Les matériaux III-nitrures sont des excellents semi-conducteurs qui présentent plusieurs propriétés intéressantes pour les applications photovoltaïques et piézoélectriques. Au même temps, la croissance epitaxiale de ces matériaux sous forme de nanofil (NF) est de tant en plus intéressant, car les NFs nitrures binaires et heterostructurés, ont une qualité cristalline supérieure comparés aux homologues 2D et massifs. Dans ces contextes, ce travail est axé sur la croissance par MBE assistée par plasma (PA-MBE) de NFs InGaN/GaN et leur caractérisation. Trois sujets principaux ont été abordés: l'étude de la croissance d’heterostructures InGaN axiales par PA-MBE, leur caractérisation optique, et l'étude de la croissance sélective de NFs GaN sur graphène transféré. Ces études m’ont permis d’obtenir un control rational sur le mode de croissance d’heterostructures InGaN dans une large gamme de teneurs d’In (jusqu'à ~ 40%) et morphologies, de étudier leur structure de bande axiale, utile pour la conception optimale de la structure p-i-n photovoltaïque, et de démontrer pour le première fois dans la littérature, que l’épitaxie sélective de NFs de GaN sur MCG lithographié est une route possible et très promettent pour améliorer leur homogénéité. Ainsi, des tests préliminaires ont montré que la capacité de piézo-conversion des NFs GaN peut être améliorée d'environ 35% lors de l'intégration d’une insertion InGaN riche en In dans leur volume.Tous ces résultats constituent un ’étape décisive dans le contrôle et la comprension des propriétés de ces nanostructures, et donnent des perspectives très encourageantes pour leur intégrations dans des nano-générateurs à haute efficacité. / III-nitride materials are excellent semiconductors presenting several interesting properties for photovoltaic and piezoelectric applications. At the same time, the epitaxial growth of these materials in the form of nanowires (NW) is even more interesting, because binary and heterostructured III-N NWs have a higher crystalline quality compared to the 2D and bulk counterparts. In these contexts, this work focuses on the plasma-assisted MBE (PA-MBE) growth of InGaN / GaN NWs and their characterization. Three main topics are addressed: the growth of axial InGaN heterostructures by PA-MBE, their optical characterization, and the study of the selective area growth (SAG) of GaN NWs on transferred graphene. These studies allowed me to obtain a rational control on the growth mode of InGaN heterostructures in a wide range of In contents (up to ~ 40%) and morphologies, to study their axial band edge profile, useful for the optimal design of the photovoltaic structure, and to demonstrate for the first time in the literature, that the SAG of GaN NWs on patterned mono-layer graphene is a possible and very promising strategy to improve their homogeneity. Also, preliminary tests have shown that the piezoelectric conversion capacity of GaN NWs can be improved by about 35% when integrating an In-rich InGaN insertion into their volume.All these results constitute a decisive step in the control and the comprehension of the properties of these nanostructures, and establish very encouraging perspectives for their integration in novel and efficient photovoltaic and piezoelectric nano-generators.

El presente trabajo ha sido elaborado con la finalidad de proponer lineamientos de aspectos regulatorios de la Micro Generación Distribuida Residencial Fotovoltaica (MGDRF), para que los usuarios regulados residenciales que consumen energía eléctrica de la red, tengan la facultad de producir energía eléctrica para su autoconsumo, obteniendo un reconocimiento económico por sus excedentes que se inyectan a la red eléctrica. Cabe precisar que los usuarios residenciales, no tienen capacidad de negociación con sus suministradores (distribuidores) para reducir sus facturaciones por energía eléctrica. La implementación de la MGDRF, brinda la oportunidad de generar energía eléctrica libre de contaminación sonora y ambiental, siendo necesario su regulación a fin de que se defina principalmente la potencia máxima a generar, requisitos y criterios técnicos que se deben cumplir, así como establecer el mecanismo comercial por la energía inyectada a la red, cuando la generación sea mayor a la energía autoconsumida. Mediante el trabajo desarrollado se han evaluado aspectos regulatorios de diversos países, asimismo, se han efectuado evaluaciones económicas para elegir el mecanismo comercial que genere mayores incentivos para que los usuarios tomen la decisión de realizar la inversión de la MGDRF. Para lograr el desarrollo de la Generación Distribuida en el menor plazo posible, como viene sucediendo en otros países, es necesario que no se continúe postergando la aprobación del Reglamento de Generación Distribuida. Para ello, consideramos que debe promoverse la MGDRF por ser una energía limpia, accesible y con bajo impacto técnico económico en la operatividad de la empresa de distribución. / The present work has been prepared with the purpose of proposing guidelines of regulatory aspects of the Photovoltaic Residential Distributed Micro Generation (PRDMG), so that residential regulated users who consume electricity from the network, have the power to produce electricity for their own consumption, obtaining economic recognition for its surpluses that are injected into the electricity grid. It should be noted that residential users do not have the ability to negotiate with their suppliers (distributors) to reduce their electricity bills. The implementation of the PRDMG, provides the opportunity to generate electrical energy free of noise and environmental pollution, its regulation being necessary in order to define mainly the maximum power to be generated, requirements and technical criteria that must be met, as well as establish the commercial mechanism for the energy injected into the network, when the generation is greater than the self-consumed energy. Through the work carried out, regulatory aspects of various countries have been evaluated, as well as economic evaluations to choose the commercial mechanism that generates the greatest incentives for users to make the decision to make the PRDMG investment. To achieve the development of Distributed Generation in the shortest possible time, as is happening in other countries, it is necessary that the approval of the Distributed Generation Regulation is not postponed. To this end, we believe that PRDMG should be promoted as a clean energy, accessible with low economic technical impact on the operation of the distribution company. / Trabajo de Investigación

