Renewable Energy Systems Report: Technologies and Analysis

Desklib provides solved assignments and past papers to help students excel in their studies.

STUDENT NAME:
UNIVERSITY NAME:
Renewable Energy Systems

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
LO1: Renewable Energy Resources and Their Generation Technologies......................................3
Solar Energy Transformation......................................................................................................3
Wind Energy Transformation......................................................................................................4
Tidal Energy Transformation......................................................................................................6
Adoption rate of Renewable Energies.........................................................................................7
Adoption rate of Hydro Energy and Wind Energy in Scotland...............................................7
Recommendation of Hydro Energy and Wind Energy............................................................8
LO2: Renewable Energy Technologies for a Particular Location...................................................8
Connection of Wind Energy and Solar Energy with Local System............................................8
Benefits of Renewable Energy for remote areas.........................................................................9
Location in United Kingdom and list the efficiencies of a variety of combinations of
renewable energy technologies..................................................................................................10
LO3: Cost Benefit Analysis to choose a viable option of energy..................................................10
3 Bed Room Property Solar System Design:.............................................................................10
Proposed Plan or Solution in next section is based upon ‘working load sheet’ or ‘energy
requirement detail’ provided by respective client who is owner of 3 bed room property.
Following, in Table 01 is the tabulated ‘energy requirement’ detail and entire design and plan
is stemmed from this requirement and it may vary with the variation in energy requirement’.10
Cost Contrast for Different Energy Resources:.........................................................................11
Cost-Benefit Critical Analysis:..................................................................................................11
LO4: Socio-economic, Legislative and Environmental factors involved in the consideration and
selection of renewable energy technologies..................................................................................12
Socio-Economic Factors:...........................................................................................................12
Legislative Factors:....................................................................................................................12
Environmental Factors:..............................................................................................................12
Sources of Conflict of Interest:..................................................................................................12
POLITICAL ASPECTS OF CONFLICT..............................................................................13
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CONFLICT.............................................................................13
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF CONFLICT....................................................................................13
TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CONFLICT.................................................................13
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF CONFLICT................................................................13

LEGAL ASPECTS OF CONFLICT.....................................................................................13
Effective environmental analysis of alternative approaches of selection..................................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
List of Figures
Figure i: Electricity Generation using Solar PV mode....................................................................3
Figure ii: HAWT vs VAWT............................................................................................................4
Figure iii: Electricity Generation using Wind Turbines..................................................................5
Figure iv: Electricity Generation using Hydro Turbines.................................................................6
Figure v: Electricity Generation using Tidal Turbines....................................................................7
Figure vi Electricity Generated (GWh) from renewable resources, Scotland.................................8
Figure vii: Connection of PV Energy and Wind Energy with Local Systems................................9
List of Tables
Table 1: Energy Requirements......................................................................................................10
Table 2: System Components Details............................................................................................11

Introduction
The maximum population of the world is fulfilling their energy demands by using fossil
fuels also known as conventional sources of energy. There are some key disadvantages that the
globe is facing due to excessive consumption of these fossil fuels. Another negative effect is that
these conventional sources of energy are hazardous for our environment as they release carbon
dioxide in the ecosystem, and we all know how dangerous it is for human beings. So the need of
the time is to discover as much as we can the efficient alternative sources of energy. From a long
time, a lot of research is being done to develop alternative sources of energy that are sustainable
and equally efficient. In this report, we are going to introduce different potential renewable or
alternative energies and will also discuss their positive as well as negative sides. This report
intends to find potential renewable energy resources that might be opted in order to meet global
energy demands. We will cover, the entire, operational behavior and working principle in the
start. Later the case study will be undertaken for a particularly chosen location. Efficiencies of
different renewable resources, as per location coordinates, will be explored in next sections.
Before finalizing the study, cost-benefit analysis between renewable energy resources and
conventional energy resources will be done. The last section of this report is to highlight
important factors that play a decisive role in the selection of appropriate renewable energy
resources.
LO1: Renewable Energy Resources and Their Generation
Technologies
There are plenty of renewable energy resources available, that would never run out, but
potentially wind, sun, ocean tides and water itself are prominent. Here, below, we will discuss
them individually.
Solar Energy Transformation
There are three modes of transformation for solar renewable energy into a usable form.
We all know that sun is a mighty source of energy but that energy is not usable for mankind so
we need to define some technologies or methodologies that will be used to transform that energy
into a usable form. Basically, there are three modes: the first one is "the thermal mode". The
second one is "the photovoltaic mode" and the third one is "the thermocouples mode". In the
first mode, i.e. the thermal mode heat is used either to store or to cook food or heat up the water.
Similarly, this heat can also be used to generate electricity. The Other form, as name described,
photovoltaic uses "photo" aka light from the Sun to generate electricity to consume in household
loads. The populist approach is "photovoltaic" and further illustrated in the form of the
schematic diagram below. The plates with black color, in the figure, are photovoltaics cells made
with semiconductor materials. According to the materials science, semiconductor materials

