Sensitivity analysis of using solar cells in regional electricity power supply of off-grid power systems in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1849-1866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Jahangiri ◽  
Ahmad Haghani ◽  
Shahram Heidarian ◽  
Ali Mostafaeipour ◽  
Heidar Ali Raiesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fuel Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Self Sufficiency

Purpose Rural areas are one of the effective regions in economy and self-sufficiency field especially in agricultural and livestock section. Planning in the rural section and the effort in solving the problems of farmers lead to increase their interest in farming and manufacturing in the villages and decrease their migration to the cities and metropolitans. Therefore, the present study aimed at feasibility of electricity to a rural household in Iran using off-grid solar-based hybrid system. Design/methodology/approach In renewable energy projects, a successful evaluation requires suitable criteria so that one can properly analyze the operational behavior of all feasible scenarios. In the present paper, HOMER software has been used for this purpose for a village with no access to electricity grid (Bar Aftab-e Jalaleh, Iran). Due to drastic fluctuation of fossil fuel prices and varied solar radiations in various years because of climate change, sensitivity analysis has been performed using HOMER. Findings In the optimum status economically, 70% of needed energy is provided by solar cells at the price 0.792 $/kWh. The comparison between the optimum condition economically and the condition that only use fossil fuels revealed that the return on investment will occur after less than 2 years and have remained profitable over 23 years. Social implications The authors hope that the results of this study can be used in planning of the authorities to realize the interests of people in this village. Originality/value According to the surveys, despite Iran being the first country in terms of providing solar power to the villages, so far no socio-economic-environmental assessment has been done for a solar cell-based micro-grid in an off-grid mode for a remote village that is deprived of electricity from a national electricity grid. In addition, for the first time in Iran, the effect of the fuel price and solar radiation parameters variability on the performance of system have been investigated.

scholarly journals Transition towards a full self-sufficiency through PV systems integration for sub-Saharan Africa: a technical approach for a smart blockchain-based mini-grid

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Sebastian Finke ◽  
Michele Velenderić ◽  
Semih Severengiz ◽  
Oleg Pankov ◽  
Christof Baum
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Solar Systems ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Independent Subsystem ◽  
Grid Solution ◽  
Sub Saharan

Access to affordable, reliable and clean energy is an important sustainability goal of the United Nations. In areas where the public electricity grid is unreliable or unavailable, photovoltaic systems can be a solution. However, they are cost-intensive, mainly because of the energy storage systems. Mini-grids can be an answer for reducing upfront investment and overall system lifetime costs while increasing electricity availability. The mini-grid technology is mature, nevertheless, there are downsides when it comes to integrating existing solar systems of different manufacturers. The system topology is usually predefined and a central instance controls the mini-grid. Thus, the integration of existing power systems is difficult due to the communication constraints of these systems with the mini-grid controller. Including existing power systems into a decentralized mini-grid, can highly increase cost-efficiency. In a decentralized approach payments for the consumed energy between mini-grid actors are required. Accounting is, however, a complex administrative procedure, if the respective power systems are owned by different individuals and organizations. A transparent blockchain-based temper-proof approach can be a solution to automate metering and billing, allowing automatic payments between independent subsystem owners using smart contracts. In order to further optimize the smart mini-grid, an artificial intelligence learning algorithm for a dynamic electricity price needs to be developed. This smart and decentralized approach for building Mini-Grids is a novelty bringing solar systems one step closer to self-sufficiency. This paper describes how a smart mini-grid solution can be implemented using the Don Bosco Solar & Renewable Energy Center campus mini-grid in Tema, Ghana as a case study.

The consideration of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Bahrampour ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Askari ◽  
Vahid Mirzaei Mahmoud Abadi ◽  
Mohsen Mirhabibi ◽  
Mahdi Tikdari
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Lut Desert

