Sutton, P. D. | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1979

Photovoltaic systems perspective

This paper summarizes the elements of photovoltaic power system and clarifies the terminology currently used. The relationship of system efficiency and cost is described particularly for the Balance of Photovoltaic System (BOPS) area. The current status of the BOPS development activity is described. The photovoltaic systems terminology is found to be on the road to standardization. Power conditioning, energy storage, and support structure are found to be BOPS cost and/or efficiency drivers. Although the current BOPS activity has identified low-cost/high-efficiency components, further development work is necessary.

Sutton, P. D.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Structural cost optimization of photovoltaic central power station modules and support structure

The results of a comprehensive study of photovoltaic module structural support concepts for photovoltaic central power stations and their associated costs are presented. The objective of the study has been the identification of structural cost drivers. Parametric structural design and cost analyses of complete array systems consisting of modules, primary support structures, and foundations were performed. Area related module cost was found to be constant with design, size, and loading. A curved glass module concept was evaluated and found to have the potential to significantly reduce panel structural costs. Conclusions of the study are: array costs do not vary greatly among the designs evaluated; panel and array costs are strongly dependent on design loading; and the best support configuration is load dependent

Sutton, P. D.↗