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Upper-limit solar photovoltaic power generation: Estimates for 2-axis tracking collectors in Nigeria

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  • Njoku, H.O.

Abstract

Energy generation by solar PV (photovoltaic) systems can be improved by incorporating tracking mechanisms, with the highest improvements resulting from 2-axis tracking. Peak energy generation levels (from PV collectors with 2-axis tracking) have been determined in this study, for locations in Nigeria. The spatial domain of interest was discretized into a grid of 1° latitude by 1° longitude cells. For each cell, monthly average daily irradiation on horizontal surfaces and ambient temperatures were obtained from the web-based NASA meteorological data service. With these, irradiation on tilted surfaces, system performance ratios, rp, seasonal and annual energy generation potentials, E/Pk, and improvements in energy generation potentials, ΔE/Pk, were determined. An approach for estimating rp is suggested, which accounts for effects of varying temperature and insolation levels on performance. rp values obtained by this approach are conservative relative to the fixed value of 0.75 which is presently in common use. The highest seasonal E/Pk (446–648 kWh/kWp) and ΔE/Pk (32%–62%) occur in the December-January-February season, and the least (249–590 kWh/kWp and 10%–26%, respectively) in the June-July-August season. E/Pk generally increased with latitudes. The additional E/Pk obtained with tracking (20%–40% annually) could offset additional costs due to tracking.

Suggested Citation

  • Njoku, H.O., 2016. "Upper-limit solar photovoltaic power generation: Estimates for 2-axis tracking collectors in Nigeria," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 504-516.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:95:y:2016:i:c:p:504-516
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2015.11.078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Almonacid, F. & Rus, C. & Pérez-Higueras, P. & Hontoria, L., 2011. "Calculation of the energy provided by a PV generator. Comparative study: Conventional methods vs. artificial neural networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 375-384.
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    1. Seme, Sebastijan & Srpčič, Gregor & Kavšek, Domen & Božičnik, Stane & Letnik, Tomislav & Praunseis, Zdravko & Štumberger, Bojan & Hadžiselimović, Miralem, 2017. "Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking system – Design and experimental investigation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1267-1274.
    2. Yadav, Amit Kumar & Sharma, Vikrant & Malik, Hasmat & Chandel, S.S., 2018. "Daily array yield prediction of grid-interactive photovoltaic plant using relief attribute evaluator based Radial Basis Function Neural Network," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 2115-2127.
    3. Sumathi, Vijayan & Jayapragash, R. & Bakshi, Abhinav & Kumar Akella, Praveen, 2017. "Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output – A review of the methods adopted in recent decade," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 130-138.
    4. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2017. "Technical and economic assessment of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking PV panels in low latitude countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 563-579.
    5. Hafez, A.Z. & Yousef, A.M. & Harag, N.M., 2018. "Solar tracking systems: Technologies and trackers drive types – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 754-782.
    6. Nsengiyumva, Walter & Chen, Shi Guo & Hu, Lihua & Chen, Xueyong, 2018. "Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 250-279.
    7. Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Bahrami, Arian & Atikol, Ugur, 2018. "Evaluating the solar resource potential on different tracking surfaces in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 1569-1581.
    8. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.

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