Este trabalho apresenta a avaliação do dimensionamento de sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede por meio de indicadores de custo de energia; foram feitas diversas simulações de geração de energia para sistemas fotovoltaicos com diferentes configurações e tamanhos com o objetivo de verificar a aplicabilidade do método proposto a qualquer sistema. Com a utilização dos indicadores busca-se determinar uma configuração adequada de módulos fotovoltaicos dentro do sistema, isto é, o espaçamento entre fileiras de módulos, o ângulo de inclinação destes, a quantidade de strings e a quantidade de módulos por string, considerando o impacto que estas variáveis têm na geração de energia do sistema ao longo dos anos de vida do projeto. Para avaliar esse impacto são utilizados três indicadores, a saber, o custo da energia gerada, entendida como o custo de instalação de um sistema fotovoltaico (incluindo custo de equipamentos, estruturas, componentes elétricos, mão de obra, lucro do instalador, etc.) dividido pela quantidade de energia que o sistema é capaz de entregar à rede elétrica, o custo nivelado de energia simples (sLCOE por sua sigla em inglês) e o custo nivelado de energia (LCOE) calculado pelo método da taxa de encargo fixo (FCR por sua sigla em inglês). Os indicadores são apresentados em valores em USD/kWh. As simulações foram realizadas em duas locações utilizando equipamentos comercializados atualmente, para sistemas com e sem rastreador solar. O software utilizado para realizar as simulações foi o System Advisor Model (SAM), software gratuito desenvolvido pelo National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) para dimensionamento e cálculo de sistemas fotovoltaicos. / This work presents the evaluation of the sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic systems by means of energy costs indicators; several simulations of power generation for photovoltaic systems with different configurations and sizes were carried out to verify the applicability of the proposed method to any system. By using the indicators it is sought to determine a suitable configuration of photovoltaic modules within the system, that is, the spacing between rows of modules, their tilt angle, the number of strings and the number of modules per string, considering the impact that these variables have on system power generation. In order to evaluate this impact, three indicators are used, namely the cost of the generated energy, understood as the cost of installing a photovoltaic system (including cost of equipment, structures, electrical components, labor, profit of the installer, etc.) divided by the amount of energy that the system is able to deliver to the grid in the first year of operation, the Simple Levelized Cost of Energy (sLCOE) and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) calculated by the Fixed Charge Rate (FCR) method. The indicators are presented in values in USD/kWh. The simulations were carried out in two locations using commercially available equipment, for fixed-tilt and single axis tracker systems. The software used to perform the simulations was the SAM, free software developed by NREL for sizing and calculation of photovoltaic systems.

Medidas atualmente em curso no país, encaminhadas por agentes do setor elétrico, reforçam a expectativa do desenvolvimento de um mercado fotovoltaico sólido em alguns anos. A flexibilidade dos sistemas fotovoltaicos permite a construção de usinas de diferentes capacidades, estas podem estar concentradas, cobrindo vastas áreas de solo, ou distribuídas em pequenas unidades integradas na arquitetura em meio urbano. Entretanto, pesquisas demonstraram que em países com grande capacidade instalada de sistemas fotovoltaicos, o sombreamento parcial de módulos fotovoltaicos é responsável por perdas médias de 10%. Visando agregar conhecimento ao setor energético e contribuir com o desenvolvimento do mercado fotovoltaico nacional, esse texto tem o objetivo de apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa, em que foi estabelecido um modelo utilizado para construir um plug-in, que transforma o Google SketchUp em uma ferramenta gratuita para estimar o fator de sombreamento e a irradiação em superfícies selecionadas em um modelo tridimensional de uma edificação. Assim, foi conduzida uma pesquisa bibliográfica responsável por identificar e selecionar modelos utilizados nas diversas etapas envolvidas com a estimativa do fator de sombreamento e irradiação. Realizadas algumas alterações, esses modelos convergiram para um modelo único que foi aplicado ao desenvolvimento de um plug-in, denominado Solar3DBR. O desempenho do Solar3DBR foi avaliado através de comparações com os softwares PVsyst e Ecotect, e também por meio de medições reais realizadas em um experimento onde foi monitorada a irradiância em uma célula fotovoltaica parcialmente sombreada e a irradiação horária em plano inclinado. Os resultados das medições permitiram determinar o fator de sombreamento da célula e estes foram comparados aos resultados da simulação de um modelo tridimensional do sistema através do Solar3DBR. Essas confrontações demonstraram que as simulações realizadas com o Solar3DBR apresentam grande proximidade com os resultados apresentados por PVsyst, Ecotect