scholarly journals Optimal Solar Plant Site Identification Using GIS and Remote Sensing: Framework and Case Study

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alhammad ◽  
Qian (Chayn) Sun ◽  
Yaguang Tao

Many countries have set a goal for a carbon neutral future, and the adoption of solar energy as an alternative energy source to fossil fuel is one of the major measures planned. Yet not all locations are equally suitable for solar energy generation. This is due to uneven solar radiation distribution as well as various environmental factors. A number of studies in the literature have used multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to determine the most suitable places to build solar power plants. To the best of our knowledge, no study has addressed the subject of optimal solar plant site identification for the Al-Qassim region, although developing renewable energy in Saudi Arabia has been put on the agenda. This paper developed a spatial MCDA framework catering to the characteristics of the Al-Qassim region. The framework adopts several tools used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as Random Forest (RF) raster classification and model builder. The framework aims to ascertain the ideal sites for solar power plants in the Al-Qassim region in terms of the amount of potential photovoltaic electricity production (PVOUT) that could be produced from solar energy. For that, a combination of GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques were employed to determine five sub-criteria weights (Slope, Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), proximity to roads, proximity to residential areas, proximity to powerlines) before performing spatial MCDA. The result showed that ‘the most suitable’ and ‘suitable’ areas for the establishment of solar plants are in the south and southwest of the region, representing about 17.53% of the study area. The ‘unsuitable’ areas account for about 10.17% of the total study area, which is mainly concentrated in the northern part. The rest of the region is further classified into ‘moderate’ and ‘restricted’ areas, which account for 46.42% and 25.88%, respectively. The most suitable area for potential solar energy, yields approximately 1905 Kwh/Kwp in terms of PVOUT. The proposed framework also has the potential to be applied to other regions nationally and internationally. This work contributes a reproducible GIS workflow for a low-cost but accurate adoption of a solar energy plan to achieve sustainable development goals.

Author(s):  
D. Leonov

The publication is devoted to alternative energy in the general system of electricity production, in particular, solar power plants. Prospects for the introduction of solar energy in households in Ukraine are studied. An assessment of the potential use of solar energy in Ukraine is given. The risks of investing in solar power plants are analyzed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6887
Author(s):  
Chung-Hong Lee ◽  
Hsin-Chang Yang ◽  
Guan-Bo Ye

In recent years, many countries have provided promotion policies related to renewable energy in order to take advantage of the environmental factors of sufficient sunlight. However, the application of solar energy in the power grid also has disadvantages. The most obvious is the variability of power output, which will put pressure on the system. As more grid reserves are needed to compensate for fluctuations in power output, the variable nature of solar power may hinder further deployment. Besides, one of the main issues surrounding solar energy is the variability and unpredictability of sunlight. If it is cloudy or covered by clouds during the day, the photovoltaic cell cannot produce satisfactory electricity. How to collect relevant factors (variables) and data to make predictions so that the solar system can increase the power generation of solar power plants is an important topic that every solar supplier is constantly thinking about. The view is taken, therefore, in this work, we utilized the historical monitoring data collected by the ground-connected solar power plants to predict the power generation, using daily characteristics (24 h) to replace the usual seasonal characteristics (365 days) as the experimental basis. Further, we implemented daily numerical prediction of the whole-point power generation. The preliminary experimental evaluations demonstrate that our developed method is sensible, allowing for exploring the performance of solar power prediction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Youssef El Hadri ◽  
Valeriy Khokhlov ◽  
Mariia Slizhe ◽  
Kateryna Sernytska ◽  
Kateryna Stepanova

