Engineering Commons^™

Increasing Access To Pv Technology Through Sustainable Racking: A Review Of Existing Literature And Ground Mounted Fixed Tilt Designs, And What Can Be Done Next, Parijata Prabhakara

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

There is a lack of literature on the structural balance of systems (BOS), also called racking, for ground mount, fixed-tilt solar PV systems. Literature that exists discusses mostly rooftop racking and installations, additional wind loading, and weight considerations imposed on roofs, and little guidance is provided in building codes. The lack of peer-reviewed guidance on design requirements for domestic and large-scale application solar PV racking systems leaves most consumers relying on expensive, patented, off-the-shelf hardware. As PV cell technology and module costs have improved, we can start to focus on PV BOS improvements (particularly racking) and move towards sustainable designs …

Multidimensional Optimal Droop Control For Dc Microgrids In Military Applications, Kaitlyn J. Bunker, Michael D. Cook, Wayne Weaver, Gordon Parker

Michigan Tech Publications

Reliability is a key consideration when microgrid technology is implemented in military applications. Droop control provides a simple option without requiring communication between microgrid components, increasing the control system reliability. However, traditional droop control does not allow the microgrid to utilize much of the power available from a solar resource. This paper applies an optimal multidimensional droop control strategy for a solar resource connected in a microgrid at a military patrol base. Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experiments of a sample microgrid show that much more power from the solar resource can be utilized, while maintaining the system’s bus voltage around a …

Towards A Generic Ontology For Solar Irradiance Forecasting, Abhilash Kantamneni

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The growth of solar energy resources in recent years has led to increased calls for accurate forecasts of solar irradiance for the reliable and sustainable integration of solar into the national grid. A growing body of academic research has developed models for forecasting solar irradiance, identified metrics for comparing solar forecasts, and described applications and end users of solar forecasts.

In recent years, many disciplines are developing ontologies to facilitate better communication, improve inter-operabiity and refine knowledge reuse by experts and users of the domain. Ontologies are explicit and formal vocabulary of terms and their relationships. This report describes a …