A comparative performance analysis of four monocrystalline silicon based grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems installed at Nepal Telecom

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Jeewan Shrestha Thesis master mechanicaland aero space energy system planning and management aug 2023.pdf (4.58 MB)

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2023-08

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IOE Pulchowk Campus

Abstract

This research evaluates four grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems using four criteria: final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, and system efficiency. The PV systems were installed on the rooftop of the Nepal Telecom offices at Chhauni, Sundhara, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. The generation data was collected through the web interface of the data logger installed at the sites. Long term comparison (four years) of the plant at Sundhara, same technology comparison of the plants at Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Chhauni, and same system comparison of plants at Pokhara and Biratnagar was performed. Long term analysis (four years) of plant at Sundhara found that the yield decreased from 2.91 kWh per kWp in 2019 to 2.21 kWh per kWp in 2022. Similarly, the performance ratio decreased from 91.0% in 2019 to 67.3% in 2022, capacity utilization factor decreased from 12.1% in 2019 to 9.2% in 2022, and system efficiency decreased from 16.8% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2022. Same technology analysis showed variation in final yield from 3.04 kWh/kWp at Chhauni plant to 3.76 kWh per kWp at Pokhara plant. Similarly, yearly capacity utilization factor varied between 12.7% at Chhauni plant to 15.6% at Pokhara plant, and system efficiency varied between 13.2% at Chhauni plant to 16.0% at Pokhara plant. The same system installed at Pokhara and Biratnagar had slightly varied performance owing to the variation in meteorological parameters. The average air temperature at Biratnagar (26.70 C) was higher than at Pokhara (13.10 C) while the amount of solar radiation at Biratnagar was just higher by 4%. This led to the reduction of final yield by 9% at Biratnagar than at Pokhara as higher temperature at Biratnagar caused more reduction in the power output from the solar panels. It was seen that, on average, the 440 W panel worked at 420.6 W at Pokhara and 399.1 W at Biratnagar. The total amount saved by NTC during the observation period from the solar plants is Rs.66,92,999.75 with an average saving of Rs. 12,918.85 per kW per year. Finally, this study provides insights to researchers, PV installers, and panel manufacturers on the actual performance of grid-connected solar PV in Nepal

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Nepal has depended mostly on traditional sources like fuelwood for its energy needs. However, use of commercial and renewable energy sources are on a rise. The consumption of traditional fuel decreased from nearly 90% to less than 70 % in 15 years while the consumption of commercial fuels, like petroleum, electricity and coal, increased from nearly 10% to 30% during the same interval (Kathmandu University et al., 2022)

Keywords

This research evaluates four grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems using four criteria: final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, and system efficiency. The PV systems were installed on the rooftop of the Nepal Telecom offices at Chhauni, Sundhara, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. The generation data was collected through the web interface of the data logger installed at the sites. Long term comparison (four years) of the plant at Sundhara, same technology comparison of the plants at Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Chhauni, and same system comparison of plants at Pokhara and Biratnagar was performed. Long term analysis (four years) of plant at Sundhara found that the yield decreased from 2.91 kWh per kWp in 2019 to 2.21 kWh per kWp in 2022. Similarly, the performance ratio decreased from 91.0% in 2019 to 67.3% in 2022, capacity utilization factor decreased from 12.1% in 2019 to 9.2% in 2022, and system efficiency decreased from 16.8% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2022. Same technology analysis showed variation in final yield from 3.04 kWh/kWp at Chhauni plant to 3.76 kWh per kWp at Pokhara plant. Similarly, yearly capacity utilization factor varied between 12.7% at Chhauni plant to 15.6% at Pokhara plant, and system efficiency varied between 13.2% at Chhauni plant to 16.0% at Pokhara plant. The same system installed at Pokhara and Biratnagar had slightly varied performance owing to the variation in meteorological parameters. The average air temperature at Biratnagar (26.70 C) was higher than at Pokhara (13.10 C) while the amount of solar radiation at Biratnagar was just higher by 4%. This led to the reduction of final yield by 9% at Biratnagar than at Pokhara as higher temperature at Biratnagar caused more reduction in the power output from the solar panels. It was seen that, on average, the 440 W panel worked at 420.6 W at Pokhara and 399.1 W at Biratnagar. The total amount saved by NTC during the observation period from the solar plants is Rs.66,92,999.75 with an average saving of Rs. 12,918.85 per kW per year. Finally, this study provides insights to researchers, PV installers, and panel manufacturers on the actual performance of grid-connected solar PV in Nepal

Citation

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/19412

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Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering