Computer Tool for Sizing and Economic Assessment of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System

Thanks to the location close to the Equator line, Colombia offers an advantage location for solar applications. This is the case of Neiva, a city located in the south of Colombia where the average temperature and irradiance are 31 °C and 4 kW/m2 respectively. This paper describes the development of an investment payback solar calculator (PSC) software for residential and commercial PV solar applications in Neiva. The PSC uses both the average solar energy and the electricity prices to estimate the rate of return on investment, the payback period (PBP), the net present value (NPV) as well as the environmental impact. The PCS software is then evaluated using a historical and statistical information from NASA, adjusted with the results of a small scale 1 kW grid connected PV system production. The results show that the PCS software can satisfactorily indicate the PV system size and perform an economic evaluation of the system to be implemented. The results obtained using the application developed were compared to two commercially available software Sunny Design and HOMER. The NPV and the PBP values showed that the proposed application results are like those delivered by the commercial software. Furthermore, the economic evaluation given by the developed tool uses additional information which makes it more accurate in countries where socioeconomic stratum is presented.

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Method for Sizing of a PV System for Family Home Using Economic Indicators

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14154529 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (15) ◽

pp. 4529

Author(s):

Zvonimir Šimić ◽

Danijel Topić ◽

Ilija Crnogorac ◽

Goran Knežević

Keyword(s):

Input Data ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Market Price ◽

System Size ◽

Electricity Price ◽

Economic Indicators ◽

Solar Irradiation ◽

Pv System ◽

Output Data ◽

Levelized Cost Of Electricity

This paper presents a method for finding an optimal photovoltaic (PV) system according to Croatian legislation. The PV sizing model, in which a decision on investment is made according to economic indicators, is made using MATLAB Software. Based on the input data, the monthly PV system production is calculated, and electricity price formed. According to the PV system production and electricity price, economic indicators are calculated and obtained as output data. The model input data are solar irradiation, load diagram, PV system costs and market price of electricity while the model output data are PV system production, savings, profit, incomes, Net Present Value (NPV) and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The obtained economic indicators are presented graphically and used for decision making on an optimal PV system size. The presented model is applied and presented in a case study.

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A simplified method for fault detection and identification of mismatch modules and strings in a grid-tied solar photovoltaic system

International Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems ◽

10.1515/ijeeps-2020-0001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Namani Rakesh ◽

Sanchari Banerjee ◽

Senthilkumar Subramaniam ◽

Natarajan Babu

Keyword(s):

Characteristic Curve ◽

Dynamic Change ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Small Scale ◽

Pv System ◽

Pv Array ◽

Detection And Identification ◽

Fault Detection And Identification ◽

Theoretical Predictions ◽

Solar Photovoltaic System

AbstractThe foremost problem facing by the photovoltaic (PV) system is to identify the faults and partial shade conditions. Further, the power loss can be avoided by knowing the number of faulty modules and strings. Hence, to attend these problems, a new method is proposed to differentiate the faults and partially shaded conditions along with the number of mismatch modules and strings for a dynamic change in irradiation. The proposed method has developed in two main steps based on a simple observation from the Current versus Voltage (I-V) characteristic curve of PV array at Line-Line (LL) fault. First, the type of fault is detected using defined variables, which are continuously updated from PV array voltage, current, and irradiation. Second, it gives the number of mismatch modules (or short-circuited bypass diodes) and mismatch strings (or open-circuited blocking diodes) by comparing with the theoretical predictions from the I-V characteristic curve of PV array. The proposed algorithm has been validated both on experimentation using small scale grid-connected PV array developed in the laboratory as well as MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Further, the comparative assessment with existing methods is presented with various performance indices to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

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Designing of an off-grid Photovoltaic system with battery storage for remote location

TECCIENCIA ◽

10.18180/tecciencia.2021.31.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (31) ◽

pp. 15-28

Author(s):

