An Improved Methodology to Design Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plant

Abstract

A secure and reliable supply of energy is important for economic stability and even in social life. Increasing human population, industrialization, and rising living standards lead to increased electrical energy demand. Uncertainties in oil prices, shortage of fossil fuel reserves, and environmental pollution from conventional fuels leads solar energy as an alternative resource for electricity production. The share of installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity as a percent of total installed power generating capacity is increasing every year. In this study, an improved methodology to design large-scale PV power plant is proposed. The proposed methodology is performed for designing optimal configurations of PV power plants. The design methodology is performed using commercially available PV modules and inverters. In addition, solar radiation, ambient temperature, wind speed, shadow effect, and location and shape of plant field are taken into consideration as input parameters. The alternatives and parameters are evaluated with the purpose of minimizing the levelized cost of generated electricity (LCOE). The methodology includes the use of a genetic algorithm (GA) for determining the optimal number of PV modules and inverters, optimum tilt angle of PV modules, required installation area for the plant and optimum cable cross section and lengths. In the paper, the methodology is implemented, and case studies and results using pvsyst software for the same case studies are compared with each other.

A Comprehensive Review on Renewable Energy Development, Challenges, and Policies of Leading Indian States With an International Perspective

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Fotovoltaik Sistemlerin Öğretimini Destekleyen Bir Eğitim Kiti

“…The most important reasons behind the increase in the installation of solar power plants are the decrease in the costs of the power plant components (panel, inverter, etc.) with the developing technology, the reduction of fossil resources, the more environmentally friendly, the faster the installation and the lower maintenance cost compared to other types of plants during operation [5]. Considering the individual users, solar energy based system can be integrated quickly into the existing structure and installed in a simple way without technical knowledge and experience compared to other sources.…”

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“…Solar energy is applied to the generation of electric power through photovoltaic technology. The installed capacity of photovoltaic energy has been increasing every year . As regards the new additions of renewable energy capacity in the year 2016, 43.8% are represented by photovoltaic solar energy…”

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“…The installed capacity of photovoltaic energy has been increasing every year. 13 As regards the new additions of renewable energy capacity in the year 2016, 43.8% are represented by photovoltaic solar energy. 14 There is a wide range of possibilities in terms of use of the medium and long terms of this abundant energy source, ranging from small systems to large-scale power plants.…”