HCPV Annual Energy Calculation

Hi 

I have been playing around with the different models and noticed that the 

• Annual Energy calculation, and
• Capacity Factor calculation

For PVWatts model (for a Premium module with 2 axis tracker) and for the HCPV model (32% efficient module) produced very different results for the two parameters identified above.

I was surprised to see the annual energy calculation was nearly 75% higher for the Premium module than the HCPV module. The calculation for the capacity factor for the Premium module was also double that of the HCPV module. With all the other parameters remaining the same.

Please bear in mind that this  simulation was performed for a high DNI part of the World.

If the calculations for both those parameters were close, I would have accepted the difference, but the numbers are vastly different, but one could argue, the wrong way. 

Can you advise?

Hi Ainslie,

The annual energy and capacity factor of the flat plate PV and high-concentration PV depend on several parameters. It is possible to model  a poorly designed HCPV system that has a lower capacity factor than a well-designed flat plate PV system.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul

Thank you for your response.

Is there any more work going into modelling HCPV modules?

What will be required to validate HCPV models relative to PV modules?

Do you think you will need any assistance?

Kind regards

Ainslie

Hi Ainslie,

NREL is not actively developing the HCPV model in SAM.

You can review the documents on the PV Validation page to see what kind of work has been done in this area so far:

sam.nrel.gov/photovoltaic/pv-validation.html

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul

Thank you again for your response.

Do you have contact details (telephone number) that you can share on which I can talk to you?

Kind regards

Ainslie