Installation Capacity Research Articles

Impact of bi-directional electric vehicle and demand response on residential distributed PV capacity planning based on TOU pricing

The widespread deployment of residential distributed photovoltaic (RDPV) remains complex and challenging due to photovoltaic output intermittency, fluctuating electricity demand, and rising electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Simultaneously, the energy storage capabilities of EVs and residential demand response (DR) offer solutions for optimizing RDPV applications. This study proposes an integrated RDPV capacity planning model by encompassing EV charging, vehicle-to-home, and flexible load DR. Five scenarios are established to reveal the impact of various factors on the optimal photovoltaic installation capacity, electricity cost, self-consumption and self-sufficiency rate. A case study of three typical residential electricity demand patterns indicates that DR and vehicle-to-home significantly reduce the optimal photovoltaic installation capacity and total electricity cost. When the feed-in tariff during photovoltaic generation periods is higher than the off-peak pricing, DR results in a reduction in photovoltaic self-sufficiency rate and an increase in photovoltaic self-consumption rate. EV charging and vehicle-to-home have minimal impact on photovoltaic self-consumption rate, while EV charging significantly decreases self-sufficiency rate and vehicle-to-home exacerbates this effect.

A multidimensional and multi-criteria framework for measuring the circularity of energy generation systems at national level

The circular economy can play a key role in the clean energy transition. In fact, it can enable the shift to renewable power generation addressing the emerging security risks related to supply chains of minerals and metals crucial for green energy technologies. Circularity metrics are essential for assessing the effectiveness of actions taken and the progress toward measurable goals. In this context, through an action research approach the authors developed a framework of indicators to quantify the level of circularity of the whole electricity generation systems at the macro scale. The framework includes indicators related to energy policies, materials, energy, and waste flows and environmental sustainability dimensions and classifies the systems as “beginner”, “started”, “concerned” and “circular”. The framework was applied to the Italian electricity generation system in 2020. The results of the analysis showed that the Italian electricity generation system could be classified as “concerned” in the circular transition. Water circularity, the recycling rate of waste and the usage of minerals and metals, as well as the need to enhance the installation of renewable capacity, resulted in crucial areas for enhancing the circularity of the system. In addition, the application to the case study highlighted the need for the creation of comprehensive databases that increase the accessibility of the data required for measurement and subsequent monitoring purposes. The proposed framework can support the policy makers in planning strategies aimed at increasing the circularity of the electricity generation system at the national level.

EFFECT OF BACK PRESSURE DURING DIRECT PRESETTING OF ALLOY LBTPN D16T

Pipes made of high-strength aluminum alloys with protector thickeners in the middle and at the ends are actively used in the construction of wells for oil and gas. Their light weight and sufficient strength make it possible to build wells of greater depth from lower lifting capacity installations. In addition, aluminum alloy pipes of keyless construction are widely used in cases where there is a high content of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This design and material make it possible to significantly increase the service life of pipes in aggressive, corrosive environments. In order to increase the production speed of pipes, it is proposed to use the technology of direct compression with back pressure. You can simulate the manufacturing process using this technology of LBTPN (alloy drill pipe of increased reliability) using a specialized software complex DEFORM, which was done. These aluminum pipes are used in the development of ultra-deep gas and oil wells, as well as horizontal and inclined extended reach wells. LBTPNs were also used in the drilling of ultra-deep Kola, Kryvyi Rih, and Ural wells. It is possible to use compressed pipes with back pressure if the design depth of the well is more than 3000 m. During pressing in the plastic deformation focus, stress transformation is observed: normal growth and drop of tangents and, therefore, a decrease in their total impact; increased level of hydrostatic pressure, all components of deformations and, therefore, also their total impact. Unlike the non-backpressure process, when present and under its action in the gage zone, there is a significant decrease in longitudinal tensile forces, as a result it is possible to carry out the process with higher values of alloy flow rates. Also, pipes made of aluminum alloys of a lock-free design are widely used in cases where there is a high content of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This design and material can significantly increase the service life of pipes.

Numerical investigation on reinforced cement concrete helical piles subjected to combined axial and lateral loading

The research proposes the introduction of helices into the very popular reinforced cement concrete (RCC) piles to enhance the soil–pile interaction. The behavior of RCC helical piles under combined axial and lateral loading are reported. A 3D finite element model is developed using Abaqus software to simulate the pile–soil interaction. Steel helical piles have gained popularity due to their ease of installation and higher load-carrying capacity in comparison with plain RCC piles. The presence of helices in steel helical piles interlocks with the surrounding soil and exhibits higher load-carrying capacity. The load-bearing capacity of RCC piles is generally lower than that of steel helical piles; however, RCC piles are considered more economical. This study aims to enhance the performance of RCC piles by introducing a helical groove. In this paper, the performance of RCC helical piles is studied by varying the L/d (length-to-diameter) ratio of the pile and the elastic modulus of the soil. The outcomes reveal that RCC helical piles exhibit superior performance compared to plain piles, showcasing a significant reduction in settlement by 32%. This improved performance of RCC helical piles is observed across various combinations of L/d ratios and soil elastic modulus as compared to plain piles.

