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Design and Comprehensive Simulation of 5 MWp and 10 MWp Solar Power Plants in Ma'an: Detailed System Design, Economic Returns, and Environmental Benefits in a Semi-Arid Climate

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 2, 609 - 626, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.29109/gujsc.1641017

Abstract

The energy sector in Jordan is facing major challenges due to the increasing demand for elec-tricity and limited oil resources, which calls for the search for sustainable solutions. This study aims to present a comprehensive design of a solar power plant, starting with site selection in Ma'an, Jordan, where a careful analysis of solar radiation and environmental conditions was per-formed to ensure efficient production. The optimal tilt angle of the solar panels was determined at 30 degrees to maximize the absorption of solar radiation and improve system efficiency. In addition, a scientific methodology was applied to select the appropriate electrical cables, ensur-ing the minimization of electrical losses and achieving the highest level of operational efficiency. On the economic level, a comprehensive financial analysis was conducted to assess the invest-ment feasibility of the project, where the results showed that the plant achieves high investment returns and a short payback period, which enhances the feasibility of investing in solar energy projects. Moreover, the amount of GHG emission reduction achieved by the plant was calculat-ed, highlighting its effective role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. This study reflects the importance of investing in solar energy projects, especially in semi-arid regions with high solar radiation, as they provide effective solutions to achieve en-ergy sustainability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışmanın, özgün bir çalışma olduğunu; çalışmanın hazırlık, veri toplama, analiz ve bilgilerin sunumu olmak üzere tüm aşamalarından bilimsel etik ilke ve kurallarına uygun davrandığımı; bu çalışma kapsamında elde edilmeyen tüm veri ve bilgiler için kaynak gösterdiğimi ve bu kaynaklara kaynakçada yer verdiğimi; kullanılan verilerde herhangi bir değişiklik yapmadığımı, ve gereken tüm etik görev ve sorumluluklara riayet ettiğimi beyan ederim. Herhangi bir zamanda, çalışmayla ilgili yaptığım bu beyana aykırı bir durumun saptanması durumunda, ortaya çıkacak tüm ahlaki ve hukuki sonuçlara razı olduğumu bildiririm.

Thanks

Bu çalışma Kütahya Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü Makine Mühendisliği Anabilim Dalında tamamlanan ve danışmanlığı tarafımca yürütülen Yüksek Lisans tezinden üretilmiştir.

