NAtural variability of irradiance and power-simple variability metrics for photovoltaic power plants

David M. Willy, Tom L Acker, Ronald K. Flood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electric power utilities have the continual task of balancing the load with available generation. The load constantly changes in both predictable patterns (e.g. from seasonal and daily load variations), and in less predictable ways (e.g. the minute-to-minute variations or longer). The reserve and regulation activities required to balance these less predictable variations are called "ancillary services" which add to the overall cost of integration. One characteristic of solar photovoltaic (PV) power is that it varies over all the time scales of utility operations, and thus is expected to increase the ancillary services requirements. Presented here are two metrics that aid in assessing the impact of solar variability onto the grid: the Natural Variability of Irradiance (NVI) and the Natural Variability of Power (NVP). These metrics are statistical measures of changes in irradiance and power. The metrics will be defined and demonstrated using data from a 2.66-MW PV power plant.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
PublisherAmerican Solar Energy Society
Pages552-558
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781510801790
StatePublished - 2014
Event43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jul 6 2014Jul 10 2014

Publication series

Name43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
Volume1

Other

Other43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period7/6/147/10/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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