Asad A. Naqvi ◽

Talha Bin Nadeem ◽

Ahsan Ahmed ◽

Asad Ali Zaidi

Keyword(s):

Energy Demand ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Energy Requirement ◽

Maximum Energy ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Solar Irradiation ◽

Battery Storage ◽

Pv System ◽

Battery Capacity

Off-grid Photovoltaic (PV) system along with battery storage is very effective solution for electrification in remote areas. However, battery capacity selection is the most challenging task in system designing. In this study, an off-grid PV system along with battery storage is designed for the remote area of Karachi, Pakistan. The system is designed by considering the maximum energy requirement in summer season. The battery storage is selected to fulfill the energy demand during the night and cloudy seasons. On the basis of load, a total of 6 kW system is required to fulfill the energy demand. For such system, 925 Ah of battery is required to meet the energy requirement for a day in absence of solar irradiation. A regression-based correlation between battery capacity and energy demand is prepared for suitable battery sizing using Minitab. An economic analysis of the project is also carried out from which a net present value and simple payback are determined as USD 10,348 and 3 years, respectively. The environmental benefits are also been determined. It is found that the system will reduce around 7.32 tons of CO2 per annum which corresponds to the 183.69 tons of CO2 not produced in the entire project life.

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Techno-Economic Assessment of the Use of Syngas Generated from Biomass to Feed an Internal Combustion Engine

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13123097 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 3097 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. R. Copa ◽

C. E. Tuna ◽

J. L. Silveira ◽

R. A. M. Boloy ◽

P. Brito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Economic Model ◽

Electricity Generation ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Combustion Engine ◽

General System ◽

Economic Assessment ◽

Electricity Production ◽

Small Scale ◽

Cost Factors ◽

Fuel Costs

The focus of this study is to provide a comparative techno-economic analysis concerning the deployment of small-scale gasification systems in dealing with various fuels from two countries, Portugal and Brazil, for electricity generation in a 15 kWe downdraft gasifier. To quantify this, a mathematical model was implemented and validated against experimental runs gathered from the downdraft reactor. Further, a spreadsheet economic model was developed combining the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and the payback period (PBP) over the project’s lifetime set to 25 years. Cost factors included expenses related to electricity generation, initial investment, operation and maintenance and fuel costs. Revenues were estimated from the electricity sales to the grid. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis was used to measure the performance of the economic model and determine the investment risk. The analysis showed an electricity production between 11.6 to 15 kW, with a general system efficiency of approximately 13.5%. The viability of the projects was predicted for an NPV set between 18.99 to 31.65 k€, an IRR between 16.88 to 20.09% and a PBP between 8.67 to 12.61 years. The risk assessment yielded favorable investment projections with greater risk of investment loss in the NPV and the lowest for IRR. Despite the feasibility of the project, the economic performance proved to be highly reliant on the electricity sales prices subdue of energy market uncertainties. Also, regardless of the broad benefits delivered by these systems, their viability is still strikingly influenced by governmental decisions, subsidiary support and favorable electricity sales prices. Overall, this study highlights the empowering effect of small-scale gasification systems settled in decentralized communities for electric power generation.

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Techno-economic assessment of a grid-connected photovoltaic system installed at unioeste (western paraná state university), cascavel - pr campus

International Journal of Development Research ◽

10.37118/ijdr.21939.05.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 47299-47305

Keyword(s):

Alternative Energy ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Economic Assessment ◽

Electric Utility ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Total Efficiency ◽

