Using optimizers in power sharing

[Emi]

Hallo, 

we have the following case:

Quote

3 sub-arrays defined
Sub-array #1                                                             Without OPT
Orientation #1                                                           Tilt/Azimuth = 20.0° / -90.0°
PV modules:                                                               2 strings of 7 modules in series,  14 total
    Pnom = 460 Wp                                                     PNom array = 6.4 kWp, area = 27 m²
Inverters (10.00 kWac)                                             1 MPPT inputs, Total 5 kWac,  Pnom ratio = 1.29     
Sub-array #2                                                             With Optimizer 1
Orientation #2                                                           Tilt/Azimuth = 20.0° / 90.0°
PV modules:                                                               1 strings of 7 modules in series,  7 total
    Pnom = 460 Wp                                                     PNom array = 3.2 kWp, area = 13 m²
Inverters (10.00 kWac)                                             1 MPPT inputs, Total 5 kWac,  Pnom ratio = 0.64     
Sub-array #3                                                             With Optimizer 2
Orientation #3                                                           Tilt/Azimuth = 30.0° / 0.0°
PV modules:                                                               1 strings of 6 modules in series,  6 total
    Pnom = 460 Wp                                                     PNom array = 2.76 kWp, area = 12 m²

The inverter has 2 MPPT, and we have 3 different orientations.

Then we would use optimizers in PVSyst. But,when we try to go into "power sharing", there we have inverter with 2 MPPT and 3 subarrays/orientations.

 

 

How could we manage this situation, i.e. simulate 3 orientations with a 2 MPPT inverter?

Thanks a lot
 

[Lazare Fesnien]

Dear Emi,

In your configuration you must define orientation1 and 2 with "mix 1 and 2" the define your sub-array N°3 as orientation N°3.

This will allow you to position three orientation on two MPPTs like the example below :

 

[Emi]

Thanks for your reply.

If I understand well, you are using 2 strings with equal lenght (2 x 9).

My setup is different, 5 orientations with several string lenght.

Any chance to accomplish a realistic simulation of following:

Many thanks for your help!

[Lazare Fesnien]

Dear Emi, 

You can simulate virtually your entire project.

Attention it is not possible in PVsyst to mix two orientations with different lengths of strings. 

I just made your system under PVsyst, you just need to make a little change in the naming of the orientations in order to simulate your system correctly.

[Emi]

Thank you,

I understand that I can't simulate my system, correct?

[Lazare Fesnien]

Dear Emi,

If you can, you should mix orientation 1 & 2 and then separate orientations 4 & 5.
Attention, its not at all conventional to put two strings of different length on a single MPPT input

[Emi]

On 7/14/2023 at 4:15 PM, Lazare Fesnien said:

Attention, its not at all conventional to put two strings of different length on a single MPPT input

Ok, I know, then , for a correct simulation in PVSyst,

is it possible to use "optimizer" to connect modules with different orientations and connect them to a single MPPT?

 

More, using mixing orientation means to connect different orientations modules to the same MPPT?   This point it is not clear for me.

Many thanks

[André Mermoud]

Although it is possible to connect strings of modules in different orientations when using optimizers, this possibility is not yet available in PVsyst in the present time. ,

[Emi]

thanks a lot!