PVLab: An innovative and flexible simulation tool to better size photovoltaic units

Abstract

This paper deals with a new highly modular simulation tool, named as “PVLab” and developed by the GREMAN laboratory, to better size photovoltaic (PV) installations. The programming structure and the physical models implemented within this simulation tool are explained. Several case studies are proposed to highlight the relevance of this new simulation tool. The yearly virtual electrical energy production results of grid-connected PV plants are discussed. In particular, these results are compared with the PVsyst tool ones. PVLab has a high level of flexibility, allowing modifying the physical models and databases (for instance, meteorological data) according the users’ needs. This is permitted through the expertise in all the computing steps and particularly, the MATLAB development environment. Controlling the source code gives itself a huge potential in the field of renewable energy applications in comparison with PVsyst which is currently the commercial reference. This point is particularly discussed at the end of the paper.