Abundant Renewable Energy Resources Research Articles

Performance evaluation of different photovoltaic (PV) modules: A case study

Climate change and global warmings are the main challenges for today and the future nations from the health and environment perspectives. Energy generation utilizing fossil fuel is the leading cause of these issues. On its opposite side, elimination or suppression of fossil fuel utilization by introducing clean and abundant renewable energy resources could be the best solution. In general, renewable energies have low efficiency and high capital cost compared to conventional fossil fuel-based energy supply. Therefore, without considering proper approaches and techniques, it is not encouraging to supply energy through renewable energy resources. Conquering the problem, we need to find the best method and ways to create cheap and efficient energy by renewable sources as possible. In this paper, a methodology is investigated and proposed to simultaneously save energy and cost considering useful parameters such as the effect of different modules, temperature, location, and tilt angle. An estimation-based tool developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) known as PV Watts, which is utilized in this paper. A 10 kW photovoltaic system with three different modules in two different locations Kabul and Kandahar in Afghanistan is selected as a case study. From the results, it is found that selection of a specific module for a specific region with different temperatures and appropriate title angles has a significant effect on the performance of photovoltaic systems. It is worthy of mention that before implementing a photovoltaic system, different aspects of the system should be evaluated using proper software/tools in order ...

Optimized operation method of small and medium-sized integrated energy system for P2G equipment under strong uncertainty

This paper studies an Integrated Energy System (IES) and the application of Hydrogen Compressed Natural Gas (HCNG) and Power to Gas (P2G) equipment in IES. Based on the C&CG algorithm, this paper establishes a two-stage robust optimization(TRO) model of the system operating in uncertain environments. Introducing HCNG and P2G equipment into IES can improve the system’s ability to accommodate renewable energy, reduce system operation cost and reduce interaction fluctuation between the system and the main grid. Robust optimization can effectively reduce the risk of system operation in uncertain environments and improve the stability of system operation. Under the compensation of the real-time market, the financial performance of the robust optimization model is better than the deterministic optimization model according to the numerical simulation. This study is helpful to the study of the operation and scheduling of IES in remote areas with weak power system infrastructure and abundant renewable energy resources.

Do renewable portfolio standards in the United States stunt renewable electricity development beyond mandatory targets?

Building upon the literatures of policy stringency, policy effectiveness and clean technological change, this paper explores the question of whether the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) serves as a floor or a cap on renewable electricity capacity deployment in the U.S. In particular, we examine the effect of RPS policy stringency on renewable electricity capacity additions beyond compliance. A panel dataset from 1998 to 2017 is constructed for 28 states that have adopted a mandatory RPS in this timeframe. Using hybrid random effects negative binomial regression models, we find that when constrained by renewable electricity potential capacity (potential capacity < 403.4 GW), more stringent RPSs are significantly associated with a lower level of non-RPS related renewable electricity capacity additions. This negative effect of the RPS on beyond RPS compliance renewable electricity development is weakened by the abundance of renewable energy resources. For states endowed with large renewable energy resources, a stringent RPS policy can motivate utilities and other energy producers to invest in renewable electricity capacity beyond the mandatory target. These findings contribute to the policy stringency and policy effectiveness literatures, and improve our understanding of the relationship between clean energy technology adoption and energy policy.

Effect of Oxidants on Syngas Synthesis from Biogas over 3 wt % Ni-Ce-MgO-ZrO2/Al2O3 Catalyst

The utilization of fossil fuels has led to a gradual increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which have accelerated global climate change. Therefore, there is a growing interest in renewable energy sources and technologies. Biogas has gained considerable attention as an abundant renewable energy resource. Common biogases include anaerobic digestion gas and landfill gas, which can be used to synthesize high-value-added syngas through catalytic reforming. Because syngas (CO and H2) is synthesized at high reaction temperature, carbon is generated by the Boudouard reaction from CO and CH4 cracking; thus, C blocks the pores and surface of the catalyst, thereby causing catalyst deactivation. In this study, a simulation was performed to measure the CH4 and CO2 conversion rates and the syngas yield for different ratios of CO2/CH4 (0.5, 1, and 2). The simulation results showed that the optimum CO2/CH4 ratio is 0.5; therefore, biogas reforming over the 3 wt% Ni/Ce-MgO-ZrO2/Al2O3 catalyst was performed under these conditions. CH4 and CO2 conversion rates and the syngas yield were evaluated by varying the R values (R = (CO2 + O2)/CH4) on the effect of CO2 and O2 oxidants of CH4. In addition, steam was added during biogas reforming to elucidate the effect of steam addition on CO2 and CH4 conversion rates. The durability and activity of the catalyst after 200-h biogas reforming were evaluated under the optimal conditions of R = 0.7, 850 °C, and 1 atm.

