scholarly journals Unsupervised Fault Detection and Analysis for Large Photovoltaic Systems Using Drones and Machine Vision

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moath Alsafasfeh ◽  
Ikhlas Abdel-Qader ◽  
Bradley Bazuin ◽  
Qais Alsafasfeh ◽  
Wencong Su
Keyword(s):  
Fault Detection ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Real Time System ◽  
Pv Modules

One of the most important sources of clean energy in the future is expected to be solar energy which is considered a real time source. Research efforts to optimize solar energy utilization are mainly concentrated on the components of solar energy systems. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are considered the main components of solar energy systems and PVs’ operations typically occur without any supervisory mechanisms, which means many external and/or internal obstacles can occur and hinder a system’s efficiency. To avoid these problems, the paper presents a system to address and detect the faults in a PV system by providing a safer and more time efficient inspection system in real time. In this paper, we proposing a real time inspection and fault detection system for PV modules. The system has two cameras, a thermal and a Charge-Coupled Device CCD. They are mounted on a drone and they used to capture the scene of the PV modules simultaneously while the drone is flying over the solar garden. A mobile PV system has been constructed primarily to validate our real time proposed system and for the proposed method in the Digital Image and Signal Processing Laboratory (DISPLAY) at Western Michigan University (WMU). Defects have been detected accurately in the PV modules using the proposed real time system. As a result, the proposed drone mounted system is capable of analyzing thermal and CCD videos in order to detect different faults in PV systems, and give location information in terms of panel location by longitude and latitude.

scholarly journals Solar Assisted Power Generation System in Hot Desert Climate: A Cost-Benefit Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramzi Alahmadi ◽  
◽  
Kamel Almutairi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems

With the increasing global concerns about greenhouse gas emissions caused by the extensive use of fossil fuels, many countries are investing in the deployment of clean energy sources. The utilization of abundant solar energy is one of the fastest growing deployed renewable sources due its technological maturity and economic competitivity. In addition to report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), many studies have suggested that the maturity of solar energy systems will continue to develop, which will increase their economic viability. The focus of analysis in this paper is countries with hot desert climates since they are the best candidates for solar energy systems. The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is used as the case study due to the country’s ambitious goals in this field. The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the stochastic behavior and probabilistic distribution of solar irradiance in order to accurately estimate the expected power output of solar systems. A solar Photovoltaic (PV) module is used for the analysis due to its practicality and widespread use in utility-scale projects. In addition to the use of a break-even analysis to estimate the economic viability of solar PV systems in hot desert climates, this paper estimates the indifference point at which the economic feasibility of solar PV systems is justified, compared with the fossil-based systems. The numerical results show that the break-even point of installing one KW generation capacity of a solar PV system is estimated to pay off after producing 16,827 KWh, compared to 15,422 KWh for the case of fossil-based systems. However, the increased cost of initial investment in solar PV systems deployment starts to be economically justified after producing 41,437 KWh.

scholarly journals SOLAR ENERGY: A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF RENEWABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 214-217
Author(s):  
Deepak Aryal
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sunshine Duration ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Solar Energy Utilization ◽  
Analytical Review

This paper reports analytical review results on the global and national importance of solar energy as a clean and renewable source of energy. Pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons have higher mean monthly sunshine duration (about 8 hours/day) than summer (about 5 hours/day) and winter (about 7 hours/day) seasons in Kathmandu. The lowest sunshine duration during summer season is attributed to the effect of monsoonal clouds during that period. Pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons receive solar energy of about 250 W/m2 and 200 W/m2 respectively. The winter season receives the least amount of solar radiation (about 150 W/m2). Results show high prospect of solar energy utilization both in rural and urban areas of Nepal.

scholarly journals The solar systems payback effect of the price decrease of communal electric prices and of the interest rate decrease of the Central Bank

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-473
Author(s):  
Henrik Zsiborács ◽  
Gábor Pintér ◽  
Béla Pályi
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Payback Period ◽  
Electricity Price ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Solar Systems

The energy is one of the most important needs of the humanity. One of its biggest challenge or danger is that the world's demand for energy continues to grow. The aim of present study is to review the introduction of solar energy utilization, the economic determination of the return of crystalline solar photovoltaic systems in Hungary, the electricity price reductions for individuals and the change in the payback period. The effect of the changing investment cost to the payback period based on the changes in electricity price reductions and in central bank interest rate is written in this study. An important question is for a household: decide by or against a solar (PV) system. The main direction of our recent research is the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy with crystalline solar systems. The research was carried out in solar-electric power plants extended from 1.5 kWp to 10 kWp. The calculation of payback time was performed by dynamic indices.

scholarly journals Solar Photovoltaic System in India: Challenges and Barriers

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (VI) ◽  
pp. 1060-1063
Author(s):  
Pushpendra Arya
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Indian Government ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic System ◽  
Main Component

In today’s world we are going towards the major share of renewable energy to reduce the effect Green House Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The limitation of energy sources which produces clean energy, the rise in the pollution in the environment, and programs initiated by the Indian Government have encouraged lots of open field researches on Solar Photovoltaic Systems or Solar Energy Systems. As producing the clean and renewable energy is main component of energy sector, solar photovoltaic could be considered as an alternative in various regions. Although Solar Photovoltaic does have different advantages and can be used for various purposes, but also there are several challenges for it. This paper took a whole overview of the advantages and uses of Solar Photovoltaic and barriers in their adaptation/opportunities.

