Performance Monitoring and Evaluation of Oued El Keberit Photovoltaic Plant in Eastern Algeria

Abstract

One of the countries that constantly aim to develop a strategy for the exploitation of solar energy is Algeria, given the capabilities that make it a pioneer in this field. In this paper, we chose Oued El Keberit (OKP) Photovoltaic Plant located in the city of Souk-Ahras, eastern Algeria. The plant has a capacity of 15 MW. We focused on the solar panel array section of the station, specifically examining the performance of one of the subfields in this plant throughout the year under various outdoor conditions, beyond the Standard Test Conditions (STC) case. The study focused on factors that are known. Using a real data presented by the measurement station of the OKP photovoltaic power plant, numerical modeling and simulation of a PV station subfield were performed on the PV array for one subfield of the PV station using MATLAB Simulink. The results show how radiation intensity and temperature, whether low or high, affect the short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of the PV system. Notice that the level of radiation acts on the opposite of two important factors. The FF was at its lowest value in summer, but the efficiency is at its maximum value. Then, the FF in winter reaches its maximum, but efficiency is the lowest value. This means that they have an opposite relationship. On the other hand, the temperature affects the opposite way with open-circuit voltage especially when the temperature is above 25°C.