International Journal Evolving Sustainable and Renewable Energy Solutions
Exergy Analysis of the Major Componets of a Stand-alone Solar-pv Module System for Power Generation
Abstract
Izu Godstime
This study presents a systemized approach that meticulously examines and gives a comprehensive analysis of exergetic performances of the major components of a stand-alone solar PV system for power generation for various applications. The research gives an all-inclusive analysis of exergy of a solar PV system, focusing on the assessment and evaluation of the performance metrics of its main components such the solar panel, inverter, battery, and solar charge controller. To provide a greater insight and an in-depth understanding of the system’s exergy, a selected number of exergy parameters were considered, including exergy production, exergy loss, exergy destruction, exergy destruction ratio, exergy efficiency, energy efficiency, exergy sustainability potential and exergy improvement index. These parameters were chosen because of their ability to give analytical integrity to the system being investigated. The analysis reveals that the solar panel has low exergy efficiency, low exergy sustainability and a high exergy destruction metrics of 31.95%, 1.35 and 68.89% respectively. The solar panel has also been identified as the main source of exergy losses, accounting for 10.1% of the total exergy loss and destruction with 99.5% exergy improvement potential. These descriptive metrics suggest a considerable prospect for optimization and improvement. Comparatively, the battery, inverter, and solar charge controller reveal relatively high exergy efficiencies of 87.95%, 86.00%, and 84.22%, respectively with good sustainability indexes. Conclusively, the findings reveal that optimizing the solar panel can substantially improve the overall system performance and sustainability. No doubt, this study has given valuable approaches required to improve the efficiency, sustainability and performance of the solar PV system.