Installation Of Solar Power Plants Research Articles

Cost Analysis of Solar Power Plant for Bilecik Province

Increasing energy demand and environmental concerns resulting from the use of fossil fuels have increased the tendency towards renewable energy sources in electricity generation. Solar energy, which is one of the renewable energy sources and has a higher share in energy production, has an important potential in energy production. In this study solar energy potential is examined and this potential is examined in the world and in Turkey. Besides, the estimations of the use of solar energy in Turkey in the future are handled. Incentives related to solar energy are examined and cost analysis of an unlicensed 100 kW solar power plant installation for Bilecik province, Turkey was performed.

A risk-based multi-criteria spatial decision analysis for solar power plant site selection in different climates: A case study in Iran

Identifying potential locations for installation of solar power plants is a critical step in utilizing sustainable energy resources. In this study, a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) technique is used to generate maps that represent potential areas for solar power plants in four provinces with different climate conditions in Iran. The concept of risk is included in the GIS-MCDA process using the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) model. The OWA model can provide various risk-taking (optimistic) and risk-aversion (pessimistic) scenarios to determine the suitable power plant areas. The results of this study indicate that provinces located in an arid climate such as Yazd contain a more suitable area for the solar power plants compared to wet climate provinces (e.g., Mazandaran). The sensitivity analysis of results show that the criterion “fault” has the minimum effect while the criteria “slope” and “road network” have the maximum effects on the area of the highly desirable class.

Solar and Climatic High Performance Factors for the Placement of Solar Power Plants in Argentina Andes Sites—Comparison With African and Asian Sites

The installation of solar power plants is currently having a notable expansion. The results presented show that the Argentinean Andes range, from the central to northern latitudes, is an excellent region for the placement of these plants, due to the sum of different positive factors: very high mean annual solar irradiation, low ambient temperature and relative humidity, low precipitable water content, normal wind speeds, and extremely low aerosol content of the atmosphere. The proposed regions are nearby San Antonio de los Cobres and El Leoncito and are compared with two important locations where large solar power plants have been (or will be) built: a site in Africa (Ouarzazate, Morocco) and one in Asia (Dubai, Arab Emirates). We present the results of the possible production of electricity, supplying a total of about 21,000 GWh, which is 15.6% of the 2015 Argentinean electric consumption and, consequently, could reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in a total mass of 11.2 × 106 tons of CO2eq. The installation of this type of renewable power plant will contribute significantly to the Argentinean population due to frequent (mainly summer) cutoff of electric power supply and, in particular, to isolated (low income) populations leaving in the Argentinean Andes range.

Determination of Suitable Sites for Solar Power Plants By Using Weighted Overlay Analysis: Sivrihisar Case

Turkey spends around 50 billion dollars for oil and natural gas import products each year to meet the increasing energy demand. In fact, Turkey has rich renewable energy resources. Recently, serious efforts have been made to increase the utilization of solar energy. The annual sunshine duration and annual solar energy potential of the country are respectively 2.737 hours (7,2 hours/day) and 1.527 kWh/m² (4,2 kWh/m²-day). Sivrihisar district of EskiAŸehir province, located in the central Anatolia, is also reported have remarkable potential for solar energy generation in terms of solar radiation, sunshine duration, topography and climatic conditions. There are currently 3 solar power plants in the region with a total generation capacity of 5MW. From this point, this study focuses on the determination of the suitable sites for the installation of solar power plants using weighted overlay analysis method via the utilization of geographical information systems (GIS). A variety of natural and cultural characteristics, such as solar energy potential, topography, transportation and infrastructure, fault lines, protected areas, bird migration routes etc. were included in the analysis. The weighted overlay results showed that 2,2% of the study area had 1 st degree suitability, while 42,3% of Sivrihisar had 2 nd degree suitable lands for solar power plant installation, according to the criteria adopted during the determination process. It was also concluded that 15%-efficient polycrystalline solar power plants, which would be installed on an area of 50.5000 m 2 , could generate electricity of 79489181 kWh/year (7,95 GWh/y), which would totally meet the annual electric demand in the district.

Study of the Operation of Solar Modules Using Holographic Thermal Protection

This paper explores the problem of overheating of solar modules as a result of exposure to sunlight. An increase in temperature above the standard leads to the degradation of solar modules and their premature decommissioning. Cooling the working surface is a key factor that must be considered in order to achieve higher efficiency in the operation of solar photovoltaic systems. Based on the considered methods of cooling and removing excess heat from the surfaces of the modules, an inexpensive and technologically advanced method for protecting solar modules from overheating using holographic films was proposed. The article presents the results of comparative laboratory tests of solar modules using such a holographic thermal protection. It is shown that when using a film, the SM performance does not change, and in some cases even gets better. The surface temperature of the module depends on the angle of its inclination to the horizon, which must be taken into account when choosing the location of installation of solar power plants. The experiments confirmed the assumption of effective protection of the modules from overheating using holographic thermal protection and showed its promise.

