Coursework 1 Solar Energy: Technologies, Modelling and Analysis

Background:
A commercial complex owner has commissioned you to make a feasibility study to improve the energy
sustainability of the property. Within the facility there are offices and a small processing plant that requires hot water. The usage pattern is typical of a commercial building with closures in weekends and overnight. There is 35m2 of available roof space that is oriented approximately south-east (surface azimuth = 150o) and the roof pitch angle = 45o. The office building is in an open area, therefore no shading from trees or other buildings falls on that side of the roof.

Aim and Objectives:
You have been provided with yearly solar irradiance, ambient temperature, electrical load profile and thermal load profile. Your task/aim is to give a recommendation to the owner on the most economical system to install: (a) PV panels to offset electrical demand; or (b) flat plate solar collectors to offset thermal demand, or (c) some combination of both.
Objectives:
1- Write a brief theoretical introduction from relevant literature, no more than 1.5 pages to describe the main features of the two systems.
2- Perform the power calculations of both systems. It is advantageous to vary the systems size and discuss the outputs.
3- Perform cost calculations of both systems.
4- Critically investigate the relationship between the system size and cost.
5- Discuss the excess energy generated (if any) and critically analyse the feasibility of storage solutions for each option.
6- Give recommendation based on all the previous analysis.