International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 06 | June 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Design of a 40 MW Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Power

Plant for a School in Patenga
Md. Arifur Rahman1†, Md. Tamzid Hossain Rifat2†, Sanjana Fyruj Ananna3†, Palash Chandra
Paul4

1†,2†,3†B.Sc.Graduate, Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering (MPE), Ahsanullah University of

Science and Technology (AUST), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
4Bachelor of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar - Delhi, Grand Trunk Rd, Phagwara, Punjab

144001, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Bangladesh faces the dual challenge of 1. INTRODUCTION
meeting growing energy demands and mitigating
environmental degradation while reducing reliance on fossil In recent years, the global energy landscape has witnessed
fuels. Sustainable development and the global climate a significant shift towards renewable sources, driven by
change crisis necessitate the adoption of renewable energy the urgent need to address environmental concerns and
sources. This paper examines the potential of solar reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Among these
photovoltaic (PV) power plants to address Bangladesh’s renewable energy options, solar power stands out as a
energy issues, focusing on the Patenga region. With its promising solution due to its abundance, sustainability,
favorable geographic coordinates (latitude: 22.235128°N, and minimal environmental impact. As the world strives to
longitude: 91.806085°E) along the Bay of Bengal, Patenga is transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy
well-suited for solar energy exploitation. This study systems, the utilization of solar photovoltaic (PV)
proposes a 40 MW solar PV power plant to meet the energy technology has gained prominence, offering a reliable
needs of South Patenga City Corporation High School and means of generating electricity from sunlight.
contribute surplus energy to the national grid.
Solar photovoltaics, often referred to as PV, is a rapidly
Economic analysis shows the project’s viability, with a evolving field of technology dedicated to converting
payback period of seven years and estimated revenue sunlight directly into electrical energy. This technology
exceeding Tk 9 billion, demonstrating both profitability and holds immense potential for revolutionizing the way we
sustainability. The project aligns with the United Nations produce and consume electricity, offering consumers a
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those clean, quiet, and reliable alternative to traditional power
promoting industry, innovation, infrastructure, decent work, sources. With ongoing advancements in PV technology and
and economic growth. Feasibility studies using platforms decreasing costs of solar panels, solar energy is poised to
like the Global Solar Atlas, PVGIS, and PVsyst confirm the become increasingly economical and accessible in the
project's potential. Optimization through PVGIS and other coming years.
advanced software ensures maximum efficiency and
reliability. To harness the full potential of solar energy, it is essential
to develop efficient and scalable solar PV systems capable
By adopting solar energy, the school can secure a stable, of meeting the growing energy demands of both developed
cost-effective electricity supply, reduce its carbon footprint, and developing nations. This necessitates the development
and advance green energy initiatives, contributing to of standardized procedures and methodologies for the
climate change mitigation. This project underscores the design, installation, and operation of large-scale grid-
strategic role of solar PV power generation in achieving connected solar PV systems. Several research studies have
sustainable energy solutions for Bangladesh, offering a been conducted to explore the feasibility, performance,
model for similar regions facing comparable energy and and economic viability of grid-connected solar PV projects
environmental challenges. in various region.

Key Words: Solar power plant, Solar PV Panels, PVsyst, The first study discussed in the literature explores the
PV-Sol, Global Solar Atlas, Renewable Energy, design of a convectional procedure for a 50MW on-grid
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Power System, solar PV system, utilizing PVsyst Software and AutoCAD.
Plant Layout, Performance Prediction. By simulating the output of the system and designing the
plant layout and substation, the study lays the
groundwork for efficient and effective large-scale solar PV
deployment [1].

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Similarly, another study focuses on the development of a

standard procedure for designing 5MW grid connected
solar PV systems using PVsyst Software. By utilizing
meteorological data and databases of renewable energy
components, the study validates its procedure through the
design of a solar PV system in Shivanasamudram, Mandya
[2].

