Integration of Multiple Simulation Tools for Photovoltaic System Design and Analysis

Gour Chand Mazumder; Sanjay Kumar Sarker; Tamim Hossain; Md. Shahariar Parvez; Md. Rifat Hazari; Chowdhury Akram Hossain; Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan; Nowshad Amin

doi:10.46604/aiti.2024.13934

Authors

Gour Chand Mazumder Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sanjay Kumar Sarker Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tamim Hossain Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Shahariar Parvez Department of Computer Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Rifat Hazari Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Chowdhury Akram Hossain Department of Computer Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nowshad Amin Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46604/aiti.2024.13934

Keywords:

PV assessment, HelioScope, HOMER, PVsyst, RETScreen

Abstract

This research aims to develop a photovoltaic (PV) project assessment method by integrating four simulation tools to maximize potential benefits from multidimensional scopes of projects. The proposed method combines output parameters and the cost databases of selected tools to overcome individual limitations by facilitating complementary strengths. Most simulations require more analytical results while using single or multiple tools separately. Also, it combines HelioScope, RETScreen, HOMER, and PVsyst software to simulate entire generation export, self-consumption, and impact of load shedding with sensitivity analysis. The method employs the capability of HelioScope to find maximum installation capacity based on available space, the carbon-trading feature of RETScreen, HOMER’s optimization, and PVsyst’s viability analysis. The results demonstrate that carbon trading shortens the project’s payback period while maximizing installation capacity and performance improvement by energy export with a stable capacity factor and performance ratio. The method proffers a promising technique for PV system assessment.

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