Testing a wavelet-based variability model (WVM) for solar PV power plants

A wavelet variability model (WVM) for simulating photovoltaic (PV) power plant output given a single irradiance point sensor as input is tested at the 48MW Copper Mountain solar PV plant. 4 days with different amounts of variability are chosen for validation of the model. Comparisons of wavelet fluctuation power index (fpi) and power output ramp rates (RRs) between the input point sensor, WVM simulated power output, and actual power output are presenwavelet fluctuation power indexted for the 4 test days. At all timescales, the WVM simulated power output is found to match the variability of the actual power output well, and to be a strong improvement over the input point sensor.