An Optimization Approach to Enhance Performance of a Solar PV System based on Performance Assessment of an Existing 5 MW On-grid PV System

Abstract

This research article examines the performance assessment of a pre-existing 5 MW grid-connected utility-scale solar PV plant situated in EMC Naini, Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. The various performance metrics viz, yearly energy generated, performance ratio, grid-injected energy, reference yield and system losses etc. are analyzed using PVsyst software for one year data collected between January 2022 and December 2022. The decision support tool PVsyst software generates the various technical performance characteristics, energy loss diagram and annual energy generated output. The total annually generated energy from PVsyst software was 7758.8 MWh with annual performance ratio of 67.9 % with existing components of solar PV system.  The energy generated from real time SCADA monitoring system was 7064.805 MWh with performance ratio of 65.74% annually which was closely matched with PVsyst, but PVsyst can provide valuable insights and optimization options to optimize a solar PV plant. In this paper, Tabu Search (TS) optimization and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) design approach to enhance performance of solar PV system is also proposed for a fixed site and location. The design procedure includes three objectives: maximization of energy captured from solar PV plant, maximization of financial benefits and minimization of payback time period and concludes that the proposed design approach with PSO algorithm provides more efficient outcomes with respect to these three objectives.