Furthermore, amidst concerns about the environmental

impact of fossil fuel-based energy generation, a study
presents the design and simulation of a 100MW solar PV
grid-connected electricity generation system at Umm Al-
Qura University. The study highlights the technical,
economic, and environmental potential of solar PV
systems, emphasizing their role in reducing CO2 emissions
and conserving natural resources [3].
Fig -1: Satellite Image of the Site
In addition, the favourable climate conditions in regions
like Belakavadi, Mandya district, Karnataka, India, offer For Resource Assessment, Global Solar Atlas website is
significant potential for solar PV installations. Studies used for detailed analysis. This website helps to do
evaluating the performance of solar PV plants in such resource assessment without visiting the location.
regions underscore the economic viability and
The value of PVOUT Specific is 1546.0 kWh/kWp, which is
environmental benefits of harnessing solar energy [4][5].
quite good for the chosen site. The most important
Moreover, performance analysis of grid-connected solar parameter for Solar PV is Global Horizontal Irradiation,
PV plants in regions like Karnataka, India, provides which can be seen in the Fig 2, that is 1805.6 kWh/m2.This
valuable insights into their efficiency and reliability. By has proven to be sufficient for solar power sites.
evaluating technical parameters and comparing
performance with international standards, these studies
contribute to the optimization of solar PV systems [6].

Lastly, a comparative study of outdoor performance

among different solar cell technologies sheds light on the
efficiency and suitability of various PV systems in real-
world conditions [7]. In light of these developments, this
research paper aims to contribute to the body of
knowledge on solar PV technology by investigating the
design, performance, and potential of grid-connected solar
PV systems. By synthesizing insights from existing
literature and empirical studies, the paper seeks to
provide valuable insights into the opportunities and
challenges with greater efficiency, reliability, and
sustainability. associated with largescale solar PV
deployments, with a specific focus on the Patenga region
of Bangladesh. By leveraging these findings, future solar Fig -2: Map Data of Patenga
PV projects can be designed and implemented with
From Fig 4, The azimuth angle for solar power needs to be
greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. 180°. This means that the solar power needs to face south.
Sun-path is required for tracking solar power systems, but
1.1 Site Selection
it is not used in this project due to the increased cost and
This is a satellite image of the selected site Fig 1, taken complexity.
from 500 m above. From the picture, it is noticed that the
location has open space which is suitable for Solar PV.

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Volume: 11 Issue: 06 | June 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

1.2 Key Findings

The most important parameter for a Solar PV plant is the
Global Horizontal Irradiation. The value of GHI on the site
location is 1805.6 kWh/m2, So the location has enough
potential for a PV site. The PV potential falls in the middle
ground of the global scale. It can also be seen that the
location has enough space to build a Solar PV power plant.
The PVOUT specific of the location is 1546.0 kWh/kWp.

1.3 Selection of Conversion Technologies

It is a grid-connected solar power system, as depicted in
Fig 6. Power is supplied from the solar power generation
system and the power grid as needed. On day, power is
provided by the solar power system. Excess energy
produced during the day. It is fed into the power grid.
When the Bi Directional meter is rotated in negative,
electricity bill will be reduced. In the event of a wet day or
at night, the electric grid will provide the load demand. In
this situation, the bi-directional meter will revolve in the
positive direction
Fig-3: Sunpath and Solar Azimuth angle of Patenga

DNI is the degree of the sum of sun-oriented radiation

transmitted by a surface that’s opposite to the sun’s
coordinate way through the climate. DNI is required for
CSP plant, so usually not a vital parameter for the Project. Fig-5: Schematic Diagram of the PV System
The value of annual average DNI is 1327.8 kWh/m2 which
is not enough for a CSP plant. Point by point data with The system’s five main parts are the national electric grid,
respect to the month-to-month average and hourly profile solar panels, inverters, Bi-Directional meter, and AC circuit
of DNI can be found in Fig 4. box. DC current is the form of power generated by solar
panels. Then, an inverter will be used to convert this to AC
power. The AC circuit box will receive this AC electricity.
The circuit box is linked to AC loads or Consumers. The
circuit box will also be linked to a Bi-directional meter,
and the meter itself will be connected to the electric grid.
The electricity supplied and fed into the grid is monitored
by this meter.

