| Author | Yossanai Sriuthaisiriwong |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. ET-00-3 |
| Subject(s) | Solar pumps--Thailand
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study investigated two applications of PV technology, namely PV battery charging systems and PV water pumping systems, in Thailand. The aim of this study was to analyze their perfo1mance in terms of efficiency, maintenance, user satisfaction, and to predict the long term performance of these applications by conducting a field survey. Ten PV BCS in Northern Thailand (Chiangmai and Lumphun province) were observed and 180 villagers interviewed. All the observed systems still provide electricity to the villagers because of the long life, maintenance free PV modules. The major malfunctioning component is the charge controller. The system efficiency measured seem low in some villages due to the loss of opportunity of using small (6 V) battery and not using the system throughout the daytime. Most villagers have changed their lighting system from wood & kerosene to battery. Some do not use the system because the battery is expensive or they are far from the station or they had bad experiences with second hand batteries. Financial analysis of PV BCS shows that unit electricity cost of PV BCS is 0.78-2.3 $/kWh. PV BCS is cost effective over diesel BCS when fuel cost is about 0.67 $/litre or PV price is about 4.8 $/Wp. Long term performance prediction of electricity of PV BCS is based on correlation of Evan (1981) and using a dimension Jess parameter, performance ratio. The electricity provided by the system under various scenarios have been estimated. Seventeen PV water pumping systems in North-East and Central of Thailand (Nakhonratchasima, Khonkhen and Nakhonsawan province) were observed and 180 villagers were interviewed. Eleven of these systems are in working condition, of which two are not used because of social conflict. Six systems are not working due to inverter malfunction (4 systems) and motor/pump malfunction (2 systems). The maximum overall efficiency is 2.87%. All the systems operated at heads lower than .the manufacture's specification. Most villagers are very satisfied because the system is free and have changed their manual carrying water method to using pipe. However, good management of these systems (distribution of water, repair & maintenance, etc.) is essential for the system to function. Financial analysis of PV water pumping shows that the unit water cost of PV water pumping is about 0.16-0.20 $/m3 . PV pumping is cost effective than electric pump only when the electricity tariff is 0.55 $/kWh and is cost effective over diesel pump when diesel fuel is 1.5 $/litre or PV price drop to 2.5 $/Wp. Long term performance prediction of PV water pumping based on hourly utilizability method could be used to predict the annual water pumping in Thailand. |
| Year | 2000 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kumar, S. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Pacudan, R. B.;Pham, H. L.;Rajapakse, A. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000 |