Current World Environment

Introduction

Climate change and global warming are the result of enormous fossil fuel technology dependency. Renewable energy technologies are the solution of climate change mitigation¹ and increasing electric power demand. Abundant accessibility of solar energy in daytime is making it a reliable source of renewable energy. Solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) are the two well known technologies to convert solar energy into useful energy. In solar thermal technology heat of sun is used for increasing the temperature of air, water or any heat absorbing material without using an intermediate electric circuitry. In PV technology sunlight is directly converted to electricity using PV modules. Utilization of different photon absorption material and different constructional design created different types of solar PV technologies, i.e. Crystalline Silicon(C-Si), Thin Film and Disk type solar PV technology etc. Modular design, long life-time, low maintenance, easy install ability and environment friendly power generation are the reason behind PV modules increasing popularity.

The performance of PV module, in broad sense PV system is strongly dependent on solar radiation, ambient temperature, cell temperature, and local climate conditions^2-7. But the manufactures provide the parameters of PV modules only in the standard testing conditions (STC i.e. Irradiance=1000W/m², Temperature=25°C and Air-mass=1.5G). These parameters of PV module at STC do not reflect its performance in actual operating conditions and can lead to an overestimation of the production. Thus, correct PV module selection and accurate prediction of energy output from PV module is solely dependent on reliable knowledge and understanding of the PV module performance under different operating conditions.

Rough estimation of the average energy produced by the PV power plants can be provided through estimation of global irradiance. Goh and Tan⁸ developed statistical forecasting of solar data using time series model. Since then number of research work is available on forecasting solar irradiance^9-16. But, considerably lesser number of literatures present in predicting the actual output of PV power plant. Some literatures are available for estimation on field performance of standalone PV array system^{7, 17}. Also some power efficiency models^18-23 can predict the average performance of a PV system under variable climatic-conditions.

Neural networks model is more complicated one which uses various inputs such as the solar radiation, ambient temperature, and module temperature^{24, 25}. The design of neural network model is based on trial and error processes and requires past experience for successful implementation. Most of the above mentioned models require either detailed data^18-23 and complicated to use^{24, 25}. These limitations of the mentioned literatures are barrier in easy manipulation of the system performance.

The objective of this paper is to present a simple but accurate model for estimation of the energy production from PV plants based on different type of PV technology. This model is applicable to any location of India to choose the best suitable technology for that specific location. Application of the finding of the paper through energy supply planning is helpful to make the energy generation economic and environment friendly. The scope of this study is to relate the location and Solar energy to study the potential of the location for different types of solar PV plants. Prospective practical users of this model are people from energy industry, energy planners, engineers, city planners, and climate concern citizens.

In four stages the research is presented here. In section 2 material and mathematical methods used for the research are described. Section 3.1 presents the monthly energy generation and CUF study of real-time data for the whole year of 2014 of PV power plants of different technology. In section 3.2 the validation of mathematical method with the real-time energy output of four operating PV power plants of different PV technologies under the scheme of NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN) are presented.

Methodology Developed

Methodology used in this work consists of three different steps. They are concisely discussed as follows: (a) PV technology Selection. (b) Development of mathematical method to predict the energy production form different PV power plants based on different PV technology, situated in different location of India. (c) Collection of location detail, secondary data of energy generation and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of operating PV power plants under the NVVN scheme for the whole year of 2014. The mathematical model for estimating the power generation from PV power plant is validated with the PV power plants data under NVNN scheme.

Selection of PV technology

Selection of appropriate PV technology is the key for success of any PV power project. In laboratory scale, many new PV technologies are available such as organic solar cell, dye sensitized solar cells etc, but they are not used commercially for PV power plant. Hence Mono Crystalline Silicon (Mono C-Si), Poly Crystalline Silicon (Poly C-Si), amorphous Silicon (a-Si), CIGS, CdTe PV technologies from reputed manufacturers are considered which are widely used for commercial PV power plant projects. Specifications of the selected PV technologies are collected from their datasheets. Required specifications of the selected PV technologies are enlisted in Table 1.

Table 1: Technical Specifications of Selected PV modules

Mathematical model to predict the energy Generation

Output of PV module is dependent on the meteorological parameters mainly on insolation and ambient temperature. Energy outputs for fixed lilted modules are evaluated different technology PV modules. Mathematical modelling is represented below:

Solar Radiation on Tilted PV Array

In NREL website the long-term published data of solar radiation and other meteorological parameters are available as hourly average values on horizontal surface for different grid points of India. The solar radiation on a tilted PV array is the main input parameter for the design of the PV system. According to the Liu and Jordan formula using the hourly beam and diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface, the total radiation on a tilted PV array (at angle β) for a given latitude φ can be evaluated

I_bHourly beam radiation on a horizontal surface.
I_bHourly diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface.
r_b, r_d  and r_r are known as conversion factors for beam, diffuse and reflected components, respectively.
p is the reflection coefficient of the ground (0.2 and 0.6 for non-snow-covered and snow-covered ground, respectively).

