Showing papers on "Grid parity published in 1977"

Solar energy and electric utilities: should they be interfaced?

Abstract: Analyses of the economics of solar collection in the firm- and shifting-peak cases (that is, with off-peak electricity indefinitely available or with a flat load curve) indicate that, for many important applications, solar energy systems that interface with electric utilities can be justified only in terms of the value of the off-peak utility fuels that they displace. In regions where off-peak electricity costs are low, the most economically efficient solar energy systems will be those that use electricity as the auxiliary energy source. This implies extremely low break-even costs for a number of important solar energy applications. In regions where the cost of off-peak electricity is higher than that of competing energy forms, the most economical solar energy systems will utilize auxiliary fuels other than electricity. The general conclusion is that conventional electric utility systems and most solar energy systems represent a poor technological match. The basic problem is that both technologies are very capital intensive. The electric utility, because of the high fixed costs of generation, transmission, and distribution capacity, represents a poor backup for solar energy systems. On the other hand, the solar collection system, because it represents pure, high-cost capital and because of its outage problems, cannot be considered as a part-load source of auxiliary energy for the electric utility system.

Britain: Solar commitment

Abstract: Britain moved another step in its efforts to implement a broad national energy policy with the announcement last week of a programme supporting the exploitation of solar power. Chris Sherwell reports

Wind power for India

Abstract: The technical and economic feasibility of wind power for rural conditions in India is assessed. Early and current wind power and windmill development are surveyed, and wind measurements on record are mentioned. The relative economics of wind power and power taken from the grid (for areas where such power is accessible) are compared for rural electrification, with base prices for power and distance (of village) from grid connections taken into account. Wind data are provided for various locations in India (design wind speed for energy maximum; power density for design wind speed; windmill hours of operation based on design speed).

Systems aspects of large-scale solar energy conversion

Abstract: With a view to the potential role of solar energy as a global energy option, the presently known solar energy technologies are employed to contribute to the world energy supply. Such a global solar energy supply system would evolve in stages of development, proceeding from local use of solar energy to regional and global systems. The initial stage would include local low-temperature applications for heating purposes, and the embedding of small amounts of solar electric generation capacity in the existing electric grids. Regional interconnections of solar electric power generation would be followed by increasing production of solar fuels in locations with favorable insolation, and by long-distance transport of these fuels. It turns out that much more needs to be known about the behavior of very large integrated solar energy conversion systems. Market penetration calculations indicate that it takes roughly five decades for a major source of energy to be developed and used on a truly significant scale. It therefore would be necessary to initiate large-scale deployment of solar energy perhaps 50 years or more before fossil resources are finally depleted.

Photovoltaic and thermal energy conversion for solar powered satellites

Abstract: A systems-oriented technical overview of present candidate solar power satellite baseline concepts is given including preliminary ground rules, assumptions, and specifications used in present system studies. Various critical system elements and required research and development activities are described. Data on expected performance, economics, state of the art, and cost are presented. Present results indicate a potential economic feasibility of solar power satellites by the end of this century.

Utilizing Alternative Energy Sources In France

Abstract: The relative merits of various alternative-energy sources are discussed with particular reference to their suitability in the French context. the case is presented for decentralized solar power as against centralized solar-power production, and some test installations in France are described. the potential for geothermal power is examined, and it is shown that the resource is essentially nonrenewable. A history of wind generation in France is presented, and power extraction from the seas is discussed, with particular reference to the Rance tidal-power scheme. While the public romance with alternative-energy schemes is accepted, it is pointed out that this may only last for as long as their implementation is on a small scale.

Space solar power systems

Abstract: Studies were done on the feasibility of placing a solar power station called POwersat, in space A general description of the engineering features are given as well as a brief discussion of the economic considerations

Solar photovoltaic power stations

Abstract: The subsystems of a solar photovoltaic central power system are identified and the cost of major components are estimated. The central power system, which would have a peak power capability in the range of 50 to 1000 MW, utilizes two types of subsystems - a power conditioner and a solar array. Despite differences in costs of inverters, the overall cost of the total power conditioning subsystem is about the same for all approaches considered. A combination of two inverters operating from balanced dc buses as a pair of 6-pulse groups is recommended. A number of different solar cell modules and tracking array structures were analyzed. It is concluded that when solar cell costs are high (greater than $500/kW), high concentration modules are more cost effective than those with low concentration. Vertical-axis tracking is the most effective of the studied tracking modes. For less expensive solar cells (less than $400/kW), fixed tilt collector/reflector modules are more cost effective than those which track.

Solar energy and electric utilities: should they be interfaced. [In general, poor match]

Abstract: Analyses of the economics of solar collection in the firm- and shifting-peak cases (that is, with off-peak electricity indefinitely available or with a flat load curve) indicate that, for many important applications, solar energy systems that interface with electric utilities can be justified only in terms of the value of the off-peak utility fuels that they displace. In regions where off-peak electricity costs are low, the most economically efficient solar energy systems will be those that use electricity as the auxiliary energy source. This implies extremely low break-even costs for a number of important solar energy applications. In regions where the cost of off-peak electricity is higher than that of competing energy forms, the most economical solar energy systems will utilize auxiliary fuels other than electricity. The general conclusion is that conventional electric utility systems and most solar energy systems represent a poor technological match. The basic problem is that both technologies are very capital-intensive. The electric utility, because of the high fixed costs of generation, transmission, and distribution capacity, represents a poor backup for solar energy systems. On the other hand, the solar collection system, because it represents pure, high-cost capital and because of its outage problems, cannot bemore » considered as a part-load source of auxiliary energy for the electric-utility system. 15 references.« less

Hydro‐Sol ‐ A forward looking energy model for currently hydro sufficient provinces and states

Abstract: This paper describes a model for future energy supply to provinces and states at present self‐sufficient in meeting local energy needs through the utilisation of water power. It involves an integrated hydro and solar power system.

Satellite solar power - Will it pay off

Abstract: A cost analysis is presented for front-end investments required for the development of a satellite solar power system. The methodology used makes use of risk analysis techniques to quantify the present state of knowledge relevant to the construction and operation of a satellite solar power station 20 years in the future. Results are used to evaluate the 'expected value' of a three-year research program providing additional information which will be used as a basis for a decision to either continue development of the concept at an increasing funding level or to terminate or drastically alter the program. The program is costed phase by phase, and a decision tree is constructed. The estimated probability of success for the research and studies phase is .540. The expected value of a program leading to the construction of 120 systems at a rate of four per year is 12.433 billion dollars.

Satellite power systems for large-scale power generation

Abstract: The feasibility of commercial electric power derived from solar power satellites is primarily an economic question. There is little doubt that such systems would work from the technical standpoint. Efficiency levels needed for economic feasibility represent a considerable technical challenge Minimizing system cost is therefore the principal design objective. A complete space solar power system includes four principal elements: power generation, power transmission and reception, space transportation, and support systems. These represent roughly 30%, 20%, 40%, and 10%, respectively, of the system recurring cost in a typical case. Several options exist for each system element; at the current state of knowledge clear selections of preferred options cannot be made. Interdependency of the system elements and options is very important in selecting and defining a best overall system. Development of a space solar power system would be a major challenge, similar in some respect? to development of any other major new technology for large scale energy production. A typical program would progress through basic technology demonstrations, pilot plant phases, and full scale development. The development issues are somewhat different than those for most other new energy technologies; these differences are discussed in the paper. A brief economic outlook is also provided.