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Design optimization of grid-tied solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) systems for flat roofs
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- Author / Creator
- Salim, K M Emtiaz
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In flat roof solar PV projects, design is one of the most important and challenging processes. PV design is challenging in that it requires various aspects to be considered (such as weather, location, purpose of use), and standard guidelines for building a solar PV system are not currently available. More challenging still is the task of improving the design of a solar PV system in order to optimize energy generation in a cost-effective manner. In the present research, in order to determine the optimal system size in terms of cost-effectiveness and power generation capacity for a flat roof solar PV system, optimization of the parameters is carried out. This optimization focuses on the design stage parameters, which must be determined prior to system implementation. In this research, through multi-objective optimization, the solar PV system design process is improved by optimizing the tilt angle and the space between rows (row distance) of solar PV modules. An objective function is developed based on the total solar energy generation from the PV system and energy generation per unit PV in order to improve cost effectiveness. The goal is to maximize these two outputs of the objective function. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is utilized to carry out the optimization. Given that the two objectives are different and have both equal and opposite effects on one another, modifications of the PSO are made. Finally, the outputs of the optimization model are compared and validated by real-world data. The model presented in this thesis will assist designers as well as users to determine the optimal size for a solar PV system. Additionally, this model will assist users in decision making based on the technical output and financial aspects of the system.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Spring 2018
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.