• Energy Research

The ongoing energy crisis and the rising prices of fossil fuels have accelerated the need for a renewable energy transition [...]

The ongoing energy crisis and the rising prices of fossil fuels have accelerated the need for a renewable energy transition [...]

In recent years the development of the LVDC distribution networks is under consideration. DC electrical distribution offers several advantages compared to AC in many applications, in particular in the presence of distributed generation and energy storage systems like high efficacy, flexibility and simple integrated to renewable sources. The DC distribution allows to integrate in a more efficient 'microgrid' different sources with DC/DC converters. The paper proposes an innovative model of microgrid architecture for aggregations of users able to share the power produced by common generators and energy services called power sharing model (PSM) using a DC bus, called power sharing link (PSL), that connects the common generators to the users. Each user has also an independent AC connection point with the distributor and a power electronic converter as Open Unified Power Quality Conditioner (Open UPQC), so PSM can be easily implemented in special power sharing contracts compliant with national regulatory systems. The produced energy is shared by PSL to the users through unidirectional power electronic device. In this way the common generator is like a multiple generator without power exchange between users and each user remain passive towards the distributor. Only the balance node of the DC bus assumes a role of active user.

In recent years the development of the LVDC distribution networks is under consideration. DC electrical distribution offers several advantages compared to AC in many applications, in particular in the presence of distributed generation and energy storage systems like high efficacy, flexibility and simple integrated to renewable sources. The DC distribution allows to integrate in a more efficient 'microgrid' different sources with DC/DC converters. The paper proposes an innovative model of microgrid architecture for aggregations of users able to share the power produced by common generators and energy services called power sharing model (PSM) using a DC bus, called power sharing link (PSL), that connects the common generators to the users. Each user has also an independent AC connection point with the distributor and a power electronic converter as Open Unified Power Quality Conditioner (Open UPQC), so PSM can be easily implemented in special power sharing contracts compliant with national regulatory systems. The produced energy is shared by PSL to the users through unidirectional power electronic device. In this way the common generator is like a multiple generator without power exchange between users and each user remain passive towards the distributor. Only the balance node of the DC bus assumes a role of active user.

In recent years, the explosion of renewable energy sources, the increase in the demand for electrical energy, and several improvements in related technologies have fostered research in many relevant areas of interest [...]

In recent years, the explosion of renewable energy sources, the increase in the demand for electrical energy, and several improvements in related technologies have fostered research in many relevant areas of interest [...]

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in electricity demand, with power generation increasing 4 times in 25 years from 1990 to 2014. Despite the abundant primary renewable energy sources, the country has overlooked them in the past in national energy policies. However, in recent years, renewable energy has become a part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s energy conservation policy due to climate changes, technological progress, economies of scale, and increased competitiveness in supply chains. The Saudi government has created the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) to develop national strategies for effectively utilizing renewable and nuclear energy. This paper reviews the current state of the art of the renewable energy technologies available on the market and evaluates the installation of renewable energy plants near Saudi Arabia’s East Coast for a new town, focusing on technical rather than economic aspects. The paper provides a wide review of the possible technical solutions to exploit the producibility of different renewable sources, considering the challenging climate conditions typical of desert areas. The analysis of a real case study shows a high availability of wind and solar irradiance that allow a net energy production of 354 and 129 GWh, respectively. In addition, the comparison between a typical ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system and an emerging floating PV reveals that for the same installed power, occupied area, and environmental conditions, the latter has a 4% greater performance ratio due to the cooling effect of water.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in electricity demand, with power generation increasing 4 times in 25 years from 1990 to 2014. Despite the abundant primary renewable energy sources, the country has overlooked them in the past in national energy policies. However, in recent years, renewable energy has become a part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s energy conservation policy due to climate changes, technological progress, economies of scale, and increased competitiveness in supply chains. The Saudi government has created the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) to develop national strategies for effectively utilizing renewable and nuclear energy. This paper reviews the current state of the art of the renewable energy technologies available on the market and evaluates the installation of renewable energy plants near Saudi Arabia’s East Coast for a new town, focusing on technical rather than economic aspects. The paper provides a wide review of the possible technical solutions to exploit the producibility of different renewable sources, considering the challenging climate conditions typical of desert areas. The analysis of a real case study shows a high availability of wind and solar irradiance that allow a net energy production of 354 and 129 GWh, respectively. In addition, the comparison between a typical ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system and an emerging floating PV reveals that for the same installed power, occupied area, and environmental conditions, the latter has a 4% greater performance ratio due to the cooling effect of water.