State University ◽

In Series ◽

Using Data ◽

Data Collections

This article aimed to carry out the techno-economic assessment of a grid-connected photovoltaic system at Western Paraná State University - UNIOESTE, Cascavel - PR campus. The system was built in order to meet the electricity demand of the Alternative Energy Systems Analysis Centre (CASA Project) and consists of ten photovoltaic modules with 330 Wp each (two strings with five modules in series), and a 4 kWp voltage inverter. For the technical assessment of the system, energy data collections were carried out in four different ways: the first one using the data that is provided by the bidirectional meter installed in the system; the second one through electricity bills provided by the local electric utility (COPEL); the third one through the Solar Man website, where the data provided by the inverter is stored; and the fourth one using data recorded by the EMBRASUL RE7000 electrical quantities analyser. As for the economic evaluation, a system feasibility analysis was performed, using the Net Present Value (NPV), the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Discounted Payback (DP) as decision criteria. The results obtained in the study show that the values of electricity generation collected by the website and by the RE7000 are close, however, the values of the website are slightly higher. The total efficiency of the system was 13.32%. The return on investment occurs in 12 years, the IRR is 14.1% and the NPV is R$25,564.07, values that make the investment viable, but very close to the minimum acceptable limits.

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Thermal building upgrade with off-grid PV system: a Polish case

Energy Efficiency ◽

10.1007/s12053-021-09980-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (7) ◽

Author(s):

Sylwia Wciślik ◽

Dagmara Kotrys-Działak

Keyword(s):

Solar Radiation ◽

Alternative Energy ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Solar Irradiation ◽

Total Solar Radiation ◽

Pv System ◽

Alternative Energy Sources ◽

High Investment ◽

The Difference

AbstractNowadays, one of the basic requirements for thermally upgraded buildings involves limitation in CO2 emission even by over 90%. To fulfil these criteria, it is necessary to use alternative energy sources and photovoltaics constitutes a reasonable option for this. This paper addresses an analysis of the efficiency and profitability of a photovoltaic system located in the geometric center of Europe-Poland, where the intensity of solar irradiation is not very high compared to other European countries. The difference of total solar radiation density between Poland and Malta is 49.2%, from analysis based on SolarGIS base. The PV Lighthouse calculator was used for global power density and photon current examination for a Polish city and locations of the highest and the lowest solar radiation values, Malta and Finland, respectively. This case study concerns a thermally upgraded building; a gas boiler was replaced by a heat pump supported by an off-grid PV system. To achieve a reduction in CO2 emission of 90%, it is necessary to install 182 PV cells, which generates high investment costs. An investment is entirely profitable with 70% of funding with Simple Pay Back Time, SPBT~7 years although Net Present Value, NPV>0; Internal Rate of Return, IRR=10.6%.

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Designing an olive tree pruning biorefinery for the production of bioethanol, xylitol and antioxidants: a techno-economic assessment

Holzforschung ◽

10.1515/hf-2018-0099 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ana Susmozas ◽

Antonio D. Moreno ◽

Juan M. Romero-García ◽

Paloma Manzanares ◽

Mercedes Ballesteros

Keyword(s):

Net Present Value ◽

Energy Resource ◽

Economic Assessment ◽

Olive Tree ◽

Simulation Software ◽

Economic Feasibility ◽

Point Of View ◽

Small Scale ◽

Biomass Resources ◽

Tree Pruning

Abstract Olive tree crops, extensively cultivated in Southern European countries, yield large amounts of olive tree pruning (OTP) biomass. This could be used within the framework of a bio-based economy that maximizes the utilization of biomass resources in a sustainable way. In the present work, the techno-economic feasibility of an OTP-based integrated biorefinery is evaluated by the process simulation software Aspen Plus, while the process is aimed at the production of ethanol, xylitol, antioxidants and electricity. Overall, the proposed plant could perform economically, and it is self-sufficient from an energy resource point of view. The plant as designed yields around 109 l of ethanol, 27 kg of xylitol and 43 kg of antioxidants per ton of OTP biomass, with an estimated production cost of 0.24 € l−1, 1.48 € kg−1 and 5.12 € kg−1, respectively. In a 10-year period, the economic profitability of the biorefinery plant is within a positive investment balance, with a net present value (NPV) of 32.1 M€ and a payback period of 5–6 years. These figures point out the opportunities for placing in the market several OTP-based products. Based on these data, the construction of small-scale OTP-based lignocellulosic biorefineries seems to be a realistic scenario.

