Solar Power Plants

Solar Power Generation is a concise, up-to-date, and readable guide providing an introduction to the leading renewable power generation technology. It includes detailed descriptions of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generation systems, and demystifies the relevant solar energy technology functions in practice while also exploring economic and environmental risk factors. Engineers, managers, policymakers, and those involved in planning and delivering energy resources will find this reference a valuable guide to help establish a reliable power supply to address social and economic objectives. Focuses on the evolution and developments in solar energy generation Evaluates the economic and environmental viability of the systems with concise diagrams and accessible explanations Demystifies the relevant solar energy technology functions in practice Explores economic and environmental risk factors

In the introductory and concluding chapters this book strive to satisfy the needs of the interested lay reader by addressing the potential, advantages, and costs of solar power plants. For the interested student, scientist, or technically oriented lay person the physical principles of insolation, its variability, concentration, and most efficient use are developed in some detail. Finally, experimental and theoretical developments in the recently created field of solar driven chemistry (via thermal, quantum, or electrical excitation) are described. The contributions in this book are written by leading solar scientists and engineering experts whose extensive background and experience in solar energy lend authenticity and completeness to the book. Design aspects of, and results from large experimental and demonstration plants are described by individuals who were directly involved in the design and testing of many of these plants. Consideration of the viability and future economics of large-scale solar power generation provides an outlook on the energy contributions which can be expected from an optional future supply of abundant and renewable energy, having little impact on the environment. This provides the rationale for the continued commitment to the development of solar power technologies by researchers, engineers, and industry. The eventual depletion of, or future political attacks on our energy supply will have less serious impact once this renewable option is in place.

Design of Solar Thermal Power Plants introduces the basic design methods of solar thermal power plants for technicians engaged in solar thermal power generation engineering. This book includes the author’s theoretical investigation and study findings in solar heat concentrators, a performance evaluation of solar thermal collectors, a numerical simulation of the heat transfer process between complex geometrics, heat transfer through radiation, and more. Containing theoretical descriptions of solar concentrators and receivers, practical engineering examples, and detailed descriptions of site selections for solar thermal power plants, this book has a strong theoretical and practical value for readers. Contains practical guidance and applications, making it more useful and user-friendly for CSP engineers Includes theoretical investigation in solar heat concentrators, performance evaluation of solar thermal collectors, and the numerical simulation of heat transfer between complex geometrics with practical applications

This book discusses control and optimization techniques in the broadest sense, covering new theoretical results and the applications of newly developed methods for PV systems. Going beyond classical control techniques, it promotes the use of more efficient control and optimization strategies based on linearized models and purely continuous (or discrete) models. These new strategies not only enhance the performance of the PV systems, but also decrease the cost per kilowatt-hour generated.

The Definitive Guide to Large-Scale, Grid-Connected Solar Power System Design and Construction This GreenSource book provides comprehensive engineering design and construction guidelines for large-scale solar power system projects. Proven design methodologies are detailed installation diagrams are included in this practical resource. Large-Scale Solar Power System Design offers complete coverage of solar power system technologies and components, planning, cost estimates, financing, project management, safety, and testing. This authoritative guide fully addresses the complex technical and management issues associated with large-scale, grid-connected solar power system implementations. COVERAGE INCLUDES: Solar power system technologies, including photovoltaic and thin-film solar cells Solar power system physics Photovoltaic power system feasibility study Solar power system costing Solar power system design Large-scale solar power system construction Concentrator photovoltaic systems Solar power system project management Smart-grid systems Solar thermal power Solar power financing and feed-in tariff programs

A reliable and secure protection and control system is a paramount requirement for any electrical network. This book discusses protection and control schemes of various parts of Solar Power Plants (SPP) namely solar generator, inverter, and SPP network connected to the grid. For this purpose small, medium, and large size of solar power energy sources have been considered. This includes residential, commercial buildings and large power plants. There are significant literature about solar energy, modeling and different aspects of integration of SPP to grids. But there is no book to address directly the setting/design of protection and control schemes, testing techniques and fault findings of solar generators and its networks. The topology and characteristics of solar generators and their networks are different from conventional ones. This has caused the following issues: - Conventional protection & control scheme may fail to detect different type of faults which may occur on solar cells/panels/arrays, DC cables, and inverters. This necessitated the requirement of special schemes for the detection of faults in blind spots, - Fault findings required tests, and testing equipment for solar generators are different from conventional ones, - The fault current contribution from solar generators is low (1.1-1.2 pu) as compared to conventional ones. The above problems have caused significant challenges for appropriate setting and design of protection & control scheme of SPP network which in some cases have resulted to several major plants shut down, safety risks and fire incidents. This book discusses the above challenges and proposes mitigation techniques to rectify the deficiencies of existing industry practices for the protection and control systems of solar generators. Most of the content of this book has been observed or successfully applied in the field for various SPPs projects worldwide and consequently can be used or considered as a practical guideline for future projects. Main Objectives of the Book The main objectives of the book are: - To familiarize engineers, technical officers, testers, and project managers with required power system protection and control schemes of solar power plants (SPP). - To provide a guideline for preparation of standards, technical specification, business case, functional scope, test, and commissioning plan as applicable to the installation of new SPP; - To provide adequate information to electricity companies, consultants, contractors, relay manufacturers,s and SPP owners about the requirement of protection and control systems of SPP. Acknowledgment The author wishes to acknowledge that the contents of this book are based on utilizing the following resources: 1) Extensive research of the author for design, specifications, and commissioning of SPPs 2) Experiences of other individuals, electricity companies, and consultants Disclaimer The author is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, up-to-dateness, or quality of the information provided. The author is therefore not liable for any claims regarding damage caused by the use of any information provided. The information in the book should only be used as a guideline and may not be suitable for a specific case. Copyright The material made available is intended for the customer’s personal use only. Author reserves all rights to the book. Therefore the book can not be reproduced or replicated or processed or distributed without the author’s written permission.

In his signature style, Allan Drummond tells the story of the largest solar plant in the world, the Noor Solar Power Plant in Morocco's Sahara Desert, in Solar Story--by relating it to the everyday life of a schoolgirl in a small village next to the plant. As we see on a class field trip, the plant is not only bringing reliable power to the village and far beyond, but is providing jobs, changing lives, and upending the old ways of doing things--starting within the girl's own family. Blending detail-filled watercolors, engaging cartoon-style narration, sidebars, and an afterword, the author showcases another community going green in amazing ways.

This book focuses on the latest research and developments in photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and provides extensive coverage of fundamental theories, current research and developmental activities, and new approaches intended to overcome a number of critical limitations in today’s grid integration technologies. The design and implementation process for large-scale solar PV power plants is introduced. The content provided will actively support the development of future renewable power plants and smart grid applications. The book will be of interest to researchers, professionals and graduate students in electrical and electronics fields seeking to understand the related technologies involved in PV power plants.