maximizing pv system performance with single-axis trackers · 2020-05-01 · presented by:...

Presented By:

6/21/2018

MaximizingPVSystemPerformancewithSingle-AxisTrackers

Speakers:

DanShugar,Founder&CEO,NEXTracker

VenkataAbbaraju,SeniorDirectorofProductDevelopment,NEXTracker

DustinShively,DirectorofEngineering,Clenera,LLC

Moderator:

ScottMoskowitz,SeniorAnalyst,Solar,GTMResearch

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Today’sSpeakers

ScottMoskowitz

SeniorAnalyst,Solar

GTMResearch

Dustin Shively

Director of Engineering,

Clenera, LLC

Dan Shugar

Founder & CEO,

NEXTracker

Venkata Abbaraju

Senior Director of

Product Development,

NEXTracker

SolarTrackerDemandContinuestoGrowandDiversify

Global Solar Tracker Project Installations 2015 to 2022E, MWdc

Source: GTMResearch Global PV Tracker Landscape Report 2018

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

2015 2016 2017 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E

Annu

alInstallatio

ns(M

Wdc)

Europe NorthAmerica Asia-Pacific LatinAmerica MiddleEast Africa Total

TrackersWillAlsoContinuetoGainShareRelativetoFixedTiltRacking


Ratio of Fixed Tilt to Trackers Used in Ground Mount Projects Globally, 2015 to 2022E

15% 20% 16%28% 32% 37% 39% 38%

85% 80% 84%72% 68% 63% 61% 62%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2015 2016 2017 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E

Percento

fGroun

dMou

ntInstallatio

ns

Tracking FixedTilt

TrackerShipmentsJumped32Percentin2013to14.6GW,NEXTrackerLeadstheMarket

Global PV Tracker Market Shares by Shipments for Full-Year 2017 (MWdc)

NEXTrackerArrayTechnologiesSoltecArctechSolarConvertItaliaPVHardwareSTiNorlandNClaveIdeematecSolarSteelSunPowerScorpiusTrackerMahindraSustenAllOthers

Global PV Tracker Shipments by Technology Type 2015-2017

0%

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30%

40%

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90%

100%

2015 2016 2017

Percento

fGlobalTrackerShipm

ents

DualAxis CentralizedPush-PullCentralizedRotaryDrive DecentralizedAuxilaryModuleDecentralizedSelf-Powered


Take 15 Percent Off GTM’s Upcoming Events with Code WEBINAR

Copyright ©2018 NEXTracker

MAXIMIZING PV SYSTEM PERFORMANCEDriving LCOE reduction through bifacial and smart system control

Greentech Media WebinarJune 21st, 2018

Scott Moskovitz, GTMDustin Shively, CleneraVenkata Abbaraju & Dan Shugar, NEXTracker

Proprietary and Confidential ©2018 8

NEXTRACKER, A FLEX COMPANY

OfficesManufacturing: 175 MW/ week global capacity

13 GW trackers delivered globally 10 GW of Gen2 NX Horizon, zero wind events

N. America > 8.5 GW

S. America > 1 GW

India & EMEA > 1.5 GW

Australia > 1.5 GW

An investment grade company

• $25B revenue

• $13B balance sheet

• > $400M free cash flow


• Scaling has driven PV CapEx ferociously, but much of industry at unsustainably low margins

• Competitive LCOE most important driver in utility scale sector

• Trackers , especially 1 axis horizontal, most optimal for lowest LCOE

• Backtracking algorithms first introduced in 1991

• NX acquired machine learning company in 2016 to accelerate next gen control strategy across its platforms

THE IMPERATIVE FOR ONGOING YIELD GAIN

8minutenergy 300 MW Eagle Shadow: $23.76/MWh fixed

“Backtracking: A Novel Strategy for Tracking PV Systems”, Panico, Garvison, Wenger, Shugar, IEEE PVSC 1991


CREATING VALUE THRU INNOVATION & CONNECTIVITYTrueCapture builds on prior NX technology including independent rows, self-powered smart tracker, and data connectivity with NERP-CIP Compliance

Self Grounded Tracker

Certified to UL 2703 & 3703 standard, no need for additional grounding components and labor

Self Powered & Smart Tracker

Eliminates AC power; integrated UPS, inclinometer, motor current monitoring, &

wireless communications, smart module

Predictive Analytics & Digital O&M™

Auto-commissioning, remote monitoring &

control of system health;