Purpose This paper aims to study the Lut desert, also known as the Dasht–e–Lut, starting with a summary of its location as a large salt desert in southeastern Kerman, Iran, as well as its climate, being one of the world’s driest places. Next, a statistical analysis is performed based on a reasonable minimum level of 10 per cent. The computation of electric energy produced by sunlight in the studied region is, then, provided using a number of high-efficiency and suitable solar cells. Finally, the authors will compare the production of electrical energy to the consumption energy in Iran and Kerman province. Design/methodology/approach According to calculations of the present study and the analyses of the tables and charts provided, the use of solar energy and the amount of energy used in different areas was discussed. Lut desert in Iran is one of the touristic attractions of Kerman province: while only a very small area of this desert known as the Kalut is of interest to tourists, the vast remaining area of this desert is currently left without use. Lut and its surrounding towns and villages are not suitable for agricultural due to the lack of water in the region, and relatively poor people live within the area. The findings of this study showed that throughout the region, there is a very high potential for energy supply of Kerman and Iran. Findings The practical use of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy, besides its significant role in cost reductions, can also positively affect the living standards of local residents as well as job and income creation for the country. Efficient use of only 10 per cent of the area of Lut desert, via using its solar energy, can produce a considerable amount of energy for the region and for the country in large. Although the present study only investigated the solar energy of the region, it also has a high potential in wind energy and geothermal optimum use. The research team will, hence, continue its work on calculating the amount of energy generated from all types of renewable energy in this area. This paper showed that application of solar cells in this region is appropriate for providing a magnificent amount of electric-energy requirements of Kerman province and of Iran. Originality/value In recent years, Iran’s nuclear, oil and natural-gas industries have been the subject of intensifying sanctions from certain international communities. Now, the country wants to develop a sector in which it has more leeway, i.e. the renewable energy; wind and solar energies are always available, and no one can put sanctions on them. Also, to provide household electricity in remote areas (which are not connected to the mains electricity grid), energy storage is required for use of renewable energy. Usually, however, renewable energy is derived from the main electricity grid, and this means that as the mains electricity grid is organized so as to produce the exact amount of energy being consumed at that particular moment, the energy storage is mostly not applied. Energy production on the mains electricity grid is always set up as a combination of renewable-energy plants, as well as other power plants (e.g. the fossil-fuel power plants and nuclear power). This combination, nevertheless, is essential for this type of energy supply (i.e. the wind turbines, solar power plants, etc).

Solar turtle: searching for the game changer

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Boris Urban ◽  
Jabu Maphalala
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Public Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Academic Level

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are that at the end of the case discussion, the students should be able to evaluate the drivers of social innovation in an African context; discuss social entrepreneurship as a process-driven set of activities; assess the organisation–environment–opportunity fit when innovating; analyse and resolve practical issues in developing simple and affordable social innovations; appreciate how social enterprises are mission-based businesses rather than charities; and evaluate how an organisation may achieve social objectives and remain sustainable. Case overview/synopsis SolarTurtle is an award-winning South African social enterprise that manufactures and supplies secure, mobile, solar power stations and kiosks to communities where the electricity grid does not reach. The company converts shipping containers into housings for solar panels to protect them from theft and extreme weather conditions. These units are called “PowerTurtles”. Through the franchise model, the company supplies PowerTurtles to off-grid institutions in rural areas. PowerTurtles are also sold to private sector enterprises and are scalable to suit the energy needs of customers. With the successful launch of the AutoTurtle in 2018 (which folds away the solar panels automatically, where the PowerTurtle requires them to be folded away manually), the company started to develop a new lightweight, fibreglass, solar kiosk with roof-mounted solar panels called the MiniTurtle, and a mobile trolley version known as the BabyTurtle. Now, in 2018, Van der Walt hopes to develop the business to the point where it can sustain itself. Complexity academic level Post-graduate students of entrepreneurship, public governance and social welfare. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available upon request for educators only. These teaching notes should be shared solely with the instructor and students should not have access to. Please contact your library to gain login or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Biogas Source of Energy and Solution to the Environment Problems in Rwanda

2014 ◽  
Vol 705 ◽  
pp. 268-272
Author(s):  
Anastase Rwigema
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Environmental Problems ◽  
Fuel Wood ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Human Excreta ◽  
Biogas Technology

