Abstract
Study of comparison of solar power generation between the GridLAB-D tool and System Advisor Model (SAM) in Dili, Timor Leste is presented in this paper. Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to simulate solar radiation for one calendar year from January to December 2014 using six-hourly interval 1° × 1° NCEP FNL analysis data. The one calendar year results from the WRF model will be used as input data for GridLAB-D and SAM to estimate the solar power generation. GridLAB-D is an open-source and analysis tool designed to operate the distribution power systems with a high-performance algorithm. System Advisor Model version SAM 2017.9.5 is used to estimate solar power performance with Photovoltaics (PVWatts)- Commercial Distributed model. This model is designed to analyze the performance and the financing of renewable energy for electricity generation. The results show the lowest solar radiation is 512 W/m2 obtained in June with an average monthly power of 20.6 kW and 30.55 kW generated from the SAM model and the GridLAB-D simulator, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest solar radiation is 1100 W/m2, 1112 W/m2, 1046 W/m2, and 1077 W/m2 obtained in October, November, December, and January with an average monthly power of 55.72 kW, 62.44 kW, 56.65 kW, and 56.97 kW from the SAM model, in the other hand, 48.89 kW, 51.31 kW, 55.51 kW, and 57.18 kW generated by the GridLAB-D. Finally, the results show that the performance of the GridLAB-D and the SAM model was quite good because both model precisely presented values are almost closest to each other. This study proposes that the results of solar output power from both methods, GridLAB-D and SAM can be used to design grid-connected or stand-alone electric power projects to increase the quality of electricity generation in Dili, Timor Leste.
Highlights
According to the strategic plan for the development of Timor Leste from the year, 2011 to 2030, renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydro power, including biomass and any other source, has become one of the main targets to supply the electricity [1]
The results show the lowest solar radiation is 512 W/m2 obtained in June with an average monthly power of 20.6 kW and 30.55 kW generated from the System Advisor Model (SAM) model and the GridLAB-D simulator, respectively
1) The relative humidity (RH) from the observed data obtaining from the date and time homepage showed the RH during the night time was obtained about 21% - 34% higher compared to the RH generated by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulation as it may affect the temperature of observed data higher than simulated data during night time
Summary
According to the strategic plan for the development of Timor Leste from the year, 2011 to 2030, renewable energy such as solar-, wind-, and hydro power, including biomass and any other source, has become one of the main targets to supply the electricity [1]. The feasibility study of renewable energy system about the output power generation which conducted in this study will be expected using as references for the development of Timor Leste in the future regarding the planning of construction for the renewable energy system based on the number populations and an analyzing of output energy for the long term period. The forecasting of solar radiation is the most important factor to analyze the output power generation of the solar power plant. The plotting is showing that solar radiation obtained above 1000 W/m2 indicating a high possibility for solar farm installation with a high output of solar power
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call