Optimization of PV generator/inverter coupling in terms of DC cable losses and series/parallel connections of PV modules

The PV system has already a fundamental role in the energy market. Therefore, this kind of plant still grow in terms of sizing and also the research about new technology is always a very current topic. For these reasons, the study on the photovoltaic system can include different matters starting from the better modelling of one specific physical effects arriving at financial analysis in order to help an investor in their choices. Usually, to address in these choices experts and engineers using a simulation software able to replace the condition of one site and make a comparison with another one in a more accurate way. The present thesis has the scope of improving an open source program developed on MATLAB software, in order to create a more accurate simulation. The program starts of the weather data of the location and simulates the hourly energy production of PV plant in the entire year. The main focus of the thesis’s work is the implementation of the DC cable losses model and its effect in terms of technical and economic points of view. In order to create a model of the specific plant layout, the algorithm is explained in detail with all components that participate in the cabling connection. In the case study is considered a PV plant with a size of 1 MW and a central inverter configuration in different locations. In addition, the financial model, that comparing the investment cost of DC cables with the cost of all energy lost, shows how the best configuration of the cabling layout is obtained when fixed a maximum voltage drop limit between 1% and 1.5% of the operational Vdc of the plant depends on the location. In conclusion, the advantage of MATLAB code is its flexibility, it could be implemented by adding other specific models in order to study a specific problem presents in the PV plants.