Determinant factors in site selection for photovoltaic projects: A systematic review

The choice of great places for installation of solar power plants has become a key issue in terms of project planning because of the increased number of investments in the photovoltaic sector. This study is a systematic review of the literature that seeks to identify the determining factors in choosing the best location for solar photovoltaic power plants, through previous research on the application of renewable energy technologies in great contexts of location. Among a total of 130 academic studies filtered by the keywords “photovoltaic energy,” “power plants,” “location,” and “factor” on the bases ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE, a total of 27 studies were identified. These articles were carefully explored, including years of publication, countries of origin, and identification of factors that each author demonstrated. It has been extracted 28 factors, organized in six points of view: socioenvironmental, location, economic, political, climatic, and orographic. It was verified that the determining factors for choosing the best locations are solar irradiation, substation distance, slope, distance of roads, distance from urban areas, and land use. The results of this research may assist academic students and investors in identifying factors that they should consider in their decision making and may also assist in the efficient planning of renewable energy management to ensure the sustainable development of power generation through the photovoltaic source.

An integrated GIS-based Ordered Weighted Averaging analysis for solar energy evaluation in Iran: Current conditions and future planning

Solar energy is one of the important energy sources and countries have realized the important role of renewable energies due to the depletion of conventional energy sources. In this study, a GIS-based analysis is utilized for investigating the feasibility of solar energy in Iran. To evaluate the concept of risk into the GIS-based analysis for determining optimal areas for installation of solar power plants an Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) approach is used for the first time. Integration of OWA-based approach and GIS analysis provide models that determine the priority of regions from risk-free decision to risky decision strategies. The results show that Kerman, Yazd, Fars, Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchistan, South Khorasan and Isfahan provinces have a good capacity to invest in solar energy projects. The GIS-based analysis indicates that the values of installed solar power plants percentages in high chosen areas for the most pessimistic and optimistic strategies are 7% and 64%, respectively.

Location Study of Solar Thermal Power Plant in the State of Pernambuco Using Geoprocessing Technologies and Multiple-Criteria Analysis

Solar Thermal Technology for the generation of electricity in large scale has been a reality in the world since the 1980s, when the first large-sized solar plants in the United States were introduced. Brazil presents great potential for the development of large-scale projects, although it is noted that the main barriers for the insertion of this technology in Brazilian market are the lack of incentives and goals and associated costs. In a way to contribute to the insertion of solar thermal technology in Brazil, this paper presents a macro-spatial approach, based on the use of Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis and Geoprocessing, for the location of solar thermal power plants. The applied methodology for Pernambuco, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil, considered the implantation of parabolic trough solar power plant of 80 MW, operating only in solar mode, without heat storage. Based on performed analysis, it was confirmed that Pernambuco presents great potential for the installation of solar power plants, especially in the backlands of Pernambuco. Performed validations in the model demonstrate that the methodology attended the objective once the consistence between the assigned weights to the thematic layers, individually, and the final Map of site suitability were evidenced.

A method for estimating direct normal irradiation from GOES geostationary satellite imagery: Validation and application over Northeast Brazil

Abstract The mapping and monitoring of Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is most relevant for the proper installation of solar power plants that use concentrating solar systems. This paper presents a satellite-based method for estimating DNI and daily direct normal irradiation (Qn) that uses a minimal set of regional meteorological information and avoids empirical adjustment with ground-based radiometric data. The focus of the validation and application were on the Northeast Brazil region (NEB), which exhibits high solar radiation levels throughout the year. Two basic parameters for satellite-derived DNI estimates are: (i) DNI under clear-sky conditions DNIclear (computed from the REST model) and (ii) cloud cover C (estimated from GOES visible imagery). The first validations were performed by comparison with measurements from three radiometric stations of the SONDA network in the NEB (Petrolina, Natal and Sao Luis) during 2007–2008. Overall, the results confirmed the good performance of the proposed model. DNI daily cycles in conditions of clear and partially cloudy skies were represented satisfactorily, with daily average errors within ±25 W m−2. Good linearity was found between the measured and satellite-estimated Qn, with coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.84 to 0.89. The average values of MBE (Mean Bias Error) and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) over all sites were −1.7% and 18.7%, respectively. In addition, seasonal and annual average maps of direct normal irradiation were generated over NEB for 2008. It was found that the spatial–temporal variability of Qn is strongly modulated by meteorological systems acting in the region, such as the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone). The mapped results reveal that the highest value was approximately 22 MJ m−2 on an annual average basis, and higher values occurred in areas of semi-arid climate. The proposed satellite-based model may be applied for providing information of DNI (with a spatial resolution of 4 km), particularly over regions without in situ measurements, and suggests good accuracy for climatic and solar resource studies.