References

  • [1] Cerovsky, Z. and P. Mindl. Hybrid electric cars, combustion engine driven cars and their impact on environment. in 2008 International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion. 2008. IEEE, doi:10.1109/SPEEDHAM.2008.4581321
  • [2] Al-Smairan, M., et al., Experimental Analysis of Weather Condition Effects on Photovoltaic Systems’ Performance: A Jordan Case Study. Journal of Engineering, 2024. 2024(1): p. 9321648, doi:10.1155/2024/9321648
  • [3] Vohra, K., et al., Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem. Environmental research, 2021. 195: p. 110754, doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.110754
  • [4] (UNCED), U.N.C.o.E.a.D., Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, in United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. 1992: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • [5] Al-Habaibeh, A., et al., Solar energy in Jordan: Investigating challenges and opportunities of using domestic solar energy systems. World Development Sustainability, 2023. 3: p. 100077, doi:10.1016/j.wds.2023.100077
  • [6] Sarı, V. and F.Y. Özyiğit, Sivas ilinin farklı ilçelerinde şebeke bağlantılı güneş enerji santrallerinin tasarımı ve analizi. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 2020(20): p. 425-437, doi:10.31590/ejosat.797434
  • [7] Nnabuife, S.G., et al., Innovative Strategies for Combining Solar and Wind Energy with Green Hydrogen Systems. Applied Sciences, 2024. 14(21): p. 9771, doi:10.3390/app14219771
  • [8] Al-Bajjali, S.K. and A.Y. Shamayleh, Estimating the determinants of electricity consumption in Jordan. Energy, 2018. 147: p. 1311-1320, doi:10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.010
  • [9] Al-Najideen, M.I. and S.S. Alrwashdeh, Design of a solar photovoltaic system to cover the electricity demand for the faculty of Engineering-Mu'tah University in Jordan. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 2017. 3(4): p. 440-445, doi:10.1016/j.reffit.2017.04.005
  • [10] Salah, A.A., M.M. Shalby, and F. Basim Ismail, The status and potential of renewable energy development in Jordan: exploring challenges and opportunities. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 2023. 19(1): p. 2212517, doi:10.1080/15487733.2023.2212517
  • [11] Bataineh, A., A. Alqudah, and A. Athamneh, Optimal design of hybrid power generation system to ensure reliable power supply to the health center at Umm Jamal, Mafraq, Jordan. Energy and Environment Research, 2014. 4(3): p. 9, doi:10.5539/eer.v4n3p9
  • [12] Al-Omari, Z., N. Khlaifat, and M. Haddad, A feasibility study of combining solar/wind energy to power a water pumping system in Jordan's Desert/Al-Mudawwara village. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025. 25: p. 100555, doi:10.1016/j.indic.2024.100555
  • [13] Alrwashdeh, S.S., F.M. Alsaraireh, and M.A. Saraireh, Solar radiation map of Jordan governorates. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2018. 7(3): p. 1664-1667, doi:10.14419/ijet.v7i3.15557
  • [14] Solargis. Available from: https://solargis.com/maps-and-gis-data/download/jordan.
  • [15] Narasimhan, A. Qualitative Assessment of PV System Cable Loss and Practical Cost Optimization. in 2020 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Computing and Communication Technologies (CONECCT). 2020. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CONECCT50063.2020.9198671
  • [16] Micheli, L., et al., Quantifying the impact of inverter clipping on photovoltaic performance and soiling losses. Renewable Energy, 2024. 225: p. 120317, doi:10.1016/j.renene.2024.120317
  • [17] Al-Enezi, F., J. Sykulski, and M. Rotaru, Grid-connected photovoltaic module and array sizing based on an iterative approach. SGCE International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, 2014. 3(2): p. 247-254.
  • [18] Arndt, R. and R. Puto, Basic understanding of IEC standard testing for photovoltaic panels. TÜV SÜD Prod. Serv, 2010.
  • [19] Gan, C.K., et al. Role of losses in design of DC cable for solar PV applications. in 2014 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC). 2014. IEEE, doi:10.1109/AUPEC.2014.6966594
  • [20] Ilıca, A. and M. Serdar, Electrical sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 2024. 30(4): p. 451-462, doi: 10.5505/pajes.2023.24896
  • [21] Božiková, M., et al., The effect of azimuth and tilt angle changes on the energy balance of photovoltaic system installed in the Southern Slovakia region. Applied Sciences, 2021. 11(19): p. 8998, doi:10.3390/app11198998
  • [22] Siraki, A.G. and P. Pillay, Study of optimum tilt angles for solar panels in different latitudes for urban applications. Solar energy, 2012. 86(6): p. 1920-1928, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2012.02.030
  • [23] Shivalingaswamy, T. and B. Kagali, Determination of the Declination of the Sun on a Given Day. European Journal of Physics Education, 2012. 3(1).
  • [24] Masters, G.M., Renewable and efficient electric power systems. 2013: John Wiley & Sons.
  • [25] Jaseem, B.M.H. and M.S.S. Al-Kafaji, Evaluating and Analyzing The Transposition Factor In Al-Musayyib Technical College to Setting The Optimal Tilt Angle for Fixed And Seasonal Orientation. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología-Serie de Conferencias, 2024. 3: p. 853-853, doi:10.56294/sctconf2024853
  • [26] Sathyanarayana, P., et al., Effect of shading on the performance of solar PV panel. Energy and Power, 2015. 5(1A): p. 1-4, doi:10.5923/c.ep.201501.01
  • [27] Bayyiğit, A.; Çinici, O.K.; Acir, A. Tek YÜzeylİ Ve Çİft YÜzeylİ Fotovoltaİk Panellerİn Performans Analİzİ. Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji 2023, 11, 407-420, doi:10.29109/gujsc.1298017.
  • [28] Rodrigues, S., et al., Economic feasibility analysis of small scale PV systems in different countries. Solar Energy, 2016. 131: p. 81-95, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2016.02.019
  • [29] Zaini, N., et al. The effect of temperature on a mono-crystalline solar PV panel. in 2015 IEEE Conference on Energy Conversion (CENCON). 2015. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CENCON.2015.7409548
  • [30] Carbon intensity of electricity generation. Available from: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/carbon-intensity-electricity?tab=chart&country=~JOR.
  • [31] IEA. Available from: https://www.iea.org/countries/jordan/electricity.
  • [32] Alshare, A., et al., Energy and economic analysis of a 5 MW photovoltaic system in northern Jordan. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2020. 21: p. 100722, doi:10.1016/j.csite.2020.100722

