Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Ershad Thesis 2014.pdf (2.8 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Power Plants in Meeting Electricity Demand in Afghanistan

Ershad, Ahmad Murtaza
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1398944251

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, Renewable and Clean Energy.
This thesis analyses the potential of large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power plants in two of Afghanistan's most populous provinces (Balkh and Herat) to meet a fraction of growing electricity demand. The analysis is performed by quantifying resource quality, variability and cost of energy generation. First, the quality of solar and wind resources is quantified by characterizing wind speed and solar radiation and calculating capacity factors and energy yields from hypothetical power plants using measured wind speed and typical solar radiation data. Second, variability of wind and solar resources is quantified by comparing their daily and seasonal profiles with electricity demand profiles, analyzing their impacts on load duration curves and determining their penetration and curtailment levels for various demand scenarios. Finally, cost of energy generated from solar PV and wind power plants is determined. The research shows that future solar PV and wind power plants in Balkh and Herat provinces could achieve very high penetration levels without significant curtailment meaning less reliance on unpredictable and unstable power purchase agreements with neighboring countries, longer life of limited domestic fossil fuel resources such as coal and natural gas, and less imports of diesel fuel with rising costs and unfriendly environmental impacts.
Robert J. Brecha, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
J. Kelly Kissock, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Kevin P. Hallinan, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
88 p.
Electrical Engineering; Energy; Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Afghanistan; Solar PV and Wind Power Plants; Electricity Demand; Resource Quality; Resource Variability; Cost of Energy Generation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ershad, A. M. (2014). Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Power Plants in Meeting Electricity Demand in Afghanistan [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1398944251

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ershad, Ahmad Murtaza. Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Power Plants in Meeting Electricity Demand in Afghanistan. 2014. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1398944251.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ershad, Ahmad Murtaza. "Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Power Plants in Meeting Electricity Demand in Afghanistan." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1398944251

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

dayton1398944251
2,433
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.