Step-by-Step Design of Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plants. Houshang Karimi

method for determining the cable size of a PV plant is presented in [21]. In [22], few topologies for the monitoring system of a PV plant are examined. The design of distribution transformers for a PV plant based on harmonic specifications is discussed in [23]. The protection system of a PV plant is discussed in [24, 25], and the grounding system design is presented in [26].

1.6 Outline of the Book

      In Chapter 2, a review of the design requirements of a LS‐PVPP is presented and various equipment of the plant is introduced. In Chapter 3, first the key points and general definitions of feasibility studies of a PV plant are introduced. Then, the criteria and requirements of a feasibility study report for a large‐scale PV plant are presented.

      In Chapter 4, the network connection studies of a PV power plant are discussed and the main parts of the network connection studies and its requirements are described. The single‐line diagram of a sample PV plant is presented in detail. The PV plant is modeled in software, and load distribution analyzes, emergency situations, single‐phase and three‐phase short circuits, power quality, and stability are examined and evaluated.

      In Chapter 5, first, the generalities related to solar sources, geometry, and radiation are presented. Then, a method to calculate the solar‐related parameters such as total annual radiation per surface, azimuth angle, altitude angle, tilt angle and orientation, shadow distances, and row spacing is introduced.

In Chapter 6, the design methodology and documents of a LS‐PVPP are presented. Moreover, the steps to design various equipment of a large‐scale PV plant are discussed. The steps include preparing a feasibility study report, engineering documents, basic design, tender documents, and detailed design. Finally, a flowchart for the optimal design of a PV plant is also proposed.

      The design of the DC side of a large‐scale PV plant is presented in Chapter 7. The main equipment that should be determined in the DC side is introduced. The technical specifications and technologies of PV modules and solar inverters are also discussed. It is explained how to determine the PV string size, the inverter operating range, the number of inverters, the size of DC cable, and the type of fuse, surge arrester, and DC switch.

      Chapter 8 introduces the power losses related to a PV plant and the parameters affecting the equipment’s losses. Moreover, the performance ratio, the monthly and annual output energy productions of a PV plant are discussed.

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