Background:
The Norwegian climate is characterized by frequent snowfalls during the winter and significant cloud cover throughout the year. This prevents photovoltaic cells from capturing all the available solar irradiance with the consequent worsening of their performance. Detecting real-time changes of cloud pattern and snow deposits can contribute to a more accurate prediction of produced energy, thus providing support for the definition of highly effective energy management strategies. The topic is framed within the RCN-FRIPRO FRINATEK project Enhancing Optimal Exploitation of Solar Energy in Nordic Cities through the Digitalization of the Built Environment (Helios) (https://www.ntnu.edu/helios)
Short description of the assignment:
This work aims to investigate an innovative technique for real-time detection of obstructions on photovoltaic installations in general, and in particular the ones caused by clouds and snow coverage. The study will include experimental activities to be conducted in the laboratory under controlled environmental conditions and in addition at full-scale outdoor facilities. An existing bidirectional irradiance transposition model will be implemented to quantify the solar radiation incident on the photovoltaic solar cells from the amount of produced electricity. The model outcome will later be validated against experimental data. Miscellaneous comparisons and attempts of correlations will be carried out.
Number of students on the thesis:
1-4 (the assignment is very suitable for two or more practical students who are collaborating). Background in materials science, renewable energy, physics, chemistry and/or electronical engineering is preferred. A bit different background/interests among the collaborating students will also be beneficial.
Contact person at IBM:
Gabriele Lobaccaro, gabriele.lobaccaro@ntnu.no
Bjørn Petter Jelle, bjorn.petter.jelle@ntnu.no
Mattia Manni, mattia.manni@ntnu.no
Kordula Valerie Anne Schwarzwälder, kordula.v.a.schwarzwalder@ntnu.no
External partners:
Marisa Di Sabatino, marisa.di.sabatino@ntnu.no (NTNU - Department of Materials Science and Engineering)
Alessandro Nocente, alessandro.nocente@sintef.no (SINTEF - Architecture, Materials and Structures),
Figure modified from www.fjordkraft.no (left) and “Clouds” by Piqsel (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0) (right).