Design, development and performance analysis of FSPV system for powering sustainable energy based mini micro-grid

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) system deployment faces land availability challenges.
• Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems utilize water bodies, optimizing land and water resources.
• FSPV offers higher energy output due to improved efficiency at lower operating temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore optimal sizing of FSPV systems for rural microgrid electrification using flood duration curves.
• To compare the energy output and module temperature rise of FSPV versus land-based PV systems.
• To assess the viability of FSPV for cost-effective rural electrification.

Main Methods:

• Flood duration curve analysis for optimal system sizing.
• Comparative analysis of FSPV and land-based PV systems of equal area.
• Evaluation of energy generation, module temperature, and Demand Supply Factor (DSF).

Main Results:

• FSPV systems generate 10.04% more energy than equivalent land-based PV systems.
• The FSPV system achieved an 18.08 GWh annual generation with a 17.2% DC Capacity Factor.
• Seasonal Demand Supply Factors (DSF) ranged from 25% (monsoon) to 45.9% (summer).

Conclusions:

• FSPV systems are a sustainable and economically viable alternative for powering renewable energy-based mini microgrids.
• The technology effectively addresses land scarcity issues in renewable energy deployment.
• FSPV provides a cost-effective solution for electricity access in rural areas.