An artificial neural network to assess the impact of neighbouring photovoltaic systems in power forecasting in Utrecht, the Netherlands

Publication date

2016-01-01

Authors

Vaz, A. G R
Elsinga, B.ISNI 0000000436401527
van Sark, W.G.J.H.M.ORCID 0000-0002-4738-1088ISNI 0000000397039608
Brito, M. C.

Editors

Advisors

Supervisors

Document Type

Article
Open Access logo

License

Abstract

In order to perform predictions of a photovoltaic (PV) system power production, a neural network architecture system using the Nonlinear Autoregressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) model is implemented using not only local meteorological data but also measurements of neighbouring PV systems as inputs. Input configurations are compared to assess the effects of the different inputs. The added value of the information of the neighbouring PV systems has demonstrated to further improve the accuracy of predictions for both winter and summer seasons. Additionally, forecasts up to 1 month are tested and compared with a persistence model. Normalized root mean square errors (nRMSE) ranged between 9% and 25%, with the NARX model clearly outperforming the persistence model for forecast horizons greater than 15min.

Keywords

Artificial neural network, Forecasting, NARX model, Photovoltaics, Time series, valorisation, Taverne, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Citation

Vaz, A G R, Elsinga, B, van Sark, W G J H M & Brito, M C 2016, 'An artificial neural network to assess the impact of neighbouring photovoltaic systems in power forecasting in Utrecht, the Netherlands', Renewable Energy, vol. 85, pp. 631-641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2015.06.061