e medições reais. / Measures that are currently underway in the country, forwarded by agents of the electricity sector, reinforce the expectation of developing a solid photovoltaic market in a few years. The photovoltaic systems flexibility, allows plant\'s construction of different capacities, these may be concentrated, covering vast areas of land, as divided into small units, integrated into urban architecture. However, researches have shown that in countries with a large capacity of photovoltaic systems installed, the partial shading of photovoltaic modules is responsible for average losses of 10%. Aiming to add knowledge to the energy sector and contribute to the development of the domestic photovoltaic market, this text aims to present the results of a research, in which was established a model used to build a plug-in that turns Google SketchUp into a free tool, with the ability to estimate the shading factor and irradiation in selected surfaces in a three-dimensional model of a building. Thus, was realized a literature research, responsible for identifying and selecting models used in the various steps, involved in estimating the shading factor and irradiation. After some changes have been implemented, these models converged to a single model that was applied to the development of a plug-in called Solar3DBR. The performance of the Solar3DBR was evaluated through comparisons with the softwares PVsyst and Ecotect, and in actual measurements performed in an experiment. In this experiment irradiance in a partially shaded PV cell and hourly irradiation on inclined plane were monitored. Measurement results allowed to determine the shading factor of the cell, and were compared to simulation results of a three-dimensional model of the system through Solar3DBR. The result of these confrontations demonstrated that the results obtained from the Solar3DBR are similar to the ones presented by PVsyst, Ecotect and actual measurements.

A partir de 2014, o interesse pelas grandes centrais de geração fotovoltaica tem aumentado no Brasil. Visando elevar a produtividade dos sistemas e, com isso, alavancar a competitividade econômica, muitos dos investidores de grandes projetos estão optando pela utilização de sistemas de seguimento solar. Contudo, há pouco conhecimento sobre o real desempenho operacional de sistemas fotovoltaicos com seguimento no país. Este trabalho avalia a operação e o desempenho de sistemas fotovoltaicos com seguimento solar, com e sem concentração, através de dois estudos de caso. No primeiro, foram avaliados e comparados dois sistemas fotovoltaicos com seguimento em dois eixos, um com módulos de concentração e outro com módulos planos, ambos instalados em Ilha Solteira, São Paulo. Já no segundo, realizou-se a avaliação de um sistema fotovoltaico com seguimento de eixo horizontal instalado na Universidade de São Paulo, bem como a comparação deste sistema com um sistema fixo. Para realizar as avaliações nos estudos de caso, foram utilizadas as figuras de mérito produtividade final, YF, rendimento global, PR, e fator de capacidade, FC. No caso dos sistemas de Ilha Solteira, os resultados evidenciam não só que o sistema sem concentração teve um melhor desempenho em relação ao sistema com concentração, como também evidenciam a necessidade de atenção devido às particularidades dos sistemas fotovoltaicos com concentração no Brasil. No caso dos sistemas instalados na Universidade de São Paulo, os resultados mostram que, ao longo de seis meses de operação, o sistema fotovoltaico de eixo horizontal teve um ganho médio de produtividade final de 9% comparado com o sistema fixo. / Since 2014, interest in large-scale photovoltaic power plants has increased in Brazil. Aiming to raise system yield and thereby boost economic competitiveness, many investors are making use of solar tracking systems. However, there is little knowledge on the actual operational performance of photovoltaic systems with solar tracking in the country. This work evaluates the operation and performance of photovoltaic systems with solar tracking capabilities, with and without concentration technology, through two case studies. First, two photovoltaic systems with dual-axis solar tracking, one with concentration modules and the other with flat modules, both installed in Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, are evaluated and compared. Second, the performance of a photovoltaic system with horizontal axis solar tracking installed at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, is evaluated, followed by a comparison with a fixed photovoltaic system. In order to carry out these assessments, the final yield, YF, the performance ratio, PR, and the capacity factor, FC, were used as figures of merit. Regarding the systems installed in Ilha Solteira, the results not only show that the non-concentrating system performed better than the concentrating system, but also evidences the necessity for attention due to the particularities of the photovoltaic systems with concentration technology in Brazil. As for the systems installed at the University of São Paulo, the results show that the photovoltaic system with horizontal-axis solar tracking had a final average yield 9% higher when compared to the fixed-tilt system.

