SURFER

About the project

SURFER

Photovoltaic Power Plant Management Systems

The project aims to optimise electricity generation and improve energy efficiency in photovoltaic power plants through the development of advanced monitoring and control systems. The first year will involve simulations of different power converter topologies with integrated energy storage and the development of corresponding control algorithms. In parallel, extensive measurements of the electrical, thermal and mechanical parameters of photovoltaic modules will be carried out, alongside the collection of meteorological data and information on shading and soiling using monitoring cameras. Based on the collected data, the second year will focus on developing prototype monitoring devices and a central system for data acquisition and processing. The aim is to identify the minimum set of key parameters needed to assess power plant conditions, reduce unnecessary measurements and optimise communication requirements within the system. The possibilities of detecting and disconnecting faulty modules and adjusting the maximum power point will be investigated. The third year will involve applying machine learning algorithms to automatically classify module conditions using images from monitoring cameras, as well as building engineering prototypes of monitoring units. In the fourth year, the developed systems will be experimentally validated under real operating conditions. This will include testing their effectiveness under partial shading and soiling, and the use of passive cooling techniques based on phase change materials to improve efficiency.

Project team

Duje Čoko

Principal investigator

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Tea Erceg

Researcher

Ivan Grgić

Researcher

Sebastian Karl Mladen Haupt

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Researcher

Objectives

Project objectives

C1. Improve methods for monitoring photovoltaic power plant parameters

This objective is linked to programme indicators PP1 and PP2, as:

- The results will be published in a scientific paper indexed in Scopus and Web of Science

- One researcher employed using earmarked or institutional funds will participate in activities under this objective

C2. Develop a prototype device for managing the operation of photovoltaic power plants

This objective is linked to programme indicators PP4 and PP5, as:

- An applied research project proposal will be submitted to support the development of the device

- A technology and knowledge transfer project will be launched

C3. Develop machine learning algorithms for classifying photovoltaic power plant conditions

This objective is linked to programme indicators PP1 and PP6, as:

- The results will be published in a scientific paper indexed in Scopus and Web of Science

- The research will be presented in a public science lecture

C4. Develop a prototype semiconductor power converter with integrated energy storage

This objective is linked to programme indicators PP1 and PP5, as:

- The results will be published in a scientific paper indexed in Scopus and Web of Science

- A technology and knowledge transfer project will be launched

C5. Develop passive cooling techniques for photovoltaic modules using phase change materials

This objective is linked to programme indicators PP1 and PP3, as:

- The results will be published in a scientific paper indexed in Scopus and Web of Science

- An interdisciplinary research project proposal will be submitted to support this development

Work packages

WP1

Investigation of losses in photovoltaic systems

Module soiling is one of the key factors that adversely affect the efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity. This work package aims to quantify the effects of different types of soiling, including dust, pollen, bird droppings and industrial aerosols, on photovoltaic module performance under real conditions, thereby improving methods for monitoring photovoltaic power plant parameters (objective C1). Field measurements and laboratory tests will be carried out, alongside the development of models linking the degree of soiling to reduced output power. The results will inform optimal cleaning strategies and methods for monitoring module surface conditions.

WP2

Development of advanced systems for managing photovoltaic power plant operation

This work package aims to design and develop a comprehensive system for managing photovoltaic power plant operation, integrating real-time data on generation, environmental conditions and system status (objective C2). The system will use sensor networks, communication modules and a centralised platform for data acquisition and processing. Particular attention will be paid to automated decision-making for generation optimisation, fault detection and responses to grid conditions. The expected outcome is a scalable solution adaptable to different photovoltaic system sizes and configurations.

WP3

Development of machine learning algorithms for managing photovoltaic power plant operation

Managing complex systems such as photovoltaic power plants requires intelligent algorithms that can recognise patterns of behaviour, predict changes in generation and respond promptly to disturbances. This work package will develop machine learning algorithms based on data collected in the preceding work packages (objective C3). Particular emphasis will be placed on predictive models of energy generation, anomaly detection and optimisation of system operation under changing irradiance and grid loading conditions.

WP4

Development of a semiconductor power converter with integrated energy storage

Stable and reliable photovoltaic power plant operation depends on converting DC voltage into AC voltage and temporarily storing energy to balance short-term differences between generation and consumption. This work package will develop a high-efficiency power converter capable of integrating energy storage (objective C4). The focus will be on designing energy-efficient components and developing control algorithms.

WP5

Development of passive cooling techniques for photovoltaic modules

This work package focuses on developing passive cooling techniques for photovoltaic modules to improve energy conversion efficiency. Particular emphasis will be placed on phase change materials (PCMs), which can absorb heat during the day and release it gradually, reducing module operating temperatures and mitigating the adverse thermal effects on performance. Activities include selecting suitable PCMs, experimentally testing different passive cooling configurations and analysing their effectiveness under real operating conditions, including variations in irradiance, ambient temperature, shading and module soiling. The aim is to develop a simple, effective solution that requires no external energy input and can be integrated into existing or new photovoltaic systems without additional energy consumption or complex technical modifications (objective C5).

Contact

For all enquiries about the SURFER project, please contact the principal investigator:

Associate Professor Duje Čoko, PhD

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture

University of Split

Ruđera Boškovića 32

21000 Split

Croatia

Email: Duje.Coko@fesb.hr