Assessment of the performance of a Photovoltaic (pv) system for powering electrolysers in the green hydrogen project at Tsau//khaebs National Park using modelling and simulation approach
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
The Namibian government, through the Southern Corridor Development Initiative
(SCDI), aims to produce 300,000 tons of hydrogen annually at Tsau //Khaeb National
Park using wind and solar energy. This thesis focuses on the PV system required to power
the electrolyser, involving site analysis, component selection, and system optimisation
using PVsyst and Fraunhofer Zenit. Economic evaluation was conducted via Levelized
Cost of Energy (LCOE) calculations. A site investigation using QGIS, Google Earth, and
SolarGIS determined the coordinates, area, topography, and solar resources. System
sizing and optimisation indicated that 4,586,736 monofacial modules (610 W) are needed
for the fixed-tilt system and 4,181,184 modules for the tracked system. The fixed system
requires 803 inverters, while the tracked system needs 732. The land area required is 21.7
km² for the fixed system and 32.2 km² for the tracked system across both Springbok and
Dolphin sites, respectively. Simulation results showed differences in performance ratio
(PR). At Springbok, PVsyst reported 83.55% for the fixed system and 82.42% for the
tracked system. At Dolphin, PR was 83.99% (fixed) and 82.75% (tracked). In Zenit,
Springbok's PR was 76% (fixed) and 81.4% (tracked), while Dolphin's PR was 76.1%
(fixed) and 81.6% (tracked). Zenit’s results were deemed more realistic due to its
comprehensive modelling. The purpose of this study is to address the lack of independent
research on the proposed SCDI Namibian Green Hydrogen project. The tracked system is
recommended due to its superior performance, though further cost evaluations are
necessary to address uncertainties
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Renewable Energy
Keywords
Green Hydrogen, Photovoltaics, PVsyst, SCDI, Namibia, University of Namibia