Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis and Design of an Integrated Standalone Floating Solar PV System with Battery Storage : Methodological Framework and Case Study = 배터리 저장장치 통합 독립형 수상 태양광 발전 시스템의 기술경제적 타당성 분석 및 설계: 방법론적 프레임워크 및 사례 연구

국문 초록 (Abstract)

개발도상국, 특히 사하라 이남 아프리카 지역의 에너지 수요 증가로 인해 기존 바이오매스(연료로 사용되는 유기물질)의 사용이 늘어났으며, 이는 가나를 포함한 지역에서 산림 벌채와 건강 문제를 야기하고 있습니다. 본 연구는 가나 타다네 호수에 배터리 저장장치를 갖춘 2MW급 독립형 수상 태양광 발전(FPV) 시스템을 배치하여 오프그리드(off-grid) 지역인 은줄레주(Nzulezu) 마을에 청정하고 신뢰성 있는 전기를 공급하는 것에 대한 기술경제적 타당성 및 환경적, 사회적 영향을 탐색합니다.
본 연구는 사례 연구 방법론과 구조화된 프레임워크를 활용하여 HOMER Pro를 사용한 기술 모델링, 환경 영향 평가, 사회경제적 분석, 그리고 정책 검토를 통합합니다. 시스템 성능은 현지 열대 조건에서 평가되었으며, 균등화 발전원가(LCOE), 투자 수익률(ROI), 자본 지출(CAPEX), 운영 지출(OPEX)과 같은 비용 지표에 중점을 두었습니다. 또한, 본 연구는 바이오매스와 태양광 에너지의 탄소 발자국을 비교하고 호수에 미칠 수 있는 잠재적인 생태학적 영향을 평가합니다.
이 프로젝트는 설문조사, 인터뷰, 포커스 그룹을 활용하여 지역 사회를 참여시키고 시스템에 대한 지원을 촉진합니다. 정책 검토는 가나의 재생 에너지 프레임워크, 특히 수상 태양광 발전(FPV) 규제와 관련된 격차를 파악하고 목표 개선 사항을 권고합니다. 이 사례 연구는 아프리카 농촌 지역에서 분산형의 지속가능한 에너지 구현을 위한 실질적인 모델을 제공하며, 이를 통해 지속가능 개발 목표(SDGs) 7번과 13번 달성에 기여합니다.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Growing energy demand in developing regions, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, has led to increased use of conventional biomass (organic material used as fuel), causing deforestation and health issues, including in Ghana. This study explores the techno-economic feasibility and environmental and social implications of deploying a 2MW standalone Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) system with battery storage on Tadane Lake to provide clean, reliable electricity to the off-grid community of Nzulezu.
This research employs a case study methodology and a structured framework to integrate technical modeling using HOMER Pro, environmental impact assessment, socio-economic analysis, and policy review. System performance is evaluated under local tropical conditions, with a focus on cost metrics such as levelized cost of energy (LCOE), return on investment (ROI), capital expenditure (CAPEX), and operational expenditure (OPEX). Additionally, the study compares the carbon footprints of biomass and solar energy and assesses potential ecological impacts on the lake.
