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Modelling the Spectro-Angular Reflectance of Grass for Accurate Bifacial Photovoltaic Yield Calculation

Horst, Leonie M. (2023) Modelling the Spectro-Angular Reflectance of Grass for Accurate Bifacial Photovoltaic Yield Calculation.

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Abstract:Bifacial solar panels are able to capture irradiance from both faces of the module and therefore the reflectance properties of the surface on which they stand influence the yield. Being able to perform an accurate yield calculation has many benefits: the system’s configuration can be optimized, the investment risk decreases, the operation of the grid is supported and the understanding of the bifacial solar panel technology is improved. This thesis aims to contribute to a more accurate yield calculation by analysing the impact of grass reflection on the yield. Grass is one of the most commonly present materials surrounding a bifacial solar panel and exhibits retroreflective behaviour: incoming light is reflected back to the source. To model the spectro-angular reflectance, a Monte Carlo ray tracing software is developed which is used in combination with a reverse ray tracing software to study the effect of different grass structures on the energy yield. Specifically, the developed method is applied to a case study, the vertical bifacial solar park Aasen-Donaueschingen. It was found that accounting for retroreflective behaviour of grass results in a lower energy yield compared to assuming grass to reflect diffusely. Furthermore, the simulations showed that the morphology of the grass influences the energy yield. The presented work can be used for optimisation of an agrivoltaic system and more accurate calculation of the energy yield.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Next2Sun, Enschede, Germany
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:33 physics
Programme:Sustainable Energy Technology MSc (60443)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/103756
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