Solar Tracker Platform Development for Energy Efficiency Improvement of Photovoltaic Panels

Solar energy systems have emerged over the last decades as the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy resources available worldwide. Solar trackers are devices specially developed to enhance the energy efficiency of solar energy systems. This paper presents the design and implementation stages of a reconfigurable hardware technology-based two-axis solar tracker platform, specially conceived to improve the energy efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The main module of this platform is the NI-MyRIO ready-to-use development system built upon a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processor that controls the entire solar tracker unit. Optimal tracking of the sun movement and obtaining the maximal energy efficiency rate is achieved by simultaneous real-time controlling both the captured sunlight intensity and PV cell temperature magnitudes. In this way, a robust and versatile positioning system has been developed that performs a high precision and accurate tracking pathway. All the control algorithms are implemented there under the LabView graphical programming software toolkit. The final solution boosts in a useful and modularized tracking system that looks useful in a wide range of applications both in industrial and domestic project sites with different power scales.

Improving renewable energy policy planning and decision-making through a hybrid MCDM method

Shifting from fossil to clean energy sources is a major global challenge, but in particular for those countries with substantial fossil-fuel reserves and economies depending on fossil-fuel exports. Here we introduce an improved framework for renewable energy planning and decision-making to help such countries to more effectively harness their abundant renewable energy resources. We use Iran as a case for the analysis. The framework includes identifying and removing barriers that prevent the use of renewables. It is based on combining two models: Benefit, Opportunity, Cost, Risk (BOCR) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) models. In the analyses, the mutual weight of strategic criteria is employed such as technology, economy, energy vulnerability, security, global effects, and human wellbeing. Using the integrated model, we find that solar energy would be the preferential renewable energy source for Iran. Also, the role of infrastructures, policies, and administrative structures in renewable energy to facilitate their development was analyzed. The renewable energy policy-making framework presented is applicable to other countries as well.

Government Policy to Encourage Customers to Support Development of Renewable Energy in Indonesia – A Proposal.

Indonesia is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources. Nevertheless, they have only been used to cover about 5% of the total national energy demand. To optimize their utilization, the government has to make and implement a policy that will encourage PLN costumers to help increase their on-grid power supply capacity. This policy will provide benefits for islands that are already equipped with PLN power grids. This paper uses Solar Power Plants and household costumers as models to calculate potential on-grid power increase which can be contributed by PLN costumers. A two-way power meter is used to replace the currently used one. This model will be applied to the conventional grid to demonstrate the compatibility that show how it is applicable even without upgrading the conventional grid to become smart grid system. The result shows that customers can participate significantly through the flow of their excess energy to grid.

Research Opportunities for Renewable Energy Electrification in Remote Areas of Costa Rica

Abstract Most countries around the world are politically driven to move toward a low-carbon future by embracing renewable energy technologies for electricity generation. With abundance of renewable energy resources, Costa Rica produces over 95 percent of its electricity from hydro, geothermal, and wind power plants. Only one percent of its population live without electricity, mainly in remote territories where rural off-grid electrification is very challenging. The purpose of this research is to contribute to enhancing the opportunities to reach universal electricity access in Costa Rica by studying some cases. A comparison with the African situation is made in order to find common points of benefit and learning. This article highlights that a greater level of engagement is needed from local leaders to develop efficient solutions in Costa Rica, and brings a relevant comparison with Africa’s energy needs as well.

Solar tracker platform development for energy efficiency improvement of photovoltaic panels

Solar energy systems have emerged over the last decades as the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy resources available worldwide. Solar trackers are devices specially developed to enhance the energy efficiency of solar energy systems. This paper presents the design and implementation stages of a reconfigurable hardware technology-based two-axis solar tracker platform, specially conceived to improve the energy efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The main module of this platform is the NI MyRIO ready-to-use development system built upon a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processor that controls the entire solar tracker unit. Optimal tracking of the sun movement and obtaining the maximal energy efficiency rate is achieved by simultaneous real-time controlling both the captured sunlight intensity and PV cell temperature magnitudes. In this way, a robust and versatile positioning system has been developed that performs a high precision and accurate tracking pathway. All the control algorithms are implemented there under the LabView graphical programming software toolkit. The final solution boosts in a useful and modularized tracking system that looks useful in a wide range of applications both in industrial and domestic project sites with different power scales.

