Comprehensive PV Systems Modelling Toolbox
The PV Systems Modelling Toolbox launched as an initiative focused on developing a tool to predict the annual energy yield of a PV module (paying special attention to bifacial panels), going from cell to module level.
The toolbox has since evolved, and is now made up of a simulation toolbox containing even more advanced optical models that can take the effects of reflectors into account. Ray-tracing simulations are used to generate a so-called sensitivity map of the front and rear side of the PV module, taking into account shading and reflections from nearby objects, as well as the spectral and angle resolved response of the PV module to incoming light. The flexibility of our software platform allows us to exhaustively simulate custom horizons in combination with rigid/flexible PV modules and bifacial PV modules in presence of albedo components. We use this toolbox to analyze the annual energy yield of floating PV modules, bifacial PV modules with and without reflectors and even modules that do not exist yet in the market but are currently under development such as modules based on perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells.
People:
- Dr. Rudi Santbergen, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Olindo Isabella, Associate Professor
News and Related Resources:
- Santbergen, R., Rindt, C. C. M., Zondag, H. A., & Zolingen, van, R. J. C. (2010). Detailed analysis of the energy yield of systems with covered sheet-and-tube PVT collectors. Solar Energy, 84(5), 867-878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2010.02.014
- Santbergen, R., Rindt, C. C. M., Zondag, H. A., & Zolingen, van, R. J. C. (2010). Detailed analysis of the energy yield of systems with covered sheet-and-tube PVT collectors. Solar Energy, 84(5), 867-878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2010.02.014
Research Line: Adapting Photovoltaics Technology, Smart and Multi-functional Modules
