Abstract:
In this study solar system of DC Rating 100 MW located at Bahawalpur,
Punjab, Pakistan is designed with three different tools which are RETScreen,
PVsyst and PVWatts. Most softwares use weather data provided by NASA. That is
why it is important to compare vital parameters of weather data used by software
should be similar with the actual data. For this purpose and to check validity and
prediction capability of different softwares this study is carried out. In this study
these designed systems are compared with system installed at Quaid-e-Azam solar
power plant near Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan having DC Rating 100 MW.
Temperature and humidity has inverse effect on efficiency of solar panels as
temperature increases efficiency of solar panels decreases similarly output decrease
with increase in humidity. Irradiance and wind speed have direct effect on output of
solar panels with increase in irradiance. Output is increased with more wind speed
heat losses of panels are less and yield is more. Comparing the output for whole
year with RETScreen, PVsyst and PVWatts it might be concluded that PVWatts
results are closer to recorded values of solar power plant. RETScreen output is 2
close to recorded generation. This study also help to evaluate different tilt angles of
panels for maximum output for semi and quarterly annual tracking system as well as
for the fixed system. This study also help to choose proper tool for sizing purpose
and by avoiding over sizing and under sizing conditions energy future demands
could be met more precisely. Comparison between designed and installed systems
output for the whole year is made and all the sizing parameters are kept same for
each system as that of installed system and results obtained from PVWatts stood
closest to output of installed system.
