Soiling Loss Rate Measurements of Photovoltaic Modules in a Hot and Humid Desert Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwan Abdallah ◽  
Ahmad Khaiyat ◽  
Ali Basaheeh ◽  
Konstantinos Kotsovos ◽  
Ian Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Favorable Case ◽  
First Time ◽  
Dust Accumulation ◽  
Loss Rates

Abstract Power generation from renewable energy sources, in particular solar photovoltaics (PV), has become extremely attractive thanks to its very low levelized cost of electricity (LCoE). In desert-like environments, the energy yield is drastically reduced due to dust accumulation. While effective and affordable cleaning strategies can be implemented in large, MW-size PV power plants, soiling remains an economic and logistic challenge. In this article, we analyze the soiling loss rates of PV modules for different tilt angles measured during a period of 15 months in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. We observe a strong correlation between weather parameters like humidity and wind speed and the mechanism of dust accumulation. Our measurements show that, for specific weather conditions, soiled modules undergo a partial cleaning process. As a consequence, and for the first time, the soiling loss rates are shown to have a clear dependence on the current soiling state of the modules, with clean modules soiling twice as fast as soiled ones. This dependency is a key for predicting the correct cleaning frequency of a PV power plant. Finally, the results obtained for vertically mounted modules (90 deg), where dust accumulation is negligible, point to a favorable case for the use of bifacial PV modules.

scholarly journals A Combined Approach for Model-Based PV Power Plant Failure Detection and Diagnostic

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1261
Author(s):  
Christopher Gradwohl ◽  
Vesna Dimitrievska ◽  
Federico Pittino ◽  
Wolfgang Muehleisen ◽  
András Montvay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Failure Detection ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Model Based

Photovoltaic (PV) technology allows large-scale investments in a renewable power-generating system at a competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and with a low environmental impact. Large-scale PV installations operate in a highly competitive market environment where even small performance losses have a high impact on profit margins. Therefore, operation at maximum performance is the key for long-term profitability. This can be achieved by advanced performance monitoring and instant or gradual failure detection methodologies. We present in this paper a combined approach on model-based fault detection by means of physical and statistical models and failure diagnosis based on physics of failure. Both approaches contribute to optimized PV plant operation and maintenance based on typically available supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data. The failure detection and diagnosis capabilities were demonstrated in a case study based on six years of SCADA data from a PV plant in Slovenia. In this case study, underperforming values of the inverters of the PV plant were reliably detected and possible root causes were identified. Our work has led us to conclude that the combined approach can contribute to an efficient and long-term operation of photovoltaic power plants with a maximum energy yield and can be applied to the monitoring of photovoltaic plants.

scholarly journals Spatial-Economic Potential Analysis of Wind Power Plants in Germany

Wind ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-89
Author(s):  
David Hennecke ◽  
Carsten Croonenbroeck
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
Regional Planning ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Potential Analysis ◽  
Federal States

Before a new wind farm can be built, politics and regional planning must approve of the respective area as a suitable site. For this purpose, large-scale potential computations were carried out to identify suitable areas. The calculation of wind power plant potential usually focuses on capturing the highest energy potential. In Germany, due to an energy production reimbursement factor defined in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (“Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz”, EEG) in 2017, the influence of energy quantities on the power plant potential varies, economically and spatially. Therefore, in addition to the calculation of energy potentials, it was also necessary to perform a potential analysis in terms of economic efficiency. This allows, on the one hand, an economic review of the areas tendered by the regional planning and, on the other hand, a spatial-economic analysis that expands the parameters in the search for new areas. In this work, (a) potentials with regard to the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) were calculated by the example of the electricity market in Germany, which were then (b) spatially and statistically processed on the level of the federal states.

