Design of 20MW Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Plant in Tawergha

The primary goal in the design of a photovoltaic system is to ensure that the energy obtained from sunlight aligns with the energy needs of the load it serves. Various factors, such as environmental conditions (such as sunlight intensity and module temperature), inverter characteristics (such as operating point and minimum power requirement for grid connection), and grid integration, impact the amount of energy a grid-connected photovoltaic system can generate. System designers must have a comprehensive understanding of the parameters that affect system performance and safety, as well as those that can be adjusted without significant consequences. Factors like location, tilt, orientation, power rating, system voltage, and electrical specifications of system components are considered critical for the successful design of a photovoltaic system. This paper considers the comparison between fixed and tracking panels, as well as the comparison between string inverters and central inverters. In this paper, the possibility of utilizing suitable terrain in Libya for large-scale photovoltaic power plants connected to the national grid is explored. The paper specifically examines the design of a 20 MWp grid-connected solar PV plant in Tawergha City. The study aims to determine the optimum design that minimizes power loss and increases the generated power by varying design variables. The results show that the generated power using a tracking panel is 25% more than that used by a fixed panel, and the central inverter has higher losses compared to the string inverter. Finally, the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions was calculated. The analysis was conducted using PVsyst