2. Technical Specification of the final Design

2.1 Solar PV Panel

In Table-1, The Triana TSM-DE20 is a powerful 610W
power output solar panel that can be used for a wide range
of applications, including large-scale solar systems and
residential rooftops. All information collected from PVsyst
Software report and SREADA.

Table-1: Specification of Solar PV Module

Manufacture Generic
Model TSM-DE20-610Wp
Fig- 4: Average Annually, Monthly and Hourly Profile Maximum Efficiency 21.6%

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Volume: 11 Issue: 06 | June 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Unit Nom. Power 610Wp MPRT

Number of PV Modules 65574 units Max. Input Short Circuit 10*50 A

Current
Module Dimensions 2172×1303×35 mm
Glass thickness 3.2 mm
3. PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Weight 34kg
No. of cells 120 cells 3.1.Performance analysis on Global Solar Atlas
Panel Technology Monocrystalline Silicon The Global Solar Atlas website is used to simulate the
Product Workmanship 12 Years performance of the preliminary design. The tilt angle and
warranty azimuth angle are used to run the simulation. A
40000kWp(40MWp)ground mounted large scale PV
Power Warranty 25 Years system is chosen. Setup details can be seen in Fig 6.
Glass Type Anti-reflection Coating, In Fig 6, The solar power system produces a total solar
Tempered power output is 61.926 GWh per year and Global tilted
Voltage at Max Power 34.6 V irradiation is 1941.2 KWh/m2 per year. Monthly average
profiles are also provided. Here February has the highest
Current at max power 17.49 A PV output. On the other hand, production in July is the
lowest.
2.2 Inverter
In Table-2, specification of inverter is shown. SOFAR Solar
created the SOFAR 110KTLX-G4 solar inverter. This
inverter, a vital part of a solar energy system, transforms
the direct current (DC) power produced by solar panels
into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for use in
residences and commercia buildings. With a suggested
capacity of 110 kilowatts, the ”110KTLX-G4” classification
indicates that it is appropriate for bigger solar setups.
The” G4” designates that it is a member of the fourth
generation of SOFAR solar inverters, which are anticipated
to have enhanced monitoring capabilities, dependability,
and efficiency.

Table-2: Basic Information About the Inverter

Manufacturer Sofar Solar Generic

Model SOFAR 110 KTLX-G4
Pnom ratio (DC:AC) 1.35
Number of inverters 297
Total Power 29700 KWac
Operating Voltage 200-850 V
Data of DC input
Max. Input Voltage 1100 V
Rated Input Voltage 625V
MPPT Operating Voltage 180-1000 V
Range
Fig-6: Simulation Setup, Annual, Monthly Average of PV
Max. Input Current per 10*40 A Power Output

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Optimized tilt and azimuth angles are ran the simulation

again with the Global Solar Atlas.

Fig-7: Average Hourly Profiles of Total PV Power Output

Each month shows in Fig 7, the total PV output at different

times of the day. The month with the most solar power is
February, and the month with the least is July. This
indicates that the project can ensure sufficient power
generation throughout the year.
Fig-9: Annual Average of PV Output after Optimization
3.2. Optimization of Tilt and Azimuth Angle on
PVGIS
The design is further optimized with the help of the PVGIS
website. From Fig 8, The optimal tilt angle is 27°.The PVGIS
recommended azimuth is 7° (Ref-South).These values will
be used in the next step to optimize the design

Fig-10: Average Hourly Profile of PV Output after

Optimization

After optimization, the total solar power generation will be

61.713 GWh per year, shown in Fig 9. Both values are very
similar. This shows that the solar power plant works well.
3.3. Performance analysis on PVsyst
The Fig 11 shows annual performance ratio (PR).
Performance Ratio(PR) refers to the proportion of energy
used that would be generated if an entire system
functioned at its nominal STC efficiency. Losses include
temperature loss in the PV module, tilt angle, dust, shade,
and module. The results for mono crystalline silicon PV
modules show that while there are fluctuations in system
performance throughout the year, the share of solar power
generation shows a decreasing trend in the first four
months of the year. Then, It slightly increasing for the next
four months, and finally showed a bearish trend in the last
three months of the year. The Performance Ratio(PR) is
0.845 Which is very similar to PV-Sol software report.

