Energy and exergy analysis of a 20-MW grid-connected PV plant operating under harsh climatic conditions

Abstract

Abstract Large grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) plants are increasingly being installed around the world, including in harsh desert climates. Evaluating their performance can help improve the design and operation of PV systems. This study performed an energy and exergy analysis of a 20-MW grid-connected PV plant under desert climatic conditions in southern Algeria over a period of 1 year. The PV plant was divided into two 10-MW subsystems. Energy analysis was performed using actual irradiation, power output, wind speed and ambient temperature data. The annual average energy efficiency of the plant and subsystems was 10.82%, 10.95% and 10.69%, respectively. Solar radiation had the most significant impact (80% determination coefficient) on thermal exergy loss. The exergy efficiency of the plant was lower than the literature values, likely due to the harsh desert conditions. The comprehensive energy and exergy analysis provides insights into the performance of large-scale PV plants in desert climates. The results can help guide the system design and operation improvements for such conditions. Regular cleaning and cooling could improve performance.