Floating photovoltaic system for Indian artificial reservoirs—an effective approach to reduce evaporation and carbon emission

B. Panneerselvam,N. Ravichandran

doi:10.1007/s13762-021-03686-4

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic system for reservoirs is a recent innovative technology that is highly advantageous in reducing evaporation while generating solar power. In addition, the integration of floating photovoltaic systems with the existing hydroelectric power plants will increase renewable power production. The present study aims to assess the electrical performance of floating photovoltaic systems in major reservoirs with existing hydroelectric power plants in India. The reservoirs with large water surface area were selected for the study, and a model floating photovoltaic system with a 5-MW capacity was designed for the selected reservoirs. The numerical analysis showed that installing floating photovoltaic systems will result in an annual energy yield of 160 GWh. Further, the systems also save 1.40 million cubic meters of water per day and also help in generating additional energy of 514.80 MWh/day from the saved water through its integration with hydroelectric power plants. A single-axis tracking mechanism to the floating photovoltaic systems will increase the annual energy generation by 11%. The detailed cost analysis and carbon emission analysis were also carried out. The results indicate that the tracking mechanisms increase the total installation cost of the systems. The annual carbon emission reduction from the floating photovoltaic systems accounts for about 3.30 million tons of CO2. The obtained results highlight the suitability of this innovative technology for installation in Indian reservoirs and its effectiveness in reducing evaporation and carbon emission.Graphic abstract

Highlights

Until the last decade, the primary source of power generation is fossil fuels, which lead to enormous carbon emissions that adversely affect the environment (IEA 2021)
With the fast-growing solar energy installations in India, the results presented in this study will positively contribute to the solar sector in selecting the location for installation and preliminary design of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems
The main scope of the present study is to investigate the influence of hybrid FPV plant installation on the annual evaporation and carbon emission in India

Summary

Introduction

The primary source of power generation is fossil fuels, which lead to enormous carbon emissions that adversely affect the environment (IEA 2021). Industrialization and increase in population led to the fast depletion of fossil fuels in recent years and resulted in the exponential rise in energy demand. It has been predicted that the global energy demand will increase by 50% in the thirty years (Trapani and Millar 2013). This highlights the necessity for sustainable energy production with reduced carbon emission through renewable energy solutions using solar, wind, tidal, and hydropower sources. A reduction in the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power has been noticed due to the increase in renewable energy production. Renewable energy production in India accounts for about 21.4% of the global electricity generation. Considering the noteworthy improvements in renewable energy, studies on the suitability of innovative renewable energy technologies are necessary to improve energy production further

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Conclusion