ractice

Overview

Regimes will show that time and space are related to meteorological phenomena using basic principles of Taylor's Hypothesis. We will describe how events in the future can be subject to resource analyses and (to certain degrees of confidence) prediction from historical knowledge and from the knowledge of present events that are connected spatially to the locale of interest. In particular, we are interested in tools used by meteorologists.

Electricity markets are inherently focused on user/client demand, and time-independent demands for electricity by any and all customers. This demand profile has patterns, yes, but it is less predictable than one might think (storms, pandemics, sunny days, heat waves, power outages, congestion, sporting events). Demand for electricity is variable, and the prices for electricity also vary with respect to the power congestion in the transmission grid. But we are combining two flow-based systems here: solar energy conversion systems are dynamic in their supply of electricity to markets. Thus there are two conjugate groupings of variability central to solar power markets operating on a transmission grid.

One of the key things about electricity converted from radiant shortwave energy is that solar irradiance drives the process of power generation. In contrast, fuel-based combustion conversion systems are more stock-constrained. Meaning a coal/gas-fired power plant or nuclear power plant will convert a source of AC power that will have low levels of variability (over the course of 15 min, say) compared to a small cumulus cloud passing overhead for a solar photovoltaic farm, blocking the beam component of light.

Both weather systems and demand on the grid (called loads) will be presented as dynamic, coupled parameters. Both weather and grid loads will deeply affect our clients in terms of the required decisions for solar technology deployment and management. Both will be shown to have a spread of possible outcomes for a given time horizon; and thus, there will be uncertainty and risk in making decisions.

Now, the point of Lesson 9 is to familiarize yourself with modern elements of phenomena that affect project risk assessment and management due to the dynamic behaviors of the grid and of the local weather systems, and the behaviors of people living within those local weather systems.

• Utility as preference, stakeholder as value holders (client, customer, investor), locale as place-time context constraining decisions
• Flow vs. Stock Energy Reserves
• Value and Quantity of Light as a Commodity
• Goal of Solar Design: Seeking out high stakeholder preference

Learning Outcomes

• Convey the three key criteria within the goal of solar design and engineering;
• List the three main engineering parameters of locale that will guide your design options;
• Describe the role of the power grid for decision making for photovoltaic strategies; and
• Use the economic constraints of the client to constrain your design options.

Lesson Roadmap

Questions?

If you have any questions, please send us a message. We will check daily to respond, with the exception of weekends. If your question is one that is relevant to the entire class, we may respond to the entire class rather than individually.