Optimal planning of a 100% renewable energy island supply system based on the integration of a concentrating solar power plant and desalination units

Environmental-unfriendly power supply mode and freshwater shortage are two main problems for isolated islands. A 100% renewable energy supply system equipped with local desalination units is an effective solution to the above problems. It can save fuel supplies and eliminate pollutant emissions. Firstly, a 100% renewable energy supply system based on wind turbines and the integration of a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and desalination units is proposed in this paper. The flexible schedulability of CSP plants is utilized to complement to wind power generation, and the thermal storage system reduces the battery energy storage configuration for islands. Different from the conventional method of seeking the minimum levelized cost of CSP from limited capacity combinations, an optimal planning model is established to achieve the minimum overall costs of the 100% renewable energy system. In addition, the adjustable output characteristic of CSP is also considered as the decision variables to optimize the operation of the microgrid. The model is linearized to a mixed integer linear programming problem. Simulation results show that the proposed supply system improves the efficiency of renewable energy utilization and capacity factors of generation units; the peak load demand is cut down and the capacity configuration of generation units is also reduced. The comparison with other state-of-art systems shows that the cost-effectiveness of the proposed system is better in areas with abundant renewable energy resources and high fuel costs.

Status of renewable energy potential and utilization in Algeria

Abstract The Algerian economy is strongly dependent on fossil fuels’ market where 93.6% of its exportations are mainly oil and natural gas. During the last decade, the market price of crude oil has fallen down drastically and up to this date its price is still fluctuating which have severely affected the national economy. Consequently, the transition to renewable energy exploitation and technology development became an indispensable objective for the Algerian government. Algeria is planning to shift to the era of green economy which is the unique solution to meet future energy needs and reduce environment-related risks simultaneously. The Algerian territory is characterized by abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy. In this paper, a brief energy profile and renewable energy potential have been reviewed. The present study shows that the installed capacity concerning both photovoltaic and wind power plant; which have reached 354.3 MW (at June 2018), compared to the declared government targets presents slow integration progress of renewable energy compared to the large available renewable energy potential especially solar energy. Despite the considerable efforts made by the Algerian State to face of the challenges of reducing the economic dependency upon hydrocarbon revenues and greenhouse gas emissions (135.5 MT of carbon dioxide emission in 2018). This work provides useful information about the status of renewable energies in Algeria, which is considered as a scientific platform for researchers and industrial companies to seek suitable solutions for promoting the renewable energy field.

Evaluasi Kebijakan: Pembangunan Desa melalui Energi Terbarukan (Studi Kasus Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya di Desa Rawasari, Jambi)

Fossil energy (petroleum, coal, natural gas) is a double-edged sword; on the one hand its energy is fuel for development, but on the other hand, its residue contributes to global warming and climate change. Renewable energy as an antithesis of fossil energy is an alternative to answer the problem of the use of fossil energy that is considered unfriendly to the earth. Indonesia as an archipelagic country has an abundance of renewable energy resources that are ready to develop its potential to implement environmentally sensitive development policies. In 2016, LAKPESDAM-PBNU, Center for Energy Studies UGM, Center for Economic Democratic Studies, and Center for Civic Engagement Studies had the opportunity to develop renewable energy systems in three locations, one of which is Rawasari Village, in Jambi. This paper aims to provide an evaluation of the energy system development policy which contains an overview of the dynamics, opportunities, and challenges of the implementation of renewable energy to encourage energy diversification and independence as part of supporting Indonesia's development from the villages.

A sustainable solution for electricity crisis in Pakistan: opportunities, barriers, and policy implications for 100% renewable energy

This study aims to explore the potential of renewable energy resources to attain a 100% renewable electricity system in Pakistan. Currently, most of the electricity supply comes from fossil fuel, which is imported because Pakistan lacks its own resources. The imports of fossil fuel cost a huge amount and therefore afflict the already fragile economy. Further, the policy to rely on fossil fuel has significantly failed to address the energy crisis that has been lingering for the past two decades, and an acute shortage of electricity hinders the progress of various sectors of the economy. In addition, the global climate index has listed Pakistan among the top 10 climate-vulnerable countries, which makes it pertinent for the country to take precautionary measures for climate change mitigation. Pakistan has abundant renewable energy resources, which are more than sufficient to meet 100% of the present and future electricity demands. On the basis of the existing literature and the dilemma of the energy crisis and climate vulnerability, this study argues that transition to a 100% renewable electricity system is not only an option but also an urgent requirement. Further, we list the potential barriers, in the context of Pakistan, and put forward the policy implications for a swift transition to an entirely renewable electricity system.

