Design optimization of grid-connected PV-Hydrogen for energy prosumers considering sector-coupling paradigm: Case study of a university building in Algeria

Integrating sector coupling technologies into Hydrogen (H₂) based hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) is becoming a promising way to create energy prosumers, despite the very little research work being done in this largely unexplored field. In this paper, a sector coupling strategy (building and transportation) is developed and applied to a grid-connected PV/battery/H₂ HRES, to maximise self-sufficiency for a University campus and to produce power and H₂ for driving electric tram in Ouargla, Algeria. A multi-objective size optimization problem is solved as a single objective problem using the ε-constraint method, in which the cost of energy (COE) is defined as the main objective function to be minimized, while both loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and non-renewable usage (NRU) are defined as constraints. Particle swarm optimization and HOMER software are then employed for simulation and optimization purposes. Prior to the two scenarios investigated, a sensitivity study is performed to determine the effects of H₂ demand by tram and NRU on the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed system, followed by a new reliability factor introduced in the optimization, namely loss of H₂ supply probability (LHSP). The results of the first scenario show that by setting NRU^max = 100%, the system without H₂ provides the best solution with COE of 0.016 $/kWh that reaches grid parity and has 13% NRU. However, by setting NRU^max = 1% in the second scenario, an optimized configuration consisting of grid/PV/Electrolyzer/Fuel cell/Storage tank is obtained, which has 0% NRU and COE of 0.1 $/kWh. In the second scenario, it is also observed that an increased number of trams (i.e. increased H₂ demands) causes a significant reduction in LHSP, COE, NRU and CO₂ emissions. It is thus concluded that the grid/PV combination is the optimal choice for the studied system when considering economic aspects. However, taking into account the growing requirements of future energy systems, grid-connected PV with H₂ will be the best solution.     

An online optimum voltage estimation and real‐time MPP tracking for a PV system

In this paper, a photovoltaic system topology incorporating a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller method is presented. This method uses an autotuning estimator and a PI controller to make the system work in the maximum power point. The controller is formulated based on the bijectivity in the photovoltaic generator characteristic; therefore, if the optimal voltage is reached, this means that the maximum of power is obtained. The proposed MPPT algorithm is implemented on a dSpace DS1104 controller board. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in real time, an experimental setup using a boost converter connected to a resistive load is successfully implemented and studied. The obtained experimental results prove the validity of the proposed MPPT algorithm.     

Effect of partial shading conditions on off-grid solar PV/Hydrogen production in high solar energy index regions

In present work, the effect of partial shading on off-grid solar PV/hydrogen production in solar energy has been studied. The study was designed to stimulate future work in this area and to help demonstrate PV/hydrogen production. Four different electrodes in the study were coated and used in PV/Hydrogen Production. Pt anode and four different cathode materials which were Cu, Cu/Ni, Cu/NiBi and Cu/NiMo were used in the study. Data obtained from 105 W PV panel via automation system installed at ATU University, Adana, in Turkey were used for data of days representing different seasons by electrolysis experiment. The experiments were carried out between 08:00 and 16:00. The main contribution of this study is to produce hydrogen by using a part of the electrical energy gained from the solar panels, and at the same time to reveal the effect of the electrical energy produced by the partial shading of the panels on the hydrogen production. Furthermore, the effect of cathode material type was investigated for the impact of partial shading on hydrogen production. Results showed that Cu/NiMo has better hydrogen production efficiency than Cu/Ni, Cu/NiBi. The lowest efficiency was observed in the bare Cu electrode.     

Power quality assessment in 3-Ф grid connected PV system with single and dual stage circuits

This paper addresses the assessment of power quality (PQ) in 3-Ф grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system that consists of single and dual stage power extraction circuits. The single stage circuit comprises of Z-source inverter (ZSI) controlled by space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM), while dual stage is traditional boost based voltage source inverter controlled by sinusoidal pulse width modulation. The PQ of signals in both the circuits is analyzed during transient variations like solar intensity and load conditions, with/without use of hybrid filter. The simulation and experimental results suggest an improved smooth sinusoidal waveform available at PCC in case of ZSI based circuit using hybrid filter, if power quality improvement is of prime importance with both linear and nonlinear load connected in the system.     

Research on the influence of PV cell to thermal characteristics of photovoltaic/thermal solar system

In the paper, we analyzed internal thermal transmission characteristics of water‐heating photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector covered by photovoltaic (PV) cell, established photothermal conversion model of PV/T solar system, and analyzed the influence of PV cell coverage to photothermal characteristics of PV/T solar system. Results show that the thermal efficiency of PV/T solar system by optimizing PV cells coverage can reach 68%. In addition, by designing four water‐heating PV/T solar system prototypes with PV cell coverage of 0.4, 0.56, 0.7, and 0.82, respectively, we conducted experimental researches for the four prototypes and found that the four prototypes can achieve thermal efficiencies of 58%, 51%, 64%, and 67%, respectively, in heating 250 L of water to 50°C. The experiment results are consistent with theoretical analysis results, indicating that it is feasible to improve thermal characteristics of PV/T solar system by optimizing PV cell coverage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Measuring the rebound effect: A case study of residential photovoltaic systems in San Diego

This study examines the effect of solar photovoltaic system installation on the electricity consumption in residential households across various geographic regions in San Diego. Using meter-level data, the electricity consumption for residential households is calculated before and after installation to assess whether there are any significant rebound effects in usage. Results reveal significant variations in the change in electricity usage depending on geographical location. The findings are relevant to regional resource planning and climate response, as the failure to account for the rebound effect may result in significant overestimation of the energy and emissions benefits of distributed renewable energy adoption.     

Increasing the efficiency of PV panel with the use of PCM

The article presents how to increase electrical efficiency and power output of photovoltaic (PV) panel with the use of a phase change material (PCM). The focus of the work is in experimental setup and simulation heat extraction from the PV panel with the use of TRNSYS software. A modification of PV panel Canadian Solar CS6P-M was made with a phase change material RT28HC. The actual data of cell temperature of a PV panel with and without PCM were given and compared. A simulation of both PV panels in TRNSYS software was performed, followed by the comparison of results with the simulation and experimental actual data. The experimental results show that the maximum temperature difference on the surface of PV panel without PCM was 35.6 °C higher than on a panel with PCM in a period of one day. Referring to experimental results the calculation of the maximum and average increase of electrical efficiency was made for PV-PCM panel with TRNSYS software. Final results of simulation shows that the electricity production of PV-PCM panel for a city of Ljubljana was higher for 7.3% in a period of one year.     

On the impact of haze on the yield of photovoltaic systems in Singapore

Anthropogenic haze, caused at least in parts by forest and agricultural land clearing fires in Sumatra (Indonesia), is occasionally causing air quality issues in Singapore, located 150–300 km east of the majority of these “hot spots”. The resulting air pollution partially blocks sunlight from reaching the ground, and consequently affects the electric power generation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore. In this work, a methodology is presented to estimate the haze-induced reduction of the light intensity reaching PV panels and the corresponding loss in the electric energy yield. An assessment of a major haze event in June 2013 is the basis for the loss analysis, which takes into account data filtering techniques in order to isolate cloudless conditions for inter-comparison between clear and hazy days. Data from previous years in non-hazy conditions serve as baseline for the determination of the clear sky conditions for Singapore. The novel method is further applied to investigate the power output of ten PV systems in Singapore during the June 2013 haze event. It is found that poor air quality levels during this event caused yield losses of PV systems in Singapore in the range of 15–25%.     

Business models and financing options for a rapid scale-up of rooftop solar power systems in Thailand

Diverse solar PV business models and financing options exist in the international landscape, helping expand and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar PV systems. The conditions for their emergence are context specific, depending on the policies, regulations, incentives, and market conditions of each country. After a review of the international landscape, this paper compiles and analyzes business models and financing options for rooftop solar PV investment in Thailand that have emerged during the period between 2013 and 2015. Despite policy discontinuity for the support of rooftop solar systems, diverse business models and financing options are driving market expansion and expanding solar access to more Thai consumers. Drawing on our policy and regulatory analyses and in-depth interviews with business representatives, we identify four types of business models and one financing option. The business models include Roof Rental, Solar PPA, Solar Leasing, and Community Solar, and the financing option is the solar loan. We analyze the drivers for their emergence, barriers to their success, and the risks from the business owners' and consumers' viewpoints. Our policy recommendation is focused on crafting a net-metering regulation with evidence-based studies on the potential costs and benefits to different stakeholders.     

Siting of PV power plants on inclined terrains

Most of the studies conducted on solar energy assessment and solar system siting focus on flat terrains that are usually difficult and expensive to acquire in urban areas. This paper investigates the possibility of using inclined terrains for siting photovoltaic (PV) power plants surrounding urban area. Both analytical analysis and simulations are carried out in order to analyse and validate the effectiveness and benefits of the use of inclined land for PV siting. Geographical information system and numerical weather prediction were used to implement the suggested original approach and to select suitable inclined terrains for the PV system installation and to calculate the total generation potential for energy production. Muscat, the capital of Oman, was selected as a reference for the implementation of this approach.