Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems Research Articles

Energia solar em organizações militares: uma análise da viabilidade econômico-financeira

This present study provides an analysis of the financial-economic viability in the installation of a photovoltaic solar energy system in a military organization in the Brazilian Army, in Santa Maria City, Rio Grande do Sul State. Among the aims of the study are the analysis of indicators obtained through the method of project viability and an estimate of time for return on investment. For the viability application, the figures for electric energy costs in this organizations in the period between August, 2015 and July, 2016 were analyzed. The following methods were applied: simple Payback ; discounted Payback ; internal rate of return (IRR); and net present value (NPV). In the cash flow projections and income statements, it was found that the investments are attractive. Through the IRR and NPV, it was possible to verify that the projects will have a significant return. Based on simple Payback the facilities proved viable. However, with the discounted Payback , the lower cost project proved itself unviable, because the return time was practically the same as that in the considered time of investment. Nevertheless, considering the preservation, the protection and the improvement of the environment quality and the Environmental Management Politics in the Brazilian Army, the implementation of the project is extremely relevant.

Design and Implementation of High Efficient Single Phase Transformer Less Inverter for Grid Connected Solar Photovol-taic Energy System

Solar energy is the most available energy among all the renewable energies, and the available range is almost 86000 TW. The global overall demand is 15TW, so only three hours production of electrical energy from solar is enough to compensate the power demand for a complete year.Clean and green environments are very much help for living things, non-renewable energy productions creates environmental pollution. Stand-alone system with renewable energy might be facing power failure and also effective utilizations also not possible. Excess power should be export to grid and whenever the power shortage which is compensates by import power from grid, and then only effective utilization is possible. This paper deals with the investigations on transformer less inverter topologies and control strategies for grid connected PV system. The proposed work has high efficient single phase transformer less inverter which is controlled by PIC 16F877. This arrangement has an advantage of reliability and high level of efficiency.

Monitoring Data Study of the Performance of Renewable Energy Systems in a Near Zero Energy Building in Spain: A Case Study

The building sector is responsible for a substantial part of the energy consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions. The European Union has consequently developed various directives, among which the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2018/844/EU stands out, aiming at minimizing the energy demand in buildings, improving the energy efficiency of their facilities and integrating renewable energies. The objective of the present study was to develop an analysis on the energy performance, related CO2 emissions and operating costs of the renewable energy technologies implemented within a multipurpose near Zero Energy Building (nZEB). The target building is an existing nZEB called LUCIA, located in Valladolid (Spain). Monitoring data provides the required information on the actual needs for electricity, cooling and heating. It is equipped with solar energy photovoltaic systems, a biomass boiler and a geothermal Earth to Air Heat Exchanger (EAHX) intended for meeting the ventilation thermal loads. All systems studied show favourable performances, but depend significantly on the particular characteristics of the building, the control algorithm and the climate of the location. Hence, design of these strategies for new nZEBs must consider all these factors. The combined use of the PhotoVoltaic PV System, the biomass and the EAHX reduces the CO2 emissions up to 123 to 170 tons/year in comparison with other fuels, entailing economic savings from the system operation of up to 43,000–50,000 €/year.

Partial shading mitigation of PV systems via different meta-heuristic techniques

Abstract Recently, electricity generation from solar photovoltaic (PV) has gained popularity throughout the world due to its profuse availability and eco-friendly nature. Consequently, extraction of maximum power from solar PV energy systems was the point of interest in the current researches. Various techniques have been proposed to track the maximum power point (MPP) from solar PV energy systems under variable environmental conditions. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques have demonstrated the ability to track MPP with uniform solar irradiance. However, the ability of these techniques to track the accurate MPP with the condition of partial shading (PS) is not guaranteed. Hence, this paper intended to present novel optimization techniques to mitigate the PS effect and proficiently track the global maximum power point (GMPP). Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization-Gravitational Search Algorithm (PSO-GSA) techniques have been proposed to handle this dilemma. The proposed techniques have been simulated and analyzed using MATLAB/SIMULINK. Furthermore, these techniques have been compared with the conventional PSO algorithm for validation. Statistical and sensitivity analysis have been established to compare the performance, check the stability, and determine the best technique out of the proposed techniques. Results showed the superiority of GWO in the speed of convergence and the time to catch GMPP. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis demonstrated the stability, successfully rate, and tracking efficiency of PSO-GSA technique. Finally, this paper gives an open reference to these optimizers to attempt mass research works in PV systems under PS.

