“Solar Power Options for Utility Demand Reduction” was the “Hot Topic” on August 27th at 10 a.m. CDT
The speakers presented a good overview of the rapidly growing solar power industry, each from a slightly different perspective.
Mike Taylor, Director of Research and Education of the Solar Electric Power Association, explained his organization’s work providing reliable information to answer utilities’ solar questions. The organization serves as a bridge between the utility and solar industries. Taylor explained that the different business models for utilities include buying the output, acquiring projects, developing projects, owning the assets, providing service and incentivizing others. Many reasons exist for utilities to study these options – climate change is an issue, solar technology is maturing, solar costs are dropping, RPS requirements are proliferating and utility generation options are narrowing. His presentation concluded with a reminder of Solar Power International to be held in Anaheim, CA, October 27-29, 2009. It is billed as America’s Largest Solar Event. Taylor said a record 25,000 visitors are expected.
Mike Taylor - SEPA Aug 27 09.pdf
Dr. Juris Kalejs, Chief Technology Officer of American Capital Energy, was the next presenter. American Capital Energy is engaged in financing, designing, constructing and installing utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. Dr. Kalejs gave data on the size of the market. Over 25 MW of PV is expected to be installed by the end of 2009. The Economic Stimulus Bill is expected to create 1,500-2,000 MW of incremental PV demand in 2009 and 2010. A National Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25 percent by 2025 will drive large-scale installations. Carbon pricing will also increase PV competitiveness bringing solar electricity closer to grid parity. The non-residential segment represents the largest market potential. This includes big-box retailers, distribution centers, manufacturers and service companies deploying large PV Systems in multiple locations. Dr. Kalejs’ presentation included fascinating pictures of the Atlantic City Convention Center where 2,360 kW of PV power is installed on the roof.
Dr. Juris Kalejs - American Capital Energy 8-27-09.pdf
Professor Sakis Meliopoulos, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology, gave a more technical presentation on the impact of solar power on distribution systems. Power distribution systems will transform into intelligent systems (through smart grid technologies) with distributed and controllable resources (Photovoltaic, PHEVs, solar thermal, small wind, standby generation, controllable appliances, etc.). The challenge in the next couple of decades is to develop the systems and controls to (a) fully optimize this diverse system under normal operations and (b) make this system a valuable resource to the power grid for the purpose of assisting the power grid in case of grid emergencies. Solar options have unique characteristics that must be fully utilized in an active power distribution system. Professor Meliopoulos described approaches to make solar options a valuable resource to the active power distribution system. The main advantages of solar options stem from the fact that they are available when most needed.
Dr. Sakis Meliopoulos- Georgia Institute of Technology 8-27-09.pdf
Kelly Beninga, Director of Renewables Group, WorleyParsons Group, Inc., provided an excellent summary of the different types of concentrating solar power. The most mature of these technologies is the Solar Parabolic Trough. These installations range in size from 50 MWe to 300 MWe. In these systems solar energy is focused on a receiver containing heat transfer oil. This oil is used to generate steam for a conventional power block. This type of installation provides a solar to electricity efficiency of 20 percent. Its cost ranges from 8 to 16 cents/kW-hr.
The Solar Central Receivers, a less mature technology, consist of a receiver located on a tower with 3000 to 6000 heliostats focused on the tower. Molten salt or water is the working fluid. This system efficiency is 24 percent and cost is 7 to 14 cents/kW-hr. Multiple towers can be combined in one centralized power block.
Another less mature technology is the Solar Dish/Stirling Engine. In this system mirror facets form a parabolic dish. Energy is focused on a sealed stirling cycle engine. This system efficiency is nearly 30 percent and its cost is 8 to 14 cents/kW-hr.
Kelly Beninga - WorleyParsons - 8-27-09.pdf
Beninga closed with a wonderful quote: “I’d put my money on solar energy… I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”
Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, March 1931
The bios, abstracts and photos can be viewed as follows: August 27, 2009 - Bios, Photos, Abstracts