Fig-8: Optimization of the System using PVGIS

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Global incident in cell (6.10 percent), Temperature (-8.70

percent), and Inverters (-0.49 percent).

Fig-11: Performance Ratio PR for Tilt Angle 27 Degree.

In Fig 11, also shows the a concordant healthy average

values over the entire observation period.

Fig 12 shows the normalized energy production

distributed over the year. The highest energy production is
less than 5 kWh/kWp/day and occurs from April to May. In
contrast, the lowest production occurs in the winter from
November to February, when the value exceeds 2
kWh/kWp/day. As shown in Figure 5.7, most PV module Fig-13: Loss diagram at 27-degree tilt angles
losses occur in March, November, and April. As seen in this
Fig 14 the PV system’s collection losses are 0.66 There is a tabulated data in the Fig 14 which shows the
kWh/kWp/day and the losses for the inverter system are monthly and yearly data of global horizontal irradiation
only 0.06 kWh/kWp/day. and energy injected into grid.

Fig-14: Balances and main results for tilt angle 27

degree.

Here shows also the ambient temperature, Global incident

in cell plane, Performance Ratio etc.
Fig-12: Normalized productions (per installed kWp) 3.4. Economic/Financial Analysis
The amount of useful energy produced by this system is Utilizing websites like SREDA(Sustainable And Renewable
3.97 kWh/kWp/day. The loss diagram of the solar power Energy Development Authority), various com ponents are
generation system is shown in Fig 15. The annual global chosen. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are the primary
horizontal radiation dose received by a solar power system factors that went into selecting the components. The items
is 1617 kWh/m2.After subtracting the power loss of the are chosen in a way that allows them to work well together.
during the solar conversion process the rated energy of the A particular kind of inverted grid connection is chosen. A
array at Standard Test Conditions (STC) is 67141701 kWh. wide variety of tiny parts, such as fasteners and
Moreover, the resulting energy delivered to the grid is accessories, psychrometer are taken into account in the
57996325 KWh per year after deducting losses due to Other Accessories. According to the website of SREDA,
there are 73 authorized grid-tied inverters and 38 total

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
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approved solar modules under the Net Metering Program. Expected Revenue during 9163237098.78
Selected components of Table 3 have been approved By the Project Life (Taka)
SREDA.
Simple Payback Period 7
Table-3: Components of the 40 MW Grid-Connected Solar (Years)
PV Power Plant.

No Components No of Price per Total Various financial parameters of the project are shown in
Units Units Cost(BDT) the Table 4. The payback period is very short at 7 years.
(BDT) This will make the project profitable and make it possible
to repay the investment. Meanwhile, the expected revenue
1 Trina Solar 65574 16652.94 1091999887.56 during the project period is approximately Tk
TSM-DE20- 9,163,237,098.78.As this project is for schools, the rest of
610Wp 29V the electricity can be fed into the national grid to meet the
2 Sofar Solar 297 417560 124015320 school’s electrical needs. According to BPDP(Bangladesh
Sofar Power Development Board), the price of electricity is
110KTLX-G4 8.72tk per kilowatt for Off peak tariff and 12.10 tk per
3 Monitoring 1 24053380 24053380 kilowatt for peak tariff. But according to our analysis at
system, PVsyst software, the price per kilowatt is tk 5.751 which
Display screen will help us to meet the electricity demand at a low cost. If
weather conditions do not generate enough electricity for
4 3 Phase Net - - 100000 the project, The project uses the current from power grid
Bi-directional
Meter
that supplied into grid previously and has no requirement
for batteries, resulting in lower investment costs compared
5 Transformer 15 19500000 292500000 to other power plants. Projects like this take us one step
6 Combiner Box 1 1430000 1430000 further towards sustainable development.