θ_i is angle of incidence, θ_z zenith angle, Φ  Latitude Angle,  β Tilt Angle, γ Azimuth Angle, δ Solar Declination Angle, ω Hour Angle.
 

S_R Sunrise time, S_s Sunset time.
Daily PV array output is the summation of the hourly energy output.

Equivalent full sun-shine hours on tilted surface

No of hours for which the intensity of solar radiation incident at a place is kept constant at its peak value of 1 kW/m² is known as equivalent hours of full sunshine (h_et).When insolation on tilted unit area surface is expressed by I_T kWh/m²/day, then it can be expressed as constant peak value of solar radiation of 1 kW/m² incident on a receiving surface for I_T hours, then h_et will be equal to I_T hours/day. The expression is given by Eq. (7)

h_et is Equivalent full sun-shine hours on tilted surface.
I_T is Insolation on tilted surface in kWh/m²/day.

PV Panel output after temperature correction

The output of PV module is dependent on solar radiation and the operating temperature of PV module. Rise in the PV operating temperature with respect to STC condition, reduces the energy output from PV module. Operating temperature of PV module can be calculated by means of ambient temperature, incident solar irradiance on PV module at given location and Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) of the particular technology.

P_otc is Panel output after temperature correction,  P_m is Power output at STC, T_a  is ambient Temperature in °C.

Is Nominal Operating Cell Temperature,I_t is Irradiance in W/m², T_STC is the temperature of the PV module at STC in °C, ϒ is Temperature coefficient of Power for PV panel in %/°C.

Generated Energy from PV Plant feed to the Grid

E_PVP is Energy output from PV plant, D_f is dust factor in %, H_f is humidity factor in %, W_t is Wiring losses in %,  m_i is Mismatch losses in %, η_inv is inverter efficiency in %.

Capacity Utilization Factor

Sometimes investors or developers use the Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) to compare the plant's performance. The CUF does not take into account any environmental factor like variation of irradiance from one year to another or degradation of the panels. CUF for a single day is defined as

I_P  is Installed Capacity of PV Plant.

Collected Data of Solar PV Projects in India

Under the scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) numbers of Solar PV plants are already installed in India and many other are going to be installed to fulfil the target of JNNSM. For successful execution of JNNSM, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN)²⁶, has given the responsibility to prepare the guidelines for selection of developers for commissioning grid connected solar power projects in India. Location and monthly field measured generation data of four existing PV plants of different technologies for one whole year of 2014 in India are collected from the project installer²⁶.

Results and Discussion

Results and discussion part is sub-divided into two parts. (i) Detail energy generation and CUF study of PV power plants of different PV technologies. (ii) Validation of the mathematical method with practical field output data of four PV plants of different technologies.

Detail Energy Generation and CUF Study of different PV technology based PV power plants

Plant 1

DDE Renewable Energy Limited installed a grid connected solar PV power project in Village: Bhojas, Tehsil:Khinvsar, District:Nagaur of Rajasthan. The electricity generated from the project activity is exported to the regional electricity grid and sold to NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN) under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Name of company: DDE Renewable Energy Limited.

Location of Plant: State: Rajasthan, District:
Nagaur, Tehsil: Khinvsar, Village: Bhojas.

Geo-coordinates of Location: Latitude: 26°58’40.52" N, Longitude: 73°23’53.21" E.

Size of PV plant: 5 MW.

Panel Technology used: Multi Crystalline
Silicon (Multi C-Si).

Multi Crystalline Silicon (Multi C-Si).
Monthly Energy exported from the PV plant and CUF of the plant for the entire year 2014 are indicated in table 2.

Table 2: Monthly exported Energy and CUF of the PV power plant for the entire year 2014 Click here to View table

Maximum and minimum exported energy to the grid from the PV power plant is found in the month of May and February with a value of 787801 kWh and 624431 kWh respectively. Maximum CUF is found in the month of May with a value of 21.26% and minimum is found in the month of July with a value of 18.02%. Graphical representation of these two parameters is shown in Figure 1.
 

Figure 1: Graphical representation of monthly net energy exported to the grid and CUF of the PV power plant. Click here to View figure

Annual (In the year 2014) Energy Exported to the grid: 8451881 kWh.

Annual average CUF (%): 19.41%.

Plant 2

Shree Saibaba Green Power Private Limited (SSGPPL) installed a 5MW grid interactive solar PV power plant (SPV) at Gondhri village of Latur district in the State of Maharashtra.

Name of company: Shree Saibaba Green Power Private Limited.

Location of Plant:State: Maharashtra, District:Latur, Tehsil: Ausa, Village: Gondhri.

Size of PV plant: 5 MW.

Panel Technology used: Amorphous SiliconTechnology.


Monthly Energy exported from the PV plant and CUF of the plant for the entire year 2014 are indicated in table 3.

Table 3: Monthly exported Energy and CUF of the PV power plant for the entire year 2014 Click here to View table

Maximum and minimum exported energy to the grid from the PV power plant is found in the month of May and July with a value of 887300 kWh and 628520 kWh respectively. Maximum CUF is found in the month of April with a value of 24.51% and minimum is found in the month of July with a value of 17.64%. Graphical representation of these two parameters is shown in Figure 2.
 

