SOLAR THERMAL GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER ON CALIFORNIA
FREEWAY’S SHOULDERS AND MEDIAN
Saurin D Shah
B.E., S.P. College of Engineering, H.N.G.U., India 2005
Tejas A Bhagwat
B.E., S.V.I.T, Gujarat University, India 2006
PROJECT
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degrees of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
at
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
FALL
2009
SOLAR THERMAL GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER ON CALIFORNIA
FREEWAY’S SHOULDERS AND MEDIAN
A Project
by
Saurin D Shah
Tejas A Bhagwat
Approved by:
______________________________, Committee Chair
Dr. John C. Balachandra
______________________________, Committee Chair
Mr. Russell L. Tatro, MSEE
____________________________
Date
ii
Students:
Saurin D. Shah
Tejas A. Bhagwat
I certify that theses students have met the requirements for format contained in the
University format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and
credit is to be awarded for the thesis.
________________________________, Graduate Coordinator __________________
Dr. B. Preetham Kumar
Date
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
iii
Abstract
of
SOLAR THERMAL GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER ON CALIFORNIA
FREEWAY’S SHOULDERS AND MEDIAN
by
Saurin D Shah
Tejas A Bhagwat
The major concern of the world at this time is the growing rate of energy consumption
and the resulting act of increasing pollution. We are living in an era where it is not
possible to stop the growth or decrease the use of energy, whether it relates to personal or
commercial use. So the more energy we generate using fossil fuels, the more pollution
crisis occurs. So the only way left to deal with this situation is to generate electricity with
sources of renewable energy such as solar, wind and tidal waves.
This project involves the use of the solar energy to generate electricity on the freeway’s
shoulders and median. We are using Solar Thermal panel units manufactured by a
company called Sopogy. The Sopogy uses MicroCSP technology to transfer solar energy
into thermal energy. A steam turbine converts the thermal energy into electrical energy.
The solar thermal power plant has some limitations along with benefits. Due to the low
efficiency and inconsistency of solar power plants, they cannot replace a power plant that
iv
uses non-renewable energy sources. However, solar power plants generate sufficient
amounts of electricity to help local utility companies maintain power at peak times and
sustain balance in a demand curve.
Furthermore, this project aims to find the most economical region in California to build
this power plant and estimate total revenue generation per year. As a part of our research,
we have collected electrical and civil engineering parameters for the installation of the
power plant. Included here, we have illustrated a structural layout of solar panel units
with adequate safety clearance to avoid any hazardous situation on freeways. In addition,
we have analyzed the data and performed calculations to find total energy and revenue
generation per year. By using our economical analysis, one can decide which freeway of
California has the highest revenue generation and the lowest revenue payback period.
Therefore, we believe that the contents and results of this project will help anyone to
build a real solar thermal power plant on a freeway.
_______________________, Committee Chair
Dr. John C. Balachandra
_______________________
Date
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It is a pleasure to thank everybody who has helped us along the way. We would like to
express our thanks to Dr. John C. Balachandra, who has introduced us to the field of
renewable energy sources. We appreciate his guidance and support, and we value the
many interesting discussions we shared. Also, he has taught us many practical aspects of
research.
In addition, we would like to thank Professor Russ Tatro for his valuable guidance in
writing this project report. We would also like to thank Dr. Preetham B. Kumar, graduate
coordinator of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, for his valuable
suggestions, cooperation, and support. Last but not the least, we are thankful for all
faculty the members of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department for helping
us finish our requirements for graduation at California State University, Sacramento.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgments …..…………………………………...………………………...…… vi
List of Tables …………..………………………………………..………………………. x
List of Figures ………………………………………………………...………………… xi
List of Graphs …………………………..……………………………………………… xii
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION ………………...…..…………..……………………………......… 1
1.1 Need of Renewable Energy Production in United States of America …...….. 1
1.2 Solar Thermal Energy as a more suitable option than other available
renewable sources for California ……………………………………..……. 3
1.3 What is Solar Insolation? ................................................................................. 4
1.4 Temperature curve for Freeway I-10 ………………………...……………… 5
1.5 Overview of project ………………....………………….....………………… 6
2. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY
POWERPLANT …………………...………………………………………………….. 7
2.1 Sopogy …..………………..…………………………..................................... 7
2.1.1 Introduction ………………….…………………….………………………. 7
2.1.2 Design ..………………….………………………………...…………......... 8
2.1.3 Advantages ……..………………………………...………………………. 12
2.2 The battery (Power storage device) ……...………………………………… 13
2.3 Heat transfer fluid Pump ………………………............................................ 14
2.4 Steam turbine ………………………............................................................. 14
vii
3. SOLAR THERMAL PROCESS OF ENERGY GENERATION …………….……. 17
3.1 The energy generation process …...………………………………………… 17
3.2 Arrangement of solar panels on freeway ………..…….……...….………… 21
3.3 Special design consideration …...….….……………….…………………… 22
3.4 Efficiency of different stages in solar thermal power plant …...…………… 22
3.5 Safety and limitation issues of constructing a solar thermal power plant on
Freeway ..………………………………………………………................... 24
4. METHODOLOGY TO CALCULATE TOTAL ENERGY AND REVENUE
GENERATION PER YEAR OF SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT ................ 26
5. CALCULATIONS …………………………………………………...……………... 30
5.1 Freeway I-10 ……………………………………………………..………… 30
5.2 Freeway I-40 + I-58 ……………………………………………………..…. 33
5.3 Freeway I-5 Section-I .………………………………………………...…… 37
5.4 Freeway I-5 Section-II …………………………………..…………….....… 41
5.5 Freeway I-5 Section-III ……………………...……………………............... 45
5.6 Freeway I-80 ………………..……….……….………….…………............. 48
5.7 Freeway I-99 ………………..……….……….……………….…...……...... 52
5.8 Freeway I-8 ………………..……….……….…………………...….……… 56
5.9 Installation Cost ……………………………………………………………. 59
5.10 Comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal power plant
over a ten years of period …………………………………………………. 60
6. SIMULATION AND RESULTS …….……………………………………………… 63
6.1 Simulation using programming ‘C’ …...…………….................................... 63
viii
6.2 Simulation results of program for different freeways ……………...………. 65
6.3 Simulation of energy generation per year in Kwh using …...……………… 72
6.4 Revenue generation per year in Million US $ ...........................................… 73
6.5 Economical analysis on freeways to calculate most economical energy
generation ………………………………………………………...………… 75
6.6 Energy generation analysis for Freeway I-10 …...……................................. 77
6.7 Revenue payback period ……………………………………………...……. 78
6.8 Economical comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal
power plant over a ten years of period ……………………………..………. 81
7. CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………................ 83
References.…….……………………………………………………………….............. 85
ix
LIST OF TABLES
Page
1. Technical specification of Sopogy solar panel ……...………………………. 10
2. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-10 …...………….. 31
3. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway
I-40 +I-58 …...……………………………………………………………….. 35
4. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-5
Section-I ...…………………………………………………………………… 39
5. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-5
Section-II ...…………………………………………………………………
43
6. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-5
Section-III ...…………………………………………………………………. 46
7. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-80 ...…………….. 50
8. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-99 ...……………
54
9. Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-8 …...……………. 57
10. Installation Cost ...………………………………………………………….. 60
11. Energy generation per year in Kwh for freeways …………………………
72
12. Revenue generation per year in Million US $ ............................................... 74
13. Economical analysis on different freeways …………………………...……. 75
14. Monthly projected energy generation on I-10 …………………………...… 77
15. Revenue payback period ……………………………………………...……. 79
16. Comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal
power plant …………………………………………………………...…….. 81
x
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
1. The role of renewable energy in the Nation’s energy supply ………………..…. 2
2. Solar insolation comparison between Germany and USA …………………....... 3
3. Module of Sopogy panel …………………………………………..…………… 9
4. Top view of Sopogy panel …………………………..………………………… 11
5. Side view of Sopogy panel-1 ………………………………..………………… 11
6. Side view of Sopogy panel-2 ………………………………………..………… 12
7. Steam turbine rotor …………………………………………………...……….. 15
8. Three stage steam turbine …………………………………………...………… 16
9. Solar thermal power plant ……………………………………………..……… 17
10. Line diagram of solar thermal power plant ………………………...………… 19
11. Solar panel arrangement on median of freeway (Top View) …………………. 21
xi
LIST OF GRAPHS
Page
1. Monthly temperature data for freeway I-10 …………………………………….5
2. Actual energy generation per year in Kwh …………………………………….. 73
3. Revenue generation per year in Million US $ ..................................................... 74
4. Economical analysis ……………………………………………………..……... 76
5. Projected energy generation on freeway I-10 ………………………………….. 78
6. Total installation cost and revenue generation per year in Million US $ ............ 80
7.
Payback period (Years) ……...………………………………………………… 81
8. Installation and running cost …………………………………………...…….… 82
xii
1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Need of Renewable Energy Production in United States of America
With the increase of technology and population, the demand for electricity in the
United States of America is also increasing. Now we are becoming more and more
dependent on technology than ever before, which indicates that we do not have
sufficient control on energy demand. Nowadays a lot of functions are turning to
automation, which also demands power. To fulfill these requirements, we have to either
build new power plants or expand the capacity of existing power plants. The expansion
of the capacity of existing power plants has certain limitations. Building a new
conventional (non-renewable energy sources) power plant increases issues of pollution
and global warming. On the contrary, a renewable energy power plant produces green
energy and is cost effective over a long period. Along with the problem of pollution,
another factor that plays role in consideration is the dependencies on oil producing
countries. USA depends on oil producing countries to import its crude oil. This
dependency draws money out of the country. On the contrary, renewable energy power
plant produces green energy and it is cost effective over a long period.
Figure1 shows that in 2008, 37% of total power generation used crude oil only.
Moreover, 84% of the total power generation used fossil fuels, which are harmful to the
2
environment. Only 7% of renewable energy sources were used for energy generation.
Therefore, the use of renewable energy sources is necessary for the United States [1].
Figure 1: The role of renewable energy in the Nation’s energy supply
The above Figure shows the role of renewable energy in total supply, 2008 [1]. Instead
of using fossil fuels, we can use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, tidal
waves, biomass and geothermal energy to generate green energy.
3
1.2
Solar Thermal Energy as a more suitable option than other available renewable
energy sources for California
Among the available renewable energy sources, California receives plenty of solar
energy throughout the year. This energy can be useful in generating environmentalfriendly, clean electricity. California has dry, sunny weather more than 60% of the year.
It also leads the country in the generation of non-hydraulic renewable energy sources
including geothermal, wind and solar. Despite these facts, California imports more
electricity from other states than any other state in the union [2].
Figure 2: Solar insolation comparison between Germany and USA[3]
4
Figure 2 shows the comparison between available solar energy in Germany (on left side)
and Unites States of America (on right side). Here we can see that all parts of the
USA—except for Seattle—has a higher availability of solar energy compared to
Germany. Even though USA has more resources, Germany uses seven times more solar
energy to generate electricity. 14% of Germany’s total energy is renewable energy and
they are targeting to reach 27% by 2020. Denmark produces 40% renewable energy [3].
Therefore, this analysis shows that California has a better opportunity to generate more
solar energy to meet its demand. California has plenty of regions with higher solar
insolation values to install solar thermal power plants.
1.3 What is Solar Insolation?
Solar insolation is defined as the amount of solar energy received by earth’s surface.
Higher solar insolation value for a particular region means a higher solar radiation is
available to that area. The solar insolation value decides the size of solar collector that is
required. Higher the value, lower the collector size and vice versa. This value is
generally described as the amount of solar radiation coming to the earth in a meter
square area on a single day, which is Kwh/meter2/day. These values vary per different
regions. In California, the average solar insolation level is 3.5 – 7 Kwh/meter2/day in
different period for different areas [15].
5
1.4 Temperature curve for Freeway I-10:
The temperature mainly depends on the location of region. The weather is more variable
near the seaside compared to the regions far from sea. So here, we are illustrating the
temperature curve of Freeway I-10. Our selected portion of freeway I-10 passes through
two major cities, Santa Monica and Blythe. We have illustrated the different
temperatures of these cities during the year of 2008. This graph gives a general idea of
the temperatures at different time of the year for the stated cities. We can see the
temperatures in that region vary from 62-degree Fahrenheit to 109 degree Fahrenheit
throughout the year.
Graph 1: Monthly temperature data for freeway I-10 [23]
6
1.5 Overview of project:
In this project, we are proposing to install a solar thermal power plant on a free space of
the shoulders and median of the freeway. The main concept of this project is to lease a
portion of California’s freeways from CALTrans to install a solar thermal power plant.
Our project guide, Dr. Balachandra, had a talk with the California Department of
Transportation officers and they are working on a way to make it possible.
 In our study, we found six major freeways in California with high solar insolation
values to install a solar thermal power plant.
 The sum of the total length of all freeways is approximately 1500 miles excluding
city areas.
 We have estimated 15 days per year for maintenance and major shut offs.
 We have collected our project data from national and private organizations to
calculate the total energy generated per day for a particular freeway.
 The sum of calculated revenue generation per year per freeway is approximately one
billion US dollars.
 We also have calculated installation costs, revenue generation and revenue payback
period for each freeway.
 In addition, we have compared economical values over a period for coal-fired and
solar thermal power plants. Moreover, we concluded that over a long period the solar
thermal power plants are more economical compared to conventional power plants.
7
Chapter 2
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY POWERPLANT
2.1 Sopogy
Sopogy panels comprise the main element of our project. They use MicroCSP
(Concentrating Solar Power systems) Technology to convert solar energy into thermal
energy and, in the next step, steam turbine converts thermal energy into electrical
energy.
2.1.1 Introduction
Sopogy, a Hawaiian based company, provides solar panels to convert solar energy into
thermal energy. The name ‘Sopogy’ stands for ‘Solar Power Technology.’ Sopogy
provides the best energy solution for households as well as industrial utilities. This
module has specific curvature design, which concentrates solar energy on a collector
pipe. This concentrated solar energy heats the collector pipe, so the fluid flowing
through the collectors heats up to 300 – 500 degree F. We are using water as our fluid
for this power plant. This water passes through the collector pipe several times until it
reaches a working temperature of 300 – 500 degree F. The water is then converted to a
steam and sent to a steam turbine, which generates electrical power. Sopogy panels are
connected to each other; this module can be built in an array to generate electricity.
This way we can generate the required amount of electricity, varying from some Kw to
8
Mw. The Sopogy unit has solar to thermal efficiency of 50.68%. This solar unit can
generates small as well as large amounts of power. The solar thermal plant is more
efficient in early afternoon, when there is peak demand [4] [5].
2.1.2 Design
Sopogy module has a lightweight parabolic structure with the heat collector element
passing through it. The heat collector element has a diameter of 1 inch; the water flow
rate through the element is 17 gallons/minute, as shown in the Table 1 [8]. The heat