Optimal Trading Volume of Electricity and Capacity of Energy Storage System for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Integrated with Photovoltaic Generator

As penetration of EVs in the transportation sector is increasing, the demand for the mandatory installation of charging infrastructure also is increasing. In addition, renewable energy and energy storage systems (ESSs) are being reviewed for use in electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs). In this paper, we present an optimal electricity trading volume and an optimal installation capacity of ESSs to maximize the daily profit of the EVCSs equipped with solar power generation when the EVCSs are licensed to sell energy to the power supplier during a specific time period. By formulating and solving the optimization problem of the EVCSs, this paper analyzes validation results for the different useful lives of ESSs, the peak power of a PV generator, and weather conditions at the Yangjae Solar Station and the Suseo Station public parking lot, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Furthermore, this paper validates that the daily expected profit of EVCSs with the proposed method outperforms the profit of conventional EVCSs which do not utilize ESSs.

Forecasting End-of-Life Wind Turbine Material Flows in Australia under Various Wind Energy Deployment Scenarios

A circular economy involves managing and reducing the environmental and social impacts of products and materials throughout their entire lifecycle, from production to end of life, including clean energy technologies. The remarkable growth of wind turbine (WT) deployment in Australia, as a clean energy source, is promising, with over 10 gigawatts (GW) installed by 2023. Responsible management of wind turbines throughout the entire supply chain, including their end of life, is crucial to prevent potential environmental issues caused by significant waste volumes and to identify opportunities for resource recovery. This study offers a comprehensive overview of current and future WT waste through material flow analysis (MFA) under five national wind energy deployment scenarios, considering various wind turbine technologies. The results indicate that the projected cumulative WT installation capacity will range from 13 to 38 GW by 2041. Consequently, the cumulative WT waste volume is expected to range between 6.69 and 19.76 million tonnes in 2060, depending on the scenario, with the “slow change” scenario producing the least waste and the “step change” scenario generating the most. The estimated waste stream will see a rapid increase from about 2028, encompassing a variety of materials, primarily concrete at 10.20 million tonnes, followed by 3.21 million tonnes of steel and 35.41 kt of copper by 2060. Additionally, valuable materials such as rare earth elements (REEs) and composites, despite their smaller quantities, have significant environmental, economic, and supply chain security implications. This substantial waste material presents an opportunity for resource recovery and underscores the importance of adopting a circular economy approach for wind energy systems.

Controlling the energy supply and demand of grid-connected building integrated photovoltaics considering real-time electricity prices to develop more sustainable and smarter cities

Limited resources and energy supply constraints in today's society necessitate innovative solutions based on existing potentials and the possibility of development in the upcoming years. From this perspective, to efficiently manage both the supply and demand sides of energy in buildings, this study proposes a novel approach for grid-connected building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) considering the price of electricity. Regarding real-time electricity prices, the presented method allows for selecting grid electricity or photovoltaics per peak, off-peak, and between these two. In addition to reducing costs, this strategy lessens photovoltaic installation capacity and increases the justification of BIPVs. Considering demand-side management, proper control in terms of economic aspects is conducted based on the system's defined model and the price of electricity. The suggested technique outperforms other applied methods when both energy supply and demand are considered, as well as real-time electricity prices. The validity of this technique is confirmed by simulation results of system performance in a setting and for lighting loads. This approach advocates for establishing smart buildings and cities in tandem with the growth of smart grids and liberalized energy markets.

Estimation of Energy Storage Requirements in an Independent Power System from an Energy Perspective

Taiwan’s power system operates as an isolated grid, preventing the export of surplus energy. Excess electricity is either stored or discarded (curtailed). This study aims to estimate the energy storage requirement for the day with the most extreme electricity consumption behavior in a year without energy curtailment. Based on the installed capacity and actual power generation of renewable energy sources in 2022, this research estimates the power generation per GW of the installed capacity at full load. Integrating the government’s annual installation capacity plans, this study forecasts the annual power generation of renewable sources. Using the electrical load during the 2023 Spring Festival as a baseline and assuming an annual electricity consumption growth rate of 2%, combined with a minimum gas power output of approximately 6 GW, this study calculates the unused power generation, which represents the pumped-storage hydroelectricity and battery energy storage systems requirements for that day under a no-curtailment scenario. Considering the semi-annual adjustments in installation planning, this study’s code is open-sourced and designed to provide updated results with new planning data input, facilitating ongoing adjustments.

