Installation, Operation, and Performance of the Amonix High Concentration Photovoltaic System at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Solar Energy ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Stone ◽  
Vahan Garboushian ◽  
Robert Boehm ◽  
Rick Hurt ◽  
Allison Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Las Vegas ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Site Location ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power And Energy ◽  
The University

This paper discusses the installation and operation of the Amonix High Concentration Photovoltaic System at the Center for Energy Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This includes the analysis performed to select of the foundation site location, drilling the foundation, installation of the foundation and pedestal, installation of the drive system, and installation of the concentrating photovoltaic modules. The day-to-day operation of the unit is described including an example of the generated power throughout the day. A summary is presented of the performance of the unit since the start of operation in March of 2004. This includes an example of the daily-generated electrical energy for a month, the monthly-generated energy since the start of the program, the total generated energy, the generating time, the peak power, etc. The result of an analysis of the power and energy generated is given that indicates the system performance has not decreased during this period of operation. Operating reliability data of the unit is presented for the system, subsystems, and major component level.

Operation and Performance of the Amonix High Concentration Photovoltaic System at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas During the Second Year of Operation

Solar Energy ◽  
2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Stone ◽  
Vahan Garboushian ◽  
Rick Hurt ◽  
Allison Gray ◽  
Robert Boehm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Las Vegas ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Current Status ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
System Maintenance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The University

This paper discusses the operation and performance of the Amonix High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) System at the Center for Energy Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from the start of operation in March 2004. The objectives and current status of this two-phase project are discussed, including: a brief description of the system, daily operation, and system maintenance. Also included are: the performance data of Phase I and Phase II showing a typical daily power profile, the accumulated energy generated, daily peak power and daily generated energy, normalized peak power, normalized energy performance, and an estimate of the annual energy performance based upon the actual measured energy during the operation of the system. System reliability data, in terms of mean-time-between-failure, are also presented.

Field Testing and Performance of an Amonix Multi-Junction Cell Module at the University of Nevada Las Vegas

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Stone ◽  
Robert Gordon ◽  
David Dutra ◽  
Allison Gray ◽  
Rick Hurt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Efficiency ◽  
Las Vegas ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Energy Research ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Single Plate ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The University ◽  
Cell Module

This paper discusses the installation, operation, and performance of a high concentration photovoltaic single-plate, multi-junction module developed by Amonix and installed at the Center for Energy Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The paper discusses the objectives and goals of this project and describes the principal of the Fresnel optics, the module, and how it was attached to the Amonix 25-kW unit located at the UNLV Center for Energy Research. Also described are how the module is connected to a load and the measurements taken. Data is presented in the paper showing the module has produced power for over 2200 hours at a power efficiency of 26% to 28.6%. Data is also presented showing the next generation single-plate, multi-junction module achieving an efficiency of nearly 30%.

scholarly journals Knowledge-Based Sensors for Controlling A High-Concentration Photovoltaic Tracker

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquin Canada-Bago ◽  
Jose-Angel Fernandez-Prieto ◽  
Manuel-Angel Gadeo-Martos ◽  
Pedro Perez-Higueras
Keyword(s):  
Computer Architecture ◽  
Fuzzy Rule ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
The Real ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
High Degree

To reduce the cost of generated electrical energy, high-concentration photovoltaic systems have been proposed to reduce the amount of semiconductor material needed by concentrating sunlight using lenses and mirrors. Due to the concentration of energy, the use of tracker or pointing systems is necessary in order to obtain the desired amount of electrical energy. However, a high degree of inaccuracy and imprecision is observed in the real installation of concentration photovoltaic systems. The main objective of this work is to design a knowledge-based controller for a high-concentration photovoltaic system (HCPV) tracker. The methodology proposed consists of using fuzzy rule-based systems (FRBS) and to implement the controller in a real system by means of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. FRBS have demonstrated correct adaptation to problems having a high degree of inaccuracy and uncertainty, and IoT technology allows use of constrained resource devices, cloud computer architecture, and a platform to store and monitor the data obtained. As a result, two knowledge-based controllers are presented in this paper: the first based on a pointing device and the second based on the measure of the electrical current generated, which showed the best performance in the experiments carried out. New factors that increase imprecision and uncertainty in HCPV solar tracker installations are presented in the experiments carried out in the real installation.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Sabatier Reaction Utilizing Hydrogen Produced by Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules under Outdoor Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 3144
Author(s):  
SoeHtet Wai ◽  
Yasuyuki Ota ◽  
Masakazu Sugiyama ◽  
Kensuke Nishioka
Keyword(s):  
Energy Systems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
H2 Production ◽  
Electrochemical Cells ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Process Chains ◽  
Power To Gas ◽  
The University ◽  
Gas Conversion

