Impact study of integrating solar double chimney power plant into electrical grid

Integrating a novel design of Solar Double Chimney Power Plant system (SDCPPS) into a traditional medium voltage (MV)) distribution grid in the Safawi area, Jordan was presented. The impact of full-day integration of the maximum electrical energy on the performance indices of voltage profile (VP), power factor (PF), losses, and voltage step (VS) was assessed. The SDCPP operates under uniform electrical energy production even under varied weather conditions to generate 286.6 MWh/year. Connecting the SDCPP to the Medium Voltage (MV) point allows for electrical energy stabilization, minimizes energy losses, and maintains the allowable PF. The maximum reduction of voltage deviation (VD), and the average and maximum reduction in the losses were 0.93%, 0.34%, and 0.43%, respectively, The VS limit at the point of common coupling was within the 3% of the rated voltage. The PF dropped to 0.72 due to the increase of pure active power generated from the SDCPPS. Improving the combined PF is based on the BSP, which should be operated under 0.88 leading to keeping the SDCPPS running in the PF control mode as per connection code requirements. The performance of the SDCPPS has the edge over other renewable energy sources for all performance indices.

Automated summary

This article presents the integration of a novel design of Solar Double Chimney Power Plant system (SDCPPS) into a traditional medium voltage (MV) distribution grid in the Safawi area, Jordan, and assesses its impact on performance indices such as voltage profile, power factor, losses, and voltage step. The SDCPPS is capable of uniform electrical energy production under various weather conditions, and it generates 286.6 MWh/year. Connecting the SDCPPS to the MV point stabilizes electrical energy, reduces energy losses, and maintains the acceptable power factor. The performance of the SDCPPS outperforms other renewable energy sources in all performance indices.