Carbon footprints for the supply of electricity to a heat pump: Solar energy vs. electric grid

The carbon footprint is one of the most commonly employed environmental indicators used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with a process or a product. The energy sector is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector. This has raised concerns about the consequences of the high consumption of non-renewable resources and increased the search for renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar energy, enable diversification of the global energy system. In this study, a comparative environmental analysis was performed for a heat pump utilized for dehumidification and heating purposes. The carbon footprints associated with two different scenarios for the supply of electricity to a heat pump were calculated. The first scenario used electricity from the national electric grid (Brazilian electricity mix), and the second scenario used electricity from a photovoltaic solar energy system connected to the grid. Photovoltaic solar energy presented a considerable environmental advantage in comparison to the direct use of electricity from the grid, with a reduction of approximately −207.88 kg CO2-eq/year. The use of cleaner energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar energy, significantly contributes to a reduction of the carbon footprint, and herein a significant potential for the mitigation of climate change was demonstrated.

A Five-Level H-Bridge STATCOM for an Off-Grid PV Solar Farm under Two Controllers PI and PIλ-MPC Hybrid

Investigations were presented in order to eliminate the reactive power on microgrid loads fed by an off-grid and mid-power photovoltaic solar energy system (PVSES) with a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) device. The electric network is specifically characterized by P-Q loads, ambient temperature, and widely variable solar radiation levels. Two main innovations are developed. Firstly, the STATCOM apparatus is a 5-level H-bridge inverter with capacitances as load and must totally compensates the reactive power in the network load. Secondly, this compensation is controlled by a set of fractional PI (PIλ) and model predictive control (MPC) hybrid. The efficiencies of these controllers were compared with classical PI controllers. Large simulations, without and with reactive power compensation, in steady and transient states, are carried out to underline the merits of the presented works, by performing in the MATLAB-Simulink environment.

Optimize the Energy Conversion Efficiency for Solar PV Grid-Connected System at Low Distribution Voltage

Renewable energy found in many forms such as solar and wind energy, tidal energy, etc. In this work, we interested to focus on solar power because of it is clean and the large amount of solar radiation arrived to the surface earth. The main purpose of this article aims to maximize the amount of extracted power from the solar system. This research investigates the connotation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods which significantly increases the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system. This paper presents a simulation based comparison between two different MPPT methods to optimize the energy conversion efficiency of solar PV system.

Design of solar photovoltaic energy generation system for off-grid applications

This paper refers to the design and control of a standalone solar-photovoltaic (PV) energy system using an isolated half bridge boost DC-DC converter. The adaptive methodology-based incremental conductance (INC) scheme is used with the proportional integral (PI) controller for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control. A voltage controller and current regulator are designed for VSI using a cascade loop control to sustain the power quality at the consumer load side. The proposed system with its controllers is modelled in MATLAB and its results are assessed under varying solar radiations in addition to varying consumer loads.

Design of solar photovoltaic energy generation system for off-grid applications

This paper refers to the design and control of a standalone solar-photovoltaic (PV) energy system using an isolated half bridge boost DC-DC converter. The adaptive methodology-based incremental conductance (INC) scheme is used with the proportional integral (PI) controller for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control. A voltage controller and current regulator are designed for VSI using a cascade loop control to sustain the power quality at the consumer load side. The proposed system with its controllers is modelled in MATLAB and its results are assessed under varying solar radiations in addition to varying consumer loads.

Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Energy Systems: Current Technology and Future Trends

Solar systems have become very competitive solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications for both standalone and grid connected operations. This paper presents an overview of the current status and future perspectives of solar energy (mainly photovoltaic) technology and the required conversion systems. The focus in the paper is put on the current technology, installations challenges, and future expectations. Various aspects related to the global solar market, the photovoltaic (PV) modules cost and technology, and the power electronics converter systems are addressed. Research trends and recommendations for each of the PV system sectors are also discussed.

