Computer-Aided Engineering of Photovoltaic Power Systems

In the current study, the simulation software (Aladdin) is assessed and demonstrated in detail with regard to its ability to numerically modeling monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic power systems. The electricity generation from monofacial photovoltaic systems, from bifacial photovoltaic systems at a low albedo, and from bifacial photovoltaic systems at a high albedo in seven cities of Oman is analyzed. Both annual outputs and monthly variations are compared, and national-level estimates are derived. The study asserts the huge potential of solar energy in Oman, as demonstrated by an attractive electric yield that can exceed 2 MWh/kWp/year (5.5 kWh/kWp/day). The current study does not recommend using bifacial photovoltaic modules in dark soil lands (having a very low albedo near 0.1) due to the insignificant gain that is combined with a cost penalty, extra handling challenges due to having the rear side covered with optically sensitive photovoltaic cells, and added restrictions against utilizing the rear side as a heat source in case the bifacial photovoltaic system is upgraded to a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system. The current study is useful to both a local audience having a particular interest in the Omani energy mix and the prospective transitioning to renewable energy, and a global audience having an interest in computer-aided engineering (CAE) of photovoltaic power systems.