Linear Non-Causal Optimal Control of an Attenuator Type Wave Energy Converter M4

Ocean waves provide a promising and abundant renewable energy resource. One reason wave energy technology is still not mature enough for commercialization is the high unit cost of generated electricity. This needs to be improved by a combination of device and associated controller design. A multi-float and multi-mode-motion wave energy converter (M-WEC) enables much higher energy conversion compared with a single-float, single-mode WEC (S-WEC); however, the added complexity in dynamics of a M-WEC makes the corresponding controller design more challenging. While the majority of current WEC control research has been based on the control of S-WECs it has shown that control can significantly improve energy conversion. This paper aims to design a linear non-causal optimal controller for a M-WEC to demonstrate that this improvement also applies to more complex WEC systems. We choose a multi-body attenuator type M-WEC called M4 as a case study for which the desirable feature of predominantly linear dynamics has been demonstrated. This means that a linear controller can be designed based on a linear hydrodynamic model without introducing an intractable computational burden for real-time controller implementation. Numerical results show that the linear non-causal optimal controller can significantly improve the power capture of M4 over a broad range of peak spectral wave periods by 40% to 100%.

Development of integrated renewable energy system model for rural productivity zone in East Nusa Tenggara

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is a province with low electrification ratio (78.3%) and high number of underdeveloped villages (74.8%), despite its abundant renewable energy resources potential. The objective of this study is to obtain technically-economically feasible village model with integrated renewable energy system for developing productive zone, Prukades-postharvest cocoa processing, in Wewaria, NTT. The methodology used is techno-economic analysis, in which technical analysis include optimization for hybrid power generation system (HPGS), done by using HOMER Pro. Several financing schemes are proposed to evaluate the economic feasibility. Environmental comparative analysis of mitigated GHG emission is also evaluated. It is found that the HPGS consists of 95 kW photovoltaic, 78 kW wind turbine, and 200 kW diesel generator, equipped with battery storage, and the Prukades system has annual capacity of 250 tons of wet cocoa beans/year with 32.9% yield. Prukades system is economically feasible with all proposed schemes, and potential to increase annual income of cocoa farmers. On the other hand, HPGS is only economically feasible with FS-5 scheme with 100% grant as financial intervention. The economic attractiveness of both systems is relatively higher by using integrated scenario, both owned by the same business entity, resulting in 3 other schemes to be feasible.

Realization of a Control Platform of a Photovoltaic System Optimized by MPPT Strategy 'Perturb and Observe'

Most energy resources are indirectly derived from solar energy which is an abundant renewable energy resource that could be a good alternative of non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. Regardless of the solar photovoltaic’s technological competitiveness, which is deemed to be one of the main direct solar technologies, it still has a major drawback, which is its low energy conversion efficiency. In order to overcome the problem of photovoltaic panel (PV) performance and to achieve maximum efficiency, two aspects should be carried out. First, it is necessary to optimize the most suitable design of all parts of the photovoltaic chain; on the other hand, an adaptation stage (DC-DC converter) should be inserted between the photovoltaic generator (GPV) and the load. This stage is controlled by a microcontroller, which allows the system to search and reach the maximum power point (MPP). In fact, many maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are used to control the PV system. Among all the MPPT strategies, 'Perturb and Observe' (P&amp;O) is widely applied as a controller strategy due to its simplicity and easy implementation. The work presented in this article deals with the realization of a control platform of a photovoltaic system through an Arduino Mega board via Matlab-Simulink software. This experimental platform allows the photovoltaic system to extract the maximum power available using the 'Perturb and Observe' algorithm. The results obtained from this experimental study have demonstrated the satisfactory operation of a PV power system and the better achievement of the optimal operating point (MPP). The validation of the proposed controller is shown by Matlab-Simulink. Therefore, the platform can be assessed as a cost-effective device for optimizing photovoltaic chain.

