Solar-weather station design proposed for a solar radiation and weather conditions measurements with objective to obtain input data for an intended photovoltaic power plant at the Stillwater site in Nevada, USA

Abstract

In respect to Enel NA's latest activities in a field of solar energy are several localities under evaluation. Stillwater in Nevada is one of the most developed sites where a solarweather station will be installed. The design of the station and evaluation of solar radiation values from two sources are the main topics of my thesis. As already mentioned, the first task regarding to the site conditions was the evaluation and comparison of existing solar data from various sources based on available information from ground based meteorological stations and satellite measurements as well. The core question of the thesis was focused on a selection of measurement instruments, their parameters, prices and limits. In connectivity to the measurement instruments and solar weather station its self, several questions about compatibility, powering, and data transmission arose. An important issue was also the placing of the station within a parcel with a size of 240 acres with respect o several factors, which can influence the exactness of measurement, e.g. vapor from the geothermal power plant near by, dusty roads, flora et al. All of the questions and tasks were evaluated and elaborated very deep in detail with the most important results as follow: · All sensors and instruments are 100% compatible with data logger; · Some of the sensors and instruments can be applied on Stillwater site with limitations only; · The installed rechargeable battery sources sufficient current for the solar-weather station; · The used PV panel can easily provide sufficient current for the system; · The data transmission is design as fully automated system; · None of the installed sensors or instruments required any periodic adjustment; · The design and localization of the solar-weather station within the parcel was proposed with only least influence of environment on the measurement. However the primary purpose for the design of this solar-weather station was to obtain input data for an intended photovoltaic power plant at the Stillwater site, the outputs can be used also as a regular weather data for any others activities in the area.