collector element passes through the many Sopogy units of the modules, and then
connects to the steam turbine. The water flows through the collector pipe until the
required temperature is achieved. For the flow of the fluid a “heat transfer fluid pump”
is used, which is described in detail in chapter 3. The Sopogy structure is made in such
a way that its reflector will contain the glare, which may otherwise disturb traffic. The
reflector design collects solar energy and transmits it very precisely to the focal area.
The basic structure of the module is shown in Figure 3 and the design specifications are
shown in the Table 1[4] [6].
9
Figure 3: Module of Sopogy panel [7]
Sopogy module has east-west 1-axis tracking system, which is designed to rotate the
module to correspond with the direction of the sun to collect the maximum amount of
solar energy. Also for safety consideration, this tracking system places the panel upside
down during the times when Sunlight may be unavailable due to bad weather
conditions, heavy wind, rain and very low operating temperature. The Sopogy panel
structure and its dimensions are shown in the Table 1. Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6
give details of its structure and specification [9]. These modules can be shipped as parts
and be easily reassembled at the construction site [4].
10
Table 1: Technical specification of Sopogy solar panel [8]
11
Figure 4: Top view of Sopogy panel [9]
Figure 5: Side view of Sopogy panel-1 [9]
12
Figure 6: Side view of Sopogy panel-2 [9]
2.1.3 Advantages
1) It uses a renewable energy source, “The Sun,” to generate solar thermal energy,
which is available for free.
2) It provides “Green Energy” to keep the environment free from pollution and green
house gases.
3) Energy cost of this technology, over a long period, is less than the Natural-Gas
Energy cost.
13
4) Supplementary energy can be supplied during the peak times.
5) This module has a tracking system designed to follow the direction of the sun to
collect maximum energy.
6) During non-operating conditions, this panel turns upside down to avoid any damage
that may be caused by wind, rain, snow or dust.
7) Sopogy modules are very lightweight and easy to install on site [4] [5] [8].
2.2 The battery
Solar thermal power plant converts solar energy into electrical energy. In the absence of
solar energy, the power plant cannot produce electricity. This may increase burden on
consumers (local utility companies) during peak hours. To avoid this condition, we
proposed a concept of a battery to store electricity. This stored electricity can be
provided to consumers (local utility companies) during such conditions and if not, then
we can supply this power to fuel charging station to charge electrical /hybrid cars.
Therefore, the battery plays an important role for the temporary storage of electricity.
Here we have proposed an idea to store portions of generated electricity. The generated
power from steam turbines can be diverted and stored in a battery using inverter and
switch mechanism. It is essential to ensure the appropriate design of the battery,
regarding its working condition, charging/discharging time, and operating temperature.
14
There are different types of batteries available to store electricity, such as Lead-Acid
Batteries, Sealed deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, and Sealed Gel Cell batteries. Among
all these batteries, sealed deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are low maintenance and easy
to use in remote areas. This kind of storage equipment is necessary for a solar thermal
power plant to supply continuous power in bad weather conditions. The major
drawbacks of battery units include high cost and short life [13].
2.3 Heat transfer fluid pump
In a solar thermal power plant, water passes through a collector pipe. This pipe
continuously heats the water until the boiling level is reached and then steam is
transferred to the steam turbine. To maintain the regular flow of water in a collector
pipe, a ‘Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Pump’ is used. We propose using “Spirax Sarco”
manufactured pumps for our power plant. This pump is also called a ‘Pressured
Powered Pump” because it works on the principles of pressure to force the fluid. It uses
the pressure of the vapor to pump water from the low pressure to the high-pressure side
[14].
2.4 Steam turbine
“A steam turbine is a mechanical device that extracts thermal energy from pressurized
steam and converts it into rotary motion.” Because of this rotary motion, electricity is
15
generated in the form of alternative current (A.C.). the first steam turbine was invented
by Thomas Newcomen; it later improved by James Watt [12].
As shown in the Figure 7, high-pressure steam passes through the rotary wings. As a
result, rotary wings rotate and convert thermal energy into kinetic energy. Then the
rotary mechanism generates electricity in the generator, which is connected to it.
Figure 7: Steam turbine rotor [10]
16
Figure 8: Three stage steam turbine [11]
As shown above in Figure 8, steam turbine has three stages instead of one stage. The
expansion of steam is taking place in three turbines, high pressure, medium pressure
and low-pressure. The high-pressure steam first passes through a high-pressure turbine,
after which it reduces its pressure and temperature, and is then sent to a medium
pressure turbine and then on to a low-pressure turbine. This three-stage process
increases the efficiency of a steam turbine unit.
17
Chapter 3
SOLAR THERMAL PROCESS OF ENERGY GENERATION
The main objective of this project is to capture and harness solar thermal power and
convert it to electricity in the most effective and productive manner possible.
3.1 The energy generation process
As stated earlier, we are using MicroCSP technology to generate electricity. The water
is used as a main fluid, which is heated through the channel, and so water converts into
steam. This steam spins the turbine blades, which converts thermal energy into kinetic
energy. An alternator, attached at the end of steam turbine converts, this kinetic energy
into electrical energy.
Figure 9: Solar thermal power plant [16]
18
1) First, the thermal energy is generated through solar energy, and then it is harnessed
to a solar panel in the collector area. This is then focused on the collector pipe by
reflectors. This thermal energy is used to heat the water flowing inside the collector
pipe. The cooling tower pumps the water into the collector pipe. Here we use a Heat
Transfer Fluid (HTF) pump [16] [14]. Once steam temperature reaches the desired
working temperature of 300-500° F, it flows to the steam turbine.
2) The steam thus generated is channeled to a steam turbine. The steam of the solar
panel unit reaches a temperature of around 300—500° F. This hot steam flows through
the turbine blade, which rotates the turbine and produces mechanical energy (kinetic
energy). The generator (alternator) attached at the end of the steam turbine converts this
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
3) For higher efficiency, we use same steam for the next stage. For this step, the
condenser condenses the low-pressure steam and converts it back into water, which is
again stored in a cooling tower (the fluid storage tank in the diagram) which eventually
re-pumps into the solar panel again [16].
For further reference, please consider Figure 10.
4) The generated electricity is then transfered through Circuit Breakers and other
essential protection elements. Now consider Figure 10. The generated electricity now
has two paths that it can flow into. If switch-1 and switch-3 are closed then electricity is
channeled to switch-2, which is connected to a step-up transformer, which in turn, is
connected to a synchronizer. A synchronizer coordinates the different power sources
19
and merges the solar thermal power into a local transmission line. A step-up
transformer is required to increase the voltage level of power.
Figure 10: Line diagram of solar thermal power plant
20
Here:
HTF = Heat Transfer Fluid
CB = Circuit Breaker
LV= Low Voltage (Winding)
HV = High Voltage (Winding).
5) When there is less demand for power, switch-3 is opened, and switch-1 and switch-2
are closed which transfers the electricity into the battery (storage unit). The generated
power is an alternating current (AC) so we need to convert it to direct current (DC)
before we supply it to the battery. Therefore, we need an inverter after switch-2, to
convert the alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This DC power is channel
to the battery, which stores the power.
6) We can use this stored power in two different ways:
1)
We can supply the stored power to the local utility company when it has
a peak demand of power. Thus, this stored power helps to maintain the peak of demand
curve for the utility company.
2)
In addition, we can use the stored power in the fueling station for
electrical and hybrid cars. We project that in three to four years that we will have plenty
of electrical cars or hybrid cars that will require electric charging stations, just like a
gas station. Therefore, we can develop a charging station for electric cars and supply an
electric power directly from the battery (storage unit) to the charging station.
21
3.2 Arrangement of solar panels on median of freeway
Figure 11 shows the top view of solar panel array arrangement on the freeway median.
The panels have been arranged with nominal vertical distance in order to reduce the
heat loss of water flowing through it.
Figure: 11 Solar panel arrangement on median of freeway (Top View)
22
3.3 Special design considerations:
The total width available in the median is 40 feet. For maintenance purposes, the panels
are arranged in such a way that they have 7.5 feet distance from one edge of the median
and 1.5 feet of clearance in between each panel. These panels can be constructed to a
normal height on the shoulders of a freeway; on the median, it is necessary to maintain
some vertical clearance in the event damage is caused by an automobile accident. For
this reason, the identical vertical clearance of 16.8 feet is necessary on the median.
These panels are built on a pole structure with a solid concrete base. The vertical
clearance from the ground also helps in maintenance work [17].
3.4 Efficiency of different stages in solar thermal power plant:
The efficiency of power generated through Sopogy pannels is relatively low compare to
energy generated by the non renewable engery power plants. The average efficiency
varies from 10 – 12 percent, which depend on the weather conditions like extreme rain,
very low temperature, high wind flow and clouds [18]. Moreover, it depends on whether
there are dust particles in the air, which reduces the efficiency of collectors. Still, this
technology has considerably high efficiency and the benefits are greather than PV
(photovoltaic) technology. The Sopogy (Micro CSP) technology is more reliable, cost
effective, and has more consistency in power delivery, and low shifting capability
compared to PV (photovoltaic) technology [19].
23
The solar thermal panel unit has different stages and each stage has different
efficiencies. The three main efficiencies are:
(1) Collector efficiency:
(2) Steam Turbine Efficiency
(3) Electricity transmission efficiency
(1)
Collector Efficiency:
Efficiency of the collector is dependent on outside
temperature, solar insolation value, and the collector fluid (water) temperature. The
collector converts solar energy into thermal energy.
The Micro CSP technology
(SOPOGY) panel has solar to thermal efficiency of 50.6%.
(2)
Steam Turbine efficiency: Steam turbine converts thermal energy into mechanical
energy and attached alternator converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy.
An identical turbine works maximum theoretical possible but an actual turbine do less
amount of work than an identical turbine. This is because of friction loss in the blades,
leakage past the blades and mechanical friction. “Turbine efficiency is defined as the
ratio of actual work done by turbine to the work that would be done by the turbine if it
were an ideal turbine” [24]. For our project, we are following datasheet of MicroCSP
technology (Sopogy) and steam turbine efficiency combines with an alternator has taken
as 18.98% [18].
(3)
Electrical Transmission Efficiency: Transmission losses always occur when we
transmit electricity from one point to another. This transmission loss is also known as
power loss, which comprises 5-7% of the total power generated. The power loss changes
24
with the amount of current (I) that flows through the transmission line and the resistance
of the line(R), which is represented by I2R. This loss is also dependent on the length of
the transmission line. Longer length leads to higher transmission losses. We are not able
to calculate the transmission loss at this time due to the nature of our project, since we
would not be able to determine the length of the transmission line and amount of current
flow (voltage level). However, if we keep voltage level high, transmission loss would
not have a high impact on our results of energy generation [25].
3.5
Safety and limitation issues of constructing a solar thermal power plant on freeway
US highways are the most convenient way for transportation and are quite busy during
office hours.
 Safety issues are critical for the construction of these solar panels on the median and
the shoulders.
 Construction on the freeways may lead to traffic delays.
 Construction may create noise pollution that may affect nearby inhabitants. They may
object to construction.
 Any major accident may interrupt the power supply to the local utilities.
 Because of the safety reasons on the freeway, construction and installation time for
these panels may take longer than expected.
 Power generation mainly depends on the intensity of the Sun. Any changes in weather
conditions will affect the power generation. In rainy or cloudy seasons, and during the
25
snowfall, these panels cannot generate electricity because of the unavailability of
sunlight.
 We are using water as a fluid in these panels, and availability of water is necessary.
 Moreover, high wind flow may reduce the fluid temperature and increase the thermal
losses, which will eventually result in a reduction of power generation.
26
Chapter 4
METHODOLOGY TO CALCULATE TOTAL ENERGY AND REVENUE
GENERATION PER YEAR OF SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT
Here we have shown methodology to calculate the total power generation and revenue
generation. In addition, we have shown the economical comparison between coal power
plant and solar thermal power plant for ten years of period
4.1
We considered six freeways in California to build this project. We have not
considered the whole length of freeway but only the useful length of freeway using
www.maps.google.com.
4.2
We also have not considered the length of freeway passes through the city limits
as it is not feasible to build a project in that area. In addition, we have to consider some
other obstacles too in which we cannot utilize the useful length of freeway so taking
guidance from Dr Balachandra, we assumed that we could consider 25% of freeway
length to be reserved for constructive obstacles and use 75% of useful length of
freeway to build this project.
4.3
We have considered the one median and two shoulders to build this project.
Average size of width of median has taken, as 40 feet and for shoulders, it is 20 feet
each. Therefore, the total width available is 80 feet (20+40+20) to build this project.
We assume that all the protection units and control panel would be on one of the
27
shoulder and which too require space. Therefore, we have taken 40% of one of shoulder
as reserve space.
Therefore, the total effective width will be 20 + 80 + (20 * 60%) which is 72 feet.
Therefore, the width of reserved will be 6 feet.
This reserved space is accumulating
10% of effective width available.
4.4
Then we have converted the length from miles to km and so meter for easy
calculation. We use this conversion in this process.
1 Mile = 1.609344 Km
1 Km = 1000 meters
4.5
After that, we have converted the effective width to meter from feet.
1 feet = 0.3048 meter
4.6
So we calculated the effective area “A” using this equation.
Area = effective length * effective width We have collected the solar Insolation
data for different season (spring, summer, autumn and winter) from National
Renewable energy laboratory, U.S. Solar Radiation Resource Maps [20].
4.7 Also, The Sopogy has solar to thermal loss and thermal to electrical loss of 49.04%
and 81.02%
respectively. So cumulative, system efficiency is 9.603%.
28
4.8
So finally using that solar Insolation and area, we have calculated the total
energy generated, Kwh per day using this formula :
Energy generated per Day Ped = Area m2 * Solar Insolation (S.I.) KwH/m2/day
4.9 We also need to do maintenance of plant at certain period in the year and so we
need at least 15 days of complete shut off period, which includes maintenance period
time and some critical emergency shut off time. Now we have analyzed different time
of the year and found that winter season have least number of hours sun energy
available and eventually least Solar Insolation compare to other season. Therefore, we
are dividing each season into 90 days and keeping winter as 80 days.
Thus spring = 90 Days, Summer = 90 Days, Autumn = 90 days and Winter = 80 days.
Therefore, the total working days of power plant will be
= 90+90+90+80 = 350 days + 15 days of maintenance/ critical shut down.
4.10
So now we have calculated the energy generated KwH per season using this
formula : Pe season = Ped * No. of days in that season
4.11
So now, we are able to calculate the total revenue generated in each season
considering above data.
29
We are assuming to sell one KwH power at least for 11 cents so we calculated the
seasonal power generated with 11 cents and got the total revenue generated in each
season.
4.12
At last, we have calculated the total revenue generated per year for each
freeway section. This is obtained by sum of revenue generated in each season.
30
Chapter 5
CALCULATIONS
Calculation of total power generated on freeway length using solar thermal panel:
5.1
Freeway I-10