Cost-competitiveness of distributed grid-connected solar photovoltaics in Ghana: case study of a 4 kWp polycrystalline system

Driven by improvements in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, policy initiatives and module cost reduction, electricity from solar PV is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with conventional energy systems. In this paper, an economic assessment is conducted on a 4.05 kWp, polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic system installed at the College of Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, located at latitude 6°40′N and longitude 1°37′W, and elevation of 250 m, with a hot and humid climatic condition. The concept of grid-parity, which compares the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from solar PV to the retail price of electricity is used in this assessment. The results show, that, at installed cost of €3567/kW and an LCOE of €0.28/kWh, the non-residential category of electricity consumers requires investment support/subsidy of up to 22.9% to achieve parity. Solar PV is already competitive for non-residential customers consuming above 600 kWh in a month, without any support. Residential electricity consumers require investment support of 40.6–92.5% to attain parity with grid electricity, while special load tariff customers (> 100 kVA maximum demand) require between 4 and 50.5% subsidy on capital investment to reach parity. This paper concludes by recommending a two-pronged approach (incentive- and legislation-based) for promoting distributed grid-connected solar PV energy system in Ghana.

Proposed integration of a photovoltaic solar energy system and energy efficient technologies in the lighting system of the UTA-Ecuador

This research assesses the current fluorescent lighting system of the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (FICM), Technical University of Ambato (UTA), Ecuador. The aim of this study is to present the main results obtained from an efficient lighting project to be implemented at FICM, UTA, and also proposes the integration of an existing photovoltaic solar energy system (PVSE-S) to supply the proposed efficient lighting system. In this study, the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) Code for Lighting 2012 is used to determine the spacing or maximum distance between measurement points in classrooms. Lighting levels (lux) of 14 available classrooms are measured to estimate illuminance by using 70 measurements. DIALux software is applied to simulate three scenarios of proposed luminaries based on LED (lighting emitting diode) system. RC660B LED is selected due to the highest values of luminous flux, light efficiency and light output at minimum required power and area of installation. RC660B additionally denotes a considerably low value of Limit Value of Energy Efficiency (VEEI-Spanish acronymic) in comparison to fluorescent lamps (FL). Finally, this study proposed the use of a PVSE-S to power 2898 VA (volt-amperes) of the selected LED luminaries of seven classrooms in the FICM building.

Techno-economic Evaluation of Stand-alone Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Remote Village Using HOMER-pro Software

The off-grid hybrid renewable energy generation system has lesser cost of energy with higher reliability when compared with solar Photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy system individually. The optimization design is worked out by reducing the Unit Cost Of Energy (UCOE) for different case studies and comparing the outcomes obtained by the use of HOMER-Pro (hybrid optimization model of electric renewable) software. The optimal cash flow analysis of hybrid energy system is based on the load patterns is discussed, solar irradiance (kW/m2) of site at proper latitude and longitude, wind speed and price of diesel, which is collected from a remote village in Khurda District, Odisha in India. Moreover, the optimization and sensitivity results of the system are find out by varying the input parameters like solar radiation, wind speed etc.

Techno-Economic Evaluation of Stand-alone Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Remote Village Using HOMER-Pro Software

The off-grid hybrid renewable energy generation system has lesser cost of energy with higher reliability when compared with solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy system individually. The optimization design is worked out by reducing the unit cost of energy (UCOE) for different case studies and comparing the outcomes obtained by the use of HOMER-Pro (Hybrid Optimization Model of Electric Renewable) software. The optimal cash flow analysis of hybrid energy system is based on the load patterns is discussed, solar irradiance (kW/m2) of site at proper latitude and longitude, wind speed and price of diesel, which is collected from a remote village in Khurda District, Odisha in India. Moreover, the optimization and sensitivity results of the system are find out by varying the input parameters like solar radiation, wind speed etc.

Integrating photovoltaic solar energy and a battery energy storage system to operate a semi-autogenous grinding mill

The mining sector in Chile is facing a steady increase of energy consumption, which is mainly explained by the lower grades, the increase in rock hardness, and deeper mines. Although much of the mining activity in Chile is located in the Atacama Desert, where the solar radiation is high, the integration of solar energy in mining remains elusive. This work explores, through simulation, the use of a solar photovoltaic energy system (PV) and a battery energy storage system (BESS), combined with energy from the grid, to operate a semi-autogenous grinding mill (SAG). For this, a novel mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to optimize the operational costs of the joint SAG-PV-BESS operation, after which the best sizes of PV and BESS components are found through scenario inspection. Further, the implementation of a demand side management (DSM) option is considered by a proper sequencing of the SAG feed to make a more efficient use of the solar energy. The results show an interdependent behavior of the SAG-PV-BESS system and a strong influence of DSM. The use of both PV and BESS allows reducing the contracted power for the SAG, without incurring into overconsumption penalties. If DSM is implemented, the system allocates the higher consumption, associated to harder ore, during daytime to use the available PV energy. Overall, the combined effect of PV and BESS operation of SAG mills allows reducing the energy-associated operational costs. This effect is exacerbated when DSM is implemented.

