The goal of the project was to model and create a system to show the effects of cloud coverage on an installed PV system and those impacts on the electrical grid. When a cloud disrupts a PV array by blocking the sun, the electrical output varies in reference to the initial output. This variation ripples across the grid and can impact other systems along the power line. Initially, to adjust for this phenomenon a test is done at an output lower than initially expected. While this method is sufficient it does not consider all preventable scenarios. We analyzed irradiance data for areas provided by Eversource Energy in tandem with the electrical output of their system and made a model to indicate a flicker moment on the grid and compensate accordingly.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Curll, Christian M.
• Zimmermann, Markus Kenneth
• Scherrer, Matthew H.
• Aslanian, Barry A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050820-201331

Advisor

• Mughal, Maqsood Ali

Year

• 2020

Sponsor

• Eversource

Date created

• 2020-05-08

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Electrical & Computer Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright