A Study of the Impact of Climate on the Optimal Geometry of a LCPV System
Résumé
The inter-row spacing of classical photovoltaic (PV) plants is generally chosen to avoid shading during periods of significant solar radiation. The installation results in widely-spaced rows, and the inter-row space is illuminated during periods of high solar resource. The addition of inter-row reflectors augments the direct and diffuse flux reaching the PV cells while resulting in a lower inter-row spacing, which is advantageous for both large-scale and rooftop installations. The project aims to explore the benefits of equipping the inter-row space with highly reflective surfaces, and develop clear rules for optimal settings of the PV+Reflector system in a specified location and climate. An integrated model of the system was developed and validated with a demonstrator installed on the SIRTA meteorology platform (Palaiseau, France, 48.71°N, 2.21°E). The model was applied on three cities with similar latitudes but different climates: St. Johns, Palaiseau and Bratislava. The locations were compared based on achievable gains and optimal settings.