Modelling Photovoltaic Systems Using PSpice

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of light from the sun into electricity, is an increasingly important means of distributed power generation. The SPICE modelling tool is typically used in the development of electrical and electronic circuits. When applied to the modelling of PV systems it provides a means of understanding and evaluating the performance of solar cells and systems.
The majority of books currently on the market are based around discussion of the solar cell as semiconductor devices rather than as a system to be modelled and applied to real-world problems. Castaner and Silvestre provide a comprehensive treatment of PV system technology analysis. Using SPICE, the tool of choice for circuits and electronics designers, this book highlights the increasing importance of modelling techniques in the quantitative analysis of PV systems. This unique treatment presents both students and professional engineers, with the means to understand, evaluate and develop their own PV modules and systems.
* Provides a unique, self-contained, guide to the modelling and design of PV systems
* Presents a practical, application oriented approach to PV technology, something that is missing from the current literature
* Uses the widely known SPICE circuit-modelling tool to analyse and simulate the performance of PV modules for the first time
* Written by respected and well-known academics in the field Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems and PSpice.

Spectral Response and Short-Circuit Current.

Electrical Characteristics of the Solar Cell.

Solar Cell Arrays, PV Modules and PV Generators.

Interfacing PV Modules to Loads and Battery Modelling.

Power Conditioning and Inverter Modelling.

Standalone PV Systems.

Grid-connected PV Systems.

Small Photovoltaics.

Annex 1 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 1.

Annex 2 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 2.

Annex 3 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 3.

Annex 4 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 4.

Annex 5 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 5.

Annex 6 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 6.

Annex 7 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 7.

Annex 8 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 8.

Annex 9 PSpice Files Used in Chapter 9.

Annex 10 Summary of Solar Cell Basic Theory.

Annex 11 Estimation of the Radiation in an Arbitrarily Oriented Surface.

Index.

Luis Castañer is the author of Modelling Photovoltaic Systems Using PSpice, published by Wiley.

Santiago Silvestre is the author of Modelling Photovoltaic Systems Using PSpice, published by Wiley. The rapidly growing photovoltaic industry is expanding the need for education and training worldwide, particularly at the system level. Modelling Photovoltaic Systems using PSpice provides expert help in understanding photovoltaic systems engineering and system design. Working with PSpice, the most popular standard for analogue and mixed signal simulation, the book allows detailed and quantitative analysis of design concepts, criteria and results.

Featuring:
* Both topological and behavioural models for the key components helping short- and long-term simulation.

* A model to compute the Loss of Load probability, considering year long daily radiation data.

* Sizing procedures for stand-alone and grid connected systems, based on energy balance and long-term simulations.

* Models for PV generators, batteries, converters and inverters.

* Coverage of numerous topics related to small PV systems, such as artificial light response, random irradiance and illuminance conditions

* A comprehensive range of solved examples
This book is an essential tool for students and professional electrical and electronic engineers wishing to gain specialisation in photovoltaics. Educators in Electrical Engineering or Power Electronics will find photovoltaic examples from the book useful.