Effect of Power Characteristics on Solar Panels: Hands-On Projects for Clean Energy Systems Class

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birce Dikici ◽  
Javier Jalandoni
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cell ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Electrical Measurements ◽  
Power Characteristics ◽  
Electrical Generation

In this paper, experiments that can be introduced to Clean Energy Systems classes are described. The experiments investigate the effect of power characteristics (temperature, shade and tilt angle) on solar panel electricity production. Solar cell efficiency is the ratio of the electrical output of a solar cell to the incident energy in the form of sunlight. The energy conversion efficiency of a solar cell is the percentage of the solar energy to which the cell is exposed that is converted into electrical energy. Extreme temperatures can cause a decrease in solar panel’s power output and airstream can dissipate the heat and bring the solar panel to its normal operating condition. Solar panel efficiency is undesirably affected by heat and improved with introducing cooler medium. As well as heat, solar panel loses its power when a part of it is shaded by trees or surrounding buildings. Before solar panel systems are designed for homes, usually a detailed shading analysis of the roof is conducted to reveal its patterns of shade and sunlight throughout the year. By the same manner, how solar panels react to the direct and indirect rays from the sun in order to produce electricity is examined through experiments. Voltage, current and power flowing into a resistor are measured when the angle of the solar panel relative to the light source is changed. The tilt angles to the electrical measurements are linked to the differences in electrical generation. Students can perform experimental procedures explained here and gain the conceptual understanding of the Solar Energy better. The investigations require student explanation of the question, method, display of data with the critical response from peers.

scholarly journals Design of a Stand-Alone Rooftop PV System for Electrification of an Academic Building

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 3955-3964
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Power Outage ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
In Series ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Pv Generation ◽  
Academic Building

Solar energy is one of the most promising options of renewable energy in the context of energy sustainability. Nowadays, as the utilization of solar energy has been continuously expanded in wide scale, researches related to the topic have been carried out all over the world. The prime focus of this study is to provide sustainable energy generation for an academic building located in a rural place, where power outage is a frequent issue. In this study, individual power system components have been suitably designed which could electrify the building for yearlong use. A rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system with three days battery backup has been considered for the present case. Designing of the PV system is based on the selection of individual electrical appliances and its operating time in a day. For this purpose, a survey has been carried out over a year in order to identify the day in which maximum power was utilized. The study revealed that the total estimated capacity of the stand-alone PV system should be 138.6 KWp in which 446 PV modules bearing 300 Wp each are connected together in series parallel combination. Total 656 numbers of batteries (12V- 200Ah each) are required for power backup which store the excess PV generation. Suitable size also been considered for inverters and charger controller which are connected in parallel and series respectively. The area required to install PV modules on the rooftop without shadow effect has been properly assessed. Besides being PV system design, brief cost analysis has been carried out in terms of simple payback period, unit cost of power generation and cash flow in terms of present value

Survey Analysis on Construction Pattern of Low Carbon Building in New Countryside of Nanbu County

2014 ◽  
Vol 1065-1069 ◽  
pp. 1673-1677
Author(s):  
Zi Hong Guo ◽  
Yi Wei ◽  
Mao Xiang Gao ◽  
Xin Yao ◽  
Jie Deng
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Resource Utilization ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Building Conditions ◽  
Water Resource Utilization ◽  
New Countryside

In order to statistically analyze building conditions of low carbon building in new countryside of Sichuan province, we conduct an investigation of construction application in new countryside of Nanbu County, especially energy saving along with energy utilization, water saving along with water resource utilization and material saving along with material resource utilization. According to the investigation, it is crucial to increase market share of clean energy like natural gas and solar energy as well as popularize biogas utilization or solar energy utilization by means of subsidizing farmers in the hope that firewood or coal will be significantly reduced. The survey also reveals that water supply in new countryside is mostly by pipeline or sometimes by well. While government is supposed to establish long-term mechanisms on how to effectively supervise sewage discharges and treat sewage in the new future. In terms of the circumstance where solid bricks is extensively used in new countryside, city planners and builders should optimize construction scheme, introduce advanced technology to improve construction environment fundamentally.

Remote Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Solar/Wind Energy Systems for Purifying Water

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D. Vick ◽  
R. Nolan Clark ◽  
Junyi Ling ◽  
Shitao Ling
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Water Purification ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Solar Pv System ◽  
Electrical Loads ◽  
Wind Energy Systems

Solar energy, wind energy, and a combination of wind and solar energy have been used successfully to power an UV (ultraviolet) water purification system. Five different solar and wind energy systems have been tested and although these renewable energy systems have been used for water purification, graphs contained in the paper can be used to determine the feasibility of powering other electrical loads. Combining a 100-W solar-PV system with a 500-W wind turbine resulted in pumping and purifying enough water to satisfy the potable water requirements of 4000 people (16000 liters/day) at an estimated equipment cost of $4630.

scholarly journals Analysis of Photovoltaic String Failure and Health Monitoring with Module Fault Identification

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Rivai ◽  
Nasrudin Abd Rahim ◽  
Mohamad Fathi Mohamad Elias ◽  
Jafferi Jamaludin
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Fault Detection And Diagnosis ◽  
Operating Voltage ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Health Monitoring System ◽  
The Real ◽  
Pv Modules

In this paper, photovoltaic (PV) string failure analysis and health monitoring of PV modules based on a low-cost self-powered wireless sensor network (WSN) are presented. Simple and effective fault detection and diagnosis method based on the real-time operating voltage of PV modules is proposed. The proposed method is verified using the developed health monitoring system which is installed in a grid-connected PV system. Each of the PV modules is monitored via WSN to detect any individual faulty module. The analysis of PV string failure includes several electrical fault scenarios and their impact on the PV string characteristics. The results show that a degraded or faulty module exhibits low operating voltage as compared to the normal module. The developed health monitoring system also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) program which graphically displays the real-time operating voltage of each module with colors and thus helping users to identify the faulty modules easily. The faulty modules identification approach is further validated using the PV module electroluminescence (EL) imaging system.

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