Category: EEf

Research topic: Photovoltaic SystemOperation&Maintenance Why Can Simple Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Practices in Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV Power Plants Play a Key Role in Improving Its Energy Output? Hamid Iftikhar, Eduardo A. Sarquis Filho, P. J. da Costa BrancoMDPI Energies (2021)(Check article) Short Abstract: In this paper, a comparative analysis is done using real field data and simulation to assess the PV power plant underperformance and indicates the most important predictive maintenances actions. Issues in the tracking systems, inverters and combiner boxes were reported. In addition, an analysis of the O&M power plant reports was performed and compared to the best global practices. In this case, the adoption of predictive maintenance and automated plant diagnosis at the strings level were recommended. Additional content:

Research topic: Photovoltaic SystemModelling A complete framework for the simulation of photovoltaic arrays under mismatch conditions Eduardo A. Sarquis Filho, Carlos A. F. Fernandes, P. J. da Costa BrancoElsevier Solar Energy (2021)(Check article) Short Abstract: This paper introduces a complete a simulation framework capable of reproduce mismatch conditions at the cell level, including failures. The results were validated experimentally for mismatch conditions due to shading but also due to failures. The simulation framework is more suitable to emulate small arrays with few strings, being a helpful tool for the study of failure impacts on PV strings.

Research topic: Pump as TurbinesSeries Transient study of series-connected pumps working as turbines in off-grid systems Margarida C. Pagaimo, João F. P. Fernandes, ModestoPérez-Sánchez, P. Amparo López-Jiménez, Helena M. Ramos, P. J. Costa Branco Energy Conversion and Management (2021) (Check article) Short Abstract: This paper contributes for a further study and application of off-grid PAT (pump-as-turbine) systems to be installed in water distribution systems, for both rural or remote areas. This paper assesses the reliability of associating multiple groups of PAT systems in series, each connected to a self-excited induction generator (SEIG). This is an important topic that could lead to more cost-effective solutions and allow the series association of different users. This work is a follow-up of an international collaboration between the University of Lisbon and Universitat Politecnica de…