Analysis of exergy efficiency for a grid connected PV power plant via different solar exergy models in Samsun, Turkey

This study investigates power conversion efficiency and exergy of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant by comparing solar exergy models at a time interval of 12 months. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the PV exergy efficiency related to solar exergy models. First, solar exergy models proposed by Petela, Spanner, and Parrott and the mean of solar exergy-to-solar radiation energy ratio were calculated, and the PV exergy efficiency was analyzed. The results indicate that the average solar exergy-to-solar radiation energy ratio for the Samsun region was 0.93 related to Petela and Spanner's model. The ratio for Parrott's model was calculated as 0.99. The results confirm that the power conversion efficiency is in the range of 6.15-8.87%. While the PV exergy efficiency related to Parrott's model is seen to vary between 4.85% and 7.09% during 12 months, it changes from 5.19% to 7.60% in Petela and Spanner's model. (c) 2022 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the power conversion efficiency and exergy of a grid-connected PV power plant by comparing solar exergy models over a 12-month period. The results show variations in PV exergy efficiency among different models and geographical locations.