| dc.description.abstract | In this thesis a methodology utilizing IV-characteristics and image analysis to model power losses due to snow cover is presented. The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the performance of PV modules under different snow cover conditions by simulating and analyzing IV-curves. Additionally, investigating if image analysis could be useful in estimating snow cover, and could improve the modelled IV-curve power loss estimations. An IV-characteristics model in MATLAB Simulink was used to model situations with uniform and partial snow cover for different irradiance and snow depth conditions. The image analysis method was used to estimate PV module snow cover and used in combination with the IV-curve model to improve power loss estimations. It was concluded that the IV-curve model proved capable of estimating power losses due to uniform snow covers, but less effective in some partial snow cover situations. Including image analysis improved the power loss estimations in some cases, however, to improve the model accuracy additional factors must be included. The numerous model uncertainties that were identified has a certain impact on the model accuracy which should be investigated further. For further research it is recommended that the model is developed further to include and account for significant snow characteristics. | |