No Brasil, quando uma unidade consumidora (UC) sob regime de microgeração ou de minigeração distribuída tem parte ou a totalidade da sua demanda por potência ativa suprida pela planta geradora, mas sua demanda por potência reativa é atendida exclusivamente pela rede elétrica, verifica-se uma aparente deterioração do fator de potência dessa UC, sob a ótica da concessionária. Esse efeito decorre do fato de que o fator de potência, de acordo com a regulamentação vigente, é determinado apenas a partir das medições dos fluxos de potência ativa e reativa trocados entre a UC e a rede elétrica e não também entre a planta geradora e UC. Para consumidores do Grupo A (tensão de fornecimento igual ou superior a 2,3 kV) nessa situação, de acordo com o perfil da carga, pode haver cobrança por excedentes de reativos, constituindo-se assim uma barreira. Especificamente no caso de sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede, existe a possibilidade de se utilizar os próprios inversores c.c.-c.a para suprir a demanda de reativos da UC e, dessa forma, minimizar o problema apresentado. Com o objetivo de se avaliar essa alternativa no contexto brasileiro, tendo-se em vista condições reais de operação e os limites normativos de injeção de potência reativa para inversores de sistemas fotovoltaicos, foi realizado um estudo de caso de uma planta fotovoltaica instalada no telhado do prédio da Administração do Instituto de Energia e Ambiente da Universidade de São Paulo. O estudo mostrou que a compensação realizada por meio do inversor selecionado evitou a cobrança de excedentes de reativos sem afetar de forma significativa a produtividade do sistema fotovoltaico. Do ponto de vista elétrico, verificou-se que a injeção de reativos pelo inversor não provocou variações significativas de tensão no ponto de acoplamento ou no alimentador e, ainda, se verificou considerável liberação de capacidade do sistema supridor da concessionária. Dessa forma, a análise dos resultados indica uma tendência a se considerar a compensação de reativos proporcionada pelo próprio inversor a opção mais viável para se lidar com os excedentes de reativos, comparativamente a métodos convencionais de compensação ou à situação em que nenhuma ação compensatória seja implementada. / In Brazil, when a consumer unit (CU) under a distributed microgeneration or minigeneration scheme has part or all of its demand for active power supplied by the generating plant, but its demand for reactive power is served exclusively by the grid, the power factor of this CU appears deteriorated, from the perspective of the utility. This effect is due to the fact the power factor, according to the current regulations, is determined only from measurements of the flows of active and reactive power exchanged between the UC and the grid and not also between the generating plant and UC. Users of group A (supply voltage equal to or greater than 2.3 kV) in this situation, according to the CU load profile, may be charged due the reactive power excess, thus constituting a barrier. Specifically in the case of grid-connected photovoltaic systems, there is the possibility of using the d.c.- a.c. inverters to suply the CU reactive power demand and, thus, minimizing the presented problem. In order to evaluate this alternative in the Brazilian context, keeping in view real operating conditions and regulatory limits for the reactive power injection for photovoltaic inverters, we conducted a case study with a photovoltaic plant installed on the roof of the University of São Paulo Institute for Energy and Environment administration building. The study showed that the compensation performed by the selected inverter prevented the reactive power excess charging without affecting significantly the photovoltaic system productivity. From an electrical point of view, it was found that the injection of reactive power by the inverter did not cause significant voltage variations at the coupling point or at the transformer and, additionally, there was a significant release in the utility suply system capacity. Thus, the analysis results indicates a tendency to consider the compensation provided by the inverter itself the most viable option for dealing with the surplus of reactive power compared to conventional compensation methods or to the situation in which no compensatory action is implemented.

