Performance analysis of portable photovoltaic power generation systems based on measured data in Mongolia

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan has performed demonstrative research on movable type photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems from 1992 to 1996 in Mongolia. The main purpose of this project was to improve compactness, portability, and reliability of portable PV systems including peripheral equipment such as batteries and inverters, by using the portable PV system for nomadic life of people living in the nomadic society. This paper describes the performance analysis of PV systems based on measured operation data from NEDO project systems. We have performed experiments using a sample system and DC current circuit resistance, inverter efficiency curve, and the whole system losses are clarified. Since humidity is very low in Mongolia, the electrolyte of the batteries decreased very much due to evaporation. Also, taking into account the effects of gassing, a result of the oscillation of the charge controller which serves as an over charge protection, lowers the batteries' lifetime.