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Technoeconomic Evaluation for an Installed Small-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plant

International Journal of Photoenergy ◽

10.1155/2017/3237543 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Bulent Yaniktepe ◽

Osman Kara ◽

Coskun Ozalp

Keyword(s):

Power Plant ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Mean Value ◽

Payback Period ◽

Electricity Production ◽

Small Scale ◽

Pv System ◽

Economic Method ◽

Production Economic ◽

Installed Capacity

Solar energy production and economic evaluation are analyzed, in this study, by using daily solar radiation and average temperature data which are measured for 3 years in the Osmaniye province in Turkey. Besides, this study utilizes the photovoltaic- (PV-) based grid connected to a power plant which has an installed capacity of 1 MW investment in electricity production. Economic values show that the net present value (NPV), the first economic method in the research, is about 111941 USD, which is greater than zero. Therefore, the payback year of this investment is approximately 8.3. The second one of these methods, the payback period of the simple payback period (PBP), is 6.27 years. The last method, which is the mean value of the internal rate of return (IRR), is 10.36%. The results of this study show that Osmaniye is a considerable region for the PV investment in electricity production. As a result, investment of a PV system in Osmaniye can be applicable.

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Design of photovoltaic system powered a small-scale SWRO desalination plant

Solar Energy and Sustainable Development ◽

10.51646/jsesd.v5i1.60 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Albashir.KH Elfaqih

Keyword(s):

Specific Energy Consumption ◽

Production Capacity ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Small Scale ◽

Pv System ◽

Membrane Unit ◽

Chemical Company ◽

Desalination Plant ◽

Feed Pressure ◽

Nominal Voltage

This paper illustrates a proposed design to the Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS) - Tajura, for the erection and testing of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system for the powering of a small scale seawater reverse-osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant. The plant promises to deliver up to 0.25 m3/hour of potable water from seawater with a salinity of about 38,000 ppm and the osmotic pressure of 26.4bar.In the current paper, ROSA Software by Dow chemical company was used to establish suitable membrane unit at this capacity. A unit of 4 inch of SW30-4040, with a feed pressure of 48 bar, and a salt recovery (R) of 20% with total dissolved solids (TDS) of 190ppm was selected.Also results showed that, the electrical consumption of the SWRO plant was 2500 W, and the specific energy consumption was 10 kWh/m3. The size of the selected stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to power a SWRO plant with a mean production capacity of 1.5m³/day (6 hours operating per day), is 48V nominal voltage, 72 PV modules (shell SQ85-P), and 16 batteries with the capacity of 383Amp-Hour each.

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An Economic Analysis of Small-Scale Standalone Photovoltaic System with Hydrogen Storage System

Journal of Energy and Safety Technology (JEST) ◽

10.11113/jest.v1n1.3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nur Dalilah Nordin ◽

Hasimah Abdul Rahman

Keyword(s):

Economic Analysis ◽

Hydrogen Storage ◽

Meteorological Data ◽

Photovoltaic System ◽

Small Scale ◽

Optimal Size ◽

Pv System ◽

Levelized Cost ◽

Cost Of Energy ◽

Power Load

This paper proposes design steps in obtaining the optimal size of a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system, which is able to meet a predetermined power load requirement. The keys of the system sizing are primarily to satisfy a specific load demand that depends on the power generated from the installed PV system and also to maintain hydrogen storage state of charge. A case study was conducted using Kuala Lumpur's meteorological data and a typical rural area load profile of 2.215 kWh. An economic analysis on the system was performed in order to determine system feasibility. The levelized cost of energy for the proposed system was RM1.98/kWh. However, the results showed that if the same configuration used absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery as the backup power supply, the system cost and levelized cost of energy is lower. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis of the electrolyzer and fuel cell efficiencies towards levelized cost of energy for the proposed system was executed. The result indicates that unless the efficiency of hydrogen storage technologies significantly increases in the future, the system will not be feasible to be implemented in Malaysia.

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