behaviors of the unknown PV systems or subsystems. To develop this approach, on-site measured power, ambient temperature, and satellite-derived irradiance of a PV system located in south-west Germany are used. The approach proposed here achieves a mean bias error of about 10% for nominal power, 3° for azimuth and tilt angles, between 0.01%/C and 0.09%/C for temperature coefficient, and now-casts with an accuracy of around 6%. In summary, we present a new solution to parametrize and simulate PV systems accurately with limited or no previous knowledge of their properties and features.

Info

Journal Article, 2020

UN SDG Classification
DK Main Research Area

    Science/Technology

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