Most time-series simulations (such as of photovoltaic system performance) involve the “quasi-steady state”assumption of values being constant over a time-step (e.g. 1 hour). This assumption tends to underestimate phenomenon of interest to energy system integration that occur within the duration of a time-step. Other researchers are addressing this problem by high-resolution time series data (e.g. 1-minute). In this presentation we consider the alternative approach of considering a range of values within the time-step represented as a distribution function. The novel distribution function is derived just for this purpose, and represents a maximum value, a minimum value, and a shape to the curve within each time-step. Scalar integrals are then used to calculate quantities of interest to grid integration such as inverter clipping, sell-back of excess power to a utility;through-put of energy in and out of a battery within a time-step;and hosting capacity of a network (maximum power). Derivation of the method will be presented and commercialization of the invention with HOMER Energy LLC will be demonstrated.


Workshop: Sub-interval Distribution Rather than Steady-State Assumption in HOMER Time- Series Simulation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Improved Estimates of Phenomenon of Interest to Grid Integration

Division / Sponsor:
Advanced Energy Systems Division (AESD) & Solar Energy Division (SED)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/ES/ES2020/volume/83631

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