Morocco's energy system is highly dependent on external energy markets. According to the Ministry Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development today more than 93 % of energy resources are imported to Morocco. In 2008 the Moroccan Government has developed a National Energy Strategy, and one of its priority areas is to increase the share of renewable technologies in the country's energy sector. Morocco is rich in solar energy resources. Studies on the assessment of the Morocco’s solar energy potential indicate, among other benefits, low additional costs when using solar installations compared to losses associated with the solution of future climate problems and lack of resources. The plan envisages the commissioning of solar power plants in Ouarzazate, Ain Ben Mathar, Boujdour, Tarfaya and Laayoune by 2020. The aim of this research is determination of the characteristics of the distribution of Surface Downwelling Shortwave Radiation in the area of the solar power Boujdour, Tarfaya and Laayoune, located in the Laayoune − Sakia El Hamra region in 2021−2050. The data from regional climate modeling with high spatial resolution of the CORDEX-Africa project are used in this research. The RCM modeling is carried out for the region of Africa, in a rectangular coordinate system with a spatial resolution of ~ 44 km. Then, from the modeling data, values are highlighted for the territory of Laayoune − Sakia El Hamra region. Model calculation is performed taking into account the greenhouse gas concentration trajectory of RCP 4.5 calculated using 11 regional climate models. As a result of the simulation for the period 2021−2050, average monthly values of the Surface Downwelling Shortwave Radiation "RSDS" (W/m2) are derived, on the basis of which the mean values for the period of time are calculated. For more detailed information, average monthly total cloud cover values "TC" (%) for the period under study are calculated. Analysis of the change in RSDS in 2021–2050 relative to the recent climatic period is shown that in the Laayoune − Sakia El Hamra region we can expect an increase or retention of its values. The annual run of the RSDS has one maximum in June and one minimum in December. In the future, the distribution of RSDS in the Laayoune − Sakia El Hamra region will have a significant impact on proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, where an increased amount of total cloud cover significantly reduces the amount of incoming radiation. In the location of solar power plants in the near future, the current RSDS values are expected to be maintained, which creates favorable conditions for the further development of the renewable energy industry in this area and increasing its productivity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 480-497
Author(s):  
Dmitriy S. Strebkov ◽  
Yuriy Kh. Shogenov ◽  
Nikolay Yu. Bobovnikov

Introduction. An urgent scientific problem is to increase the efficiency of using solar energy in solar power plants (SES). The purpose of the article is to study methods for increasing the efficiency of solar power plants. Materials and Methods. Solar power plants based on modules with a two-sided working surface are considered. Most modern solar power plants use solar modules. The reflection of solar radiation from the earth’s surface provides an increase in the production of electrical energy by 20% compared with modules with a working surface on one side. It is possible to increase the efficiency of using solar energy by increasing the annual production of electric energy through the creation of equal conditions for the use of solar energy by the front and back surfaces of bilateral solar modules. Results. The article presents a solar power plant on a horizontal surface with a vertical arrangement of bilateral solar modules, a solar power station with a deviation of bilateral solar modules from a vertical position, and a solar power plant on the southern slope of the hill with an angle β of the slope to the horizon. The formulas for calculating the sizes of the solar energy reflectors in the meridian direction, the width of the solar energy reflectors, and the angle of inclination of the solar modules to the horizontal surface are given. The results of computer simulation of the parameters of a solar power plant operating in the vicinity of Luxor (Egypt) are presented. Discussion and Conclusion. It is shown that the power generation within the power range of 1 kW takes a peak value for vertically oriented two-sided solar modules with horizontal reflectors of sunlight at the installed capacity utilization factor of 0.45. At the same time, when the solar radiation becomes parallel to the plane of vertical solar modules, there is a decrease in the output of electricity. The proposed design allows equalizing and increasing the output of electricity during the maximum period of solar radiation. Vertically oriented modules are reliable and easy to use while saving space between modules.


Kilat ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-271
Author(s):  
Sugeng Purwanto

ABSTRACT Renewable energy is potential alternative energy to replace the central role of fossil energy which has been going on since the early 20th century. The solar power plant is alternative energy, especially for households and industry, and can be designed as a hybrid power plant consisting of solar panels, batteries, an automatic transfer switch (ATS), and a grid. This research will focus on developing ATS based on a microcontroller. It functions to regulate the load supply automatically from the three sources of electrical energy, like solar panels, batteries, and grid while the microcontroller functions to monitor the transfer of power from the solar power plant to grid and voltage movements in the system so that current and voltage data can be recorded from time to time to improve system reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the tool. ATS components consist of MCB, magnetic contactor, timer H3CR, relay, 2000VA inverter, solar charge controller 100A, NodeMCU ESP8266 IoT, and battery 12V 100AH. This research is conducted in one year to produce ATS based on a microcontroller that can automatically regulate the supply of loads from the three sources of electrical energy with a good level of efficiency and stability.  Keywords: solar power plants, hybrid power plants, an automatic transfer switch.  ABSTRAK Energi baru terbarukan merupakan energi alternatif yang potensial untuk menggantikan peran sentral dari energi fosil yang telah berlangsung sejak awal abad ke 20. PLTS merupakan salah satu energi alternatif penyedia energi listrik untuk rumah tangga dan industri serta dapat dirancang sebagai sistem pembangkit listrik tenaga hibrid (PLTH) yang terdiri dari panel surya, baterai, sistem pengaturan beban atau ATS (automatic transfer switch) dan jaringan PLN. Peneltian difokuskan pada pengembangan sistem ATS berbasiskan mikrokontroler. ATS berfungsi untuk mengatur suplai beban secara otomatis dari ketiga sumber energi listrik yaitu panel surya, baterai dan PLN sedangkan mikrokontroler berfungsi memonitor perpindahan daya dari PLTS ke sumber PLN dan pergerakan tegangan pada sistem sehingga dapat dilakukan pencatatan data arus dan tegangan dari waktu ke waktu sehingga dapat meningkatkan keandalan sistem, efektifitas dan efisiensi alat. Komponen ATS terdiri dari MCB, magnetic contactor, timer H3CR, relay, inverter 2000VA, solar charge controller 100A, NodeMCU ESP8266 IoT, dan baterai 12V 100Ah. Penelitian ini akan dilakukan dalam periode satu tahun menghasilkan ATS berbasiskan mikrokontroler yang dapat mengatur suplai beban secara otomatis dari ketiga sumber energi listrik dengan tingkat efisiensi dan kestabilan yang baik. Tim penelitian ini tediri dari 3 orang dan berasal dari program studi teknik elektro, IT PLN.  Kata kunci: pembangkit listrik tenaga surya, pembangkit listrik tenaga hibrid, pengaturan suplai beban.


