Examinando por Autor "de la Casa, Juan"
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Ítem A set of principles for applying Circular Economy to the PV industry: Modeling a closed-loop material cycle system for crystalline photovoltaic panels(Elsevier, 2021-10) Contreras-Lisperguer, Rubén; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; Aguilera-Tejero, Jorge; de la Casa, JuanThe growing popularity of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (C-Si PV) panels will generate a massive amount of waste when they reach their end-of-life (EoL) phase. For sustainable energy technology, we must implement an effective solar photovoltaic (PV) material recovery system. In this paper, the authors assess a Circular Economy (CE) system based on Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) philosophy as an alternative to tackle the daunting challenge of this waste and explore its impacts in the form of a Closed-Loop Material Cycle (CLMC). First, we discuss the novel concept of circular time, and material separation of C-Si PV materials is discussed by theoretically introducing a novel framework. Then, we recreate a numerical simulation experiment to evaluate the performance of the proposed theoretical model of a CLMC to assess the flow of silicon used in C-Si PV, aiding in future planning and logistics for a CE in the PV industry. The preliminary results obtained in the simulation show that it is not possible to close the material flow without introducing new raw material into the system, unless the operational lifespan of the PV panels is reduced. This research seeks to fill a gap in CE theoretical literature by introducing a new framework and identifying some of the challenges and limits of implementing a CE system in the form of a CLMC system based on C2C principles (C2C-CLMC).Ítem An experimental comparison between commercial hybrid PV-T and simple PV systems intended for BIPV(Elsevier, 2018) Fuentes-Conde, Manuel; Vivar, Marta; de la Casa, Juan; Aguilera-Tejero, JorgeThe idea of combining both thermal and photovoltaic collectors in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) modules actually shows a great potential for integration on facades and rooftops of buildings, mainly because of the reduced available space and the benefits of the on-site electricity and thermal generation. The objective of this work is to compare the real performance (experimental data obtained under real sun during a year) of a commercial hybrid PV-T system vs. a simple PV system using microinverters, assessing the suitability of one-unit hybrid PV-T systems vs. two separated units – PV systems + Thermal systems – for building integration. The combined efficiency over the span of a full day could reach values up to 80%, but this apparent high value needs to be analysed in detail. From the experimental results, it can be observed that both systems, PV and PV-T, have a good electrical performance. But the PV-T system output does not benefit from the lower module temperatures that it should achieve from the active cooling in its back, presenting the same performance as the simple PV system. Regarding the microinverters configuration performance, it has been very positive working with high efficiencies above 96%, justifying its use in this type of applications. In conclusion, the commercial PV-T system has not performed as expected, showing problems with the integration of the active cooling in the back of the PV modules. At this moment, and despite the potential of PV-T systems for BIPV due to space limitations, commercial PV-T systems are still far from PV and Thermal systems using separately.Ítem Characterization of bifacial technology PV systems(Sage, 2024-04-28) Moreno-Buesa, Sergio; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; Nofuentes, Gustavo; Gulkowski, Slawomir; de la Casa, Juan; Aguilera-Tejero, JorgeBifacial solar technology has experienced exponential growth in recent years and its trend is increasing for the coming years. Considering the advantages that it offers over monofacial technology such as its current price equivalence, the increase in performance thanks to the production of the rear face and the consecutive reduction of the LCOE, it is logical that more and more photovoltaic plants with this technology are been installed. Nowadays, there are some regulatory gaps regarding bifacial technology and, due to this growing trend, it is necessary to study, research and implement the optimal way to evaluate these systems. This article has experimented with a 3.3 kW bifacial photovoltaic system, divided into two strings with different configurations, whose monitoring system has all the instrumentation included in the IEC 61,724 standard, with the addition that it has several rear irradiance sensors arranged in different locations of the system to evaluate the variability of this parameter. After an experimental campaign of 9 months, a power estimation analysis and the calculation of the PR and PR 25°C have been carried out using the different rear irradiance sensors. The variability of this parameter depending on the location of the sensor has affected the results in such a way that the RMSE committed in the power estimation has varied between 10.22% and 2.63%, while the PR and PR 25°C of the system has oscillated between 0.84 for the most unfavorable case and 0.95 in the most favorable case. Assumed the great variability between performance ratios, it is necessary to establish a specific normative standard for the evaluation of Bifacial PV systems.