In the current global market, there are plenty solutions for the savings of energy in the different areas of consumption in buildings: Green roofs and walls, cool roofs, daylighting, motion sensors, and others but there are very few sources of renewable energy at the reach of a common person in residential (smaller) scale. Photovoltaic systems are the most well-know and reliable process of harvesting energy at this small scale. The relationship between energy demand and energy production when installing a photovoltaics system in a residence is one of the main drivers while making a decision at the time of purchasing a system. However, architectural decisions in early stages may influence, enhance or even decrease the possible energy generation and interior performance, thus influencing the possible return of investment. This study evaluates the possible architectural variations that may be beneficial or disadvantegous at a particular city and other circumstances. From, roof, angle, location, roof articulation, layout articulation , shading devices and others, this paper shows a spectrum of convenient and inconvenient projects due to current conditions like climate, solar radiation, typical construction, electricity rates and government incentives. As a conclusion a hierarchy of architectural elements when being used with photovoltaics is developed to demonstrate that a common user can strategically play with architectural features of his/her house to take the most out of the system.

Στην παρούσα εργασία, γίνεται μια παραμετρική διερεύνηση για το σχεδιασμό αυτόνομων φωτοβολταϊκών συστημάτων για περιοχές της νοτίου Ελλάδος. Ο όρος «αυτόνομα», αναφέρεται στα φωτοβολταϊκά συστήματα τα οποία λαμβάνουν την ηλιακή ενέργεια, την μετατρέπουν σε ηλεκτρική ενέργεια και εν συνεχεία μέσα από διάφορες ηλεκτρικές διατάξεις (μετατροπείς DC/DC, DC/AC κ.ά.) τροφοδοτούν είτε απευθείας είτε μέσω συσσωρευτών, το απαιτούμενο φορτίο. Μερικές κύριοι παράμετροι που μελετώνται είναι η κλίση της φωτοβολταϊκής συστοιχίας, η επιφάνεια της, το μέγεθος συσσωρευτών κ.ά.. Η μελέτη αυτή λαμβάνει χώρα για εφτά πόλεις τις νοτίου Ελλάδας, με δεδομένα την ηλιακή ενέργεια που φθάνει σε κάθε πόλη για κάθε μήνα του χρόνου. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, στο κεφάλαιο 1, γίνεται μια εισαγωγή στην ηλεκτρική ενέργεια και στις ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας. Στο κεφάλαιο 2, μελετάται το φωτοβολταϊκό φαινόμενο και γενικότερα τα φωτοβολταϊκά κύτταρα. Στο κεφάλαιο 3, μελετάται η σύνδεση πολλών φωτοβολταϊκών κυττάρων για το σχηματισμό ενός πλαισίου, ενός πάνελ ή μιας συστοιχίας. Στο κεφάλαιο 4, γίνεται αναφορά στα διάφορα είδη συσσωρευτών που υπάρχουν στα φωτοβολταϊκά συστήματα. Στο επόμενο 5ο κεφάλαιο, μελετάται η ηλιακή ακτινοβολία και πως μεταβάλλεται αυτή ανάλογα με τη κλίση της επιφάνειας πρόσπτωσης, και επίσης ποια είναι η βέλτιστη κλίση της συστοιχίας. Τέλος, στα κεφάλαια 6 και 7, γίνεται η παραμετρική διερεύνηση για το σχεδιασμό αυτόνομων Φ/Β συστημάτων. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, στο 6ο μελετάται η επίδραση των διαφόρων παραμέτρων για ετήσια λειτουργία του συστήματος, ενώ στο 7ο, για θερινή λειτουργία. / The present work presents a research on the parameters of autonomous photovoltaic systems for regions of south Greece. The term "autonomous" is referred to photovoltaic systems which receive solar power, they convert it into electric power and after that, through various electrical devices (converters DC/DC, DC/AC etc.) they feed either directly, or through batteries, the required load. Some main parameters that are studied are the tilt angle and surface of the photovoltaic array, the size of the batteries, etc. This research is carried out for seven cities of south Greece, with incoming data the solar radiation that arrives in every city for every month of the year. 5 More specifically, in chapter 1, there is an introduction about electric power and renewable energy sources. In chapter 2, it is studied what the photovoltaic effect is and generally the photovoltaic cells. In chapter 3, there is a research about connecting many photovoltaic cells, which are more commonly known as panels or arrays. Chapter 4 is dealt with to the various types of batteries that are used in the photovoltaic systems. In chapter 5, the solar radiation is studied and how it changes depending on the tilt angle of the surface of incidence and also which is the optimal inclination of the array. Finally, in chapters 6 and 7, there is a parametric research on the design of autonomous PV systems. More precisely, in chapter 6 is studied the effect of various parameters on the design of the system when the system is operating during the whole year, while in chapter 7, when the system is operating only during the summer period.

The output power variability of intermittent renewable sources can cause significant fluctuations in distribution system voltages. A local linear controller that exploits the capability of a photovoltaic inverter to provide both real and reactive power is described. This controller substitutes reactive power for real power when fluctuations in the output of the photovoltaic source are experienced. In this way, the inverter can help mitigate distribution system voltage fluctuations. In order to provide real and reactive to the grid, a three-phase grid-connected single-stage photovoltaic system with maximum power point tracking and power control is described. A method of reducing the current harmonic caused by resonance of the LC filter and transformer is presented. The local linear controller is examined using an example distribution system, and it is found that the controller is effective at mitigating voltage violations. The photovoltaic control system is examined using three-phase single-stage PV inverter system. The power control and damping system show good performance and stability under rapid change of irradiance.

Η διπλωματική εργασία που ακολουθεί, παρουσιάζει τη μελέτη και μοντελοποίηση ενός αυτόνομου υβριδικού συστήματος. Το αυτόνομο σύστημα που εξετάζεται είναι ένα υβριδικό σύστημα ηλεκτροπαραγωγής που αποτελείται από μια γεννήτρια diesel, μια ανεμογεννήτρια και ένα φωτοβολταϊκό σύστημα. Για τη μοντελοποίηση του συστήματος χρησιμοποιείται το πρόγραμμα σχεδίασης και προσομοίωσης ηλεκτρικών συστημάτων PSCAD. Στην εργασία αυτή το ενδιαφέρον επικεντρώνεται στη συμπεριφορά του συστήματος στη μόνιμη κατάσταση λειτουργίας και στη συμπεριφορά σε κάποια μεταβατικά φαινόμενα. Τα μεταβατικά φαινόμενα που εξετάζονται είναι τα εξής: - Συμπεριφορά συστήματος σε απότομη αποσύνδεση ανεμογεννήτριας - Βραχυκύκλωμα των τριών φάσεων ως προς γη στο ζυγό της σύγχρονης γεννήτριας diesel Στο Κεφάλαιο 1 γίνεται μια γενικότερη αναφορά στις ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας και στη συνέχεια περιγράφονται τα υβριδικά συστήματα ηλεκτροπαραγωγής και οι εφαρμογές τους. Αναλύεται η δομή τους και μελετώνται-συγκρίνονται οι διάφορες αρχιτεκτονικές τους. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2 περιγράφεται η δομή και τα στοιχεία που αποτελούν το αυτόνομο υβριδικό δίκτυο ηλεκτροπαραγωγής και αναπτύσσεται όλο το απαραίτητο μαθηματικό υπόβαθρο που πραγματεύεται η εργασία αυτή. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3 περιγράφεται η δομή και τα στοιχεία που αποτελούν το αυτόνομο υβριδικό δίκτυο ηλεκτροπαραγωγής στο περιβάλλον του προγράμματος μοντελοποίησης, του PSCAD και παρουσιάζονται τα μοντέλα που απαρτίζουν το συνολικό σύστημα. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4 εξετάζεται η συμπεριφορά του συστήματος στη μόνιμη κατάσταση λειτουργίας. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5 εξετάζεται η συμπεριφορά του συστήματος στα δύο μεταβατικά φαινόμενα που έχουν προαναφερθεί, στην απότομη αποσύνδεση ανεμογεννήτριας και στο βραχυκύκλωμα των τριών φάσεων ως προς γη στο ζυγό της σύγχρονης γεννήτριας diesel Στο Κεφάλαιο 6 παρατίθενται οι προδιαγραφές των ποιοτικών χαρακτηριστικών των δικτύων και διατυπώνονται τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν από τη μελέτη του υβριδικού συστήματος που παρουσιάστηκε. / The thesis that follows, presents the study and modelling of autonomous hybrid system. The autonomous system that is examined is a hybrid system of generation of electricity that is constituted by a generator diesel, a wind generator and a photovoltaic system. For the modelling of system is used the program of designing and simulation of electric systems PSCAD. At this project the interest is focused in the behavior of system in the permanent situation of operation and in the behavior in certain transient phenomena. The transient phenomena that are examined are following: - Behavior of system in abrupt detachment of wind generator - Short-circuit of three phases as for ground in the balance of modern generator diesel In Capital 1 becomes a more general report in the renewable sources of energy and afterwards is described the hybrid systems of generation of electricity and their applications. Is analyzed their structure and study-is compared their various architectures. In Capital 2 are described the structure and the elements that constitute the autonomous hybrid network of electric generation and is developed the all essential mathematic background that are necessary for this project. In Capital 3 are described the structure and the elements that constitute the autonomous hybrid system of electric generation in the environment of program of modelling, PSCAD and are presented the models that compose the total system. In Capital 4 is examined the reaction of system in the permanent situation of operation. In Capital 5 is examined the reaction of system in the two transient phenomena that have been mentioned before, in the abrupt detachment of wind generator and in the short-circuit of three phases as for ground in the balance of synchronous generator. In Capital 6 are mentioned the specifications of qualitative characteristics of networks and are formulated the conclusions that resulted from the study of hybrid system that was presented.

