Effect of integration increasing amount of PV power into residential distribution systems in Saudi Arabia
by
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.
DECLARATION
I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.
Signed __________________ Date _________________
ABSTRACT
Renewable energy is accepted as a key source for the future, not only for Saudi Arabia, but also for the world. Saudi Arabia has abundant potential for exploiting solar energy, which is renewable, clean, and freely available. The average annual solar radiation falling on the Arabian Peninsula is about 2200 kWh/m2. Applications of solar energy in Saudi Arabia have been growing since 1960. Solar hydrogen production plant situated at the Solar Village, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, could have been considered as the world's first 350 kW solar-powered hydrogen-generation plant at the time of its inception. The development of solar energy, however, has been relatively low due to several obstacles although utilization of solar energy in its various aspects is very attractive for the country. The main objectives of this study are to address current applications and future aspects of solar energy along with studies conducted in this field and to assess them in the light of available sustainable energy technologies towards establishing energy policies. The solar energy-related topics reviewed include various types of solar radiation correlations, exergetic solar radiation, solar collectors, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar stills, solar-powered irrigation, solar energy-related greenhouses, solar hydrogen, solar water desalination and solar energy education. Some barriers, scenarios and constraints are also covered. The utilization of solar energy could cover a significant part of the energy demand in the country. If a major breakthrough is achieved in the field of solar-energy conversion, Saudi Arabia can be a leading producer and exporter of solar energy in the form of electricity. The geographical location of the country, its widespread unused desert land, and year-round clear skies, all make it an excellent candidate for this. In this research, well also conduct a feasibility study of a wind-pv-diesel hybrid power system for a village in Saudi Arabia.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii
DECLARATIONiii
ABSTRACTiv
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1
Climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW10
Introduction10
Alternative Energy13
Solar Power15
Wind Power16
Electricity20
Investments and Innovations32
Distributed generation33
Definition Of DE34
Historical Development Of DE35
DE market status39
Overview Of DE Technologies41
Engines42
Gas Turbines42
Microturbines43
Fuel Cells44
Stirling Engines44
Photovoltaics45
Wind Turbines46
Energy Storage46
Battery Storage47
Flywheel47
Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage47
Supercapacitor48
Compressed Air Energy Storage48
Hybrid Systems48
Statement of problems49
Regulation49
Background information of Saudi Arabia50
Electric power system51
Distribution system53
Mechanical systems53
Electrical systems55
Energy strategy and policy61
Past and current activities63
Present status of solar energy studies65
Solar radiation resources, global solar radiation (GSR) and sunshine duration66
Conclusion: Future appliciction67
Solar desalination67
The likelihood of penetration level70
CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF VOLTAGE CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS INCORPORATING DISTRIBUTED GENERATION (DG)74
Introduction74
Existing voltage control techniques77
Impact of DGs on distribution networks80
Impact of DG on voltage regulation Conventional voltage control84