Renewable Energy and Economic Growth: Evidence from India

This article examines the nexus between economic growth and two renewable energy sources, namely wind and solar, to separate out the contrast between these two sources, for India deploying system generalised method of moments and vector error correction method suitable to capture the dynamic nature of panel data. Unlike most of the earlier studies, it takes into account cross-sectional dependence and addresses the issue of endogeneity. India has been chosen because despite India being one of the largest producers of renewable energy globally; the nexus is under-studied. This article finds the installation of solar energy capacity positively influences the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth. Moreover, there is a bi-directional positive relation between the installation of wind energy capacity and GSDP growth. Hence the adoption of renewable energy is helping the states to grow faster. However, the study found not much difference in the nature of the nexus between solar energy growth and wind energy growth for India. JEL Codes: O13, P28, P44, Q56

Adiabatic compressed air energy storage system combined with solid-oxide electrolysis cells

Green hydrogen from electrolysis using renewable energy is becoming increasingly important and competitive because of the rapid decrease in the price of electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power. Electrical energy storage (EES) can reduce the installation capacity of electrolyzers owing to their steady and continuous operation. Adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) systems can be effectively combined with large scale solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) for low-cost production of hydrogen. Although the round-trip efficiency of the power-only A-CAES (70–75%) is lower than that of batteries (90%), the A-CAES system can be used as a combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) system, providing heat and power to SOEC in order to maximize the energy efficiency of the system. This paper presents a parametric study of an A-CAES system combined with an SOEC system in terms of the energy and exergy analyses. The results show that a medium-temperature trigeneration CCHP A-CAES system in combination with a SOEC system with a compression power of 100 MWh can provide 47.8 MWh of electric power and 63.5 MWh of heat to the SOEC system as well as 9.9 MWh of cold energy from the cold outlet air of the A-CAES.

The Use of Natural Gas as The Means of The Green Energy Transition: Case-Study Romania

The European Green Deal, by its commitment towards greenhouse gas net-zero emissions by 2050, by reducing pollution and restoring biodiversity, transforms climate and environmental challenges into opportunities to change the current unsustainable context in the long term. In this respect, Romania has entered a path of replacing classic fuels with clean energy, which is very efficient and as safe as people are used to; and this is the main objective of this article. In carrying out this approach, in the first part of the paper, the problems related to how gases ensure the continuity of the energy system and the opportunities for the energy transition towards a green economy are addressed, while natural gas remains essential in this process. Therefore, beyond the challenges related to the security of energy supply, Romania must find and adopt a strategy to optimally cross this transition. In this context, the paper considers that gas remains essential to facilitate the integration of renewable and decarbonized energy, by replacing current coal-based energy production capacities, but also by contributing to the creation of hydrogen infrastructure at lower costs. Moving on with the research, in the second part of the paper, the main projects that make natural gas a “partner” for renewable resources are presented; it is mainly about the installation of new wind and photovoltaic energy capacities, and the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. In this respect, the paper points out that there are currently investors, but (yet) there is no market, nor sufficient demand for green hydrogen, although the potential is huge. Anyway, in the current context of energy paradigm changes, Romania’s major natural gas producers, Romgaz and OMV Petrom, have announced their intention to invest in a joint hydrogen production project in a wind farm in Dobrogea, a first for the Romanian market, which would determine that Dobrogea could become a real “Hydrogen Valley”. Finally, the paper concludes that for the energy sector and not only, natural gas represents the optimal solution in this process, while Romania is in the privileged position of owning its resources, and the versatility of natural gas can ensure a just energy transition.

A novel approach for power ramps classification in wind generation

Ramp events are characterized by large power changes in a short period and increase with increasing renewable generation. Even with hourly forecasts, their predictions are still unreliable. Thus, grid operators should classify these power ramps to understand their expected occurrence periods and range to balance them. Previous research was based on a binary classification of ramp events, which assumed that ramp events were similar to one another, which is not true. Some other studies used randomization and non-causative classification methods. Hence, a more accurate method is still needed. The paper presents two new methods for ramp event classification. The first method depends on the standard deviation score, and the second method assigns a score to each ramp, which depends on the maximum value of the historical power ramps that occurred within the studied time period. The new classification methods are applied to the output power of Belgium’s aggregated wind farms from 2015 to 2019, and the relative frequency of each ramp category is determined. The results revealed that, even though the capacity of wind installations has doubled, ramping behaviour is nearly the same in all years.

