Energy_Production_CPV_PowerPlants.pdfVIP

ENERGY PRODUCTION OF CPV POWER PLANTS AT ISFOC Warren Nishikawa, Evan Green, Sam Cowley warren_nishikawa@ SolFocus Inc, 510 Logue Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043 ABSTRACT Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) technology is on the brink of large-scale deployment in the solar market following the completion of technology demonstration programs such as the ISFOC in Spain. SolFocus has installed first- generation CPV systems totaling 0.5 MW peak AC capacity at two separate CPV plants. This paper describes the advantages of SolFocus’ 500x reflector-based concentrator design and specifications for the panel, system, and plants. These CPV systems have demonstrated advantages over conventional PV on a kWh per kW basis due to its high efficiency design, dual-axis sun tracking, and high temperature performance. At the plant level, the site was optimized for energy production by maximizing array spacing and selection of inverter architecture. Based on the IEC-defined set of concentrator standard test conditions (CSTC), the power ratings was determined by taking on-sun measurements and normalizing the data to CSTC using empirical and theoretical methods. At DC peak power, the systems measured above specifications at CSTC. Predictions of plant production were calculated based on peak installed capacity, solar insolation, and the kWh/kWp ratio. Actual plant production for a clear, high DNI day was measured and resulted in plant output of over 95% of the design specifications. The DC and AC power generation measured at SolFocus’ 0.5 MW installat