pre112 - Photovoltaics Systems & Solar Energy Meteorology

After successful completion of the module students should be able to:

-        explain the concepts of physical processes governing the surface solar irradiance available for solar energy applications

-        model the solar radiation and show their expertise in application, adaptation and development of models

-        discuss state-of-the-art-methods in satellite-based irradiance estimation and solar power forecasting

-        categorize and feature different PV systems (PV on-grid, PV off-grid, PV pumping, PV-hybrid)

-        explain concepts behind PV system design
-        explain the operation principles of PV systems

This specialization module covers more in-depth topics concerning photovoltaics systems and solar energy meteorology. Based on their knowledge about the solar resource and photovoltaic behaviour students learn to design a photovoltaic system for various environmental conditions and predict its performance.

Solar Energy Meteorology (Lecture ‑ 90 h workload)

-      Physics of radiative processes in the atmosphere

-      Physical modelling of atmospheric radiative transfer (incl. computing tools)

-      Solar irradiance modelling for solar energy applications

-      Solar spectral irradiance: Theory & relevance for solar energy systems

-      Satellite-based estimation of solar irradiance

-      Solar irradiance (& solar power) forecasting

-      Solar radiation measurements: Basics & setup of high-quality measurement system

Photovoltaic Systems (Lecture ‑ 90 h workload)

-      Detailed description of involved balance of system components (e.g. inverter, charge controllers)

-      System Operation
-      Detailed System Design ‑ from meteorological input across component rating to energy service output