PV PLANT WITH SINGLE-AXIS TRACKING OF V-TROUGHS

Objetivo

The aim of this project is to demonstrate a PV system concept (tracking with soft concentration), which is expected to further reduce pv energy cost:
- Tracking causes higher expenditures for the mechanical construction, however it enables higher energy gain.
- The extra cost of the concentrators is compensated by a reduction of the pv module area. Only weak concentration is applied, - the so-called V-trough concept - allowing to use standard pv modules, that are not damaged by a concentration factor 2.
This project is the first application of a passive thermohydraulic drive for tracking of weakly concentrating PV systems with V-trough concentration. The PTD has been considerably improved in many aspects compared to the original SUN SEEKER concept of Robbins (USA). The results will improve photovoltaic plant technologies with special emphasis to medium and large-scale pv plants.

A 40 kWp PV plant with single axis tracking and V-trough concentrators is constructed and operated at Widderstall test field.
The arrays are supported parallel to the slope of the site, tilted 6 deg. south. The north-south oriented axis parallel to the slope of the site reduces the height of the arrays (savings on structures and less shadowing).
Only 25 kWp of PV modules are used to power this 40 kWp generator. (65% concentrator gain; according to newer studies only 35 to 45%).
The pv modules present 50 to 60% of the total cost, support and foundation about 10% (rest BOS). All relevant parameters are monitored.
This type of pv plant can be used for all types of systems; stand-alone or grid connected; decentralized or central power station.
Nr. subsystems : 9 subarrays
Power subsystems : 2,72 kWp (STC) = 4,4 kWp (concentrated)
Total power : 40 kW, (from 24.48 kWp (STC) modules with concentrator
Backup : grid
Nr. of modules : 288
Module description : DASA type MQ 60 P4-DK, 1616 x 462 mm, 85 Wp, double glass/EVA sandwiches without frame
Connection : 2 x 8 modules per V-trough, 2 V-troughs per subarray, 9 subarrays
Support : one subarray contains two V-troughs, 14 m high. Each subarray has a passive thermohydraulic drive (PTD) for tracking
Max. pwr. trcker : data not available
Chrg. controller : none
Battery : none
Inverter : 9 independent units, mounted close to each sub-array for short dc cables, Karschny/Alfasolar, 3,8 kVA, 92% efficiency at full power (90% at 10% power).
Inv. in (V) : 110 V dc
Inv. out (V) : 380 V ac
Inv. power (kW) : 9 x 2,82 kVA
Load descript. : grid connected
Monitoring : complete

Programa(s)

ENG-THERMIE 1 - Programme (EEC) for the promotion of energy technology in Europe (THERMIE), 1990-1994

Tema(s)

6.1 - PHOTOVOLTAIC

Convocatoria de propuestas

Data not available

Régimen de financiación

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinador

Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württenberg

Aportación de la UE

Sin datos

Dirección

Hessbrühlstraße 21 C
70565 Stuttgart
Alemania

Coste total