Design and Comprehensive Simulation of 5 MWp and 10 MWp Solar Power Plants in Ma'an: Detailed System Design, Economic Returns, and Environmental Benefits in a Semi-Arid Climate

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 2, 609 - 626, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.29109/gujsc.1641017

Abstract

The energy sector in Jordan is facing major challenges due to the increasing demand for elec-tricity and limited oil resources, which calls for the search for sustainable solutions. This study aims to present a comprehensive design of a solar power plant, starting with site selection in Ma'an, Jordan, where a careful analysis of solar radiation and environmental conditions was per-formed to ensure efficient production. The optimal tilt angle of the solar panels was determined at 30 degrees to maximize the absorption of solar radiation and improve system efficiency. In addition, a scientific methodology was applied to select the appropriate electrical cables, ensur-ing the minimization of electrical losses and achieving the highest level of operational efficiency. On the economic level, a comprehensive financial analysis was conducted to assess the invest-ment feasibility of the project, where the results showed that the plant achieves high investment returns and a short payback period, which enhances the feasibility of investing in solar energy projects. Moreover, the amount of GHG emission reduction achieved by the plant was calculat-ed, highlighting its effective role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. This study reflects the importance of investing in solar energy projects, especially in semi-arid regions with high solar radiation, as they provide effective solutions to achieve en-ergy sustainability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