Optimal Site Selection for a Solar Power Plant in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey

Primary energy sources are running out due to the increase in electrical energy consumption. Environmental problems caused by primary energy sources are also increasing. Using more renewable energy resources (RES) can be considered as one of the most powerful solutions to address these problems. Today, required photovoltaic power systems (PVPS) and wind energy systems (WES) are widely used as RES for addressing these problems. Because of their high costs, feasibility studies are required for locating large systems associated with these resources. In this study, various suggestions are determined about location selection, which is an important stage in the PVPS’s establishment. Hence, the criteria for selecting the appropriate location are analyzed by the multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods and the results are evaluated for 5 cities in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. In conclusion, it is determined which city is the most suitable place for installation of solar power plants.

Performance study on a grid connected 20 kWp solar photovoltaic installation in an industry in Tiruchirappalli (India)

This paper discusses the details and results obtained from a study carried out on a roof top 20kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in a reputed manufacturing industry in India. Although there is plenty of sunshine, various financial supports and government policies, the growth of photovoltaic (PV) power plants in developing countries is still facing significant barriers due to unclear techno-economic aspects of the PV power plant. Therefore this paper highlights a few salient features of the installation, operational performance and economic calculations of a grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. A few important aspects of solar power plant installation such as the feasibility of location in terms of geographical data, solar panel mounting design, interfacing aspects of PV system with grid are outlined. The results obtained from the study such as month wise energy generation, performance ratio, capacity factor, maintenance aspects, economic analysis, etc. of the system are discussed in detail. The study enables researchers and engineers in this area to understand roof top solar PV power plant and its economic viability. It is expected that this study will encourage and provide guidance to industries in this region to set-up similar PV power plants.

Real and Reactive Power Control in a Three Phase Unbalanced Load Supported by Solar PV Plant at Consumer End

In-order to improve the performance of electrical network with three phase industrial loads the real power and reactive power control is essential in today’s power crisis scenario. The reactive support is obtained by conventional devices like synchronous condenser, static capacitors, and Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices. These devices support only reactive power with additional initial cost and maintenance cost. The proposed Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) based solar power plant gives real power support at day time and it is utilized as a STAticvar COMpensator (STATCOM) at night time and gives reactive power support to the loads. The installation of solar power plant at consumer side eliminates the need for additional transmission lines and related losses and also leaves the existing lines free for other utilities and loads. The proposed Individual Phase Current Sensing (IPCS) control technique for VSI based solar power plant gives better support on reactive power at both balanced and unbalanced load conditions compared with conventional Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique. A proto type is fabricated and tested for various loads. The power factor cos∅ of the system is improved from 0.954 to 0.991 for balance load and 0.987 for unbalanced loads.

A data mining approach: Analyzing wind speed and insolation period data in Turkey for installations of wind and solar power plants

Wind and solar power plant installations have been recently increased rapidly with respect to the depletion of fossil-based fuels all over the world. Due to stochastic nature of meteorological conditions, wind and solar energies have a non-schedulable nature and they require several installation analyses to determine the location and the capacities of wind and solar power to be produced.This paper focuses on the similarity, feasibility and numerical analyses of 75 cities in Turkey based on the monthly average wind speed and insolation period data. The nearest and the farest neighbor algorithms are used as agglomerative hierarchical clustering methods with Euclidean, Manhattan and Minkowski distance metrics in the stage of making the similarity and feasibility analyses. The maximum cophenetic correlation coefficient is achieved by the nearest neighbor algorithm with the Minkowski distance metric in the similarity and feasibility analyses. On the other hand, graphical representations of the monthly average wind speed and insolation period data are utilized for making the numerical analysis. The highest annual average wind speed and insolation period are obtained as 3.88m/s and 8.45h/day, respectively. Overall, many inferences were achieved in acceptable and efficient limits for wind and solar energy.

Development of a feasibility prediction tool for solar power plant installation analyses

The solar energy becomes a challenging area among other renewable sources since the solar energy sources have the advantages of not causing pollution, having low maintenance cost, and not producing noise due to the absence of the moving parts. Although these advantages, the installation cost of a solar power plant is considerably high. However, feasibility analyses have a great role before installation in order to determine the most appropriate power plant site. Despite there are many methods used in feasibility analysis, this paper is focused on a new intelligent method based on an agglomerative hierarchical clustering approach. The solar irradiation and insolation parameters of Central Anatolian Region of Turkey are evaluated utilizing the intelligent feasibility analysis tool developed in this study. The clustering operation in the tool is performed by using the nearest neighbor algorithm. At the stage of determining the optimum hierarchical clustering results, Euclidean, Manhattan and Minkowski distance metrics are adapted to the tool. The achieved clustering results based on Minkowski distance metric provide the most feasible inferences to knowledge domain expert according to other distance metrics.