Figure 2: Graphical representation of monthly net energy exported to the grid and CUF of the PV power plant. Click here to View figure

Annual (In the year 2014) Energy Exported to the grid: 9266426 kWh.

Annual average CUF (%):21.54%

Plant 3

Alex Spectrum Radiation Private Limited (ASRPL) under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN), installed 5 MW Solar PV power project at Bikaner, India.

Name of company: Alex Spectrum Radiation Private Limited.

Location of Plant: The Project is proposed to be setup at Nokha Daiya village in Bikaner District of Rajasthan.

Geo-coordinates of Location: Latitude:28°08’16.51"N, Longitude: 72°57’48.99" E.

Size of PV plant: 5 MW.

Panel Technology used: Cadmium Telluride.

Monthly Energy exported from the PV plant and CUF of the plant for the entire year 2014 are indicated in table 4.

Table 4: Monthly exported Energy and CUF of the PV power plant for the entire year 2014 Click here to View table

Maximum and minimum exported energy to the grid from the PV power plant is found in the month of May and December with a value of 874467 kWh and 585138kWh respectively. Maximum CUF is found in the month of April with a value of 25.12% and minimum is found in the month of December with a value of 16.13%.Graphical representation of these two parameters are shown in Figure 3.
 

Figure 3: Graphical representation of monthly net energy exported to the grid and CUF of the PV power plant. Click here to View figure

Annual (In the year 2014) Energy Exported to the grid: 9085599 kWh.

Annual average CUF (%):21.43%.

Plant 4

Saisudhir Energy Limited (SSEL) developed a 5MW solar PV power plant (SPV) at T.  Veerapuram village of Anantapur district in the State of Andhra Pradesh. For the proposed PV plant 38,400 numbers of 145 W_p PV modules are installed to generate 5 MW_p power. 

Name of company:Saisudhir Energy Limited (SSEL).

Location of Plant: State: Andhra Pradesh,District: Anantapur, Taluk: Raydurg, Village:T. Veerapuram.

Geo-coordinates of Location: Latitude:14Ú45’41.97" N, Longitude: 76Ú57’03.86"E.

Size of PV plant: 5 MW.

Panel Technology used: CIS Thin film.

Monthly Energy exported from the PV plant and CUF of the plant for the entire year 2014 are indicated in table 5.

Table 5: Monthly exported Energy and CUF of the PV power plant for the entire year 2014 Click here to View table

Maximum and minimum exported energy to the grid from the PV power plant is found in the month of March and July with a value of 859200 kWh and 597000 kWh respectively. Maximum CUF is found in the month of May with a value of 24.06% and minimum is found in the month of July with a value of 16.77%. Graphical representation of these two parameters is shown in Figure 4.
 

Figure 4: Graphical representation of monthly net energy exported to the grid and CUF of the PV power plant. Click here to View figure

Annual (In the year 2014) Energy Exported to the grid: 8976600 kWh.

Annual average CUF (%):21.44%.

Validation of the mathematical method

Among the selected four PV power plants, plant 1 based on Multi C-Si, 2 is of a-Si, 3 is based on CdTe technology and 4 is based on CIS technology. For validation of the mathematical method actual field output of PV plants are compared with the predicted value. Four different PV power plants are of different capacity, so exported energy of the PV power plants are normalized to 1MW power plant. Validation table is presented in table 6.

Table 6: Validation Table of Mathematical Model

Table 6 shows that actual generation and CUF of all the selected PV plants are in the range of predicted value calculated through mathematical model. So, mathematical model is in good co-relation with the actual field output and CUF of PV power plants.

Conclusion

In this paper mathematical method is used for technical feasibility study of PV power plants based on different PV technologies. Proposed mathematical method is also validated collecting the actual field output data of four PV power plants of different technologies. Finding of this paper are presented below:

For Multi C-Si predicted energy generation and CUF is 1602413-1943816 kWh/MW and 18.29- 22.19%, whereas in actual field condition values of same parameters are 2-1955562kWh/MW and 19.41-22.19% respectively. So actual field output is in the range of prediction.

For a-Si actual field energy generation and CUF are 1853285.2 kWh/MW and 21.54% respectively. These values are also within the prediction range.

Actual energy generation and CUF of CdTe based PV plant is 1807359-2024909.2kWh/MW and 20.82-23.80% respectively which is also within the range of prediction.

CIS based PV power plants exports annually 1795320-1864970 kWh/MW energy to the grid which is within the prediction range.

So, mathematical method for technical feasibility study is in good co-relation with the actual field output of PV power plants. This mathematical method is simpler and requires less input data. This validation would be more trustable if more numbers of a-Si, CdTe and CIGS based PV power plants data can be compared with predicted data. Due to unavailability of more practical data and as PV plants are not installed in all climatic zones of India till now ,so further validation in all climatic zones are not possible now. Though the ministry has future plans for installation of PV power plants all over India. Then much better validation of the mathematical method will be possible.

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