Solar tree design framework for maximized power generation with minimized structural cost

Sumon Dey and Bala Pesala

Renewable Energy, 2020, vol. 162, issue C, 1747-1762

Abstract: Conventional solar trees, inspite of their high-power density, are relatively unviable due to the huge shading losses (>30%) and structural cost (>50% of the total cost) associated with them. The paper proposes a location specific design framework for maximized electrical output from solar tree using minimized structural material. Actual solar insolation data is utilized to orient solar panels in a solar tree to maximize annual energy extraction. Preliminary structural optimization coupled with multi-objective optimization leveraging genetic algorithms with objectives as minimization of shading losses and projected ground footprint area are employed to position the solar panels. Further, the dimensions of the branches and trunks in the solar tree structure are individually tuned to ascertain structural stability at high wind speed using finite element modelling based von Mises stress analysis. The designed 3 kW solar tree, having a normalized ground footprint of 1.67 and shading loss of only 0.17% demonstrates the design framework. Energy generation estimates are validated using ray-optic simulations. Simultaneous structural optimization carried out to withstand a wind speed of 150 kmph, has resulted in 20% reduction in structural mass requirement. The study increases the feasibility of deployment of solar tree and can be extended to other geographical locations.

Keywords: Solar tree; Structural optimization; Shading losses; Solar panel orientation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:162:y:2020:i:c:p:1747-1762

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.07.035

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