Distributed Photovoltaic Meteorological Stations: Optimizing Photovoltaic Plant Layout and Enhancing Power Generation Efficiency

As global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems, recognized for their clean and efficient energy solutions, are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the power generation efficiency of distributed PV plants is affected by various factors, including environmental conditions, equipment performance, and operational management. To enhance the layout of PV plants and improve power generation efficiency, distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations have emerged, providing robust support for the operation of these plants.

Core Functions of Distributed Photovoltaic Meteorological Stations

• Real-time Monitoring of Meteorological Parameters: Distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations utilize a range of high-precision sensors to monitor and record critical meteorological parameters in the area where the PV plant is located. These parameters include solar irradiance, wavelength distribution, environmental temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric pressure. This data is vital for assessing solar energy generation potential, optimizing PV system design, and improving power generation efficiency.
• Data Transmission and Processing: The data collected by the meteorological stations is transmitted in real-time to a central data processing platform via wireless or wired networks for further analysis and processing. This ensures the timeliness and accuracy of the data, providing strong support for the operational management of PV plants.

Optimizing PV Plant Layout

• Scientific Site Selection: During the site selection process for distributed PV plants, meteorological stations provide long-term meteorological data support, helping to assess local solar irradiance, environmental humidity, and other natural conditions. This ensures that PV plants are established in areas with ample sunlight and suitable weather conditions, maximizing solar collection and utilization.
• Precise Component Layout Planning: Based on data from the meteorological stations regarding solar radiation intensity and wind direction/speed, the layout and angle of PV components can be accurately planned. By adjusting the installation angles and spacing of the components, the plant can maximize sunlight exposure, reduce shading and reflection losses, and enhance power generation efficiency.
• Avoiding Shadow Obstruction: Distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations also help evaluate the impact of surrounding buildings, trees, and other obstructions on the PV panels. By rationally planning the layout of the plant—such as adjusting component positions and heights—shadow impacts on the PV components can be effectively minimized, ensuring stable operation of the plant.

Enhancing Power Generation Efficiency

• Maximum Power Point Tracking Optimization: Distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations can monitor solar radiation intensity and component temperature in real-time, dynamically adjusting the parameters of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to ensure that PV components operate at their best state, thereby improving power generation efficiency.
• Intelligent Cleaning Strategies: By integrating wind speed, humidity, and dust accumulation models, distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations can generate differentiated cleaning plans. Maintenance personnel can schedule cleaning based on these plans to maintain the cleanliness of the PV component surfaces, improving transmittance and subsequently enhancing power generation efficiency.
• Collaborative Control of Energy Storage Systems: In scenarios where distributed photovoltaic systems are paired with energy storage, meteorological stations can predict peak generation times and load demands, guiding the charge and discharge strategies of the energy storage systems. By optimizing the use of energy storage, power support can be provided during times of insufficient sunlight or peak grid demand, enhancing the reliability of power supply and increasing generation utilization.

In conclusion, the integration of distributed photovoltaic meteorological stations plays a crucial role in optimizing the layout of photovoltaic plants and enhancing their power generation efficiency, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of renewable energy solutions.