Models and methods for low‐carbon footprint analysis of grid‐connected photovoltaic generation from a distribution network planning perspective. Issue 5 (15th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Fengzhang; Zhang, Tianyu; Wei, Wei; Li, Fangxing; Bai, Linquan; Tan, Chin‐Woo; Liu, Yanzhang; Liu, Guangyi
• Is Part Of: Energy science & engineering. Volume 5:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2017-10-15
• Subjects: Carbon emissions -- carbon emission payback period -- low‐carbon comprehensive benefits -- photovoltaic generation; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/ese3.175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-0505

Abstract

Abstract: Solar energy is a clean energy resource, so the large‐scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is of great significance for achieving carbon emission reductions in the electric power industry. This paper proposes models and methods for evaluation of the low‐carbon benefits of grid‐connected PV power generation projects. The carbon emission (or emission reduction) characteristics and the economic benefits of PV generation are analyzed using the following four metrics: generation capacity revenue, PV cost, loss efficiency improvement, and reserve capacity cost. The corresponding low‐carbon benefit models and economic benefit models are then established. By combining the low‐carbon and economic characteristics of photovoltaic power generation, a model is proposed for evaluating the low‐carbon comprehensive benefits (LCBs) of photovoltaic power generation and the concept of a carbon emission payback period (CPP) is put forward. Examples with typical operating data from real‐world applications are used to verify the validity of the models and methods proposed in this paper. The analysis results show that photovoltaic power generation has great potential in terms of low‐carbon comprehensive benefits compared with conventional power generation. Abstract : This paper proposes the models and methods on evaluation of low‐carbon benefits of grid‐connected photovoltaic power generation project during its life cycle. It can answer the puzzles of power distribution network engineers in utilities presently that whether developing PV generation is worthy of its cost, and it may be beneficial to boost the PV accessing development into power systems in China.