Photovoltaics in the shade: one bypass diode per solar cell revisited

Deployment of residential photovoltaic solar energy systems is strongly increasing, which gives rise to problems such as partial shading and pollution, omnipresent in the built environment. Conventional modules are sensitive to the current mismatches introduced by shadows because of their series architecture of electrical interconnections. This paper presents simulations and experiments showing that a new generation of bypass diodes (BPDs) can be used, up to 1 BPD per cell, to improve the shading tolerance of conventional crystalline modules. We have used cardboard of 0% transmission, and a wire mesh (net) of 38% transmission. The more BPDs are used, the higher the maximum power under shading conditions. Using 20 smart BPDs, or 1 BPD per three cells, leads to an improvement of a factor 3 in power output; for our netting experiments, a factor 1.5 is found. Both performance enhancement and lower diode temperatures lead to increased shade resilience and reliability. © 2017 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Techno-economic feasibility analysis of hydrogen fuel cell and solar photovoltaic hybrid renewable energy system for academic research building

A hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) and solar photovoltaic (SPV) hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for stand-alone applications is proposed. This system arrangement of a hydrogen tank, battery, and an electrolyzer are used as like the energy storage. The economic viability of using HRES power to supply the electrical load demand of academic research building located at 23°12′N latitude and 77°24′E longitudes, India is examined. The fuzzy logic program computes the optimum value of capital and replacement cost of the components, which is then utilized in HOMER pro software to calculate the optimum performance of HRES. The results shows the HFC and battery bank are the most significant modules of the HRES to meet load demand at late night and early morning hours. The AC primary load consuming 20712.63kWh/year out of total power generation of HRES which is 24570.72kWh/year. The excess of electricity produced by HRES is 791.7709kWh/year with the optimized cost of energy, unmet electrical load and capacity shortage of 0%.

Design and experimental investigation of a Multi-segment plate concentrated photovoltaic solar energy system

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energies and meaningful for the sustainable development of energy source. A multi-segment plate concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power system was proposed in this paper, the design principle of the multi-segment plate concentrator of this solar power system was given, which could provide uniform solar radiation flux density distribution on solar cells. A prototype of this multi-segment plate CPV solar power system was developed for the experimental study, aiming at the investigations of solar radiation flux density distribution and PV performances under this concentrator design. The experimental results showed that the solar radiation flux density distribution provided by the multi-segment plate concentrator had a good uniformity, and the number and temperature of solar cells both influence the photoelectric transformation efficiency of the CPV solar power system.

Renewable Energy Systems: Technologies and Applications for Future Electric Grid

Renewable energies can substantially improve the increasing energy demands and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides direct and indirect social benefits such as reducing the health and environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil and nuclear fuels, thereby improving standard of living, educational opportunities, creating jobs, reducing poverty, increasing gender equality and ensures energy security. Hybrid renewable energy systems comprising of solar and wind will be effective for efficient power generation, in spite of variability, intermittency and other grid related issues. Prospects and insights of solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems will be discussed by analyzing information reported in various literatures, government and international renewable energy agencies. Also policies and initiatives related to hybrid energy systems concerning environment and economy will be addressed. The progressive path for renewable energy development will be suggested through increased use of renewable energy generation with enhanced reliability, security and resiliency of the future electric grid.

On the modelling of linear-assisted DC-DC voltage regulators for photovoltaic solar energy systems

This paper shows the modelling of linear–assisted or hybrid (linear & switching) DC/DC voltage regulators. In this kind of regulators, an auxiliary linear regulator is used, which objective is to cancel the ripple at the output voltage and provide fast responses for load variations. On the other hand, a switching DC/DC converter, connected in parallel with the linear regulator, allows to supply almost the whole output current demanded by the load. The objective of this topology is to take advantage of the suitable regulation characteristics that series linear voltage regulators have, but almost achieving the high efficiency that switching DC/DC converters provide. Linear-assisted DC/DC regulators are feedback systems with potential instability. Therefore, their modelling is mandatory in order to obtain design guidelines and assure stability of the implemented power supply system.