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Evaluation of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System at the University of Brasília Based on Brazilian Standard for Performance Monitoring and Analysis

Author

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  • Paulo Fernandes

    (Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil)

  • Alex Reis

    (Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil)

  • Loana N. Velasco

    (Faculty of Science, Technology in Engineering, and Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72444-240, Brazil)

  • Tânia M. Francisco

    (Administration, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil)

  • Ênio C. Resende

    (Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil)

  • Luiz C. G. Freitas

    (Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil)

Abstract

This work presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the performance of the photovoltaic system connected to the electrical grid at the University of Brasília (UnB), Brazil. Following the guidelines established by the Brazilian Standard for Performance Monitoring and Analysis of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems, it was possible to evaluate the system’s performance by determining the Performance Ratio (PR) indicator. The operating temperatures were estimated using measured values of the ambient temperature and solar irradiation. These data were collected by a nearby solarimetric station. Next, the theoretical energy injected into the electrical grid was determined based on calculations of the Direct Current (DC) power at the inverter input and the Alternating Current (AC) power at the inverter output. To this end, the coefficients of the inverter efficiency curve were considered as well as a loss scenario, as recommended. With these results, as well as the information about the total photovoltaics (PV) system AC production obtained from the inverter supervisory system, it was possible to determine the average annual PR achieved and compare the theoretical and practical results obtained. The main contribution of this paper is the performance evaluation of a 125 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system at the University of Brasília (UnB), assessed using Brazilian Standards for performance monitoring and analysis. The system, installed on the rooftop of the UED building, consists of 298 Canadian Solar HiKu CS3W-420P modules with a 15-degree north pitch angle facing geographic north. It interfaces with the grid through two three-phase inverters, model CSI-75K-T400 (74.76 kWp) and a CSI-50KTL-GI (50.4 kWp). The results showed that the system with a 50kW inverter had an average PR of 78%, while the system with a 75 kW inverter showed a PR variation from 56% to 93%. The information obtained in this work will be used to develop computational tools capable of monitoring and evaluating, in real time, the performance of photovoltaic systems and ensuring that the expected financial return is achieved through the use of preventive and corrective maintenance actions in a timely manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Fernandes & Alex Reis & Loana N. Velasco & Tânia M. Francisco & Ênio C. Resende & Luiz C. G. Freitas, 2024. "Evaluation of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System at the University of Brasília Based on Brazilian Standard for Performance Monitoring and Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:11212-:d:1548892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahmoud Dhimish, 2020. "Performance Ratio and Degradation Rate Analysis of 10-Year Field Exposed Residential Photovoltaic Installations in the UK and Ireland," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Lopes, Bruno M. & Costa, André M.G. & Uturbey, Wadaed, 2024. "Simulation with performance evaluation of photovoltaic production using long term monthly irradiation data," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    3. Abid Ali & Maïté Volatier & Maxime Darnon, 2023. "Optimal Sizing and Assessment of Standalone Photovoltaic Systems for Community Health Centers in Mali," Post-Print hal-04210722, HAL.
    4. Rediske, Graciele & Michels, Leandro & Siluk, Julio Cezar Mairesse & Rigo, Paula Donaduzzi & Rosa, Carmen Brum & Lima, Andrei Cunha, 2024. "A proposed set of indicators for evaluating the performance of the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 354(PA).
    5. Agata Zdyb & Dariusz Sobczyński, 2024. "An Assessment of a Photovoltaic System’s Performance Based on the Measurements of Electric Parameters under Changing External Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-22, May.
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    1. Hatice Gül Sezgin-Ugranlı, 2025. "Photovoltaic System Performance Under Partial Shading Conditions: Insight into the Roles of Bypass Diode Numbers and Inverter Efficiency Curve," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-25, May.

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