Starts @ West - Santa Monica

Ends @ East – Blythe (Ca-Arizona border)

Length- 242.54 miles = 390.33 Km
= 390330 meters

Effective Length Lef
= 75% of total length
= 390330 * 0.75 meter
= 292747.5 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like
steam turbine, charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median)+(20*60%)shoulder

Weff
= 72 feet

1ft
= 0.3048 m
31
So Weff = 21.94 meter

Area
= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 292747.5 * 21.9456
= 6424524 m2

Number of hours solar energy available per season in major cities [21] [22].

Santa Monica

Spring -March 20 - 6:57am to 7:05 pm

Summer-June 21 - 5:42am to 8:08pm

Autumn -Sept 22 - 6:42am to 6:50pm

Winter -Dec 21 - 6:55am to 4:48pm

Blythe

Spring - March 20 - 6:44am to 6:53pm

Summer - June 21 - 5:24am to 8:01pm

Autumn - Sept 22 - 6:29am to 6:37pm

Winter - Dec 21 - 6:48am to 4:30pm
Season
Solar Insolation
in
Santa Monica
(Kwh/m2/day)
Solar Insolation
in Blythe
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
4
5
4.5
Summer
6
8
7
Autumn
5
6
5.5
Winter
4
5
4.5
Table 2: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-10 [20]
32
Also, The Sopogy has solar to thermal loss and thermal to electrical loss of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively. So cumulative, system efficiency is 9.603%.
1)
Spring

Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6424524 * 4.5*0.09603
= 2776261.83 Kwh/day
= 2776261.839 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 249863565.5 Kwh – for Spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6424524 * 7*0.09603
= 4318629.527 Kwh/day
= 4318629.527 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 388676657.5 Kwh – for Summer
3)
Autumn

Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6424524 * 5.5*0.09603
= 3393208.914 Kwh/day
= 3393208.914 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 305388802.3 Kwh – for Autumn
33
4)
Winter

Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6424524 * 4.5*0.09603
= 2776261.839 Kwh/day
= 2776261.839 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 222100947.1 Kwh – for Winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 1166029972 Kwh /Year
So actual energy generated per year = 1166029972 Kwh /Year

Economical Analysis:
If we sell 1 Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be sum of actual
Energy generated per Year.
So, the total revenue generated for I – 10 per year = 1166029972 Kwh * 0.11
= 128.263297 Million US $
5.2
Freeway I-40 + I-58

Section 1 @ Bakersfield to Barstow – I-58 = 129 miles

Section 2 @Bartow to Needles, CA = 145 miles
34

Total length = 129+145 = 274 miles

Pros: Mojave National Park

Length- 154.61 miles = 248.820 Km
= 248820 meters

Effective Length Lef
=75% of total length
= 248820 * 0.75 meters
= 186615.506 meters

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam
turbine, charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) + (20*60%) shoulder

Weff = 72 feet

1ft = 0.3048 m
So Weff = 21.94 meter

Area = Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 186615.5 * 21.9456
= 4095389 m2

Number of hours solar energy available per season [21] [22].

Bakersfield

March 20 - 6:59am to 7:08pm

June 21 - 5:41am to 8:14pm
35

Sept 22 - 6:44am to 6:52pm

Dec 21 - 7:01am to 4:47pm

Needles

March 20 - 6:44am to 6:53pm

June 21 - 5:24am to 8:01pm

Sept 22 - 6:29am to 6:37pm

Dec 21 - 6:48am to 4:30pm
Season
Solar
Insolation in
Solar
Insolation in
Barstow
Solar
Insolation
in Needles
Average
Solar
Insolation
Bakersfield
(Kwh/m2/day)
(Kwh/m2/day)
(Kwh/m2/
(Kwh/m2/
day)
day)
Spring
5
5
5
5
Summer
7
7
7
7
Autumn
6
6
6
6
Winter
5
5
4
4.66
Table 3: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freewayI-40+I-58 [20]
1)

Spring
Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4095389 m2 * 5*0.09603
= 1966401.157 Kwh//day
= 1966401.157 Kwh/day * 90 days
36
= 176976104.1 Kwh – for spring
2)

Summer
Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4095389 m2 * 7*0.09603
= 2752961.62 Kwh/day
= 2752961.62 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 247766545.8 Kwh – for summer
3)

Autumn
Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4095389 m2 * 6*0.09603
= 2359681.388 Kwh/day
= 2359681.388 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 212371324.9 Kwh – for autumn
4)

Winter
Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4095389 m2 * 4.66*0.09603
= 1832685.878Kwh//day
= 1832685.878 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 164941729 Kwh – for winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn) = 802055703.9Kwh /Year
So actual energy generated per year = 802055703.9Kwh /Year
37

Economical Analysis:
If we sell 1 Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be sum of actual
Energy generated per Year.
So, the total revenue generated for I – 40 + I-58 per year = 802055703.9 Kwh * 0.11
= 88.22 Million US $
5.3
Freeway I -5 Section – I

Starts @ North - Sacramento

Ends @ South – Los Angles

Length- 385 miles = 619.597 Km
= 619597 meters
Effective Length Lef
=75% of total length
= 619597 * 0.75 meter
= 464697.75 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam turbine,
charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder
38

Weff
= 72 feet

1ft
= 0.3048 m
So Weff
= 21.94 meter

= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
Area
= 464698.1* 21.9456
= 10198078 m2

Number of hours solar energy available per season [21] [22].

Sacramento

March 20 - 7:09am to 7:18pm

June 21-5:42 am to 8:34pm

September 22 - 6:54am to 7:02pm

December 21 -7:20am to 4:48pm

Los Angeles

March 20 - 6:57am to 7:05 pm

June 21 - 5:42am to 8:08pm

September 22 - 6:42am to 6:50pm

December 21 - 6:55am to 4:48pm
39
Season
Solar Insolation
in
Sacramento
(Kwh/m2/day)
Solar Insolation
in Los Angeles
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average
Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
4
7
6
3
4
6
5
4
4
6.5
5.5
3.5
Table 4: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freewayI-5 Section-I [20]
1)
Spring

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 10198078 m2 * 4*0.09603
= 3917285.79 Kwh/day
= 3917285.79 Kwh/day * 90 days
=352555721.3 Kwh – for spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 10198078 m2 *6.5*0.09603
= 6365589.412 Kwh//day
= 6365589.412 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 572903047.1 Kwh – for summer
40
3)
Autumn

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 10198078 m2 * 5.5*0.09603
= 5386267.964 Kwh//day
= 5386267.964 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 484764116.8 Kwh – for autumn
4)
Winter

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 10198078 m2 * 3.5*0.09603
= 3427625.068 Kwh//day
= 3427625.068 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 308486256.1 Kwh – for winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 1718709141 Kwh /Year
So actual energy generated per year = 1718709141 Kwh /Year
41

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be
sum of
actual energy generated per Year.
So, the total revenue generated for I – 5, Section I per year =1718709141Kwh * 0.11
= 189.287618 Million US $
5.4
Freeway I – 5 Section – II

Starts :Sacramento

Ends :Yreka

Length- 257 miles = 413.60 Km
= 413600 meters

Effective Length Lef =75% of total length
= 413600 * 0.75 meter
= 310200 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam turbine,
charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder
42

Weff = 72 feet

1ft = 0.3048 m
So Weff

= 21.94 meter
Area
= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 310201.1 * 21.94
= 6807548 m2

Available hours of Solar energy in cities of California [21] [22].

