Showing papers on "Grid parity published in 1993"

The solar electric house : energy for the environmentally-responsive, energy-independent home

Abstract: Solar electricity is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by solar photovoltaic cells. It is a truly elegant means of producing electricity on site, allowing you to take control of your energy destiny and create your own lifestyle without concern for energy supply or environmental harm. No pollution, no by-products, no depletion of resources, these solid-state devices simply make electricity out of sunlight. Solar electricity is the ideal source of power for an environmentally-responsive home where it's a luxury residence or a rustic vacation retreat. With the right design, the sunlight that falls on your homesite will power your home. Your solar electric system can also be easily configured to provide on-site recharging of solar/electric vehicles allowing you to meet your transportation needs with renewable energy.

Small grid-connected solar photovoltaic generators in the UK

Abstract: This paper examines the engineering, commercial and regulatory aspects of the grid connection of small photovoltaic power systems in the UK, and compares the situation with other European countries where several thousand systems are being installed under either sponsored or independent programmes. Data was gathered from study of the European experiences and from extensive interviews within the electricity supply industry in the UK. The study concludes that the systems are technically feasible using currently available technology, although their widespread use in this country is held back by economic and organisational barriers. A technical guidelines document is also available from the study for those wishing to pursue such schemes. >

Parametric cost model for solar space power and DIPS systems

Abstract: A detailed cost model has been developed to parametrically determine the program development and production cost of photovoltaic, solar dynamic, and dynamic isotope (DIPS) space power systems. The model is applicable in the net electrical power range of 3 to 300 kWe for solar power and 0.5 to 10 kWe for DIPS. Application of the cost model allows spacecraft or space-based power system architecture and design trade studies or budgetary forecasting and cost benefit analyses. The cost model considers all major power subsystems (i.e., power generation, power conversion, energy storage, thermal management, and power management/distribution/control). It also considers system cost effects such as integration, testing, and management. The cost breakdown structure, model assumptions, ground rules, bases, cost estimation relationship format, and rationale are presented, and the application of the cost model to 100-kWe solar space power plants and to a 1.0-kWe DIPS is demonstrated. >

Probabilistic design of high quality power supply photovoltaic systems

Abstract: The stand-alone application of photovoltaic (PV) systems, at current industrial production technological levels, could provide a viable solution to the problem of producing electricity for users located far away from power distribution systems. The author discusses the criteria for calculating the sizes of PV peak power and energy storage of a highly reliable power supply for special loads, with the aim of reaching the desired availability level. Adopting the criteria of loss of load probability (LOLP), the sizes of PV peak power and energy storage of the system are calculated in two steps. An initial provisional calculation is made, followed by a simulation of the most critical conditions, as a sequence of days with a minimum level of irradiation calculated probabilistically. A simple iterative process is adopted to evaluate performance. >

Tilting toward windmills

Abstract: Emerging from the shadow of an energy crisis in the 1970s, a wind-power industry flourished briefly in the US. Part of an ambitious US government program to support research and development on renewable energy sources, the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautic and Space Agency sponsored the construction of a wide variety of large wind turbines-most accompanied by exaggerated claims by the promoters. But by the 1980s, US interest in wind power almost disappeared due to a drop in world oil prices, the Reagan administrations curtailment of funding, and the disappointing results of the initial wind turbines. The problems with the initial wind turbines was overly optimistic economic projections, siting snags, difficulties connecting wind-generated electricity to utility power grids. Today, however the wind farms in California are a highly productive, inexpensive source of energy. The author presents arguments dispelling the following four widely-believed myths about wind energy: (1) Wind power is not a significant energy source; (2) Wind-generated electricity is expensive and unreliable; (3) New and improved machine designs are needed to make wind power feasible; and (4) The technology is impractical for use by utilities because of problems connecting wind machines to the electricity grid, and because windmore » itself is intermittent. A study at Battelle Pacific Northwest Lab estimates that turbine technology could supply 20% of the country's electrical needs. Investor-owned wind-power plants in California generate electricity at a rate ranging from 4.7 to 7.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. The reality is that wind-produced electricity is now less expensive that electricity produced by conventional fossil- or nuclear-powered generating plants in many parts of the world. And unlike some of the proposed renewable electric-power sources like photovoltaics, wind power's future is not dependent on further breakthroughs in engineering or materials technology.« less

A Canadian Cost Of Interruption Study

Abstract: &tract This paper outlines the procedures and presents summary results of a recent Canadian study funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and seven Canadian electrical utilities. The main objectives of this study are to identify and delineate more completely the characteristics, variables and criteria associated with customer costs of electric service interruptions which are considered a surrogate measure of the worth of electric power system reliability. The study utilizes the customer survey approach as its basic methodology on the basis that customers are in the best position to understand and assess how supply interruptions impact their activities. This paper presents survey results obtained from the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Village power plants versus solar home systems

Abstract: Figures on rural energy consumption is presented along with past experience in rural electrification projects which show clearly the limits of any rural electrification policy. Three alternatives are compared using a network for electricity distribution, i.e. connection to the national grid, village networks with diesel and solar power stations, and the solar home system.

The impact of nuclear power on the electricity market

Abstract: The UK is unique in that it is the only country in which nuclear power stations have to bid competitively into a unified pool, with half hourly pricing which can fluctuate wildly between one period and the next. The author examines how nuclear power is matching up to competing in the new market, and looks at the prospects for the future. >