Power to gas (P2G) process chains have tremendous potential to enhance energy systems because of the capability of solar energy to convert solar radiation into electrical energy as well as the increasing use of specific gases as a means to store the resulting energy. Utilizing sunlight, photovoltaic systems are capable of producing useful gases such as hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4). These gases are utilized in gas grids, transportation, and heavy industry. In employing a sunlight-derived gas, H2 production, by water disbanding, needs to be cost-effective with tremendous adaptability. New powerful solar to gas conversion system modules have been successfully carried out in the University of Miyazaki, Japan. These systems contain DC/DC converters and electrolyzer sets linked in parallel with efficient three concentrator photovoltaics (CPV). The performance of the solar to methane conversion process and power consumption analysis will be the focus of the current research. Efficiencies of 97.6% of CO2 to CH4 conversion and 13.8% for solar to methane on a clear sunny day were obtained by utilizing highly efficient CPV modules connected with multiple converters, electrochemical cells, and reactors fixed with Ni-based catalysts.

An Experimental Performance Evaluation of a Cold-Region Photovoltaic System With Tracking

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wongyu Choi ◽  
Michael B. Pate ◽  
Ryan D. Warren ◽  
Ron M. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Performance Ratio ◽  
Cold Region ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

A grid-connected dual-axis tracking photovoltaic (PV) system was installed in the Upper Midwest of the U.S., defined as a cold region, and then evaluated and monitored for a 1 year period. This system serves as a real-world application of PV for electricity generation in a region long overlooked for PV research studies. Additionally, the system provides an opportunity for research, demonstration, and education of dual-axis tracking PV, again not commonly studied in cold regions. In this regard, experimental data for the system were collected and analyzed over a 1year period. During the year of operation, the PV system collected a total of 2173 kWh/m2, which equates to 5.95 kWh/m2 on average per day, of solar insolation and generated a total of 1815 kWh, which equates to an energy to rated power ratio of 1779 kWh/kWp of usable AC electrical energy. The system operated at an annual average conversion efficiency and performance ratio of 11% and 0.82%, respectively, while the annual-average conversion efficiency of the inverter was 92%. The tracking system performance is also compared to a stationary PV system, which is located in close proximity to the tracking PV system. The tracking system's conversion efficiency was 0.3% higher than the stationary system while the energy generation per capacity was 40% higher although the PV module conversion efficiencies were not significantly different for the two systems.

Proposal for a photovoltaic system at the University of Moa

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Energy Matrix ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Dining Room ◽  
The University ◽  
Installed Capacity ◽  
Rate Of Consumption

Currently, the energy matrix worldwide relies on fossil fuels and the rate of consumption is increasing, so that the depletion of existing reserves is a reality that concerns everyone. The objective of this work was to propose a photovoltaic system on the roof of the kitchen-dining room building of the University of Moa, on which the energy that it is capable of delivering was determined. A simulation of it was carried out in the PV syst software. The results indicated that the installation generates 351 MWh per year with an installed capacity of 230 kW and the installation is made up of 851 photovoltaic modules occupying a useful area of 1.390 m2 .

scholarly journals Performance Analysis of a Prototype High‐Concentration Photovoltaic System Coupled to Silica Optical Fibres