7 Wiring 32000 999.70 319904000

0
8 Surge Arrester 100 16248.70 1624870
9 Other - - 2389694432.56
Accessories
10 Total Cost - - 4245321890.56

To make an accurate decision, a simulation is performed

with correct information for all components. Which is done
at PVsyst software. The results of this simulation will be
most suitable for solar power plant and it will be cost
effective. Through this it is also possible to get the correct
results. Installation cost, land cost, salaries along with
study analysis have all been worked on PVsyst software.

Table-4: Financial Parameters of the Research Fig-15: Financial Analysis By Pvsyst

Parameter Value In Fig 15, shown the payback period of our research and
Detailed economic results.
Project Life(Years) 25
Investment Cost(Taka) 4245321890.56 4. CONCLUSIONS
Yearly Electricity 57998 This study explored that the installation of a 40-megawatt
Production (MWh) grid-connected solar power plant for a school in Patenga,
Chittagong, Bangladesh, represents a significant step
Production Cost 5.751
towards community empowerment and sustainable
(Taka/KWh)
development. Through this innovative initiative, the
Price of Electricity Peak Tariff: 12.10 dedication to affordable and sustainable energy, high-
(Taka/KWh) Off Peak Tariff: 8.72 quality education, climate action, innovation, and

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 06 | June 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

partnership development is evident. Furthermore, the power plant using (pvsyst) in umm al-qura
project aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable university”. textitInternational Journal of Science and
Development Goals (SDGs), illustrating its multifaceted Research (IJSR) 8 (11): 356-363
impact and significance. The research conducted on the
potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in [4] Bharathkumar, M and Byregowda, HV . 2014.
Patenga underscores the economic viability and “Performance evaluation of 5 MW grid connected
environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption. By solar photovoltaic power plant established in
leveraging advanced software tools such as Global Solar Karnataka” textitInt J Innov Res Sci Eng Technol 3 (6) :
Atlas, PVGIS, PVsyst, PV-Sol, and Helioscope, the feasibility Citeseer.
of solar PV power generation in the region was thoroughly
analyzed and confirmed. The geographic advantage of [5] Kalita, Pankaj and Das, Samar and Das, Dudul and
Patenga’s coastal setting, combined with favorable solar Borgohain, Pallab and Dewan, Anupam and Banik,
irradiance levels, positions it as an ideal location for solar Rabindra Kangsha. 2019 . “Feasibility study of
energy exploitation. The projected payback period of installation of MW level grid connected solar
seven years and estimated revenue exceeding Tk 9 billion photovoltaic power plant for northeastern region of
further highlight the economic viability and profitability of India” textitS¯adhan¯a 44 : 1-24 : Springer
the proposed solar PV project. Beyond financial
[6] Padmavathi, K and Daniel, S Arul. 2013 . “Performance
considerations, the project’s contribution to advancing
analysis of a 3 MWp grid connected solar photovoltaic
industry, innovation, infrastructure, decent work, and
power plant in India” textitEnergy for sustainable
economic growth underscores its alignment with the
development 17 (6): 615-625. Elsevier
United Nations SDGs. Moreover, the project’s positive
ripple effects extend beyond the school grounds, [7] Kagilik, Ahmed and Tawel, Abduraouf. 2015. “
benefiting the wider Patenga community by improving Performance Analysis of 14 MW Grid-Connected
access to clean, dependable electricity, healthcare, clean
Photovoltaic System” 4 (1): 11-21
water, and promoting general well-being. Through this
endeavor, valuable insights were gained regarding the
utilization of solar PV in Bangladesh, resource evaluation,
project planning, and development utilizing various
software programs and reliable websites. This newfound
expertise, coupled with the demonstrated success of the
project, serves as a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at
harnessing renewable energy sources to address energy
challenges, promote sustainable development, and
mitigate climate change. In essence, the installation of a
grid-connected solar power plant in Patenga exemplifies
the transformative potential of renewable energy in
promoting environmental sustainability, economic
growth, and social well-being. As we look towards a future
powered by clean and renewable energy, initiatives like
these pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous
tomorrow.

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