Performance of Bi-Facial PV Modules in Urban Settlements in Tropical Regions

2013 ◽  
Vol 853 ◽  
pp. 312-316
Author(s):  
Carlo Pisigan ◽  
Fan Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Rear Side ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Irradiation Energy ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Urban Settlements

This paper studies the performance of bifacial Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HIT) PV modules through a one-year experiment in Singapore. Two 1.2kWp (front side)/0.84kWp (rear side) PV systems were installed vertically, facing the N-S and E-W directions respectively. The operational data of two systems were monitored and collected to analyze their performance under different weather conditions. This paper will presentthe change of irradiation, energy yield and the AC energy output of the bifacial PV systems. The results help to understand the impacts of system installation on the energy yield of vertically-installedbifacial HIT PV systems, to find out its advantages in applications over monofacial PV modules and to explore the potential of bifacial PV modules in tropical regions, especially in urban areas like Singapore.

scholarly journals Exergy-Based Analysis and Optimization of an Integrated Solar Combined-Cycle Power Plant

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 655
Author(s):  
Louay Elmorsy ◽  
Tatiana Morosuk ◽  
George Tsatsaronis
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Combined Cycle Power Plant ◽  
Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Specific Investment ◽  
Levelized Cost

The transition towards higher shares of electricity generation from renewable energy sources is shown to be significantly slower in developing countries with low-cost fossil fuel resources. Integrating conventional power plants with concentrated solar power may facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable power production. In this paper, a novel natural gas-fired integrated solar combined-cycle power plant was proposed, evaluated, and optimized with exergy-based methods. The proposed system utilizes the advantages of combined-cycle power plants, direct steam generation, and linear Fresnel collectors to provide 475 MW baseload power in Aswan, Egypt. The proposed system is found to reach exergetic efficiencies of 50.7% and 58.1% for day and night operations, respectively. In economic analysis, a weighted average levelized cost of electricity of 40.0 $/MWh based on the number of day and night operation hours is identified. In exergoeconomic analysis, the costs of thermodynamic inefficiencies were identified and compared to the component cost rates. Different measures for component cost reduction and performance enhancement were identified and applied. Using iterative exergoeconomic optimization, the levelized cost of electricity is reduced to a weighted average of 39.2 $/MWh and a specific investment cost of 1088 $/kW. Finally, the proposed system is found to be competitive with existing integrated solar combined-cycle plants, while allowing a significantly higher solar share of 17% of the installed capacity.

scholarly journals Methods Improving Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Systems Operating under Partial Shading

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10696
Author(s):  
Pavel Kuznetsov ◽  
Leonid Yuferev ◽  
Dmitry Voronin ◽  
Vladimir A. Panchenko ◽  
Michał Jasiński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Parametric Optimization ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Partial Shading ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Modules

This article is devoted to the relevant problem of increasing the efficiency of PV systems. The presented analysis discusses the available methods for improving the power generation of PV modules under partial shading. Mathematical models for power loss calculation were compiled based on the results of this analysis. The proposed approach minimizes the negative impact of partial shading on the energy production of PV modules. It is based on the equalization of voltages of parallel-connected arrays of modules by installing additional power elements in them. The proposed solution is promising for various areas; it allows for the minimization of the unfavorable influence of existing urban objects (buildings, trees, communications, etc.) on the energy efficiency of PV modules. The obtained results are useful for the sustainable development of the urban environment in the context of digital transformation. They are the basis for the promising methodology of the parametric optimization of power plants using renewable energy sources.

scholarly journals Solar Tracker with a Self-Deploying System

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-89
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Light Flux ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Device ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Low Efficiency

This article provides a brief overview of the state of solar energy in the world. Disadvantages of fossil energy sources are discussed. Low efficiency is considered the main disadvantage of renewable energy sources. A possible way to improve efficiency of solar modules through the use of solar tracking systems (STS) is analyzed. STS is a special device with two drives for horizontal and vertical guidance to ensure that solar modules face the highest light flux source and thereby increase generation of electricity using a special algorithm. The theoretical increase in production for systems under ideal conditions is calculated; working values thereof are given. The disadvantages of the considered type of renewable energy generators are listed. The calculation of wind loads on the STS was carried out according to the presented method. Examples of destruction of solar power plants by natural disasters are given. A new type of solar trackers with a self-deploying system is proposed; these can protect the installation from unfavorable weather conditions. We analyzed accuracy of the positioning algorithm developed for this device. The conclusion contains possible ways of using the installation, its disadvantages, as well as plans for future research.

scholarly journals Evolution of Hydropower Support Schemes in Poland and Their Assessment Using the LCOE Method