Ítem Complete Procedure for the Economic, Financial and Cost-Competitiveness of Photovoltaic Systems with Self-Consumption(MDPI, 2019-01-23) López-Talavera, Diego; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; de la Casa, Juan; Lozano-Arjona, D.; Theristis, M.; Pérez-Higueras, Pedro JNowadays, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into the grid involves new and competitive ways to realize this. Thus, it is necessary to define procedures that not only include energy calculations but also incorporate economic and funding feasibility features. According to the literature review, there are numerous tools that are available to carry out a profitability analysis of a photovoltaic system. However, certain shortcomings have been identified, either in the definition of the economic and financial scenarios or in the results obtained, as they do not provide all the necessary information, do not use all the most common economic criteria, or in some cases the complexity and training requirements for their correct implementation may discourage their use. Therefore, in this paper a complete procedure that can be used as a preliminary decision tool prior to the design of an in-depth PV self-consumption system is proposed. Realistic input data makes it possible to not only obtain results for common economic and financial feasibility criteria (Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Discounted Pay-Back Time and Net Cash Balance), but it also allow for a cost-competitiveness evaluation based on the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The novel concept of the direct cost of PV self-consumed electricity is also introduced.Ítem Cradle-to-cradle approach in the life cycle of silicon solar photovoltaic panels(Elsevier, 2017-12) Contreras-Lisperguer, Rubén; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; Aguilera-Tejero, Jorge; de la Casa, JuanThe penetration rates of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology have growth exponentially and are expected to continue growing. Consequently, in the medium term, the volume of PV panels to be decommissioned will also increase, thus creating a massive amount of waste with resulting negative environmental implications. Among the methodologies that tackle the challenges for reducing the use of non-renewable abiotic resources and the level of waste, the novel cradle-to-cradle (C2C) manufacturing approach states that we can maintain our current levels of economic growth without damaging the environment and promoting a shift in the concept of re-cycling. While the possibility of applying C2C principles within a closed-loop material cycle (CLMC) looks promising, it still requires further research and improvement, particularly to support robust business decisions and policy development. This paper first presents the main challenges and opportunities for C2C implementation for silicon-based solar PV modules, given the complexity of creating and maintaining a true CLMC system. It then calls for urgent development of a credible scientific framework for system modelling, based on thermodynamics and mathematics, in order to truly move from re-cycling to up-cycling. As an initial step, a conceptual model and a suitable time-space scale for the required C2C-CLMC system is proposed.Ítem Feasibility evaluation of residential photovoltaic self-consumption projects in Peru(Elsevier, 2019-06) Espinoza, Rafael; Muñoz-Cerón, EMilio; Aguilera-Tejero, Jorge; de la Casa, JuanThe promotion of large photovoltaics projects is a trendy reality in South America, but the potential to be a solution for distributed generation through small-medium systems connected to the grid is an under-exploited reality. In this paper, a techno-economic analysis of three small PV systems located in different cities of Peru is undertaken. Based on real measured energy data, two different scenarios are going to be economically evaluated: one that resembles a lease contract and another in which a residential owner promotes its installation. Levelised Cost of Electricity results vary from 0.10 USD/kWh to 0.20 USD/kWh, showing that only in the city of Arequipa a cost-competitive result is achieved, whereas in Tacna and Lima it depends on the financing mechanism chosen. Underline that in the city of Lima grid-parity may not be achieved until 2027. In addition, companies selling PV energy within the homeowner facilities, despite resulting in LCOE values lower than the electricity tariffs, they may face non-profitable situations. Therefore, only if banks incorporate the financing of small-scale grid-connected photovoltaic projects into their product portfolio and there is a government policy to promote this technology, small PV projects may be a feasible solution for all residential users in Peru.Ítem Identifying barriers and opportunities in the deployment of the residential photovoltaic prosumer segment in Chile(Elsevier, 2021-06) Osorio-Aravena, Juan Carlos; de la Casa, Juan; Töfflinger, Jan Amaru; Muñoz-Cerón, EmilioPhotovoltaic (PV) prosumers can play a significant role in the transition toward sustainable cities. However, the implementation of more effective policies which accelerate the deployment of this market is needed. In this study, after an overview of the residential PV prosumer (RPVP) market's status in Chile, critical parameters that can speed-up the deployment of this segment through policy decisions were identified. Considering the local conditions of each regional capital in Chile, the segment is analyzed with widely-used econometric techniques to evaluate the residential PV systems feasibility empirically. The results show that the Chilean regulatory framework is insufficient for exploiting the potential of the RPVP. Without effective policy instruments, high investment costs and low income per household are the main barriers in the deployment of the segment in this country. Therefore, suitable promotion energy policies, regulatory changes, and financing options can accelerate the deployment without majorly impacting on the national budget. This would let citizens help accelerate decarbonization through a more decentralized and democratic energy transition, gaining socio-economic and socio-environmental benefits, based on solar PV technology.