develop a potential difference or pumps the electrons to generate electricity when they are
exposed to sunlight. You can categorize the photovoltaic cells into different forms based upon
the materials chosen for their fabrication. These are either crystalline cells or thin film
cells; crystalline cells are further bifurcated into monocrystalline and polycrystalline categories.
However thin-film cells are fabricated by using amorphous silicon or non-crystalline silicon.
This potential difference produced from these plates is DC and then it is fed to inverter cum
MPPT charge controller. In this diagram, a modern inverter is shown that is used to regulate and
then properly distribute or manage that electrical energy. Lead-acid or Lithium-ion batteries are
used to store electrical energy and they are shown, green cells, in the schematic diagram. Talking
about thermocouples; two different materials having different properties are joined together to
expose in the sunlight. In these two materials; one is kept on the reference voltage while other is
to measure the voltage generated through the intensity of light. Normally Thermocouple
technologies are used to develop "light sensors" that are used in different instrumental
applications to measure light intensity.
Figure i: Electricity Generation using Solar PV mode
Wind Energy Transformation
The Wind is a natural source of energy by the creator and flow of it is because of kinetic
energy. Wind turbines are used to take this kinetic energy and converts into mechanical power
through a dedicated mechanism. After the mechanical conversion; a generator is linked with the
turbine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In a very simple form, a
schematic diagram is shown in the figure below; that illustrates the principle of conversion or
transformation of this kinetic energy into electrical energy. These turbines basically are
equipped with large sized blades, also known as propellers that move or rotate because of the

force exerted by kinetic energy in the wind flowing around. The flow of air passes through the
turbine blades and ultimately blades rotate a shaft linking turbine and generator together.
Researchers bifurcate these wind turbines into two forms: first is horizontal Axis Wind Turbines
and second are the Vertical Axis Wind Turbines. This bifurcation is done, totally, based upon the
application of the turbine. However, HAWT is the most common type of turbine, being used
these days because blades are more efficient and look alike "fan blades". The diagram in figure ii
is drawing a line of differentiation between both types of these turbines.
Figure ii: HAWT vs VAWT
Taking about, further, schematic diagram of wind energy generation; it has same basic
components as were in PV systems. The only change is in the core or production component; in
case of the PV system, it was silicon or PV array while in this case these are either HAWT or
VAWT. The connected generator with turbines is DC generator, so it does produce DC power
that is regulated, then, to store in batteries. Batteries, as usual, are used to store surplus generated
electricity while inverter to convert DC power into AC for load consumption. All the connection
diagrams between different components has been explained below, in Figure iii, through a
schematic diagram.

Figure iii: Electricity Generation using Wind Turbines
of transformation or operation as was for wind energy. So in the simplest version, we can
say that hydro energy system generates electricity in the same pattern as was being done in wind
energy system case. The only difference is the "source of energy" that is rotating the turbine and
ultimately generator to produce electricity. In this case, the potential energy of the water inside
the dam reservoir forces the turbine blades to spin and this spin, ultimately, rotates induction
generator behind the turbine. Another difference between wind and hydro energy is that DC
generators are coupled behind wind turbines while AC generators are coupled behind the hydro
turbine. A mighty structure of wall also known as "dam" is constructed to store water at a higher
potential. This potential then, later on, develops an exertion force on the blades of the turbine
when water passes through the blades. In the schematic diagram below we can observe a valve
unit too; this is used to control the water flow according to the requirement of power. We need
to remember that low pressure of water will generate less electrical power while extra power
may destroy the turbine blades. This is why the valve unit is a very critical component of the
overall scheme of the hydro energy transformation system.

Figure iv: Electricity Generation using Hydro Turbines
Tidal Energy Transformation
Tidal energy is a modern form of tide mills and water wheels that have been utilizing by
mankind for about 2000 years. The tidal power stations, we are observing now, are developed
forms of the ancient system. Another name of tidal energy is marine energy. The schematic
diagram in the form of blocks, showing a link between different components of technology, is
shown in figure below. There is a bidirectional turbine installed inside beach bae, which is being
rotated by High tides on either side of dam kind of structure, transforms the water energy into
electrical energy. In next sections, this produced electricity is regulated and step-up at the
transmission level.

Figure v: Electricity Generation using Tidal Turbines
Adoption rate of Renewable Energies
Adoption rate of Hydro Energy and Wind Energy in Scotland
Hydro energy is a form of renewable energy that has been adopted from ancient times
and this adoption is, now, increasing gradually; exponentially. According to the International
Energy Agency (IEA), hydropower is Globe's largest source of alternative electricity generations
that have been adopted until now. According to the statistics of this agency, more than 1200
gigawatt of electricity plants are using hydro renewable energy system as a core technology. In
terms of ratio, it is 16% of the net generation of the world's electrical demand. China, Brazil and
the United States of America are those countries that have adopted hydropower systems as their
first choice. However, for the case study, here we will just discuss the Scottish policies regarding
hydropower. In the figure vi below there is a graph that is drawing a trend line representing the
adoption rate of hydro energy and the trend of increase in adoption annually. This graph is from
the statistical data of 2000 to 2015 and we can clearly observe that this adoption rate is having an
exponential form.
The wind is another valuable asset by nature that has been accepted by the world,
especially by the same Scotland government, to generate green electricity. The same graph is
illustrating the renewable energy policies of Scotland government regarding wind energy. We
can observe that, in earlier years, from 2000 to 2003 wind energy was not, at all, being accepted.
But, later on, by 2010 they have adopted it linearly. Now in last 4 to 5 years; the graph for the
adoption of wind energy has taken as serious boost and Scotland Government have achieved