Author(s):  
Collins O. Ojo ◽  
Damien Pont ◽  
Enrico Conte ◽  
Richard Carroni

The integration of steam from a central-receiver solar field into a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) provides an option to convert solar energy into electricity at the highest possible efficiency, because of the high pressure and temperature conditions of the solar steam, and at the lowest capital investment, because the water-steam cycle of the CCPP is in shared use with the solar field. From the operational point of view, the plant operator has the option to compensate the variability of the solar energy with fossil fuel electricity production, to use the solar energy to save fuel and to boost the plant power output, while reducing the environmental footprint of the plant operation. Alstom is able to integrate very large amounts of solar energy in its new combined-cycle power plants, in the range of the largest solar field ever built (Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, California, 3 units, total 392 MWel). The performance potential of such integration is analyzed both at base load and at part load operation of the plant. Additionally, the potential for solar retrofit of existing combined-cycle power plants is assessed. In this case, other types of concentrating solar power technologies than central receiver (linear Fresnel and trough) may be best suited to the specific conditions. Alstom is able to integrate any of these technologies into existing combined-cycle power plants.


2020 ◽  
pp. 48-55
Author(s):  
Olena I. Matsenko ◽  
Vladyslav S. Tereshchenko ◽  
Vladyslav S. Piven ◽  
Andrii A. Panchenko ◽  
Evhenyi A. Perekhod

The use of alternative energy sources, in particular solar energy, has gained rapid growth in recent years. This trend is prompting manufacturers of equipment for solar power plants to increase production volumes. At the same time, the question arises of the disposal of used modules, because each material has its service life. According to technical specifications, the average life of solar modules and batteries is 25-30 years. Decommissioning may occur earlier than this time due to the following reasons – moral and physical deterioration, mechanical damage, replacement of obsolete equipment with new, modernization of solar power plants. Already in 2030, it will be necessary to replace the solar modules installed in 2000. Therefore, there are acute questions not only regarding the development of technologies for processing waste equipment from solar power plants but also organizational and economic methods. This article discusses the main problems that arise during the utilization and recycling of solar modules, analyzes the experience of countries in resolving these issues. After all, the use of renewable energy sources should minimize the negative impact on the environment from energy production at all stages – from the production of equipment for a power plant to the disposal and recycling of this equipment. Keywords: solar panel, recycling, economic method, solar power, natural resource, economic problem, environment, renewable energy.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2253
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Makkiabadi ◽  
Siamak Hoseinzadeh ◽  
Ali Taghavirashidizadeh ◽  
Mohsen Soleimaninezhad ◽  
Mohammadmahdi Kamyabi ◽  
...  

The world’s electricity generation has increased with renewable energy technologies such as solar (solar power plant), wind energy (wind turbines), heat energy, and even ocean waves. Iran is in the best condition to receive solar radiation due to its proximity to the equator (25.2969° N). In 2020, Iran was able to supply only 900 MW (about 480 solar power plants and 420 MW home solar power plants) of its electricity demand from solar energy, which is very low compared to the global average. Yazd, Fars, and Kerman provinces are in the top ranks of Iran, with the production of approximately 68, 58, and 47 MW using solar energy, respectively. Iran also has a large area of vacant land for the construction of solar power plants. In this article, the amount of electricity generation using solar energy in Iran is studied. In addition, the construction of a 10 MW power plant in the city of Sirjan is economically and technically analyzed. The results show that with US$16.14 million, a solar power plant can be built in the Sirjan region, and the initial capital will be returned in about four years. The results obtained using Homer software show that the highest maximum power generation is in July.


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