Performance analysis of the Navrongo VRA solar plant for improved efficiency - a case study

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the power output performance of the Navrongo VRA Solar Plant for improved efficiency. Primary data about the performance of the plant was obtained using the master wiring picture: 18 Edition software program. General review of the design criteria of the plant was considered and this assisted in determining the characteristics of the variables that affect the output of the power plant. Physical site analysis of the plant was carried out to assess some physical constraints affecting power generation of the plant. The power output of the solar plant was evaluated and a microgrid technology was proposed to eliminate generation down time and power transmission losses. Photovoltaic Power Optimization Module for energy generation and delivery was developed for the solar plant to optimize energy generation. The PV optimization model was simulated using Microsoft excel and Rstudio which was 29.8% and 30.4% increase in power output respectively. The difference of 0.6% between the two methods show convergence in the methods used. Results from the PV optimization model shows that, if dust effect is controlled and an optimum cell temperature of 50.0 °C is maintained, then energy generation will boost by an average of 30.1% translating into 1,285,191.4 kWh and a monetary gain of GH¢ 912,071.30 per year.