Optimal Configuration for Soft Open Point Based on Scenario Generation of Wind Power and Photovoltaic Output

Soft Open Point (SOP) is a new type of fully controlled power electronic device. The use of SOPs can greatly improve the efficiency, flexibility, and controllability of distribution networks. However, considering that SOPs are expensive and have high maintenance costs, the installation capacity and location of SOPs need to be optimized. In this paper, we propose an SOP optimization configuration method considering the stochasticity and correlation of wind and PV power generation. First, considering the uncertainty and negative correlation of wind and PV power output, the probability density distribution function is generated using Copula theory and historical data. Then, the optimal location of the SOPs is determined by a cluster discovery algorithm and the Power Loss Sensitivity Index (PLSI). Finally, the capacity of the SOP is determined by minimizing the integrated cost of the network over a year, and the capacity of the SOP is solved by the conic curve programming method. The superiority of the proposed method is verified in this study at the IEEE-33 node test system.

Environmental and Economic Assessment of the Italian Energy Transition Scenarios

The aim of this work is to assess the environmental and economic impact of the Energy Transition of the Italian Electrical Sector, as planned by the PNIEC (Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan), published in December 2019, and by the scenarios, developed by Terna and Snam, updated to reach the Fit-for-55 objectives. The analysis of the historical trends related to RES (Renewable Energy Sources) capacity increase, allows comparing the historical effort with the one expected to reach the 2030 goals. In particular wind off-shore production is expected to have a larger impact than envisaged before. On the technical side, some scenarios assumptions are going to be revised to more realistic values. The technological and economic efforts, besides an estimation of the expected global environmental benefit, are assessed taking into account: i) the revised RES capacity increase, ii) the grid infrastructure enhancement, and iii) the envisaged installation of new storage and electrolyzer capacity. With flexibility items, ii) and iii), requiring a similar level of capital cost as the new RES capacity. The reduction in natural gas consumption in the different scenarios is expected to reduce both the Green House Gas emissions and the operating cost with a large impact on the average efficiency of the natural gas-fed power plants.

Coordinated planning for flexible interconnection and energy storage system in low-voltage distribution networks to improve the accommodation capacity of photovoltaic

The increasing proportion of distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) and electric vehicle charging stations in low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs) has resulted in challenges such as distribution transformer overloads and voltage violations. To address these problems, we propose a coordinated planning method for flexible interconnections and energy storage systems (ESSs) to improve the accommodation capacity of DPVs. First, the power-transfer characteristics of flexible interconnection and ESSs are analyzed. The equipment costs of the voltage source converters (VSCs) and ESSs are also analyzed comprehensively, considering the differences in installation and maintenance costs for different installation locations. Second, a bilevel programming model is established to minimize the annual comprehensive cost and yearly total PV curtailment capacity. Within this framework, the upper-level model optimizes the installation locations and capacities of the VSCs and ESSs, whereas the lower-level model optimizes the operating power of the VSCs and ESSs. The proposed model is solved using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with an elite strategy (NSGA-II). The effectiveness of the proposed planning method is validated through an actual LVDN scenario, which demonstrates its advantages in enhancing PV accommodation capacity. In addition, the economic benefits of various planning schemes with different flexible interconnection topologies and different PV grid-connected forms are quantitatively analyzed, demonstrating the adaptability of the proposed coordinated planning method.

Hibrit Güneş-Hidroelektrik (GHE) Sistemine Rezervuar Etkisi

The solar-hydroelectric (SHE) energy system is a renewable hybrid energy system consisting of solar and hydroelectric energy. An optimization algorithm has been designed to work out the installed power size of the SHE hybrid system, which is planned to be integrated into the existing hydroelectric power systems. This designed algorithm provides the optimum installed power with the benefit/cost approach. The value of the hydro cost and also the energy generation is taken from the actual values since it's an existing facility, and also the electricity production and price of the solar power are obtained from the algorithm that works iteratively. This study aims to indicate that more electricity will be produced by regulating water flows due to the reservoir of hydroelectric power plants. Hydro energy enables energy management to be administrated more effectively with the reservoir, which could be a natural enclosure, without using the other energy storage equipment/method. As a result of the study, it's been shown that with the regulation of the hydro facility flows with a reservoir, 180% more solar power capacity installation with 20.9 MW installed power and 12% more electricity production with 75.3 GWh electricity production is provided compared to the unregulated situation.