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία πραγματεύεται τη μελέτη και κατασκευή μιας διάταξης που παρακολουθεί συνεχώς τη θέση του ήλιου στον ουρανό και στρέφει αντίστοιχα ένα φωτοβολταϊκό πάνελ κατά τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε να μεγιστοποιείται η ένταση της ηλιακής ακτινοβολίας που προσπίπτει σε αυτό και επομένως και η ενεργειακή του απόδοση (solar tracker). Προκειμένου να πραγματοποιηθεί η εφαρμογή, το ίδιο το φωτοβολταϊκό πάνελ χρησιμοποιήθηκε ως ανιχνευτής της θέσης του ήλιου στον ουρανό απλουστεύοντας έτσι την κατασκευή και μειώνοντας το κόστος της καθώς δεν χρειάστηκαν επιπλέον αισθητήρες. Συγκεκριμένα, ανά τακτά χρονικά διαστήματα δειγματοληπτούνταν η τιμή της τάσης στα άκρα του φωτοβολταϊκού πάνελ από τον μικροελεγκτή msp430F169 της εταιρείας texas instruments, αποθηκεύονταν στους καταχωρητές του και αφού μετατρεπόταν το σήμα από αναλογικό σε ψηφιακό συγκρινόταν με τις προηγούμενες τιμές. Ανάλογα με το αποτέλεσμα της σύγκρισης, ο μικροελεγκτής έδινε εντολή στον κινητήρα που κατεύθυνε το φωτοβολταϊκό πάνελ να κινηθεί στην αντίστοιχη κατεύθυνση. Η διαδικασία επαναλαμβανόταν μέχρις ότου βρεθεί το σημείο εκείνο όπου η τάση στα άκρα του γίνεται μέγιστη. Το σύστημα που κατασκευάσαμε περιλαμβάνει κίνηση γύρω από έναν άξονα. Συγκεκριμένα παρακολουθεί την αζιμουθιακή κίνηση του ήλιου ξεκινώντας από την ανατολή (Earth) και καταλήγοντας στη δύση (West). / The present thesis deals with the study and construction of a solar tracker that constantly detects the sun position to the sky and directs correspondingly a photovoltaic panel in order to maximize the intensity of solar radiation prostrating to it and as a result, its energy performance as well. In order the application to be realized, the same photovoltaic panel was used as detector of the sun position to the sky, simplifying the construction and reducing its cost, as no further sensors were required. Particularly, the point-to-point voltage value of the photovoltaic panel was regularly sampled by the microcontroller msp430F169 of the Texas Instruments Company, it was saved to the register, and after the signal was being converted from analog to digital, it was being compared to the previous value. Depending on the result of the comparison, the microcontroller ordered the motor directing the photovoltaic panel to move across the corresponding direction. The process was being repeated until a point was found were the point-to-point voltage value was the maximum. The system created includes motion around one axis. Particularly, it observes the azimuthal solar motion starting from East and ending to West

Κατά τη διάρκεια των τελευταίων δεκαετιών, το διεθνές ενδιαφέρον για την φωτοβολταϊκή μετατροπή της ηλιακής ακτινοβολίας αυξάνει συνεχώς. Έχει δοθεί ιδιαίτερη σημασία στην ανάπτυξη φωτοβολταϊκών συστημάτων για την σύνδεσή τους με το δίκτυο, έτσι ώστε να αξιοποιείται η ηλιακή ακτινοβολία για παραγωγή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο. Στην παρούσα εργασία γίνεται μελέτη των φωτοβολταϊκών συστημάτων παραγωγής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας και σκοπός αυτής είναι η κατασκευή ενός συστήματος μετατροπής συνεχούς τάσης σε εναλλασσόμενη για τη διασύνδεση μιας πηγής συνεχούς τάσης με το μονοφασικό δίκτυο. Το σύστημα αυτό αποτελείται από ένα ηλεκτρονικό μετατροπέα ισχύος διπλής βαθμίδας. Το πρώτο τμήμα είναι ένας μετατροπέας συνεχούς τάσης σε συνεχή τάση υψηλότερης τιμής. Συγκεκριμένα, ο μετατροπέας αυτός ανυψώνει την τάση του φωτοβολταϊκού συστήματος του Εργαστηρίου στα 400V. Στη συνέχεια υπάρχει το δεύτερο τμήμα, αποτελούμενο από το σύστημα μετατροπής συνεχούς τάσης σε εναλλασσόμενη, το οποίο μετατρέπει την εισερχόμενη συνεχή τάση των 400V σε εναλλασσόμενη τάση συχνότητας 50 Hz και ενεργού τιμής 220V. Η διπλωματική αυτή εργασία πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Εργαστήριο Ηλεκτρομηχανικής Μετατροπής Ενέργειας του Τμήματος Ηλεκτρολόγων Μηχανικών και Τεχνολογίας Υπολογιστών της Πολυτεχνικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, υπό την επίβλεψη του Ομότιμου Καθηγητή Δρ.