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 8473
Author(s):  
Izabela Godyń ◽  
Anna Dubel
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Graphical Analysis ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Micro Power ◽  
Green Certificates ◽  
Power Installations

Hydropower as stable power installations play an important role among renewable energy sources. Yet, their share in renewable energy is small. Currently, it is only 10% of energy from renewable energy sources (RES), compared to 27% in 2010. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to assess the RES support schemes in Poland related to hydropower, such as green certificates, auctions and FIT, with the use of the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) analysis in order to determine which support scheme is best incentivizing hydropower development. The evolution of the hydropower support scheme in Poland is presented. The total LCOE and possible revenues from support systems for various segments of hydropower installations are graphically analyzed for two analysis periods (15 and 50 years) and for two discount rates (7% and 11.4%). The analysis shows the great importance of the support schemes in the profitability of the hydropower plants investments. The LCOE graphical analysis proves to be suitable for showing sensitivity analysis of capital and operating costs of various sizes of hydropower plants. The analysis shows that the LCOE in micro-power plants is usually higher than the support and revenues available in the green certificates or auctions or FIT schemes in Poland.

scholarly journals Definition of Key Indicators to Identify Optimal Distribution Grid Restoration Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 209 ◽  
pp. 01001
Author(s):  
Christoph Strunck ◽  
Christian Rehtanz
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Indicator System ◽  
Distribution Grid ◽  
Restoration Strategies ◽  
Key Indicators ◽  
Distribution Grids

Due to significant changes in the power energy system and extreme weather conditions as a result of the increasing impact of climate change, large scale blackouts become more likely. With the rising penetration of renewable energy sources in distribution grids and the shutdown of large conventional power plants, the system inertia and therefore the resilience is decreasing. This will have a significant influence on the provision of ancillary services in the future. Especially for grid restoration processes, new concepts are necessary to assure an optimal integration of the distributed energy resources to resupply a grid after a blackout. However, to identify and assess the capability of distribution grids to restore the grid operation to resupply their grid independently of the transmission system key indicators are necessary for an analysis. Hence, this paper introduces a key indicator system, which has the goal to address several challenges of a distribution grid restoration.

Comparative Analysis of Crystalline and Double-Junction Amorphous Silicon Modules Performance in Outdoor Conditions

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Cornaro ◽  
Davide Musella
Keyword(s):  
Amorphous Silicon ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Outdoor Exposure ◽  
Complete Characterization ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Performance Ratio ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Double Junction ◽  
And Performance

The paper deals with an extensive photovoltaic (PV) modules monitoring activity carried out at the outdoor station ESTER (Solar Energy TEst and Research) of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. The purpose of the work was to evaluate and compare the performance of PV silicon modules of polycrystalline (poli-Si) and amorphous (a-Si) technologies during a medium-term outdoor exposure at optimized tilt angle, facing south. Two PV modules, one polycrystalline silicon and one double-junction amorphous silicon, have been exposed since May 2009 until Oct. 2010. A complete characterization of the weather conditions at the site during the test has been performed, and the most relevant parameters for the performance comparison of the two technologies have been derived. In order to compare different technologies and power productions, the energy yield (Y) and performance ratio (PR) for the two modules have been evaluated on a monthly and yearly basis. The typical seasonal trend of PR has been observed for the polycrystalline module, essentially due to the temperature influence on the module performance. For the a-Si module, instead, a degradation trend has been observed for the first months of operation. Subsequently, a significant recovery in the PR and energy production has been registered.

Innovative Means of Increasing the Adjustment Ability of Wind Turbine

2014 ◽  
Vol 698 ◽  
pp. 592-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalya Zubova ◽  
Sergey Udalov ◽  
Andrey Achitaev
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Active Flow Control ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Active Flow

Today, wind power is the fastest-growing renewable energy source. Wind power is free, clean, and endless. Furthermore, the cost of the electricity produced by wind turbines reached already the point where it is comparable with that of electricity produced by some of the conventional, fossil based power plants. However, it is still important to improve the technology in order to keep wind energy economically competitive with traditional and other renewable energy sources. In this paper the concept of variable length blades and active flow control systems has been proposed as a means of increasing the energy yield of the turbine.

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