EN
ENLuSim is designed to support photovoltaic energy yield assessments in cases where geometry, materials, and surroundings have a material impact on irradiance distribution, system losses, and resulting energy yield. Rather than relying on simplified abstractions, it aims to represent PV systems as they exist in real environments, with an explicit focus on spatial variability and geometric effects.
The modelling approach prioritises physical consistency, transparency of assumptions, and compatibility with established engineering workflows. Its development has been shaped by applied research and consulting use, with a clear focus on understanding when additional modelling detail influences results and when simpler representations remain sufficient.
LuSim implements a complete photovoltaic energy yield simulation chain within a single and coherent framework, from irradiance evaluation to electrical energy production and system losses.
LuSim follows a complete PV energy yield modelling chain, from the evaluation of irradiance in complex environments to the estimation of electrical power and energy yield at system level. Each step of the simulation is based on established engineering practice and relies on scientifically validated models.
High-resolution irradiance modelling in complex 3D environments provides the physical basis of the simulation. This irradiance is converted into electrical power and energy yield using photovoltaic performance models that account for module behaviour, temperature effects, and system-level losses. Particular attention is paid to maintaining consistency across the modelling chain, ensuring that assumptions made at one stage remain compatible with subsequent steps.
LuSim integrates a combination of open source libraries and models described in the scientific literature. Open source tools such as pvlib are used where appropriate to ensure transparency and alignment with community validated practices. When relevant models are described in the literature but not available as ready to use open source implementations, they are implemented directly in LuSim based on their published formulations.
LuSim integrates a combination of open source libraries and models described in the scientific literature. Open source tools such as pvlib are used where appropriate to ensure transparency and alignment with community-validated practices. When relevant models are described in the literature but are not available as ready-to-use open source implementations, they are implemented directly in LuSim based on their published formulations.
By relying on peer-reviewed models rather than proprietary formulations, LuSim ensures consistency with current scientific knowledge while preserving flexibility in model selection. Each step of the PV energy yield simulation is defined by its scientific validity and its relevance to the problem being addressed.
No modelling approach is universally optimal. LuSim has been designed for cases where geometry-driven effects and spatial variability cannot be neglected.
Its scope and assumptions are explicitly defined, allowing users to understand where the approach provides added value and where simpler methods may be sufficient. This clarity is essential for interpreting results correctly and for integrating them into broader engineering and financial workflows.
By making limitations explicit rather than implicit, LuSim supports informed modelling choices rather than black-box usage.
LuSim does not aim to replace all existing photovoltaic simulation methods. It complements them by addressing cases where simplified geometrical assumptions are no longer adequate.
Compared to ray tracing approaches, the GPU-based view factor methodology adopted in LuSim offers a different balance between physical detail and computational cost. This makes it particularly well suited for systematic design exploration, multiparameter analyses, and uncertainty studies in complex environments.
The choice of modelling approach should always be guided by the nature of the system and the questions being addressed.
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