How to increase the power generation of photovoltaic power plants?

With the transformation of the global energy structure and the vigorous promotion of clean energy, photovoltaic power plants, as an important component of green energy, directly affect energy utilization efficiency and economic benefits in terms of their power generation capacity. Therefore, how to increase power generation has become one of the important issues in the construction and operation of photovoltaic power plants. This article will explore in detail the basic principles of photovoltaic power plants, factors affecting power generation, and measures to improve power generation, in order to provide technical support for the optimized operation of photovoltaic power plants.

Basic principles of photovoltaic power plants

A photovoltaic power station is a power generation system that utilizes the photovoltaic effect of solar energy to convert light energy into electrical energy. It mainly consists of photovoltaic modules, brackets, inverters, distribution boxes, and cables. Photovoltaic modules are the core part of photovoltaic power plants, which convert sunlight into direct current, then convert it into alternating current through inverters, and finally integrate it into the power grid or supply it to users.

Factors affecting the power generation of photovoltaic power plants

The power generation of photovoltaic power plants is influenced by various factors, mainly including the following aspects:

(1) lighting conditions: lighting intensity, lighting time, and spectral distribution are key factors affecting the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The stronger the light intensity, the more electricity the photovoltaic module outputs; The longer the illumination time, the greater the power generation; Different spectral distributions also have an impact on the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules.

Single crystal module power under standard testing conditions of 1000W/m² irradiance

Single crystal module power under general testing conditions, i.e. irradiance of 800W/m²

Power curves under different light intensities and voltages

(2) Temperature conditions: The temperature of photovoltaic modules has a significant impact on their power generation efficiency. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature of photovoltaic modules, the lower their photoelectric conversion efficiency, resulting in a decrease in power generation; The peak power temperature coefficient of photovoltaic modules is affected by temperature, that is, as the temperature increases, the power generation of photovoltaic modules decreases. In theory, for every degree of temperature increase, the power generation of photovoltaic power plants will decrease by about 0.3%; Similarly, inverters are also afraid of heat. The inverter is composed of numerous electronic components, and the main components generate heat during operation. If the temperature of the inverter is too high, the performance of the components will decrease, which will affect the overall life of the inverter and have a significant impact on the power generation and operation of the entire station.

(3) The performance of photovoltaic modules: The photoelectric conversion efficiency, anti attenuation performance, and weather resistance of photovoltaic modules directly affect their power generation. Efficient and stable photovoltaic modules are the foundation for increasing the power generation of photovoltaic power plants.

(4) Power plant design and installation: The design layout, shading, component installation angle, and spacing of photovoltaic power plants can all affect the efficiency of receiving and utilizing sunlight.

(5) Power plant operation and maintenance management: The cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment updates of photovoltaic modules, inverters, and other equipment in power plants are crucial for ensuring stable operation and increasing power generation.

Measures to increase the power generation of photovoltaic power plants

In response to the above influencing factors, we can take the following measures to increase the power generation of photovoltaic power plants:

Optimize the selection and layout of photovoltaic systems

(1) Choose efficient photovoltaic modules: In the market, efficient photovoltaic modules typically have high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, in the early stage of power plant construction, priority should be given to selecting photovoltaic modules that have been certified by authoritative institutions and have efficient and stable performance.

(2) Reasonable layout of photovoltaic modules: Based on the geographical conditions, climate characteristics, and distribution of light resources in the location of the power station, plan the layout of photovoltaic modules reasonably. By adjusting the installation angle and spacing of components, the power station can receive sunlight to the maximum extent possible, thereby increasing power generation.

Improve the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic systems

(1) Reduce component temperature: Use brackets and heat sinks with good heat dissipation performance to increase ventilation and lower the operating temperature of the components, thereby improving their photoelectric conversion efficiency.

(2) Improve equipment ventilation: For electrical equipment such as inverters, choose products with good heat dissipation performance, optimize the ventilation environment in the design layout, add inverter canopies to prevent direct sunlight, and improve the service life of inverter equipment.

(3) Reduce shadow occlusion: When designing a power station, full consideration should be given to the possible shadow occlusion issues caused by surrounding buildings, trees, etc. By planning the layout of the power station reasonably, reducing the impact of shadows on photovoltaic modules, and ensuring the stable operation of the power station.

Strengthen the operation and maintenance management of power stations

(1) Regular cleaning of photovoltaic modules: Regularly clean the photovoltaic modules to remove surface pollutants such as dust and dirt, maintain high transmittance of the modules, and thereby increase power generation; The installation of inverters should not have environments such as rust or dust accumulation, and the installation distance and heat dissipation environment should be good;

(2) Strengthen equipment maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain power station equipment, including inverters, distribution boxes, cables, etc., to ensure their normal operation. For equipment that malfunctions, timely maintenance or replacement should be carried out to avoid affecting the power generation of the power station.

(3) Establish a data monitoring system: By installing data monitoring equipment, real-time monitoring of the operation status, power generation, and other data of the power station can be achieved, providing scientific basis for operation and maintenance management.

Applying new technologies and intelligent management

(1) Introducing an intelligent tracking system: using solar tracking technology, photovoltaic modules can automatically adjust their angle and direction, follow the movement of the sun, and absorb solar energy to the maximum extent possible.

(2) Utilizing energy storage technology: Introducing energy storage systems into photovoltaic power plants can provide power support during periods of insufficient sunlight or peak grid demand, improving the reliability of power supply and the utilization rate of power generation.

(3) Implement intelligent management: With the help of modern information technology such as the Internet of Things and big data, achieve intelligent management of photovoltaic power plants. Improve the operational efficiency and management level of the power station through remote monitoring, data analysis, and other functions.

Epilogue

Improving the power generation of photovoltaic power plants is a system engineering that involves multiple aspects. By optimizing the selection and layout of photovoltaic systems, improving the power generation efficiency of the system, strengthening the operation and maintenance management of power stations, and applying new technologies and intelligent management, we can effectively increase the power generation of photovoltaic power stations; However, considering various factors such as power plant cost investment, in actual power plant planning, a more balanced and reasonable solution should be sought based on specific circumstances.