Sacramento

March 20 - 7:09am to 7:18pm

June 21-5:42 am to 8:34pm

September 22 - 6:54am to 7:02pm

December 21 -7:20am to 4:48pm

Yreka

March 20 -7:14am to 7:21pm

June 21 - 5:35am to 8:48pm

September 22 - 6:57am to 7:08pm

December 21 - 7:33am to 4:42pm
43
Season
Solar Insolation
in
Sacramento
(Kwh/m2/day)
Solar Insolation
in Yreka
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average
Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
4
4
4
Summer
7
6
6.5
Autumn
6
5
5.5
Winter
3
2
2.5
Table 5: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-5Section II [20]
1)
Spring

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6807548 m2 * 4*0.09603
= 2614915.45 Kwh/day
= 2614915.45 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 235342390.6 Kwh – for spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
=6807548 m2 * 6.5*0.09603
= 4249237.60 Kwh/day
= 4249237.60Kwh/day * 90 days
= 382431384.7 Kwh – for summer
44
3)
Autumn

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6807548 m2 * 5.5*0.09603
= 3595508.745 Kwh/day
= 3595508.745 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 323595787 Kwh – for autumn
4)
Winter

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 6807548 m2 *2.5*0.09603
= 1634322.157 Kwh/day
= 1634322.157 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 147088994.1Kwh – for winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 1088458556 Kwh /Year
The Sopogy has solar to thermal lose and thermal to electrical lose of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively.
So actual energy generated per year = 1088458556 Kwh/ Year
45

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be
actual energy generated per Year.
per year
So, the total revenue generated for I – 5, Section II
= 1088458556 Kwh * 0.11
5.5
Freeway I – 5 Section-III

Starts : Los Angles

Ends : San Diego

Length- 116 miles
sum of
= 119.73 Million US $
= 186.683 Km
= 186683 meters

Effective Length Lef =75% of total length
= 186683 * 0.75 meter
= 140012.92 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft * 40%) for constructions like steam
turbine, charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder

Weff

1ft = 0.3048 m
= 72 feet
So Weff = 21.94 meter
46

Area
= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 140012.92 * 21.94
= 3072668 m2

Available hours of Solar energy in cities of California [21] [22].

Los Angeles

March 20 - 6:57am to 7:05 pm

June 21 - 5:42am to 8:08pm

September 22 - 6:42am to 6:50pm

December 21 - 6:55am to 4:48pm

San Diego

March 20 - 6:52am to 6:59pm

June 21 - 5:40am to 7:59pm

September 22 - 6:36am to 6:46pm

December 21 - 6:46am to 4:45pm
Solar Insolation
in Los Angeles
(Kwh/m2/day)
Solar Insolation
in San Diego
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
4
4
4
Summer
Autumn
Winter
6
5
4
5
5
4
5.5
5.5
4
Season
Table 6: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-5 Section III [20]
47
1)
Spring

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 3072668 m2 * 4*0.09603
= 1180273.122 Kwh/day
= 1180273.122 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 106224581 Kwh – for spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 3072668 m2 * 5.5*0.09603
= 1622875.54 Kwh/day
= 1622875.54 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 146058798.8 Kwh – for summer
3)
Autumn

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 3072668 m2 * 5.5*0.09603
= 1622875.54 Kwh/day
= 1622875.54 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 146058798.8 Kwh – for autumn
4)
Winter

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 3072668 m2 * 4*0.9603
= 1180273.122 Kwh/day
48
= 1180273.122 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 106224581Kwh – for winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 504566759.6 Kwh /Year
The Sopogy has solar to thermal lose and thermal to electrical lose of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively.
So actual energy generated per year = 504566759.6 Kwh /Year

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be sum of actual
energy generated per Year.
So, the total revenue generated for I – 5, Section III per year = 504566759.6 Kwh * 0.11
= 55.50 MillionUS $
5.6
Freeway I – 80

Starts: Truckee (Near Reno)

Ends: San Francisco

Length- 180 miles
= 289.681 Km
= 289681 meters
49

Effective Length Lef =75% of total length
= 289681 * 0.75 meter
= 217261.44 meter

Total Width W= 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam turbine,
charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder

Weff = 72 feet

1ft = 0.3048 m
So Weff

Area
= 21.94 meter
= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 217261.44 * 21.94
= 4767933 m2

Available hours of Solar energy in cities of California [21] [22].

Truckee, CA

March 20 -7:04am to 7:12pm

June 21- 5:34am to 8:30 pm

September 22 -6:48am to 6:59pm

December 21- 7:16am to 4:40pm
50

San Francisco

March 20- 7:13am to 7:22pm

June 21- 5:48am to 8:35pm

September 22-6:58am to 7:06pm

December 21- 7:22am to 4:55pm
Season
Solar Insolation
in
Truckee
2
(Kwh/m /day)
Solar Insolation
in San Francisco
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
4
6
6
3
4
6
5
3
4
6
5.5
3
Table 7: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-80 [20]
1)
Spring

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4767933* 4 Kwh/day*0.9603
= 1831458.29 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 164831246.3 Kwh – for spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4767933 *6.0
51
= 2747187.439 Kwh/day
= 2747187.439 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 247246869.5 Kwh – for summer
3)
Autumn

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4767933 *5.5
= 2518255.15 Kwh/day
= 2518255.15 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 226642963.7 Kwh – for autumn
4)
Winter

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4767933 *3.0
= 1373593.719 Kwh/day
= 1373593.719 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 123623434.7 Kwh – for winter
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 762344514.2 Kwh /Year
The Sopogy has solar to thermal lose and thermal to electrical lose of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively.
So actual energy generated per year = 762344514.2Kwh /Year
52

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be
sum of
actual energy generated per Year.
So, the total revenue generated for I – 80 per year = 762344514.2Kwh * 0.11
= 83.85 MillionUS $
5.7
Freeway I – 99

Starts: Bakersfield

Ends: Red bluff

Length- 424 miles
= 682.361 Km
= 682361 meters

Effective Length Lef =75% of total length
= 682361 * 0.75 meter
= 511771.39 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam turbine,
charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder

Weff = 72 feet

1ft = 0.3048 m
53
So Weff

Area
= 21.94 meter
= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
= 511771.34 * 21.94
= 11231130 m2

Available hours of Solar energy in cities of California [21] [22].

Bakersfield

March 20 - 6:59am to 7:08pm

June 21 - 5:41am to 8:14pm

Sept 22 - 6:44am to 6:52pm

Dec 21 - 7:01am to 4:47pm

Red Bluff

March 20- 7:12am to 7:20pm

June 21- 5:39am to 8:41pm

September 22- 6:56am to 7:07pm

December 21-7:27am to 4:45pm
54
Season
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Solar Insolation
in
Bakersfield
(Kwh/m2/day)
Solar Insolation
in Red Bluff
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
4
7
7
4
4
6
7
3
4
6.5
7
3.5
Table 8: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-99 [20]
1. Spring
 Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 11231130 m2 * 4*0.09603
= 4314101.756 Kwh/day
= 4314101.756 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 388269158 Kwh – for spring
2. Summer
 Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
=11231130 m2 * 6.5*0.09603
= 7010415.353 Kwh/day
= 7010415.353 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 630937381.8 Kwh – for summer
3. Autumn
 Energy generation = Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 11231130 m2 * 7*0.09603
55
= 7549678.072 Kwh//day
= 7549678.072 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 679471026.5 Kwh – for autumn
4. Winter
 Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 11231130 m2 * 3.5*0.09603
= 3774839.036 Kwh//day
= 3774839.036 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 339735513.3 Kwh – for Spring
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn)
= 2038413080 Kwh /Year
The Sopogy has solar to thermal lose and thermal to electrical lose of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively.
So actual energy generated per year = 2038413080 Kwh /Year

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be
actual energy generated per Year.
sum of
56
So, the total revenue generated for I – 99 per year = 2038413080 Kwh * 0.11
= 224.22 MilionUS $
5.8
Freeway I-8

Starts: San Diego

Ends: Yuma (Ca-Az border)

Length- 169 miles
= 271.979 Km
= 271979 meters

Effective Length Lef =75% of total length
= 271979 * 0.75 meter
= 203984.35 meter

Total Width W = 80 ft ((20*2) shoulders +40 median)
Here we will use 40% of one shoulder (20ft *40%) for constructions like steam turbine,
charging station (battery) and protection elements.
Therefore,

Effective Width Weff = 20ft (shoulder) +40ft (median) +(20*60%)shoulder

Weff
= 72 feet

1ft
= 0.3048 m
So Weff
= 21.94 meter

= Effective Length Lef f * Effective Width Weff
Area
= 203984.4 * 21.94
57
= 4476559 m2

Available hours of Solar energy in cities of California [21] [22].

