Design and Operation of Upgraded TEP/AzRISE Solar Test Yard

Abstract

The TEP (Tucson Electric Power)/University of Arizona AzRISE (Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy) solar test yard is undergoing a significant re-design effort to improve standardization and data acquisition reliability throughout the facility. Data reliability is ensured through temperature-insensitive data acquisition devices with battery backups in the upgraded test yard. Software improvements allow for real-time analysis of collected data, while uploading to a web server. Sample data obtained by monitoring the output of a set of polycrystalline photovoltaic modules illustrates high fidelity following equipment upgrades. This thesis will provide the motivation behind upgraded test-yard design and the rational for equipment selection by discussing the legacy instrumentation and history of the test yard, while highlighting how the upgrades have benefited the reliability of data acquired. The report will include step-by-step instructions on how to add more zones for data collection through standardization made possible by the research efforts that go into this document. The work included here will serve as a manual for years to come as research continues at one of the premier outdoor photovoltaic testing facilities in the United States southwest region.