NERC-CIP compliant

Independent RowsBalanced Tracker

Up to 93 modules, 1500V, 120° tracking range,

15% N-S slope tolerance, & torsional limiter each pier

TrueCapture™ Smart Control System

Using AI, machine learning and weather data,

TrueCapture enhances energy yield on solar plant

and storage + solar applications


REAL WORLD CONDITIONS CAN LIMIT PRODUCTION

Row-to-Row Height VariancesThe World is Not Flat

• Terrain undulations• As-Built construction variances • Nearby geographic features

Diffuse Irradiance• Overcast/ clouds• Fog• Heavy haze or pollution

Real-worldproject- diffuselightconditions

Proprietary and Confidential ©2018

SHADING UNDER TRADITIONAL BACKTRACKING

12

Site w/ Variable Slope Morning and Afternoon Shading


ROW-TO-ROW HEIGHT VARIATIONS (undulation or construction tolerance)

13


TRUECAPTURE CONTROL SYSTEM

ROW-TO-ROW TRACKING DIFFUSE TRACKING

TrueCapture eliminates shading losses


TRUECAPTURE ENERGY YIELD BENEFIT

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4:48 AM 7:12 AM 9:36 AM 12:00 PM 2:24 PM 4:48 PM 7:12 PM 9:36 PM

POW

ER

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R M

W (K

W/M

W)

TrueCapture Standard Tracking

Simulated example – one typical day on 1 MW site

Shade avoidance benefit Diffuse light benefit Shade avoidance benefit

Additional energy generated when cloudy

Non-curtailment period:

Additional energy generated during morning backtracking

Non-curtailment period:

Additional energy generated during evening backtracking

TrueCaptureCaseStudy:PerspectiveofaDeveloper,Owner,andOperator

DustinShively,DirectorofEngineeringCleneraRenewableEnergy

Cost,efficiency,andteamdrivingexplosivegrowth

• Acquisitions&GreenfieldDevelopment

• AssetManager&Operations

• 630MW-DCInstalledCapacity

• 18plantsoperatingandinconstruction

• Over1,500MW-DCplannedconstructionfor2018&2019

• 5GWindevelopmentfor2019-2022

Clēnera GrowingAcrossAmerica

SolarcontinuestogrowintheSE

ALSolarA

• 111MW-DC• 1,100acres• Energyproducedisequivalenttoapprox.

20,000homes• EnergysolartoAlabamaPower• Connectsto115kVtransmission

Duetoterrain,somepartsoftheplantexperiencerow-to-rowshadingatcertaintimesoftheday.

19

LAFAYETTE, ALABAMA – 115 MW

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er(kW)

LafayetteAlabamaInverterBlock3042.2MWACInverter|DC:AC=1.45

TrueCaptureOn TrueCaptureOff

Alabama115MWDCSite:RepresentativeClearSunnyDay:TrueCaptureGenerated4.3% MoreEnergyProduction(R2ROnly)

MorningTrueCaptureGain Afternoon

TrueCaptureGain

Alabama115MWDCSite3-MonthPeriodTrueCaptureGenerated3.23% moreenergyProductionOverall(R2ROnly)

3.23%

1.48%

0%

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True

CaptureBe

nefit

115MWSite|Alabama

R2R(measured) Diffuse(estimated)

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nalEne

rgyGe

neratedpe

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ction/M

WAC

Days(Mar15toJune10th)

TrueCapture StandardTracking CumulativeAdditionalEnergy

4.71%


TrueCapture Additional Case Studies & Benefits

Dan Shugar & Venkata Abbaraju

NEXTracker


3.50% 3.42% 3.23% 2.95%

1.48% 1.48% 1.48% 1.48%

0%

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1.15 1.3 1.45 1.6

True

CapturegainoverS

tdtrackingSystem

DC:ACRatio

Row-to-RowGain(Meas.) DiffuseGain(est.)

4.98% 4.90%4.71%

4.43%

23

CLIPPING VS. DC/AC RATIO TO TRUECAPTURE: Clipping has almost no effectAlmost all TrueCapture gain occurs during off-peak time (during backtracking and cloudy conditions):


TRUECAPTURE BENEFIT: OTHER CASE STUDIES

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neratedpe

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Mississippi(74MW):3.5%MoreEnergy

TrueCapture StandardTracking CumulativeTrueCaptureGain

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neratedpe

rMW

Oregon(14MW):3.9%MoreEnergy

TrueCapture StandardTracking CumulativeTrueCaptureGain

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments Bryan Martin, CEO Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit, April 2018 Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4czdUqBbRM

Additional Validations:

• TrueCapture I.E. Report: 90% Complete

• Multiple New Projects Financed with TrueCapture


TRUECAPTURE BENEFIT WITH CdTe PV MODULES - TENNESSEE SITE

Ø Row-to-Row benefit currently not used with CdTe technology

Ø CdTe technology yields more diffuse benefit due to superior spectral response

1.8%

1.5%

Ann

ualD

iffus

e on

ly b

enef

it %

(Sim

ulat

ed)

Mono - Si CdTe


RESILIENCY FOR UNEXPECTED ATMOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES

TrueCapture can reduce production impacts attributable to volcanic eruptions, fires, dust storms and El Nino conditions by dynamically operating the PV plant

Wild fire impacts on PV energy production. Source: GTM


• Japanese researcher H. Mori proposed bifacial in 1960

• 20 kW Solarex beta bifacial array at PVUSA in 1990

• Sanyo commercialized HIT for PowerLight in 2006

• PowerLight designed bifacial optimized trackersin 2007

BIFACIAL HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS


2007: 14 MW NELLIS AIRBASE PV, LAS VEGAS, NV

• Largest PV in USA at time

• Included 2 MW Sanyo bifacial

• Used PowerLight T-20 Tracker with 2P design, tilt

• Measured good bifacial gains of 12%+ due to low GCR and high albedo

• Visited by Pres. Obama 2009


SPRINGS PRESERVE BIFACIAL PROJECT, 2008

• Site is a Las Vegas area water history museum; open to public

• PowerLight EPC & tracker manufacturer

• Horizontal tracker over tube with tilted PV

• White reflective fabric doubling as shade for cars

• Up to 17% measured bifacial gains

PowerLight tilted 1 axis tracker over reflective fabric with Sanyo HIT. Springs Preserve 2008


BIFACIAL CELL AND MODULE TECHNOLOGY TODAYIndustry Finally Moving Toward Bifacial at Scale

• Bifacial cells increasingly available & efficient

• Many PV manufacturers moving from Al-BSF tohigh quantum efficiency designs with HIT, PERC, IBC.

• Cell enablers: high quality Mono, better quality multi casting, thinner wafers, backside passivation and texturing

• Module enabler: availability of 2 mm and 2.5 mm high quality, durable low iron glass


NX HORIZON: CONCEPTUALIZED AS A BIFACIAL TRACKER• One portrait design for maximum albedo

capture

• Modules suspended between Piers and bearings

• Rails: Tall, short, and tapered away from module, which is held OFF the tube

• Tube is round, 5” diameter, reflective

NEXTracker’s NX Horizon single-axis trackerTesting rear tube effect at Center for Solar Excellence


• Technology showcase and R&D center 64 PV and inverter and battery technologies in field, four different tracker manufacturers, 5 inverters, 4 battery types

• Testing facilityExtended lifecycle reliability, multiple storage technologies, bifacial, thin film, linked & independent rows, fixed tilt.

• Training NABCEP accredited installer training, PowerworX Academy for customers and EPCs

• BifacialFirst tested in 2014

NX CENTER FOR SOLAR EXCELLENCE: ESTABLISHED IN 2013


TORQUE TUBE IMPACT ON ENERGY YIELD

For Standard Bifacial Modules• 6.5% rear shade factor used in PVSyst

modeling

• Optimized tube and mountain rail configuration

• Negligible back-side energy impact from tube due to round profile, distance from module, and reflective surface

• Measured annual effective ~0.5% energy yield loss due to tube at NX test facility

Module frameModule glass

Torquetube


NX HORIZON BIFACIAL GAIN UP TO 14%4 years of field testing at Center for Solar Excellence, Fremont, CA (NX HQ)

• Comparison of bifacial gain for same cell technology from each module manufacturer

• GCR 42%, albedo measured @ 18%

• Huawei 25kW invertersEach MPPT was connected to a string of PV modules with different technologies

MonthModule A

Bifacial gain (90% bifacial)

Module BBifacial gain

(70% bifacial)

January ’17 5.99%

February ‘17 7.29%

March ’17 13.8% 7.34%

April ’17 14.0% 5.34%

May ’17 14.4% 4.99%

June ’17 13.1%

+13.8% +6.2%

NX Horizon with Framed Bifacial ModulesCenter for Solar Excellence, Fremont CA


Factors influencing Bifacial yield:

• Albedo

• View Factor

• GCR (yield vs. land)

• Array Height (yield vs. structure cost)

• PV array height-to-width ratio

• PV Bifaciality

• System DC / AC

PVSYST NOW MODELS BIFACIAL + TRACKER

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Ann

ual k

Wh

boos

t vs

. mon

ofac

ial

Ground Coverage Ratio

Bifacial Gain on NX Horizon


1 x PORTRAIT TRACKERS COLLECT MORE BACK-SIDE IRRADIANCE

123

103

85

6878

99

119 123

103

85

6050

38

51

6268

78

99

119

96 W/m^2Average back-side irradiance

74 W/m^2Average back-side irradiance

Hypothetical Scenario: Both trackers installed at same height

• Back-side irradiance function of tracker height/width ratio

NX Horizon 2P Tracker


1,500mmPanel height

2,370mmPanel height

NX Horizon 2P Tracker

1 x PORTRAIT TRACKERS COLLECT MORE BACK-SIDE IRRADIANCE

Real World: Designed to clearance heightHorizon 2P

600mm

75% height-

to-width ratio

59% height-

to-width ratio

2,000mm

4,000mm


PVSYST ANALYSIS: NX HORIZON vs. 2P TRACKER0.3% More

Energy vs. 2P

Modeled with PV Syst v6.72

• Blythe CA• TMY3 weather data• “Horizontal unlimited trackers”

simulation method• 90% bifacial PV modules• 20% ground albedo• 40% ground cover ratio• +/- 60° tracking range• 1.20 DC/AC ratio• 6.5% back-side shade factor for NX

Horizon• 3.0% back-side shade factor for 2P

tracker• Clearance = module edge to grade

@ 60° tilt:• Low: 300mm• Standard: 600mm• High: 900mm

0%

5%

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20%

25%

30%

35%

2,350

2,355

2,360

2,365

2,370

2,375

2,380

2,385

2,390

2,395

2,400

Low Elevation Standard Elevation High Elevation

Back

-Sid

eV

iew

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tor

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ific

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uctio

nkW

h/kW

p

Energy Production w/ Bifacial PanelsNX Horizon vs. 2P Tracker

NX Horizon Yield 2P Tracker Yield NX Horizon View Factor 2P View Factor


CLIPPING VS DC/AC FOR MONOFACIAL & BIFACIAL

39

Most of the bifacial yield occurs during mid-day, when inverters reach peak power

10.01% 8.99%

5.33% 3.62%

2.69%

-1.2%

-5.4%

-11.0%

0.0%

-1.0%

-5.5%

-11.0%

-17.0%

1 1.15 1.3 1.45 1.6

-20%

-15%

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

DC:ACRatio Percen

tdifferen

cew.r.tS

tand

ardMon

oFacialonNX

Horizon

BifacialGain MonofacialClippingLoss BifacialClippingLoss

System:• Desert Southwest Location• 35% GCR• 30% Albedo• 1P designed at 2’ clearance


NEXTRACKER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAXIMUM YIELD

1 Module in Portrait Tracker1

Framedmodules

2

Low Profile Rail + Round Tube

4

1.5M ArrayHeight*

5

30-40% GCR*3

~1.25 DC/AC Ratio*6

Daily Productionw/ Bifacial Gain

*Site & project variables impact optimal values

7 Consider Storage*

NX FlowNX Drive


FRAMED MODULES ARE BEST FOR TRACKERSGeneral Framed Advantages for Trackers:

• Faster installation time with less breakage

• Improved module reliability. Note: UL1703 is a static test, real world has dynamic loads

• No slippage and less risk of damage in high wind situations

• Thinner glass = less weight

• Long term durability; less breakage with site equipment, animals, ice/snow, sand dunes

Especially for bifacial:

• Enables safe mounting in portrait w/shared rail – no rails behind modules

• Avoid concentrating stresses on weak edges of module glass

• Short (400mm), low profile rail minimizes module edge shading


1700

1900

2100

2300

2500

2700

FixedTilt NXHorizon

SpecificYieldkW

h/kW

p

MonofacialSp.Yield BifacialGain TrueCapture

42

TRUECAPTURE + BIFACIAL: A WINNING COMBINATION

+22%

+5%

+11%

+3.5%

FIXED VS TRACKERBIFACIAL STUDY

Site ConditionsLocation: Desert SouthwestAlbedo: 38%

NX Horizon SystemGCR: 35%Bifaciality: 85%

Fixed Fixed Tilt: 25 degreeGCR: 60%Bifaciality: 85%


Q & A

754 MW NEXTracker SystemVillanueva, Mexico

Client: ENEL Green Power

maximizing pv system performance with single-axis trackers · 2020-05-01 · presented by:...

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