San Diego

March 20 - 6:52am to 6:59pm

June 21 - 5:40am to 7:59pm

September 22 - 6:36am to 6:46pm

December 21 - 6:46am to 4:45pm

Yuma (AZ)

March 20 -6:42am to 6:49 pm

June 21- 5:30am to 7:49pm

September 22-6:26am to 6:36pm

December 21- 7:36am to 5:36pm
Season
Solar Insolation
in Yuma
(Kwh/m2/day)
Average
Solar
Insolation
(Kwh/m2/day)
Spring
Summer
Solar Insolation
in
San Diego
(Kwh/m2/day)
4.5 (4)
5
5
6
4.75
5.5
Autumn
5
5
5
Winter
4
5
4.5
Table 9: Seasonal solar insolation of major cities on the freeway I-8 [20]
1)
Spring

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
58
= 4476559 m2 * 4.75*9603
= 2041948.811 Kwh/day
= 2041948.811 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 183775393 Kwh – for Spring
2)
Summer

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4476559 m2 * 5.5*0.09603
=2364361.78 Kwh/day
= 2364361.78 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 212792560.4 Kwh – for summer
3)
Autumn

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4476559 m2 * 5*0.09603
= 2149419.80 Kwh/day
= 2149419.80 Kwh/day * 90 days
= 193447782.1 Kwh – for autumn
4)
Winter

Energy generation
= Area * Avg. Solar Insolation
= 4476559 m2 * 5*0.09603
= 1934477.82 Kwh/day
= 1934477.82 Kwh/day * 80 days
= 174103003.9 Kwh – for winter
59
Now total power generated per year = Sum of power generated in all the seasons (i.e.
spring, summer, winter and autumn) = 764118739.5 Kwh /Year
The Sopogy has solar to thermal lose and thermal to electrical lose of 49.04% and
81.02%
respectively.
So actual energy generated per year = 764118739.5 Kwh /Year