Analysis of the impact of transient overvoltage on grid-connected PMSG-based wind turbine systems

The annual increase in installation capacity and electrical production of renewable energy sources, primarily wind turbine generators (WTG), is shaping a renewable energy dominated power system. WTGs are susceptible to the temporary overvoltage caused by reactive power surplus following low-voltage ride through (LVRT). This can lead to the large-scale trip-off of WTGs and pose significant risks to the secure and stable operation of power systems. An insightful elaboration of the underlying mechanisms determining the occurrence of temporary overvoltage, and an analysis of influencing factors, is pivotal to ensure the reliable integration of WTGs. This paper investigates the temporary overvoltage in the AC systems integrated with multiple renewable energy stations. A temporary overvoltage model that accounts for various types of equipment has been derived. Resorting to the model, the influence of LVRT parameters of WTGs, SCR and IR of the AC system on the maximum terminal overvoltage has been quantitatively assessed. Simulations and semi-physical validations have been conducted to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the theoretical analysis.

Planungskonflikte und Gerechtigkeit: Konzeptionelle Überlegungen am Beispiel des Ausbaus der Windenergie im Nordosten Deutschlands

The energy transition and the expansion of renewable energies are central challenges to planning. In view of tightened climate protection targets and the associated rise in installation capacity, planning conflicts are likely to intensify further in the coming years. At the same time, democratic institutions are under increasing pressure. The expansion of wind energy must proceed swiftly while democratic participation must be ensured. Based on planning conflicts over wind turbines in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Brandenburg, this paper addresses the extent to which research on planning conflicts can benefit from a justice perspective, both in theoretical-conceptual and empirical terms. Drawing on concepts from research on spatial justice, energy justice, and planning justice, the paper uses a three-dimensional conception of justice to identify access points for dealing constructively with conflicts. First, conflicts have to be recognized as such and their productive potential has to be acknowledged. Second, strategies have to be established that allow conflicts to be dealt with constructively. In doing so, several dimensions of justice must be taken into account: distributive justice and the question of what is to be distributed according to which criteria, recognition justice and the reflexion on difference and needs beyond hegemonic majority opinion, and finally procedural justice, which is intended to ensure that recognition and fair distribution can be implemented. In this way, a proactive attitude towards planning conflicts can make a central contribution to sustainable and democratic planning.

From efficiency to eternity: A holistic review of photovoltaic panel degradation and End-of-Life management

The most dependable part of photovoltaic (PV) power systems are PV modules. Under normal operating conditions, the PV module will continue to function properly for 25 years. However, in this period, the output of the solar panel decreases significantly, which is termed “degradation,” and sometimes the panel may fail. To reduce module failure and degradation, an understanding of degradation phenomena and failure modes is crucial. With the advent of new PV technologies and increased installation capacity, the reliability and life of the modules need to be studied. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the most recent research on the different degradation modes of PV modules. Globally, PV waste is projected to make up 4 %–14 % of total generation capacity by 2030 and more than 80 % by 2050 due to a 25-year average panel lifespan. Therefore, PV panel disposal will be a significant environmental concern. Therefore, this review contains information on the current state of recycling PV panel waste, the various technologies involved in recycling, and the financial implications of recycling.

Accurate and generalizable photovoltaic panel segmentation using deep learning for imbalanced datasets

The widespread adoption of photovoltaic (PV) technology for renewable energy necessitates accurate segmentation of PV panels to estimate installation capacity. However, achieving highly efficient and precise segmentation methods remains a pressing challenge. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and remote sensing techniques have shown promise in PV segmentation. Nevertheless, real-world scenarios introduce complexities such as diverse sensing platforms, sensors, panel categories, and testing regions. These factors contribute to resolution, size, and foreground-background class imbalances, impeding accurate and generalized PV panel segmentation over large areas. To address these challenges, we propose GenPV, a deep learning model that leverages data distribution analysis and PV panel characteristics to enhance segmentation accuracy and generalization. GenPV employs a multi-scale feature learning approach, utilizing an enhanced feature pyramid network to fuse data features from multiple resolutions, effectively addressing resolution imbalance. Moreover, inductive learning is employed through a multitask approach, facilitating the detection and identification of both small and large-sized PV panels to mitigate size imbalance. To address significant class imbalance in PV panel recognition tasks, we integrate the Focal loss function for effective hard sample mining. Through experimental evaluation conducted in Heilbronn, Germany, our proposed method demonstrates superior performance compared to state-of-the-art approaches in PV panel segmentation. The results exhibit progressively higher accuracy and improved generalization capability. These findings highlight the potential of our method to serve as an advanced and practical tool for PV segmentation in the renewable energy field.