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Thesis Defence: Techno-economic Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy in Western Canada
December 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Amandine Drew, supervised by Dr. Alexander Uhl, will defend their thesis titled “Techno-economic Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy in Western Canada” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering.
An abstract for Amandine Drew’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email alexander.uhl@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.
ABSTRACT
Solar energy has become a pivotal component of the energy landscape in recent years, demonstrating the highest growth rate of all renewable energy sources over the past decade. This thesis provides an overview of the current techno-economic status of photovoltaic (PV) energy in Interior British Columbia (B.C.), and in remote, off-grid communities in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.). Two case studies are presented here for the implementation of a PV system in two contrasting environments in Western Canada. The first case study examines the implementation of a PV system on top of student residences in Kelowna, B.C. The second case study examines the feasibility of installing a PV system in the northern, remote, and First Nation’s community of Fort McPherson, N.W.T. First, the energy consumption for the respective case studies was examined, providing insight into monthly and hourly consumption trends. Next, the PV systems were modelled and optimized, the monthly and yearly electricity production of the PV systems were analyzed, and the resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions were estimated. Finally, a financial analysis was conducted by examining the balance of system, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and the impact of key variables on the payback period of the PV systems. This work is intended to serve as a blueprint for the feasibility of PV in B.C. and remote communities in N.W.T, to lead to further uptake of solar energy in Western Canada and beyond.
