Plantpredict: Solar Performance Modeling Made Simple
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PlantPredict is a web-based solar power plant modeling tool that aims to make solar performance modeling simple. It features an easy to use interface, minimal training requirements, and fast updates. PlantPredict allows users to model power plants, compare weather files, access module and inverter libraries, build complex power plant designs, and view results through summary reports and detailed nodal data. Future updates will include additional modeling capabilities and an application programming interface for automation.
Plantpredict: Solar Performance Modeling Made Simple
- 4. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 4 WHY PLANTPREDICT? • Structured for utility scale • Easy web access • Straightforward UI transparent modeling • Minimal training required • Easily comparable and shareable predictions • Faster updates with 2 week update cycle • API automation capability • Industry supported (in progress)
- 5. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 5 TECHNICAL FEATURES • Advanced vs. simple settings • Simple powerplant builder with quick edit feature • Sub-hourly optionality • Multi-year capability • Choice of 3 diffuse decomposition models • Integrated spectral model • Non-linear temperature coefficient • Built-in record management
- 6. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 6 FUTURE FEATURES • Battery storage • POA input • Tilted tracker geometry • Slope shading • One-diode equation solver • And much more!
- 7. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 7 THE POWER OF CLOUD HOSTED SOFTWARE • Security — Record retention security by getting it off the desktop — Cloud based security around your data • Scalability — Ability to handle high demand • Flexibility — Use the API services without the UX/UI – Set up your own optimization engine — Empower forecasting — Automated evaluation of model vs. actual comparisons
- 8. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 8 AN INDUSTRY SUPPORTED SOFTWARE Building Transparency 1. Create community consensus on the right algorithms for PV technology 2. Maintain full transparency on core calculations 3. PV community to help define and vote on the most important changes Building Confidence Technical white paper on accuracy of energy assessments compared to other industry tools Benchmarked against 1GW of installed utility scale plants Currently working with the IE community on a technical review
- 9. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 9 PREDICTION ACCURACY AT THE ENERGY METER Underpredicted energy by 0.11% with standard deviation of 1.97% across 20+ sites Analyzed the equivalent of: • 1 GW • 50 system-years • 438,000 system-hours -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Model Error (%) NumberofSystems
- 11. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 11 WEATHER FILE CREATION • Import existing weather file of any length, time step, and format • Use PlantPredict template to paste data • Download weather data from several vendors (limited use)
- 12. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 12 WEATHER FILE MANAGEMENT • Map view of shared weather files within company • “Summary” view of weather details • Easily compare up to 6 weather files
- 13. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 13 WEATHER FILE COMPARISON • Compare nearby weather files • Table summary statistics • Graphical view, including clear sky
- 14. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 14 INVERTER LIBRARY Large database of inverters • Add limitless voltage/efficiency curves • Add limitless temperature/elevation derate curves
- 15. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 15 INVERTER LIBRARY Large database of inverters • Add limitless voltage/efficiency curves • Add limitless temperature/elevation derate curves
- 16. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 16 MODULE LIBRARY • Large database of modules – not just First Solar! • Non-linear temperature coefficient • Spectral model coefficients
- 17. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 17 POWER PLANT BUILDER Easily create complex designs using the powerplant builder
- 18. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 18 POWER PLANT BUILDER Easily change complex designs using the quick edit feature of the power plant builder
- 19. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 19 RESULTS • Easily view and compare results – block by block or aggregate • Summary report • 8760 output summary • Inputs and assumptions summary • Detailed nodal data
- 20. ©CopyrightFirstSolar,Inc.ovember2016 20 RESOURCE CENTER Resource center includes: • User manual • Complete algorithm document • Update/version information • Contact dialogue “Need help?” pop-ups include: • Step by step information • Video guide