Economical Analysis:
If we sell one Kwh amount of power for $0.11, the total revenue will be
sum of
actual
Energy generated per Year. So, the total revenue generated for I – 8 per year
= 764118739.5 Kwh * 0.11
= 84.05 MilionUS $
5.9
Installation Cost
As guided by our project guide, Dr John Balachandra, per mile cost for this power plant
would be an average of 4,000,000 US$ + 5%. This cost includes cost of the equipments
needed to run the plant and cost of labor for installation.
For example, I-10 has effective length (242.54 * 0.75) of 181.91 miles.
Hence, the total installation cost for I-10 is = 181.91 * 4,000,000
= 727,620,000
60
Table shows installation cost for different freeways.
Freeway
Installation Cost
Million US Dollar
I-10
727.62
I-40 + I-58
463.83
I-5 Sec. I
1155
I-5 Sec. II
771
I-5 Sec. III
348
I-80
540
I-99
1272
I-8
507
Table 10: Installation Cost
Conversions: 1 Foot = .3048 meter,
1 mile = 1.609344 Km
5.10 Comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal power plant over a
ten years of period.
Here we are considering the energy generation on I-40 + I-58 and comparing it with the
coal-fired power plant, having same power capacity of 132 MW.
Energy Generated per Year = 802055703.9 Kwh
61
To produce1 Kwh, 2.1 pound of coal is required [26].
Therefore,
To produce 8202055703.9 Kwh = 802055703.9 Kwh * 2.1 pound / Kwh
= 1684.2 Million pound of coal is required
Now,
1 ton = 2000 pound
Therefore,
1684.2 Million pound of coal
= 1684.2 Million pound / 2000 pound
= 842100 ton of coal
The price of one ton coal in the market is 54.15 USD.
Therefore,
842100 ton of coal
= 842100 ton * 54.15 USD [27]
= 45.60 Million USD
The above calculation shows that, to generate 8202055703.9 Kwh with coal-fired power
plant, 45.60 Million USD of coal is required.
The capacity of I-40 + I-50 is 132 MW.
Installation cost:
To produce 1 KW of energy, 1290 USD is required in coal-fired power plant. [28]
Therefore,
For 132 MW = 132 MW * 1290 USD/MW
= 170.28 Million USD
62
Maintenance cost:
For coal-fired power plant:
The maintenance cost for coal-fired power plant is 18 USD per 1 MWh. [29]
Therefore,
For 8202055703.9 Kwh = 18 USD/Kwh * 8202055703.9 Kwh
= 14.43 Million USD
Now, considering the total cost of coal-fired power plant for the next ten years:
Installation cost + Maintenance cost + Coal cost = 170.28 Million USD + (14.43 Million
USD * 10) + (45.60 Million USD * 10) = 770.58
For Solar thermal power plant:
We are considering 10 percent of the total revenue generated for the maintenance and
miscellaneous cost each year.
The total revenue generated per year on the free way I-40 + I-58 is 88226127.43 USD.
Therefore 10 percent of this value is 8.82 Million USD. The Installation cost is
463830000 USD.
For the solar thermal power plant, the installation and maintenance cost for ten years:
Installation cost + Maintenance cost = 463.83 Million USD + (8.82 Million USD * 10)
= 552.03 Million USD
63
Chapter 6
SIMULATION AND RESULTS
6.1 Simulation using programming ‘C’
Program: To calculate total energy generated and revenue generated per year
Input values:
Length of region (miles)
Width of region (feet)
Solar Insolation of each season
Output values:
Energy generation of each season
Energy generation per Year
Revenue generation per Year
Program Code:
#include<stdio.h>
int main()
{
double l,w,sisp,area, sisu,siau, siwi ;
double pesp, pesu, peau, pewi, pey, rpey;
printf("Enter the length : ");
64
scanf("%lf",&l);
printf("\nEnter the width :");
scanf("%lf",&w);
printf("\nEnter the Solar Insolation Spring");
scanf("%lf",&sisp);
printf("\nEnter the Solar Insolation Summer :");
scanf("%lf",&sisu);
printf("\nEnter the Solar Insolation Automn:");
scanf("%lf",&siau);
printf("\nEnter the Solar Insolation Winter:");
scanf("%lf",&siwi);
area=(l*750*0.9*0.3048*w*1.609344);
printf("Area is : %lf", area);
pesp = 90 * area * sisp* 0.09603 ;
pesu = 90*area* sisu* 0.09603 ;
peau = 90*area*siau* 0.09603 ;
printf("\nEnergy Generated per Spring : %lf",pesp);
printf("\nEnergy Generated per Summer : %lf",pesu);
printf("\nEnergy Generated per Automn : %lf",peau);
65
pewi = 80*area*siwi* 0.09603 ;
printf("\nEnergy Generated per Winter : %lf",pewi);
pey = pesp+pesu+peau +pewi ;
printf("\nEnergy Generated per Year : %lf",pey);
rpey=pey * 0.11;
printf("\nTotal revenue generated per year (US $) : %lf", rpey);
return 0;
}
6.2 Simulation results of program for different freeways:
1)
I-10
[shahsa@titan:21]> a.out
Enter the length : 242.54
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :7
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:4.5
66
Area is : 6424524.371055
Energy Generated per Spring : 249863565.517711
Energy Generated per Summer : 388676657.471995
Energy Generated per Automn : 305388802.299424
Energy Generated per Winter : 222100947.126854
Energy Generated per Year : 1166029972.415984
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 128263296.965758[shahsa@titan:22]>
2)
I-40+I-58
[shahsa@titan:36]> a.out
Enter the length : 154.61
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring5
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :7
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:6
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:4.66
Area is : 4095389.267786
Energy Generated per Spring : 176976104.123459
Energy Generated per Summer : 247766545.772842
67
Energy Generated per Automn : 212371324.948150
Energy Generated per Winter : 146614870.260501
Energy Generated per Year : 783728845.104952
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 86210172.961545[shahsa@titan:37]>
3)
I-5, Section I
Enter the length : 385
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :6.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:3.5
Area is : 10198078.184448
Energy Generated per Spring : 352555721.298915
Energy Generated per Summer : 572903047.110737
Energy Generated per Automn : 484764116.786008
Energy Generated per Winter : 274210005.454712
68
Energy Generated per Year : 1684432890.650372
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 185287617.971541[shahsa@titan:38]>
4)
I-5, Section II
Enter the length : 257
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :6.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:2.5
Area is : 6807548.294554
Energy Generated per Spring : 235342390.581354
Energy Generated per Summer : 382431384.694700
Energy Generated per Automn : 323595787.049361
Energy Generated per Winter : 130745772.545196
Energy Generated per Year : 1072115334.870611
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 117932686.835767[shahsa@titan:39]>
5)
I-5, Section III
Enter the length : 116
Enter the width :80
69
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:4
Area is : 3072667.712717
Energy Generated per Spring : 106224580.962790
Energy Generated per Summer : 146058798.823836
Energy Generated per Automn : 146058798.823836
Energy Generated per Winter : 94421849.744702
Energy Generated per Year : 492764028.355165
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 54204043.119068[shahsa@titan:40]>
6)
I-80
Enter the length : 180
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :6
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:3
Area is : 4767932.657664
Energy Generated per Spring : 164831246.321571
70
Energy Generated per Summer : 247246869.482356
Energy Generated per Automn : 226642963.692160
Energy Generated per Winter : 109887497.547714
Energy Generated per Year : 748608577.043800
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 82346943.474818[shahsa@titan:41]>
7)
I-99
Enter the length : 424
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :6.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:7
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:3.5
Area is : 11231130.260275
Energy Generated per Spring : 388269158.001922
Energy Generated per Summer : 630937381.753123
Energy Generated per Automn : 679471026.503363
Energy Generated per Winter : 301987122.890384
Energy Generated per Year : 2000664689.148792
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 220073115.806367[shahsa@titan:42]>
71
8) I-8
Enter the length : 169
Enter the width :80
Enter the Solar Insolation Spring4.75
Enter the Solar Insolation Summer :5.5
Enter the Solar Insolation Automn:5
Enter the Solar Insolation Winter:4.5
Area is : 4476558.995251
Energy Generated per Spring : 183775393.034223
Energy Generated per Summer : 212792560.355417
Energy Generated per Automn : 193447782.141288
Energy Generated per Winter : 154758225.713030
Energy Generated per Year : 744773961.243958
Total revenue generated per year (US $) : 81925135.736835[shahsa@titan:43]>
72
6.3 Simulation of energy generation per year in Kwh using
Based on our calculation, we have illustrated a graph of total energy generated per year
in Kwh for different freeways. This graphical illustration is obtained using Microsoft
Office Excel. We have generated equation in Microsoft Office Excel with certain
assumption, which we described in our methodology chapter and so we can plot such
graph on entering data for any freeway/region.
Freeway
I-10
Actual energy generated per year
in KWh
1166029972
I-40 + I-58
783728845.1
I-5 Sec. I
1684432891
I-5 Sec. II
1072115335
I-5 Sec. III
492764028.4
I-80
748608577
I-99
2000664689
I-8
744773961.2
Table 11: Energy generation per year in Kwh for freeways
73
Graph 2: Actual energy generation per year in Kwh
6.4 Revenue generation per year in Million US $
Based on our calculation, here we are drawing a graph between total revenue generated in
Million US $ per year Vs different freeways for given data. This graph gives us easy
illustration to understand which freeway will be able to generate what amount of revenue.
74
Freeway
Revenue generated annually per
freeway Million US Dollar ($) per
year
I-10
I-40 + I-58
128.263
86.21
I-5 Sec. I
185.287
I-5 Sec. II
117.932
I-5 Sec. III
54.204
I-80
82.346
I-99
220.0731
I-8
81.925
Table number 12: Revenue generation per year in Million US $
Graph 3: Revenue generation per year in Million US$
75
6.5 Economical analysis on freeways to calculate most economical energy generation
The following graph shows the comparison between all freeways with respect to revenue
generated per year in Million US $. Here we have keep length and width identical i.e. 100
miles and 80 feet respectively. Graph shows that the most economical freeways are I40+I-58 and I-10.
Revenue Generated in
Freeway
Million US $
I-10
52.883
I-40 + I-58
55.759
I-5 Sec. I
48.126
I-5 Sec. II
45.888
I-5 Sec. III
46.727
I-80
45.748
I-99
51.904
I-8
48.476
Table number 13: Economical analysis on different freeways
76
Graph 4: Economical analysis
77
6.6
Energy generation analysis for Freeway I-10
Month
Total Energy
Generation Kwh per
season
January
100730206
February
100730206
March
103019529
April
111922451
May
137359372
June
160252601
July
160252601
August
137359372
September
125912758
October
125912758
November
108742836
December
103019529
Table 14: Monthly projected energy generation on I-10
78
Graph 5: Projected energy generation on freeway I-10
6.7
Revenue payback period
Table 14 shows approximately revenue payback period of different freeways.
Freeway “I-40 + I-58” has lowest, 5.25 years, payback period.
79
Freeway
Total
Revenue
Payback
Installation
Generation,
period
Cost,
MillionUS Dollar
Years
Million US
per Year
Dollar
I-10
727.62
128.26
5.67
I-40 + I-58
463.83
88.22
5.25
I-5 Sec. I
1155
189.05
6.10
I-5 Sec. II
771
119.73
6.43
I-5 Sec. III
348
55.5
6.27
I-80
540
83.85
6.44
I-99
1272
224.22
5.67
I-8
507
84.05
6.03
Table 15: Revenue payback period
Graph 6 shows the graphical illustration of” total installation cost” and “revenue
generated per year” for different freeways,
In addition, Graph 7 shows comparison between different freeways for payback period.
80
Graph 6: Total installation cost and revenue generation per year in Million US$
81
Graph7: Payback period (Years)
6.8 Economical comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal power
plant over a ten years of period.
Coal
solar thermal
230.31
472.65
290.34
481.47
350.37
490.29
410.4
499.11
470.43
507.93
530.46
516.75
590.49
525.57
650.52
534.39
710.55
543.21
770.58
552.03
Table: 16 Comparison between coal-fired power plant and solar thermal power plant
82
Graph 8: Installtion and running cost
83
Chapter 7
CONCLUSION
The main purpose of using the sun as a source of energy is to produce green and
renewable energy. Energy generated from solar power has no byproducts of green house
gases, which is very beneficial for the atmosphere. Today, we are facing problems due to
green house effects, which are mainly caused by the green house gases produced by the
combustion of natural gases. Moreover, our country has not enough reservoirs of natural
gas and we have to depend to the oil producing countries. On the other hand, California
has enough solar energy, and we do not need to depend on other countries for that. Solar
energy is free and California is blessed with this energy. We should use this energy for
power generation as much as we can, to reduce our dependency on oil producing
countries. Calculations of energy generated by solar thermal power plant on the freeways
of California have a satisfactory result, which shows that we can generate energy in large
amounts. These results inspire us to generate electricity from solar and to keep our
environment green and healthy.
Our calculations indicate that the most economical locations to install a power plant are
on a portion of the freeways of I-10 and I-40 + I-58, which are provide the best results for
energy generation. This proposal addressed our calculations regarding installation cost
and revenue generated, and it helped to identify the payback period of total revenue
invested. Also our analysis shows that, over a long period, solar thermal power plants are
84
more beneficial than coal-fired power plants. It saves money and keeps the environment
free from the carbon emissions, which coal-fired power plants emit.
85
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86
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87
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