Assessment of Decentralized Electricity Production from Hybrid Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria

Abstract This paper presents technical and economic assessment of a hybrid energy system for electricity generation in rural communities in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The study was based on a 500 rural household model having an electric load of 493 kWh per day. To simulate long-term continuous implementation of the hybrid system, 21 years (1992 – 2012) hourly mean global solar radiation and wind speed data for the selected sites were used. The mean annual wind speed and solar radiation for the locations ranged from 2.31 m/s for Warri to 3.52 m/ s for Maiduguri and 4.53 kWh/m2 for Warri to 5.92 kWh/m2 for Maiduguri, respectively. These weather data were used for simulation with the Micro-power Optimization Model software HOMER. From the optimum results of the hybrid system,Warri has the highest NPC and COE of $2,441,222 and $0.721/kWh, respectively while Maiduguri has the least NPC and COE of $2,225,387 and $0.658/kWh, respectively for the 21 years project lifespan. The high value of COE for Warri is due to its low renewable energy resource while low COE for Maiduguri is due to its high renewable energy resource. The Northern part of the country has ample renewable energy resource availability and with a strong political will, optimal utilization of these renewable resources (solar and wind) can be actualized. Researchers, Industrialists, Policy Makers and the Nigerian government should therefore seize this opportunity in developing a sustainable energy through utilization of abundant renewable energy resources in the country.

ESTIMATION OF THE WAVE POWER POTENTIAL IN COASTAL REGIONS OF FLORIDA

The state of Florida has an abundance of renewable energy resources. Florida sees sun in an average 60% of its available daylight hours, and has 8,436 miles of coastline, and thus solar and wave energy are two promising alternatives to more conventional energy sources. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates the wave power potential along the Gulf of Mexico coast and East coast of the United States as 60 TWh/year and 160 TWh/year, respectively. One TWh/year can power approximately 93,850 US homes annually, and thus it is likely that ocean wave energy has the potential to greatly contribute to the overall energy supply. This can be acheived by harnessing and converting wave energy into electricity using wave energy conversion devices. However, the feasibility of wave energy conversion must be assessed before such technologies can be employed. As a first step, the amount of available wave power in regions where devices may be deployed should be estimated. In this study, we assess the wave power potential of Florida’s nearshore coastal regions.

Power system decarbonisation with Global Energy Interconnection – a case study on the economic viability of international transmission network in Australasia

The electric energy system in Indonesia is undergoing with the challenges of fast-increasing electricity demand, carbon constraints, and rising costs. Using our model of the Australian and Indonesian electrical grids (either separately or interconnected) that incorporates operational flexibility in capacity expansion planning, we first show that meeting the projected demand for Java and Bali—the main Indonesian grid, with 100% locally integrated renewables by 2050 would be challenging. However, a submarine high-voltage DC (HVDC) link connecting Indonesia’s Java-Bali power grid to the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) grid through the Northern Territory would help alleviate this situation, given Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources. Then, our model reveals that the Australian NEM could also profit from additional renewables if connected to the Northern Territory through a ground HVDC transmission line to gather intermittent wind and solar generation, which would be curtailed otherwise if unused by Indonesia through the submarine link. Despite the expensiveness of long HVDC links, the wholesale electricity cost of the integrated 100% renewable Australasia power system could be reduced by over 16%, from $AUD177/MWh with only local renewables to $AUD148/MWh with integrated HVDC transmission. The model retrieved the optimal international HVDC link with capacity of 43.8 GW, and the optimal regional HVDC transmission line with a capacity of 5.5 GW. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed model on power system decarbonisation planning for both Australian NEM and Indonesian Java-Bali power grid considering HVDC interconnections.

Metodología y evaluación de recursos energéticos renovables: implementación de microrredes aisladas

En América Latina más de 100 millones de personas no tienen acceso a una energía limpia, asequible y constante. En Colombia, esto sucede en las denominadas Zonas No- Interconectadas - ZNI con una población de más de 2 millones de personas, que viven en regiones con abundantes y diversos recursos energéticos renovables. En este artículo se presenta una metodología para el diseño de microrredes en zonas aisladas, partiendo de la evaluación de recursos energéticos renovables locales. Una microrred es un sistema que usa varias fuentes y utiliza tecnologías de conversión de energías renovables en electricidad para proveer de electricidad zonas asiladas. Estas “microrredes” inteligentes consisten en un sistema energético que integra la generación, transmisión, distribución y uso final de la energía, de manera eficiente y amigable con el medio ambiente, y con un mínimo impacto socio-cultural, permitiendo el intercambio de información entre todos los componentes del sistema para un óptimo control. Por ello, es de suma importancia desarrollar un acertado análisis y evaluación de recursos energéticos, con el objetivo de optimizar al máximo el diseño de microrredes