Computational simulation as an optimization tool for photovoltaic solar energy generation

Abstract

In recent years, economic and population growth has caused an increase in energy demand, which has consequently boosted the development and improvement of renewable energy systems and, especially in Brazil, of energy from photovoltaic panels. Given this scenario, this article aimed to optimize a company's photovoltaic solar energy generation system in order to contribute to the energy matrix and sustainable urban development through the application of mathematical modeling and simulation using the MATLAB® software (version 2018). The analysis of meteorological data and specifications of the module system were carried out for a period of 12 months. In total, three simulations were presented that optimized the installed system. However, it was possible to highlight the best model proposed, which resulted in 75,220 kWh / year of energy generation and provided a generation gain of 2.35% corresponding to 8.58 more days of generation in relation to the installed system. Therefore, computer simulation as an optimization tool in the generation of photovoltaic solar energy demonstrated to be an effective resource management practice applied in the urban context, in order to contribute to meeting the sustainable development objectives of Agenda 2030.

Keywords:
Sustainable development; Renewable energy; Mathematical modeling