Reliability of large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic systems

This paper presents a method for assessing the reliability of large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Fault tree and probability analysis are used to compute the reliability equation and the developed model is applied on military-standard data and on data taken from scientific literature.The method provides a tool useful to single out the different impacts that the large number of components belonging to the photovoltaic field and the BOS (Balance of System) chain have on system overall reliability, hence granting the possibility to design and implement more effective monitoring/diagnostic strategies and maintenance plans.

► Stylolite roughness is induced by multi-scale heterogeneities in limestones.
► Close to stylolite interfaces matrix modifications occur due to pressure solution.
► Along the interface a grain size reduction and a modification of SPO and LPO occurs.
► Localized ressure solution is not limited to the actual stylolite interface.