Question

When using Solar energy, explain the system engineering tradeoffs based on estimated performance, cost, schedule, or other relevant factors and the decision process and analysis tools used in making the decision.

Answer 1

latest years,solar photovoltaic (pv) technology has become an increasingly important energy supply option. a substantial decline in the cost of solar pv power plants (80% reduction since 2008) has improved solar pv’s competitiveness, reducing the needs for subsidies and enabling solar to compete with other power generation options in some markets. while the majority of
operating solar projects is in developed economies, the drop in prices coupled with unreliable grid power and the high cost of
diesel generators has driven fast-growing interest in solar pv technology in emerging economies as well.
1. optimum power plant design: a key project development challenge is to design a pv power plant that is optimally balanced in terms of cost and performance for a specific site.
2. project implementation: achieving project completion on time and within budget with a power plant that operates efficiently and reliably, and generates the expected energy and revenue, is another key concern for developers. key aspects of project
implementation include: permits and licensing, selection and contracting of the engineering, procurement and construction (epc) company, power plant construction, and operations and maintenance
(o&m).
3. commercial and financing aspects: pv regulatory frameworks and specific types of incentives/support mechanisms for the development of pv projects, such
as preferential tariffs and other direct and indirect financial supports, have an important impact on the financial viability of the project, as they affect the revenue stream. power purchase agreements (ppas)
specify the terms under which the off-taker purchases the power produced by the pv plant; this is the most important document to obtain financing.
the key steps for developing a solar pv project are well established, and yet there is no definitive detailed “road map” a developer can follow. the approach taken in each project depends on site-specific parameters and the developer’s priorities, risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and the types of financing support mechanisms (i.e., above market rates/subsidies or tax
credits) available in a given market. however, in all cases, certain activities need to be completed that can broadly be organized in the following five stages:
1. concept development and site identification.
2. prefeasibility study.
3. feasibility study.
4. permitting, financing and contracts.
5. engineering, construction and commercial operation.
engineering, procurement,
construction and commercial
operation
a single epc contract is most commonly used for developing pv plants. in this case, one contractor is responsible for the complete project. the epc contractor
is required to confirm the solar energy resource, develop the detailed design of the pv plant, estimate its energy yield, procure the equipment according to specifications
agreed upon with the developer, construct the pv plant, carry out the acceptance tests, and transfer the plant for commercial operation to its owner/operator.
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the epc contractor will prepare the necessary detail documentation for the solar pv plant to be tendered and constructed. the following documentation will be prepared:
• detailed layout design.
• detailed civil design (buildings, foundations, drainage,
access roads).
• detailed electrical design.
• revised energy yield.
• construction plans.
• project schedule.
• interface matrix.
• commissioning plans.
key electrical systems must be designed in rigorous detail. this will include equipment required for protection, earthing and interconnection to the grid. the following
designs and specifications should be prepared:
• overall single line diagrams.
• medium voltage (mv) and low voltage (lv) switch
gear line diagrams.
• protection systems.
• interconnection systems and design.
• auxiliary power requirements.
• control systems.
civil engineering items should be developed to a level suitable for construction. these will include designs of array foundations and buildings, as well as roads and infrastructure required for implementation and operation. the design basis criteria should be determined
in accordance with national standards and site specific constraints such as geotechnical conditions.