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Mattia Lo Piccolo ◽  
Adriana Morana ◽  
Aziz Boukenter ◽  
Sylvain Girard ◽  
Youcef Ouerdane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Optical Fibres ◽  
High Concentration

scholarly journals Numerical Evaluation of a HVAC System Based on a High-Performance Heat Transfer Fluid

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3298
Author(s):  
Gianpiero Colangelo ◽  
Brenda Raho ◽  
Marco Milanese ◽  
Arturo de Risi
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Heat Transfer Fluid ◽  
Hvac System ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
The University

Nanofluids have great potential to improve the heat transfer properties of liquids, as demonstrated by recent studies. This paper presents a novel idea of utilizing nanofluid. It analyzes the performance of a HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system using a high-performance heat transfer fluid (water-glycol nanofluid with nanoparticles of Al2O3), in the university campus of Lecce, Italy. The work describes the dynamic model of the building and its heating and cooling system, realized through the simulation software TRNSYS 17. The use of heat transfer fluid inseminated by nanoparticles in a real HVAC system is an innovative application that is difficult to find in the scientific literature so far. This work focuses on comparing the efficiency of the system working with a traditional water-glycol mixture with the same system that uses Al2O3-nanofluid. The results obtained by means of the dynamic simulations have confirmed what theoretically assumed, indicating the working conditions of the HVAC system that lead to lower operating costs and higher COP and EER, guaranteeing the optimal conditions of thermo-hygrometric comfort inside the building. Finally, the results showed that the use of a nanofluid based on water-glycol mixture and alumina increases the efficiency about 10% and at the same time reduces the electrical energy consumption of the HVAC system.

scholarly journals Reliability Analysis and Repair Activity for the Components of 350 kW Inverters in a Large Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 564
Author(s):  
Filippo Spertino ◽  
Angela Amato ◽  
Gabriele Casali ◽  
Alessandro Ciocia ◽  
Gabriele Malgaroli
Keyword(s):  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Ac Power ◽  
Repair Activity ◽  
Industrial Maintenance ◽  
Large Scale Grid ◽  
Ac Converters ◽  
Scale Grid

The reliability of photovoltaic (PV) generators is strongly affected by the performance of Direct Current/Alternating Current (DC/AC) converters, being the major source of PV underperformance. However, generally, their reliability is not investigated at component level: thus, the present work presents a reliability analysis and the repair activity for the components of full bridge DC/AC converters. In the first part of the paper, a reliability analysis using failure rates from literature is carried out for 132 inverters (AC rated power of 350 kW each) with global AC power of 46 MW in a large scale grid-connected PV plant. Then, in the second part of the work, results from literature are compared with data obtained by analyzing industrial maintenance reports in the years 2015–2017. In conclusion, the yearly energy losses involved in the downtime are quantified, as well as their availability.

scholarly journals First-of-a-kind muography for nuclear waste characterization

2018 ◽  
Vol 377 (2137) ◽  
pp. 20180048 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mahon ◽  
Anthony Clarkson ◽  
Simon Gardner ◽  
David Ireland ◽  
Ramsey Jebali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Laboratory Facility ◽  
Waste Container ◽  
High Resolution Images ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

In the last decade, there has been a surge in the number of academic research groups and commercial companies exploiting naturally occurring cosmic-ray muons for imaging purposes in a range of industrial and geological applications. Since 2009, researchers at the University of Glasgow and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) have pioneered this technique for the characterization of shielded nuclear waste containers with significant investment from the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd. Lynkeos Technology Ltd. was formed in 2016 to commercialize the Muon Imaging System (MIS) technology that resulted from this industry-funded academic research. The design, construction and performance of the Lynkeos MIS is presented along with first experimental and commercial results. The high-resolution images include the identification of small fragments of uranium within a surrogate 500-litre intermediate level waste container and metal inclusions within thermally treated GeoMelt® R&D Product Samples. The latter of these are from Lynkeos' first commercial contract with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory. The Lynkeos MIS will be deployed at the NNL Central Laboratory facility on the Sellafield site in Summer 2018 where it will embark upon a series of industry trials. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Cosmic-ray muography’.

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