The project employs surveys, interviews, and focus groups to engage local communities and foster support for the system. The policy review identifies gaps in Ghana's renewable energy framework, particularly in the regulation of floating photovoltaic (FPV), and recommends targeted improvements. This case study provides a practical model for implementing decentralized, sustainable energy in rural Africa, thereby contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Chapter 1. Introduction 1
• 1.1 Background Information 1
• 1.2 Scope of the Study 8
• Chapter 2. Literature Review 11
• 2.1 Overview of Floating Photovoltaic Systems and Research Landscape 11
• 2.2 Research Gaps 17
• 2.3 Identified Research Gaps 18
• 2.4 Expected Research Contributions 18
• Chapter 3. Methodology Framework 23
• 3.1 Framework Outline 23
• 3.1.1 Phase 1: Preliminary Evaluation and Site Analysis 26
• 3.1.2 Phase 2: Techno-Economic Study 27
• 3.1.3. Phase 3: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 30
• 3.1.4 Phase 4: Policy, Regulation, and Risk Assessment 31
• 3.1.5 Phase 5: Implementation, Monitoring, and Scale-Up Strategy Operationalization and Capacity Development. 33
• Chapter 4. Case Study: 2 MWp Standalone floating solar photovoltaic system design with Battery storage on Tadane Lake in Nulezu, Ghana 35
• 4.1. Introduction and Background 35
• 4.2 Data Collection and Profiling for Community Needs and Engagement in the Context of Nzulezu 39
• 4.2.1 Profiling of Respondents 39
• 4.2.2 Community Engagement and Support Structures 40
• 4.2.3 Key Thematic Concerns 40
• 4.3 Data Collection and Profiling for Techno-Economic Survey 41
• 4.4 Data Collection and Profiling for Environmental Impact Assessment Profiling Survey. 51
• 4.4.1 Household Energy and Environmental Issues 51
• 4.4.2 Deforestation and Resource Pressure 51
• 4.4.3 Water Resource Availability and Potential for Floating Solar 52
• 4.4.4 Community Awareness and Sustainability Practices 52
• 4.4.5 Attitudes Toward Renewable Energy Projects 53
• 4.4.6 Pollution Perception and Regulatory Context 53
• 4.4.7 Site Analysis Assessment 54
• 4.4.8 Public and Safety Services 57
• 4.5. Load Profile Analysis 67
• 4.5.1 Load Metrics and Scaling 67
• 4.5.2 Energy System Implications 68
• 4.5.3 Cost of Solar PV Details 69
• 4.5.4 Cost of Li-ion Batteries Storage Details 71
• 4.5.5 Cost of Converter Details 72
• Chapter 5. Comparative Analysis (FPV-BESS, FPV-Biomass, and FPV-Diesel) 85
• 5.1 Introduction 85
• 5.2 Simulation and Design Comparative Analysis 86
• 5.2.1 Biomass Gasifier (Configuration B) Cost Details 87
• 5.2.2 Diesel Generator Cost Details (configuration C) 89
• 5.2.3 Contribution (FPV-BESS, FPV-Biomass, FPV-Diesel) 95
• Chapter 6. Results and Discussion 97
• 6.1 Evaluation of FPV-BESS Performance and Case Study Impacts 97
• 6.2 System Performance and Technical Validation 99
• 6.3 Economic Feasibility and Cost Structure Analysis 100
• 6.3.1 Economic Performance Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy Configurations 103
• 6.3.2 Proposed Tariff Structure for Nzulezu FPV-BESS System 106
• 6.4 Socio-Environmental Integration and Community Acceptance 121
• 6.5 Methodological Framework Validation and Contributions 123
• 6.6 Community Perceptions and Readiness for FPV-BESS Adoption 128
• 6.7 Environmental Performance and Emissions Reduction 129
• 6.8 Social Equity and Community Development Implications 133
• 6.9 Policy Alignment and Institutional Frameworks 136
• 6.10 Economic Viability Assessment and Policy Implications 139
• 6.10.1 Comparative Advantage Analysis 139
• 6.10.2 Demand Profile Optimization Strategies 140
• 6.10.3 Affordability and Willingness-to-Pay Considerations 141
• 6.10.4 Policy Framework Requirements for Scalability 142
• 6.10.5 Financing Mechanism Innovation 143
• 6.10.6 Discussion of Findings in Regional Context 144
• 6.10.7 Environmental and Social Co-Benefits 145
• 6.10.8 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies 146
• Chapter 7. Conclusions and Recommendations 149
• 7.1 Conclusion 149
• 7.2 Limitations 151
• 7.3 Future Research 154
• Appendices 173
• Questionnaires for Objective 1: Techno-Economic Assessment 173
• Questionnaires for Objective 2: Community Engagement 176
• Questionnaires for Objective 3: Environmental Impact Analysis 179
• Acknowledgements 184