In South Africa, there is an increasing interest in installing rooftop mounted solar photovoltaic systems. However, financing the photovoltaic systems causes most interest to be abandoned, largely due to the cost required to replace a building's asbestos roof. An alternative solution to replacing an asbestos roof is to install a ground-mounted photovoltaic system, which is more costly compared to a rooftop mounted system. This study aims to determine if a ground-mounted or a rooftop mounted solar photovoltaic system is the most financially feasible solar photovoltaic configuration. In this study three photovoltaic systems were analysed, all of which are installed in Atlantis, Western Cape (WC). Since all three systems are in the same area, they are all exposed to the same metrological conditions, allowing for identical energy generation potential. Two of the photovoltaic systems are ground-mounted systems located respectfully at the South African Renewable Energy Incubator (SAREBI) and at Stripform Packaging. The third system is a rooftop mounted system located at SA Tyre Recyclers. The photovoltaic system at SAREBI is a 9.75 kWp system consisting of 30 Canadian Solar CS6U-325P modules, one Schneider Electric 20 kW inverter, a tilt angle of 15° and an azimuth angle of -19°. The photovoltaic system at SA Tyre Recyclers is a 231 kWp system consisting of 700 JA Solar JAP72S-01-330-SC modules, 7 SolarEdge 27.6 kW inverters, a tilt angle of 13° and an azimuth angle of 22°. The photovoltaic system at Stripform Packaging is a 20.1 kWp system consisting of 60 Canadian Solar CS6U-335P modules, one SMA 20 kW inverter, a tilt angle of 15° and an azimuth angle of 46°. To achieve the aim of this study, the performance of each of the solar photovoltaic systems was examined, by comparing their annual specific yield. After which the technical aspects and differences of each of the photovoltaic systems were explored, to illustrate how each of the systems differ technically and how each system can be improved. Finally, the comparative cost of each of the solar photovoltaic systems was examined by analysing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the payback period for each of the photovoltaic systems. The results demonstrated that from an annual specific yield perspective, the ground-mounted configuration was the best performing, whilst from a financial perspective, the rooftop mounted configuration had the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and payback period. However, installing a ground-mounted system is more financially feasible than replacing an asbestos roof and then installing a rooftop mounted system. In conclusion, by fully understanding the performance, payback period and levelized cost of energy, a clear understanding of potential risk can be determined, thus making the installation of photovoltaic systems more appealing for financiers. It is recommended that this study be repeated in a manner in which each of the photovoltaic system configurations are constructed consisting of all the same photovoltaic components, measuring equipment, tilt and azimuth angles. All of which would result in two identical photovoltaic systems where one is installed on a rooftop and the other installed on the ground. Once the two photovoltaic system configurations are equal in all aspects, an accurate comparison to determine which configuration is the most optimal performer and which is the most financially viable will be possible.

No description available.