their target of 59.4% increment in the adoption of renewable energy Technologies, especially
wind energy.
Figure vi Electricity Generated (GWh) from renewable resources, Scotland
Recommendation of Hydro Energy and Wind Energy
Water and wind Earth are the most precious and abundant gift by nature. Both of these
sources are, approximately, available in every region and every country. Scotland, similarly, is a
country that has naturally built traces optimal for power generation and building dams or
reservoirs. Similarly, this region has an abundance of those optimal open areas and altitudes
required to install wind farms. Considering all these facts, it is recommended to adopt these both
alternative forms of energies to mitigate energy desires of the region.
LO2: Renewable Energy Technologies for a Particular
Location
Connection of Wind Energy and Solar Energy with Local System
Generally the local system or national grid is a composite of different networks at
different voltage levels. Normally we categorize these networks into two types: distribution
networks and transmission Networks. In the figure vii, below, Distribution networks are at 33
KV and 11 KV whereas transmission networks are at 132 KV. The end users, after all
distribution networks, are remote communities, residential and industrial sites; as illustrated in

figure. All these end user utilizations are 240 V or .24 KV. However, for some countries, it could
be 110 V but with frequency other than 50 Hz. In this schematic diagram, we can observe a
“central generation”; these are conventional ways of generations utilizing conventional resources
like coal or furnace oil etc.
The connection of renewable technologies with existing network will based upon simple
philosophy i.e. to bring the produced voltages at network’s voltage levels. Here, for example, is
132 KV. Grid-Tie Inverters along with step-up transformers are used to feed the renewable
energy into transmission network. However to connect renewable energies, solar energy and
wind energy, with this local network (240V network) we would need just grid-tied inverters.
The complete connection diagram with networks using bus bars is shown in figure, for both
renewable technologies.
Figure vii: Connection of PV Energy and Wind Energy with Local Systems
Benefits of Renewable Energy for remote areas
There are many countries that consist of a different kind of islands but unfortunately,
infrastructure and energy deployment schemes are there on the Islands. On the other hand, we all
know how important energy is in the modern world to be progressed. Why we observe that
islands and their habitats are far behind in terms of infrastructure, economic development, and
health facilities. Renewable energy Technologies can be proven as a strong chain linkage

between islands and the rest of the world or progress. We can bring the economical government
facilities near the island peoples by installing smart and energy autonomous industries that would
utilize distributed generations. This indirectly could be proven as a cause of reduction of poverty
and crime rates among poor stakeholders of the community. In some recent news on CNBC, it
was highlighted that some Caribbean islands are observing very alarming crime rate because of
left economic development. In my opinion, if renewable technologies would be taken as an
option then and we can bring development, socialism, and decency on these islands and the
crime rate might be controlled.
Location in United Kingdom and list the efficiencies of a variety of
combinations of renewable energy technologies
Great Britain has adopted the alternative sources of energy as their primary choice but
about 67 years ago they were mostly relying on conventional resources and especially and
burning coal. Six years ago 40% of the energy demand of Britain was being covered by the
burning coal. No the cases different because now they are taking only 7% from burning coal and
raised from the renewable energy combinations. According to the last year's statistics, 15% of
electricity demand was covered by windmills in Britain last year and it was a 10% increment
from last year’s production. Another record statistics, from October 2017, has told that in one-
month wind solar and hydro systems has generated quarter demand of Britain's electricity; and it
was a record. Actually in the same period, from wind energy, the system has produced 14 terra
watt hours which was enough to feed 4.5 million homes. Apart from these statistics, the
associations like Ireland and Scotland have their own generations that are sharing to the national
grid from renewable energy systems.
LO3: Cost Benefit Analysis to choose a viable option of
energy
3 Bed Room Property Solar System Design:
Proposed Plan or Solution in next section is based upon ‘working load sheet’ or ‘energy
requirement detail’ provided by respective client who is owner of 3 bed room property.
Following, in Table 01 is the tabulated ‘energy requirement’ detail and entire design and plan is
stemmed from this requirement and it may vary with the variation in energy requirement’.
Table 1: Energy Requirements
Sr
#
Electrical Load
Description
Qty Unit
Load
(W)
Operat.
Factor
(%)
Total
Power
(W)
Backup
Hours/ Oper.
Hours
Backup
Energy/ Oper.
Energy (Wh)
1 Ceiling/Pedestal Fans 22 80 70% 1232 2 2464