Machine learning models to help photovoltaic systems find their place in the sun

With the looming threat of climate change, it is high time we embrace renewable energy sources on a larger scale. Photovoltaic systems, which generate electricity from the nearly limitless supply of sunlight energy, are one of the most promising ways of generating clean energy. However, integrating photovoltaic systems into existing power grids is not a straightforward process. Because the power output of photovoltaic systems depends heavily on environmental conditions, power plant and grid managers need estimations of how much power will be injected by photovoltaic systems so as to plan optimal generation and maintenance schedules, among other important operational aspects.

In line with modern trends, if something needs predicting, you can safely bet that artificial intelligence will make an appearance. To date, there are many algorithms that can estimate the power produced by photovoltaic systems several hours ahead by learning from previous data and analyzing current variables. One of them, called adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), has been widely applied for forecasting the performance of complex renewable energy systems. Since its inception, many researchers have combined ANFIS with a variety of machine learning algorithms to improve its performance even further.

In a recent study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, a research team led by Jong Wan Hu from Incheon National University, Korea, developed two new ANFIS-based models to better estimate the power generated by photovoltaic systems ahead of time by up to a full day. These two models are ‘hybrid algorithms’ because they combine the traditional ANFIS approach with two different particle swarm optimization methods, which are powerful and computationally efficient strategies for finding optimal solutions to optimization problems.

To assess the performance of their models, the team compared them with other ANFIS-based hybrid algorithms. They tested the predictive abilities of each model using real data from an actual photovoltaic system deployed in Italy in a previous study. The results, as Dr. Hu remarks, were very promising: “One of the two models we developed outperformed all the hybrid models tested, and hence showed great potential for predicting the photovoltaic power of solar systems at both short- and long-time horizons.”

The findings of this study could have immediate implications in the field of photovoltaic systems from software and production perspectives. “In terms of software, our models can be turned into applications that accurately estimate photovoltaic system values, leading to enhanced performance and grid operation. In terms of production, our methods can translate into a direct increase in photovoltaic power by helping select variables that can be used in the photovoltaic system’s design,” explains Dr. Hu. Let us hope this work helps us in the transition to sustainable energy sources!

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Reference

Authors: Mosbeh R. Kaloop (1,2,3), Abidhan Bardhan (4), Navid Kardani (5), Pijush Samui (4), Jong Wan Hu (1,2), Ahmed Ramzy (6)

Title of original paper: Novel application of adaptive swarm intelligence techniques coupled with adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system in predicting photovoltaic power

Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111315

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University

(2) Incheon Disaster Prevention Research Center, Incheon National University

(3) Public Works and Civil Engineering Department, Mansoura University

(4) Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Patna

(5) Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Discipline, School of Engineering, RMIT

(6) Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Mansoura University

About Incheon National University

Incheon National University (INU) is a comprehensive, student-focused university. It was founded in 1979 and given university status in 1988. One of the largest universities in South Korea, it houses nearly 14,000 students and 500 faculty members. In 2010, INU merged with Incheon City College to expand capacity and open more curricula. With its commitment to academic excellence and an unrelenting devotion to innovative research, INU offers its students real-world internship experiences. INU not only focuses on studying and learning but also strives to provide a supportive environment for students to follow their passion, grow, and, as their slogan says, be INspired.

Website: http://www.inu.ac.kr/mbshome/mbs/inuengl/index.html

About the author

Professor Jong Wan Hu received his doctorate from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He served as Post-Doctorate Research Fellow at the Structural, Mechanics, and Material Research Group in Georgia Institute of Technology, Associate Research Fellow at the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), and as Assistant Administrator at the National S&T Council (NSTC). He is currently a Professor at Incheon National University, Korea. He has been an active member of ASME and ASCE. His research interests include computational solid mechanics, composite materials, and plasticity modeling.