MST-School of Engineering and Technology

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This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of Master theses and dissertation in the School of Engineering and Technology held in Kenyatta University Library

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Browsing MST-School of Engineering and Technology by Author "Ayora, Emmanuel"

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    Performance Evaluation and Optimization of the 600 Kwp Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic System at Strathmore University, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Ayora, Emmanuel
    Kenya boasts of abundant solar irradiation across its expansive regions, averaging between 4.5 kWh/m2 and 6 kWh/m2 per day. Despite this advantageous condition, solar energy's contribution to the national energy mix remains relatively low. This is partly occasioned by the solar PV systems degradation over time due to aging and other environmental factors. To boost solar energy contribution to the national grid, it is crucial to assess the performance of existing grid-tied solar PV systems and develop strategies to improve their energy yields and further help in designing and installing new plants. This study presents a technical performance analysis of a 600 kWp grid tied solar PV system at Strathmore University, monitored over one year between January and December 2019. Economic and thermographic analysis of the solar PV system was done. In addition, tilt angle optimization was done and experimentally validated. The performance indices studied according to IEC 61724 standard include performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, array yield, reference yield, final yield, total collection losses, and total energy yield. This solar plant generated 735 MWh in 2019. The annual average monthly performance ratio, capacity factor, and annual specific energy yield were 57.4%, 13.97%, and 1,225 kWh/kWp, respectively. The annual average monthly final yield, array yield, reference yield, and total system collection losses were 3.37 kWh/kWp, 4.49 kWh/kWp, 5.9 kWh/kWp, and 2.53 kWh/kWp, respectively. The thermographic analysis done showed that the system exhibits normal temperature distribution. The economic analysis demonstrated Levelized Cost of Energy and simple payback period of US$ 0.143/kWh and 9.1 years, respectively. The optimal tilt angle obtained through experimental validation was 11°. Further analysis on the effect of air gap on the PV performance indicated that by increasing the air gap of the solar panel from 100 mm to 150 mm, the back sheet temperature of the module decreased by 7.5% due to the increased flow of cooling convection air currents. The study reveals that the Strathmore University system's performance is comparable to other solar plants worldwide.