What factors should you consider when designing a renewable energy system?

The assessment of energy demand is mandatory since we should know when the energy peak is coming and when the energy is off-peak. Afterwards, we can determine which technology is really suitable based on the energy profile. Moreover, we also need to consider the future growth demand due to population increase, economic development, industry needs, and goal planning from the local government.

Coming from the aluminum industry, which is indeed energy-intensive, we need to think “outside the box” and foster creative solutions that balance financial viability with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By embracing an open-minded perspective, we can: -Challenge conventional wisdom and disrupt outdated paradigms. -Develop pioneering approaches that minimize ecological footprints. -Cultivate collaborative relationships with impacted communities. -Pioneer novel technologies and methodologies. -Forge a resilient and regenerative future for material production.

A peak heat load calculation attempts to calculate the maximum amount of heat that a building needs when it is very cold outside. This can then allow you to size the heating appliance(s) appropriately. So it is important to do an accurate calculation, both for comfort and to prevent oversizing. Behaviour also has an effect - some people have their heating on all the time, but some prefer to use it in short bursts. This latter intermittent strategy means you need an appliance with a slightly higher heat output as it will be repeatedly heating up the building from a colder temperature.

Geographic location and climate weather patterns are necessary to be identified to understand whether the chosen technology is suitable. For instance, we cannot just install solar PV in a location that only has <1 kWh/m2 per day since the area will be mostly cloudy and rainy throughout the year, perhaps the wind turbine will be more suitable if the wind speed in 10 m height has 6-8 m/s for rated speed. Therefore, site analysis should be considered to determine the suitable technology in a specific location.

While we can't control the forces of nature or the location of existing infrastructure, we can exercise creative and responsible project development by carefully selecting a facility location that balances multiple factors. This is where the magic happens! Using a Venn diagram as an analogy, we can visualize the quest for the perfect sweet spot where all essential elements converge. With persistence and dedication, we can identify the ideal location that harmoniously aligns environmental considerations, community needs, technical requirements, economic viability, and social responsibility.

Cada región o país puede tener diferentes recursos naturales y condiciones que hacen que ciertas tecnologías sean más adecuadas que otras. La neutralidad tecnológica permite que se elijan las tecnologías que mejor se adapten a las condiciones locales, optimizando el uso de los recursos disponibles y eligiendo la tecnología óptima en cada caso.

Heating appliances do not tend to modulate down very far. This can lead them to turning off and on more on milder days when little heat is needed, which is not efficient. To help the system be as efficient as possible choose a heating appliance which has a maximum output as close as possible to the peak load of the building, or for bigger buildings consider more than one appliance which can then operate on their own, or together when it is colder. For heat pumps the design of the wider system has a big effect on efficiency and so care and attention should be paid to this. Consider adding in an intelligent controller like a Homely - it can help to optimise some of the settings automatically.

The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) should be calculated during the feasibility study to know how much the capital cost and operation & maintenance cost per year for the project's lifetime. This parameter is prominent to understand how much the benefits for the company can be obtained. In addition, the government's regulation should be identified whether the development of renewable energy can acquire a subsidy such as the Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme, hence, the renewable energy project can compete with the fossil fuel power plant.

The new setup for onshore renewable power plant is to have a mix Solar+Wind in the same power plant. In case you have the intention for future expansion of your power plant, then you might check, at least 2 additional point as i) The possible congestion in the transmission system ii) The transmission substation capacity The time invested there might give future reward.

Reliability & availability would be my top to criteria. It must be there when you need it, or be a known & predicable phenomenon; which for me would make tidal energy beat solar, narrowly, and wind, more easily. Gravity is probably the top if the pile for storage and thermo syphon for fluid movement.