Fraunhofer IWU’s New Solar Generation Simulation Tool ARON

• Fraunhofer IWU's HLG has developed a new solar yield simulation tool called ARON
• It provides information about the requisite solar system size after taking into account various factors such as location, roof pitch, power consumption profiles, or technical data of the planned modules
• HLG has also used ARON to prepare a concept study for TÜV SÜD's future CO2-neutral energy supply for the Leipzig-Stahmeln site 

Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU (Fraunhofer IWU), through its Hydrogen Lab Görlitz (HLG), has launched an evaluation tool that it claims can correctly size solar PV systems for private households.

Dubbed ARON (Automated Renewable hOmepower Network), this tool can correctly provide the dimension of PV systems for private households and create comprehensive energy concepts for companies by simulating the expected local energy yield of the system. It can also compare the system size with the required investment.

According to HLG, the ARON simulation tool takes into account factors such as the location, roof pitch, power consumption profiles, or technical data of modules in its calculation. The tool is also helpful in determining the energy requirements of heat pumps on the consumption side and recommends appropriate dimensioning of battery storage systems.

HLG claims that the ARON software tool can provide valuable recommendations on decision-making and system planning for homeowners wanting to generate solar power in Germany. Based on the values provided by the European Union for a 'typical meteorological year', ARON will calculate important factors on the consumption side of the home, particularly hot water and the annual heat demand which results from the heating concept of the building and its state of renovation, explained the German institute.

As per Fraunhofer IWU, the tool simulates the expected local energy yield of the photovoltaic system after including the above-mentioned calculated data and compares it with the required investment and expected yearly revenue for any kilowatt hours fed into the power grid.

Recently, as part of TÜV-SÜD's efforts to become climate-neutral in terms of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, HLG prepared a concept study for future CO2-neutral energy supply for the former's Leipzig-Stahmeln site using the ARON tool. In the Leipzig-Stahmeln site, the researchers first determined the electricity,  heat requirements, and calculated optimal designs for photovoltaic systems, a small wind turbine, the heat pump, and an optional battery storage system.