References

  • [1] Cerovsky, Z. and P. Mindl. Hybrid electric cars, combustion engine driven cars and their impact on environment. in 2008 International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion. 2008. IEEE, doi:10.1109/SPEEDHAM.2008.4581321
  • [2] Al-Smairan, M., et al., Experimental Analysis of Weather Condition Effects on Photovoltaic Systems’ Performance: A Jordan Case Study. Journal of Engineering, 2024. 2024(1): p. 9321648, doi:10.1155/2024/9321648
  • [3] Vohra, K., et al., Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem. Environmental research, 2021. 195: p. 110754, doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.110754
  • [4] (UNCED), U.N.C.o.E.a.D., Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, in United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. 1992: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • [5] Al-Habaibeh, A., et al., Solar energy in Jordan: Investigating challenges and opportunities of using domestic solar energy systems. World Development Sustainability, 2023. 3: p. 100077, doi:10.1016/j.wds.2023.100077
  • [6] Sarı, V. and F.Y. Özyiğit, Sivas ilinin farklı ilçelerinde şebeke bağlantılı güneş enerji santrallerinin tasarımı ve analizi. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 2020(20): p. 425-437, doi:10.31590/ejosat.797434
  • [7] Nnabuife, S.G., et al., Innovative Strategies for Combining Solar and Wind Energy with Green Hydrogen Systems. Applied Sciences, 2024. 14(21): p. 9771, doi:10.3390/app14219771
  • [8] Al-Bajjali, S.K. and A.Y. Shamayleh, Estimating the determinants of electricity consumption in Jordan. Energy, 2018. 147: p. 1311-1320, doi:10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.010
  • [9] Al-Najideen, M.I. and S.S. Alrwashdeh, Design of a solar photovoltaic system to cover the electricity demand for the faculty of Engineering-Mu'tah University in Jordan. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 2017. 3(4): p. 440-445, doi:10.1016/j.reffit.2017.04.005
  • [10] Salah, A.A., M.M. Shalby, and F. Basim Ismail, The status and potential of renewable energy development in Jordan: exploring challenges and opportunities. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 2023. 19(1): p. 2212517, doi:10.1080/15487733.2023.2212517
  • [11] Bataineh, A., A. Alqudah, and A. Athamneh, Optimal design of hybrid power generation system to ensure reliable power supply to the health center at Umm Jamal, Mafraq, Jordan. Energy and Environment Research, 2014. 4(3): p. 9, doi:10.5539/eer.v4n3p9
  • [12] Al-Omari, Z., N. Khlaifat, and M. Haddad, A feasibility study of combining solar/wind energy to power a water pumping system in Jordan's Desert/Al-Mudawwara village. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025. 25: p. 100555, doi:10.1016/j.indic.2024.100555
  • [13] Alrwashdeh, S.S., F.M. Alsaraireh, and M.A. Saraireh, Solar radiation map of Jordan governorates. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2018. 7(3): p. 1664-1667, doi:10.14419/ijet.v7i3.15557
  • [14] Solargis. Available from: https://solargis.com/maps-and-gis-data/download/jordan.
  • [15] Narasimhan, A. Qualitative Assessment of PV System Cable Loss and Practical Cost Optimization. in 2020 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Computing and Communication Technologies (CONECCT). 2020. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CONECCT50063.2020.9198671
  • [16] Micheli, L., et al., Quantifying the impact of inverter clipping on photovoltaic performance and soiling losses. Renewable Energy, 2024. 225: p. 120317, doi:10.1016/j.renene.2024.120317
  • [17] Al-Enezi, F., J. Sykulski, and M. Rotaru, Grid-connected photovoltaic module and array sizing based on an iterative approach. SGCE International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, 2014. 3(2): p. 247-254.
  • [18] Arndt, R. and R. Puto, Basic understanding of IEC standard testing for photovoltaic panels. TÜV SÜD Prod. Serv, 2010.
  • [19] Gan, C.K., et al. Role of losses in design of DC cable for solar PV applications. in 2014 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC). 2014. IEEE, doi:10.1109/AUPEC.2014.6966594
  • [20] Ilıca, A. and M. Serdar, Electrical sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 2024. 30(4): p. 451-462, doi: 10.5505/pajes.2023.24896
  • [21] Božiková, M., et al., The effect of azimuth and tilt angle changes on the energy balance of photovoltaic system installed in the Southern Slovakia region. Applied Sciences, 2021. 11(19): p. 8998, doi:10.3390/app11198998
  • [22] Siraki, A.G. and P. Pillay, Study of optimum tilt angles for solar panels in different latitudes for urban applications. Solar energy, 2012. 86(6): p. 1920-1928, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2012.02.030
  • [23] Shivalingaswamy, T. and B. Kagali, Determination of the Declination of the Sun on a Given Day. European Journal of Physics Education, 2012. 3(1).
  • [24] Masters, G.M., Renewable and efficient electric power systems. 2013: John Wiley & Sons.
  • [25] Jaseem, B.M.H. and M.S.S. Al-Kafaji, Evaluating and Analyzing The Transposition Factor In Al-Musayyib Technical College to Setting The Optimal Tilt Angle for Fixed And Seasonal Orientation. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología-Serie de Conferencias, 2024. 3: p. 853-853, doi:10.56294/sctconf2024853
  • [26] Sathyanarayana, P., et al., Effect of shading on the performance of solar PV panel. Energy and Power, 2015. 5(1A): p. 1-4, doi:10.5923/c.ep.201501.01
  • [27] Bayyiğit, A.; Çinici, O.K.; Acir, A. Tek YÜzeylİ Ve Çİft YÜzeylİ Fotovoltaİk Panellerİn Performans Analİzİ. Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji 2023, 11, 407-420, doi:10.29109/gujsc.1298017.
  • [28] Rodrigues, S., et al., Economic feasibility analysis of small scale PV systems in different countries. Solar Energy, 2016. 131: p. 81-95, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2016.02.019
  • [29] Zaini, N., et al. The effect of temperature on a mono-crystalline solar PV panel. in 2015 IEEE Conference on Energy Conversion (CENCON). 2015. IEEE, doi:10.1109/CENCON.2015.7409548
  • [30] Carbon intensity of electricity generation. Available from: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/carbon-intensity-electricity?tab=chart&country=~JOR.
  • [31] IEA. Available from: https://www.iea.org/countries/jordan/electricity.
  • [32] Alshare, A., et al., Energy and economic analysis of a 5 MW photovoltaic system in northern Jordan. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2020. 21: p. 100722, doi:10.1016/j.csite.2020.100722
There are 32 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Mechanical Engineering (Other)
Journal Section Tasarım ve Teknoloji
Authors

İbrahim Mahmoud Rizeq Alsaqar 0009-0002-1758-819X

Mehmet Erdem 0000-0002-1936-1338

Early Pub Date June 3, 2025
Publication Date June 30, 2025
Submission Date February 19, 2025
Acceptance Date March 14, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 13 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Alsaqar, İ. M. R., & Erdem, M. (2025). Design and Comprehensive Simulation of 5 MWp and 10 MWp Solar Power Plants in Ma’an: Detailed System Design, Economic Returns, and Environmental Benefits in a Semi-Arid Climate. Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım Ve Teknoloji, 13(2), 609-626. https://doi.org/10.29109/gujsc.1641017

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