Optimization of Quaid-e-Azam Solar power park introducing axial tracking for the increase in Annual Energy Harvest

Abstract

With the exponential increase in the Energy demand and high reliance on thermal generation, Pakistan is having severe energy security issues. Harvesting of renewable energy for the achievement of green sustainable energy is the way forward. Pakistan is blessed with a strategic location having highly optimum solar irradiation throughout the year. Solar PV modules are installed to harvest the energy. With the changing sun trajectory along the year, to improve the harvesting, PV systems are equipped with solar tracker that improves the energy yield. Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park in Bahawalpur is a landmark project by Government of Pakistan to set the orientation towards renewable energy. The solar arrays in the power park are set at a fixed angle of 32°. This study takes into consideration the results obtained in the yield by the alteration of tilt angles using the single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems. The simulations are carried out on the PV SYST and RETScreen software to indicate the optimization potential and its translation to reduction in GHG emissions. The results obtained indicates an improvement of 16.71% and 22.40% respectively in the annual yield of the Quaid-e-Azam solar power using single and dual axis tracker respectively. In addition to this, the optimization tends to the further reduce the GHG emissions by 17.8% and 24.65% employing single and dual axis tracking.