Bifacial solar modules can absorb and convert solar irradiance to current on both their front side and back side. Several elements affects the bifacial yield, especially the ground albedo around the system or the installation configuration. In this document, investigations carried out at EDF R&D facilities regarding the use of bifacial modules in large scale PV farm are presented. Tests on the outdoor facilities were conducted to validate and improve a bifacial stand model developed under a Dymola/Modelica environement. Furthermore, a global optimization method was implemented to determine the optimal configuration of a large bifacial plant with modules facing south. Investigations showed the importance of a new albedo model to accurately evaluate the irradiance received on the rear side. The new model shows a relative error on the rear irradiance under 5% when compared with experimental data. Techno-economical optimization of a bifacial plant was conducted at different locations and for different ground albedo. The results shows that the gain on the specific production can vary between 7.2 and 14.2% for a bifacial plant when compared with a monofacial plant. Bifacial plants are expected to become more profitable than monofacial plants in some of the cases tested when their module cost will reach 68 c€/Wp.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / The recent climate change has forced people to live in extreme conditions, either excessive heat or cold, implying that they must adapt to survive in these situations. However, there are people who, because of their geographical condition and lack of resources, lack the means and tools to combat these climate changes. The context of this study is provided in a rural town located in the Arequipa region (Peru), whose inhabitants have to fight against frosts of up to −20 °C in an area without electricity. A viable solution to this problem is found through the design and implementation of a heating system using geothermal and photovoltaic energy, which are resources found in the area, according to a report of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This study analyzes and researches the geographical and meteorological conditions of the region, for validating, through theory and simulations, whether the proposed system can supply the thermal energy required to maintain the indoor temperature at a minimum of 15 °C under extreme conditions. The system is designed after analyzing the best technological options and techniques currently available in the context studied for its ultimate financing and establishing guidelines and indicators for monitoring results.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / The recent climate change has forced people to live in extreme conditions, either excessive heat or cold, implying that they must adapt to survive in these situations. However, there are people who, because of their geographical condition and lack of resources, lack the means and tools to combat these climate changes. The context of this study is provided in a rural town located in the Arequipa region (Peru), whose inhabitants have to fight against frosts of up to −20 °C in an area without electricity. A viable solution to this problem is found through the design and implementation of a heating system using geothermal and photovoltaic energy, which are resources found in the area, according to a report of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This study analyzes and researches the geographical and meteorological conditions of the region, for validating, through theory and simulations, whether the proposed system can supply the thermal energy required to maintain the indoor temperature at a minimum of 15 °C under extreme conditions. The system is designed after analyzing the best technological options and techniques currently available in the context studied for its ultimate financing and establishing guidelines and indicators for monitoring results.

Legislated renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) may not be the key to ensure forecast energy demands are met. States without a legislated RPS and with efficient permitting procedures were found to have approved and issued 28.57% more permits on average than those with a legislated RPS. Assessment models to make informed decisions about the need and effect of legislated RPSs do not exist. Decision makers and policy creators need to use empirical data and a viable model to resolve the debate over a nationally legislated RPS. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine if relationships between the independent variables of RPS and insolation levels and the dependent variable of the percentage of permits approved would prove to be a viable model. The research population was 68 cities in the United States, of which 55 were used in this study. The return on investment economic decision model provided the theoretical framework for this study and the model generated. The output of multiple regression analysis indicated a weak to medium positive relationship among the variables. None of these relationships were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. A model using site specific data might yield significant results and be useful for determining which solar energy projects to pursue and where to implement them without Federal or State mandated RPSs. A viable model would bring about efficiency gains in the permitting process and effectiveness gains in promoting installations of solar energy-based systems. Research leading to the development of a viable model would benefit society by encouraging the development of sustainable energy sources and helping to meet forecast energy demands.

This work presents a new control strategy using fractional order operators in threephase grid-connected photovoltaic generation systems with unity power factor for any situation of solar radiation. The modeling of the space vector pulse width modulation inverter and fractional order control strategy using Park’s transformation are proposed. The system is able to compensate harmonic components and reactive power generated by the loads connected to the system. A fractional order extremum seeking control and “Bode’s ideal cut-off extremum seeking control” are proposed to control the power between the grid and photovoltaic system, to achieve the maximum power point operation. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed methodology for grid-connected photovoltaic generation systems. The simulation results and theoretical analysis indicate that the proposed control strategy improves the efficiency of the system by reducing the total harmonic distortion of the injected current to the grid and increases the robustness of the system against uncertainties. Additionally, the proposed maximum power point tracking algorithms provide more robustness and faster convergence under environmental variations than other maximum power point trackers.

Cette thèse s’inscrit dans la conjoncture actuelle de la recherche et du développement des matériaux pour les énergies renouvelables et dispositifs optoélectroniques à bas coût. Nous avons développées des nouveaux matériaux de pérovskites 2D et 3D afin d’exploiter leurs propriétés originales dans le but de les intégrer dans un second temps dans des dispositifs photoniques et photovoltaïques. Le travail d’ingénierie moléculaire sur la flexibilité des pérovskites 2D a permis de moduler le gap optique, d’extraire des informations sur les propriétés excitonique ainsi que l’activation de la photoluminescence. Quant à la flexibilité de la mise en forme des nouvelles pistes ont été initiées. L’étude de cette pérovskite 3D spécialement MAPI est très utile pour les applications photovoltaïques. La connaissance des propriétés optiques, structurales et de transport est une clé majeure pour l’augmentation des rendements et la stabilité de ces cellules / This thesis is involved in the current situation of research and development of materials for renewable energy and optoelectronic devices at low cost.We have developed new 2D and 3D perovskite materials to exploit their unique properties in order to integrate them in a second time in photonic and photovoltaic devices. The molecular engineering work on flexibility perovskites 2D allowed to modulate the optical gap, to extract information about the properties excitonqiue as well as activation of the photoluminescence. As to the flexibility of the layout of the new tracks were initiated.The study of this 3D perovskite especially MAPI is very useful for photovoltaic applications. The knowledge of the optical properties, structural and transport is a major key to increased yields and stability of these cells.