Optimal building integrated photovoltaic sizing approach according to load profile under zero export restrictions with real data validation

Abstract

This paper focuses on optimal sizing of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) without energy storage system (ESS) in a zero power/energy export (ZE) power system, considering several types of buildings/consumers. BIPV systems have gained significant popularity in the development of low-carbon smart cities because they offer several key advantages, such as utilizing locally available renewable energy sources (RES) and reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases emissions. However, the implementation of BIPV system faces challenges due to legal, regulatory, and technical restrictions imposed by the power distribution system operator, sometimes resulting in ZE requirements. In this case, one of the major challenges is the optimal sizing of BIPV system, considering both technical and economic parameters, especially if there is no ESS. The objective function presented in this paper integrates the internal rate of return on investment and the self-sufficiency rate of BIPV system. The primary goal is to optimize both the cost-effectiveness and self-sufficiency of BIPV system, along with minimizing the cost of energy consumption from the power grid over a ten-year period. Additionally, the presented approach accounts for varying tariff rates, different load profiles, price fluctuations during the exploitation period, and the variation of the efficiency of BIPV system over time. As case studies, the presented approach is validated and assessed on real data sets of several different examples of BIPV systems without ESS, considering ZE as the constraint.