-Μηχ. Αθανασίου Σαφάκα. Αρχικά, αναλύεται η αρχή λειτουργίας των ηλιακών κυττάρων και περιγράφονται οι υπάρχουσες τεχνολογίες τους. Έπειτα γίνεται αναφορά στα φωτοβολταϊκά συστήματα και τους τρόπους που μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθούν, δηλαδή συνδεδεμένα με το δίκτυο ή αυτόνομα. Στη συνέχεια, αναφέρονται και αναλύονται διάφορες τεχνικές συγχρονισμού μετατροπέων με το μονοφασικό δίκτυο και τρόποι ρύθμισης της ενεργού και αέργου ισχύoς που παρέχεται από τις πηγές ενέργειας στο δίκτυο. Παρατίθενται στοιχεία του μετατροπέα συνεχούς τάσης σε συνεχή και γίνεται η μελέτη του μονοφασικού αντιστροφέα που πρόκειται να κατασκευαστεί. Επιπρόσθετα γίνεται προσομοίωση του συστήματός στο λογισμικό MATLAB/Simulink. Συγκρίνεται η λειτουργία του αντιστροφέα με τη μέθοδο παλμοδότησης SPWM (Ημιτονοειδής Διαμόρφωση του Εύρους Παλμών) με διπολική και μονοπολική τάση εξόδου και παρουσιάζονται αποτελέσματα της προσομοίωσης για παραλληλισμό του συστήματος με το δίκτυο και προσφορά ισχύος από πηγή συνεχούς τάσης προς το δίκτυο. Αναλύονται τα τεχνικά χαρακτηριστικά του αντιστροφέα που κατασκευάστηκε, καθώς και ο τρόπος κατασκευής των απαραίτητων κυκλωμάτων για την οδήγηση του. Τέλος, παρατίθενται πειραματικά αποτελέσματα από τη λειτουργία του συστήματος. / During the last decades, the international interest in the photovoltaic conversion of solar radiation is increasing. Special attention has been given to the development of photovoltaic systems for their connection to the utility grid, in order to use solar radiation for electricity generation in the best possible way. In this diploma thesis, the photovoltaic power generation is studied and the purpose of this work is to construct a single phase grid connected dc/ac converter system in order to connect a dc voltage source to the grid. This system consists of a dual-stage electronic power converter. The first part is a dc-dc converter, which converts a source of direct current (dc) from one voltage level to another, with an output voltage greater than its input voltage. Specifically, the dc/dc converter increases the voltage of the photovoltaic system, which is installed on the laboratory, to 400V DC. The second part consists of a dc/ac inverter, which converts the incoming voltage of 400V DC to 220V AC at 50Hz. The work presented on this diploma thesis was carried out at the Laboratory of Electromechanical Energy Conversion, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras, under the supervision of Emeritus Professor Dr.-Ing. Athanasios Safacas. Initially, the working principle of solar cells is analysed and its current technologies are described. Then, reference is given to the photovoltaic systems and their applications, i.e. stand-alone PV systems and grid-connected PV systems. Next, reference and analysis are given to the various grid synchronization techniques for single phase inverter systems and control methods to regulate the active and reactive power supplied from sources of energy into the grid. Data are presented about the dc/dc converter and the study of the single-phase inverter to be constructed. Additionally, the system is simulated with MATLAB/Simulink software and the simulation results of the specific system are presented. A comparison of the operation of the inverter is made using sinusoidal pulse width modulation technique (“SPWM”) with bipolar and unipolar output voltage and simulation results of the grid connected converter system are presented. The technical characteristics of the constructed inverter and the design of its necessary integrated circuits are analysed. Finally, experimental results from the operation of the grid connected dc/ac inverter are presented.