Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University
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Miami University / OhioLINK
2017
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| Online Access: | http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501176535300568 |
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ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-miami15011765353005682021-08-03T07:03:35Z Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University Soules, Travis P. Alternative Energy Business Costs Energy Engineering Environmental Economics Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Environmental Studies Higher Education Administration Sustainability Solar optimization economic feasibility fixed position solar solar array single-axis tracking solar carbon emissions social cost of carbon Miami University solar photovoltaic array The purpose of this research was to determine the best design for a solar array to be located at Miami University to produce all of the University’s electricity needs over any given year. Computer simulations were carried out using the NREL PVWATTS online calculator and the NREL System Advisor Model (SAM) which both use the NREL Typical Model Year (TMY) climate data sets. Two primary types of solar arrays were analyzed: fixed position (FP) and single-axis tracking (SAT). Simulations were repeated using varied solar panel tilt angles and array azimuth angles. Hourly expected electricity generation data from simulations was given a dollar value from the hourly rates charged to the University by Duke Energy. Simulations were then compared by hourly total electricity generation and total dollar value to determine the best configurations. Analysis showed that the best configuration for FP solar was a tilt of 31.5° away from horizontal, and an azimuth of 195°S, and a default tilt of 31° and azimuth of 185°S for SAT. The SAT array required 22.1% fewer panels, and 6 more acres. Either array would also save 1,641,813 metric tons of carbon emissions. Financial analysis found a PPA to be the most economically feasible option. 2017-08-01 English text Miami University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501176535300568 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501176535300568 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws. |
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NDLTD |
| language |
English |
| sources |
NDLTD |
| topic |
Alternative Energy Business Costs Energy Engineering Environmental Economics Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Environmental Studies Higher Education Administration Sustainability Solar optimization economic feasibility fixed position solar solar array single-axis tracking solar carbon emissions social cost of carbon Miami University solar photovoltaic array |
| spellingShingle |
Alternative Energy Business Costs Energy Engineering Environmental Economics Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Environmental Studies Higher Education Administration Sustainability Solar optimization economic feasibility fixed position solar solar array single-axis tracking solar carbon emissions social cost of carbon Miami University solar photovoltaic array Soules, Travis P. Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| author |
Soules, Travis P. |
| author_facet |
Soules, Travis P. |
| author_sort |
Soules, Travis P. |
| title |
Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| title_short |
Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| title_full |
Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| title_fullStr |
Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| title_full_unstemmed |
Comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of Miami University |
| title_sort |
comparative analysis of the optimization, size, economic feasibility, and carbon emissions for fixed and single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays that meet the total electric power needs of miami university |
| publisher |
Miami University / OhioLINK |
| publishDate |
2017 |
| url |
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501176535300568 |
| work_keys_str_mv |
AT soulestravisp comparativeanalysisoftheoptimizationsizeeconomicfeasibilityandcarbonemissionsforfixedandsingleaxistrackingsolarphotovoltaicarraysthatmeetthetotalelectricpowerneedsofmiamiuniversity |
| _version_ |
1719452728681299968 |