CHAPTER 5 (PART 1)
DESIGN AND SIZING OF
GCPV SYSTEM
CHAPTER 5 (PART 1)
DESIGN AND SIZING OF GCPV SYSTEM
Learning Outcomes
At the of this chapter, student should be able to:
1. Identify the constraints for sizing of PV array.
2. Determine the total number of PV modules based
on the constraints.
3. Justify the assumption used during the sizing
process.
5.1 Introduction
• PV designer shall be able to determine the suitable number of PV modules to meet the constraints.
• Several constraints need to consider to determined the actual number of the PV modules to be
installed in a project as follows:
• 1. Architecture Space constraints
• 2. Stakeholder constraint
i . Energy constraint;
ii. Budget constraint
• 3. Authority constraint :
i . maximum AC power constraint;
ii.Maximum AC current
5.2 Sizing of PV Array Steps
• The estimated total number of PV modules can be determined by using the
following Steps:
Step 1: Choose the PV Module
Step 2: Architecture Constraint
Step 3: Energy Constraint
Step 4: Budget Constraint
Step 5: AC Power Constraints
Step 6: Maximum Demand Constraint
Step 7: AC Current Constraint
Step 8: Finalized total number of PV Modules
Step 1: Choose a PV Module
• Choose or suggest the suitable PV module to be installed.
• The following factor shall be considered:
• Type of PV technology that suitable to the proposed site
• Power rating
• Efficiency
• Dimensions
• Potential yield
Example of PV Panel and it Characteristic
• Based on the given PV modules, determine the
energy per area of QCells
Example 5.1 • PV panel 430 W. The average irradiance-weighted
cell temperature from one year is 55 degree Celsius.
• (assume: clean and unshaded PV module, cable and
inverter efficiency are 97% and 98% respectively)
Step 2: Architecture Constraint
• The system designer should perform a site survey to assess a suitable
location for PV panel and BOS installation.
• The dimension of the utilization area for the PV array shall be
recorded to determine the suitable number of PV modules required.
• To optimize the utilization area, the PV module can be arranged in to
possible orientations:
Example 5.2
• A house has a utilizable dimension of 10 m in length and 5 m in width.
• Determine the maximum number of PV modules that can be arranged
in the given area by using QCells PV modules. Assume an inter module
gap is 10 mm.
Solution 5.2
• The number of panels can be installed in landscape orientation
• PV Dimension = 2080 x 1030
• Therefore, the maximum number of PV modules can be
installed is 18 modules, arranged in portrait orientation.
Solution 5.2
(Cont…)
Step 3: Energy Constraint
It is common to install the GCPV system to reduce the electricity bills.
Therefore, the number of PV modules required to generate the amount
of energy to be reduced by using the following steps:
1. Determine the normalize total energy consumption per year
(obtained from the monthly
2. Set the % energy to be supplied by the GCPV system.
3.Determine the number of PV modules need to meet the target.
Step 3: Energy Constraint (Cont…)
Step 3: Energy Constraint (Cont…)
Example 5.3
• En Ahmad plan to have GCPV system that could reduce his annual
electricity consumption from the grid up to 70 %. The recorded
monthly electricity consumption and details as follows:
Determine the total number of PV modules to meet his target.
Solution 5.3
• Total energy required from GCPV:
The minimum power of PV array required:
Solution 5.3 (Cont…)
Solution 5.3 (Cont…)
Step 4: Budget Constraint
• The maximum number of modules can be installed depends on budget or investment of
the stakeholder.
• The steps involved are:
1. Set a ceiling for the budget of the project to be invested.
2. Estimate the total PV array power based on the budget.
Step 4: Budget Constraint (Cont…)
Example 5.4
• Mr. Rabu has maximum budget of RM 30,000 to invest in a complete GCPV system for his
house. Determine the affordable PV array capacity and total number of PV modules if the
cost of the system is RM 5000 per 1 kW system using Qcells 430 W.
Solution 5.4
Step 5: AC Power Constraint
Example 5.5
Solution 5.5
Step 6: Maximum Demand Constraint
• In some cases, the authority limits the
AC power injection to the grid based on
the maximum demand (MD) on a
certain percentage of MD od power.
• Use the same concept as in Step 5.
Example 5.6
• Table below shows the maximum demand of a factory. The authority has
set the limit of 75% of MD power transfer to the grid.
• i. Determine the maximum ac power transfer to the grid.
• ii. Calculate the total number of QCells 430W modules that should be
use for this project.
Solution 5.6
Step 7: AC Current Constraint
Example 5.7
Step 8: Finalized total number of PV Modules
• The designer can determine the maximum number of PV modules that can be installed
by considering all constraints.
• The designer must explain and discuss the finding with the client to make appropriate
decision.
• In general, the final decision can be determine based on the minimumnumber of PV
panel after consider all the constraints.