In Africa especially in Rwanda, the development of Biogas technology is imperative for development to occur in sustainable manner. Using large centralized power generation facilities to provide electricity to rural population and communities is very expensive and non-viable in Rwanda due to lack of a well dispersed electric grid. In Addition, use of non-renewable fossil fuels is resulting in increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and attendant increased drivers for climate change. Development of Biogas systems serves the purposes of solving sanitation, energy and environmental problems by improving good health conditions and providing a source of energy for cooking and lighting to the communities and households contributing also to the decrease of GHG emissions. In Rwanda, there are 14 prisons, after genocide of 1994, the inmates increased up to 60,000. Number of prisoners was from 2,000 up to 7,500 prisoners in one prison [6]. This high number of inmates caused serious sanitation and environmental problems. Indeed the septic tanks became full and human excreta started to overflow and pollute the environment. In addition, a very big quantity of fuel wood was used for cooking inmates’ food; the consequence was the degradation of the environment. Similar problems were observed in schools. Solution to the mentioned problems was construction of Biogas systems. In Rwanda only about 16% of the population have access to electricity. In order to reduce that deficit of energy, Rwanda Government is developing other sources of energy particularly Biogas for rural areas which so far do not have connection to the national electricity grid. Big size (100 m3) and small size (4, 6, 8 and 10 m3) bio-digesters are installed in several institutions and households and they provide enough Biogas for cooking and lighting in steady of using firewood which is becoming scarce in many areas of the country and their usage as source of energy causes pollution through production of Carbon dioxide (CO2) released in the atmosphere. A study made by SNV (Netherlands Cooperation Development Agency) shows that a domestic bio-digester reduces 4.6 tons of (CO2) per year. Hence, calculation made indicates that the 3,000 domestic bio-digesters currently operational in Rwanda allow to reduce 13,800 tons of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year. As organic wastes particularly human excreta and other digestible biomass are available everywhere, biogas technology can be developed in all the countries worldwide.

China's Five-Year Plan aims at economic security

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Demand Growth ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Consumer Markets ◽  
New Strategies

Significance The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to more antagonistic relations with the United States have been written into Beijing's long-term plans. Some existing priorities have gained new salience and new strategies have been added. Impacts Self-sufficiency means more emphasis on a strong manufacturing sector and less on services. Downplaying GDP growth acknowledges the uncertainty of the medium-term outlook and the inevitability of growth slowing in the longer term. Increases in per capita income will help promote demand growth, as will expanding online consumer markets, especially in rural areas. Major targets for consumption spending include cars, housing and services such as education and healthcare.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Micro-Grid Based Photovoltaic/Diesel Generator Hybrid Power System for Rural Electrification in Kerkennah, Tunisia

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houda Dardour ◽  
Olfa Chouaieb ◽  
Habib Sammouda
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Power System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Diesel Generator ◽  
Fuel Price ◽  
Micro Grid ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This paper scrutinizes the techno-economic feasibility of a solar hybrid off-grid power system, in a rural area in Tunisia. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (homer) is used for the design and the optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/diesel power system consisting of photovoltaic panels, a diesel generator, a converter, and a battery bank. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of the key system parameters such as the average load, the diesel fuel price, and the reliability constraints on the system outputs and performance. Sensitivity analysis is also used to compare different system configurations and to identify thresholds and situations in which one configuration is more cost-effective than another. Three system types are considered: PV/battery, PV/diesel/battery, and diesel/battery. The results showed that beyond a certain load threshold, the hybrid system is the most cost-effective and that micro-grid projects based on hybrid PV/Diesel power systems can be a solution for rural electrification in Tunisia where there is no possibilities for the national electric grid extension.