Ítem Influence of Operation and Maintenance expenditures in the feasibility of photovoltaic projects: The case of a tracking pv plant in Spain(Elsevier, 2018-10) Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; Lomas, J.C.; Aguilera-Tejero, Jorge; de la Casa, JuanOperation and Maintenance (O&M) tasks are becoming increasingly important in the asset management of photovoltaic projects. However, there is insufficient evidence to analyse in depth its influence on the energy and economic performance of such systems. The wide range of O&M annual expenditures (OPEX) and the lack of standardization further complicate the proliferation of specialized studies. This paper analyses the influence of OPEX on the performance and viability of a utility-scale photovoltaic tracking plant based on real data. After a description of the O&M costs incurred to maximise photovoltaic performance, a first result shows that a percentage decrease in annual OPEX does not necessarily imply the same trend in energy losses. Although this electricity decrease may jeopardise the viability of the project, the economic outlook of this study shows that high quality O&M not always improves the Levelised Cost of Electricity or the annual liquid asset of such investment. Finally, it shows real evidence of the influence of promotion policies on the viability of photovoltaic projects, taking Spain as an example, where it is more profitable to abandon the preventive maintenance of a photovoltaic plant than to invest in O&M and only undertake corrective O&M in limit situationsÍtem New Upgrade to Improve Operation of Conventional Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems(MDPI, 2024-05-02) Cáceres, Manuel; González Mayans, Alexis Raúl; Firman, Andrés; Vera, Luis; de la Casa, JuanThe incorporation of distributed generation with photovoltaic systems entails a drawback associated with intermittency in the generation capacity due to variations in the solar resource. In general, this aspect limits the level of penetration that this resource can have without producing an appreciable impact on the quality of the electrical supply. With the intention of reducing its intermittency, this paper presents the characterization of a methodology for maximizing grid-connected PV system operation under low-solar-radiation conditions. A new concept of a hybrid system based on a constant current source and capable of integrating different sources into a conventional grid-connected PV system is presented. Results of an experimental characterization of a low-voltage grid–PV system connection with a DC/DC converter for constant-current source application are shown in zero and non-zero radiation conditions. The results obtained demonstrate that the proposed integration method works efficiently without causing appreciable effects on the parameters that define the quality of the electrical supply. In this way, it is possible to efficiently incorporate another source of energy, taking advantage of the characteristics of the GCPVS without further interventions in the system. It is expected that this topology could help to integrate other generation and/or storage technologies into already existing PV systems, opening a wide field of research in the PV systems area.Ítem Sale of profitable but unaffordable PV plants in Spain: Analysis of a real case(Elsevier, 2018-06) Lomas, J.C.; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; Nofuentes, Gustavo; de la Casa, JuanThe Spanish photovoltaic industry was stunningly successful during 2007–2010, fostered by a favourable feed-in tariff system. Nevertheless, the cost overrun of this promotion policy led to government legislation against existing PV plants. Although these investments will be profitable when the subsidy ends, according to the last law enacted in Spain (IRR = 7.4%), either a massive sale to vulture funds or the abandonment of PV plants is being planned. Owners are unable to cover the loans through which they were originally financed. In this scenario, investors find it more profitable to cancel all operational expenditures and allocate this working capital to cover their loans, although this measure implies a 22% energy reduction. This study analyses a representative Spanish PV plant based on real energy and economic data. The analysis shows the turn from an attractive IRR = 10.14% to a situation with limitations where the owner injects money annually to overcome potential bankruptcy of the investment. This paper reflects the influence of promotion policies in the profitability of PV plants. Additionally, the adverse legal framework in Spain identifies a profitable but unaffordable scenario, highlighting the differences between the economic and financial performance of a PV investment.Ítem Spectral characterization of the solar resource of a sunny inland site for flat plate and concentrating PV systems(Elsevier, 2017-02) García, R.; Torres-Ramírez, Miguel; Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio; de la Casa, Juan; Aguilera-Tejero, JorgeThe spectrum is not frequently used when rating any PV technology. Moreover, in those energy predictions where it is considered, normally they are based on simulated models. The objective of this work is the spectral characterization of the solar resource based on real measurements as their availability in the scientific community is scarce. For this characterization the Average Photon Energy is used, which has been obtained from an experimental campaign carried out in Jaén (Spain) based on three different configurations: Direct Normal spectrum (DNI tracker), Global spectrum on a tracking system (Gl tracker) and Global spectrum on a fixed surface (Gl fixed). The results show that the annual irradiance weighted average value of APE results in 1.80 eV for DNI tracker, 1.85 eV for Gl tracker and 1.86 eV for Gl fixed, showing a red spectral shift for the DNI measurements. A Red-rich spectrum prevails, so this location is especially suitable for single junction materials with a large absorption band such as CIGS and c-Si. Besides, GI tracker spectra are slightly redder than GI fixed ones, consequently, if c-Si modules are used, spectral gains with 2-axis tracking will be higher than those achieved with a fixed arrangement of such modules.