scholarly journals The impact of the 2020 global sulfur cap on maritime CO2 emissions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Zisi ◽  
Harilaos N. Psaraftis ◽  
Thalis Zis
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Fuel Oil ◽  
Heavy Fuel Oil ◽  
Fuel Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Qualitative Risk Assessment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose As of January 1, 2020, the upper limit of sulfur emissions outside emission control areas decreased from 3.5% to 0.5%. This paper aims to present some of the challenges associated with the implementation of the sulfur cap and investigates its possible side effects as regard the drive of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Even though it would appear that the two issues (desulfurization and decarbonization) are unrelated, it turns out that there are important cross-linkages between them, which have not been examined, at least by the regulators. Design/methodology/approach A literature review and a qualitative risk assessment of possible CO2 contributors are presented first. A cost-benefit analysis is then conducted on a specific case study, so as to assess the financial, as well as the environmental impact of two main compliance choices, in terms of CO2 and sulfur oxide. Findings From a financial perspective, the choice of a scrubber ranks better comparing to a marine gas oil (MGO) choice because of the price difference between MGO and heavy fuel oil. However, and under different price scenarios, the scrubber choice remains sustainable only for big vessels. It is noticed that small containerships cannot outweigh the capital cost of a scrubber investment and are more sensitive in different fuel price scenarios. From an environmental perspective, scrubber ranks better than MGO in the assessment of overall emissions. Research limitations/implications Fuel price data in this paper was based on 2019 data. As this paper was being written, the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant upheaval in global trade flows, cargo demand and fuel prices. This made any attempt to perform even a rudimentary ex-post evaluation of the 2020 sulfur cap virtually impossible. Due to limited data, such an evaluation would be extremely difficult even under normal circumstances. This paper nevertheless made a brief analysis to investigate possible COVID-19 impacts. Practical implications The main implication is that the global sulfur cap will increase CO2 emissions. In that sense, this should be factored in the IMO greenhouse gas discussion. Originality/value According to the knowledge of the authors, no analysis examining the impact of the 2020 sulfur cap on CO2 emissions has yet been conducted in the scientific literature.

Mexico fuel price spike will have severe impact

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sharp Increase ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Fuel Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
National Action Party

Subject Fuel price liberalisation. Significance The liberalisation of Mexican fuel prices this month has seen a sharp increase in pump prices. In a televised address on January 5, President Enrique Pena Nieto said that his government would not reverse the price jump, despite protests throughout the country that have often become violent. Impacts Competition between distributors will take time to develop, precluding any short-term price reductions. The National Action Party (PAN) or the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) may take the presidency in 2018. Uncertainty on whether prices may be artificially lowered by the next government may deter long-term investments in the fuel market.

The impact of industrial self-supply on Bavaria’s electricity system – effects on supply security and market prices

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 450-466
Author(s):  
Christopher Scheubel ◽  
David Matthäus ◽  
Gunther Friedl
Keyword(s):  
Electricity Market ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Order Effect ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Electricity System ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of industrial self-supply in the transition process from centralized energy generation based on fossil fuels and nuclear power to decentralized supply based on renewable energies in the Bavarian electricity system. Design/methodology/approach To quantify effects on system and price stability, a model of the Bavarian electricity grid is created and used to simulate electricity system behavior during a 1-year period for scenarios that are characterized by parameter variations in industrial self-supply, nuclear power capacity, renewable power generation and the capacity of electricity imports. Findings The simulations show that industrial self-supply can reduce instances of maximum grid utilization by 23 per cent and, based on the merit-order effect, decrease electricity market prices by 1.90 and 5.03 €/MWh in the scenarios with and without nuclear power, respectively; these values represent 5.7 and 15.0 per cent of average market prices from 2014. Research limitations/implications The analysis shows that industrial self-supply can contribute to transforming the electricity system in a secure, sustainable and affordable manner. However, merit-order-based price effects have a limitation concerning the future applicability of results as quantified effects may not be permanent when the electricity system adapts. Originality/value This paper connects industrial self-supply and the merit-order effect within a nodal energy model. It provides insights into the relevant interdependencies and reciprocal effects by means of a simulation.

scholarly journals Isolated and Interconnected Multi-Area Hybrid Power Systems: A Review on Control Strategies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 8276
Author(s):  
Sudhanshu Ranjan ◽  
Smriti Jaiswal ◽  
Abdul Latif ◽  
Dulal Chandra Das ◽  
Nidul Sinha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Power System ◽  
Transmission Lines ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Hybrid Power Systems ◽  
Hybrid Power System ◽  
Hybrid Power

Concerned with the increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to fossil fuels, the entire world is focusing on electricity generation through renewable energy resources. The most advantageous aspect of the distributed renewable sources is to provide the electricity to remote, scattered and the deprived rural areas by developing the hybrid power system at the smaller scale where power transmission through grid extension is not viable due to some economical, technical or environmental constraints for building new transmission lines. An accurate and adequate control strategy becomes inevitable to uphold the smooth operation by restraining the frequency and voltage deviation within its limit ensuring the highest degree of reliability of hybrid power system to provide an adequate power quality. In this paper, a comprehensive review of different control strategies adopted in isolated and interconnected multi-area hybrid power systems is presented.

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