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Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000
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Energy
EnergyProcedia
Procedia138 (2017) 000–000
00 (2017) 931–936
www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

2017 International Conference on Alternative Energy in Developing Countries and Emerging Economies
2017 International Conference on Alternative
2017 AEDCEE, 25‐26Energy in Developing
May 2017, Bangkok,Countries
Thailand and Emerging Economies
2017 AEDCEE, 25‐26 May 2017, Bangkok, Thailand
StudyTheon15th
Isolated Solar
International HomeonSystems
Symposium for Application
District Heating and Cooling
Study on Isolated Solar Home
in Zimbabwe Systems for Application
Assessing the feasibility in Zimbabwe
of using the heat demand-outdoor
temperature function for aChahuruva
Rujeko long-term
a district
, Tsutomu Deiheat
b demand forecast
a,b,c
Rujeko
a
Chahuruva a
a
, Tsutomu
b
Deib c c
a I. Andrić
Graduate *, A. Pina
School of Engineering, , P.Institute
Ashikaga Ferrão , J. Fournier
of Technology, 326-0845,.,Tochigi
B. Lacarrière , O.Omaecho,
Prefecture, Ashikaga, Le Corre
268−1
a
ba
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate School Division,Ashikaga
of Engineering, AshikagaInstitute
InstituteofofTechnology,
Technology,326-0845,
326-0845,Tochigi
TochigiPrefecture,
Prefecture,Ashikaga,
Ashikaga,Omaecho,
Omaecho,268−1
268−1
IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research - Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
b
Mechanical Engineering
b Division, Ashikaga Institute of Technology, 326-0845, Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga, Omaecho, 268−1
Veolia Recherche & Innovation, 291 Avenue Dreyfous Daniel, 78520 Limay, France
c
Département Systèmes Énergétiques et Environnement - IMT Atlantique, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44300 Nantes, France
Abstract
Abstract
The rationale behind this paper is to study isolated solar home systems that can be used in alleviating electrical power challenges
Abstract
being faced inbehind
The rationale Zimbabwe.
this paper In addition,
is to studysolar homesolar
isolated systems
homecan be included
systems that canintobe the
usednational energyelectrical
in alleviating developmentpowerplan. At the
challenges
presentfaced
being moment, Zimbabwe`s
in Zimbabwe. electricitysolar
In addition, generation is mainlycan
home systems through hydro electric
be included into the and thermal
national power
energy stations generating
development plan. At tothea
District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the
nationalmoment,
present power capacityZimbabwe`s of 1400MW
electricityagainst a national
generation demand
is mainly of 2400MW.
through Mostand
hydro electric rural areas power
thermal and some homes
stations built in new
generating to a
greenhousethe gas emissions fromaccess
the building sector. The
Theseregions
systems require high investments which are returned bythrough the heat
national in
suburbs power cities
capacity have of no1400MW againstto electricity.
a national demand that
of are connected
2400MW. Mosttorural
the areas
grid are
andaffected
some homes load
builtshedding
in new
sales. Due
frequently.
suburbs in In totrying
the the changed
cities tohave noclimate
alleviate theseconditions
access problems
to andThe
some
electricity. building
individuals
regionsrenovation
and are
that policies,
enterprises
connected who heat
tocan
thedemand
afford in affected
have
grid are the future
resorted bytocould
using
load decrease,
fuelled
shedding
prolonging
generators and
frequently. the investment
uninterruptible
In trying return
to alleviate powerperiod.
thesesupplies
problems to some
work individuals
as standby. and A few individuals
enterprises whohavecan also started
afford haveembarking
resorted toon using
using solar
fuelled
Thesystems
PV main scope
generators and of this
stand bypaper
as uninterruptible or primeis to power.
power assess the feasibility
Zimbabwe
supplies asofstandby.
to workbeing using theAin
located heat
thedemand
few Savannah – outdoor
individuals Region temperature
have also hasstarted
a climatefunction
whichfor
embarking is heat
on demand
suitable
using for
solar
forecast.
solar
PV systems The
PV systemas district
withby
stand ofor
an Alvalade,
average
prime solar located
power. in Lisbon
irradiation
Zimbabwe 5.7(Portugal),
of being kWh/m
located wasthe
2/day.
in used
Accordingas a tocase
Savannah study.
Zimbabwe
Region hasThe
Powerdistrict
a climate is consisted
Company,
which isthe of PV
solar
suitable 665
for
buildings
potential
solar PV in that
system vary
Zimbabwe withinanboth aboutconstruction
is average 300MW period
and canand
solar irradiation help
of typology.
5.7 fillingThree
inkWh/m the gap
2/day. weather
of thescenarios
According national (low,
to Zimbabwedeficitmedium, high) fully.
if exploited
Power Company, andthethree
This district
solarpaper
PV
therefore
renovation
potential seeks to create
in scenarios
Zimbabwe isa “guideline
were developed
about for(shallow,
300MW the introduction
and of filling
canintermediate,
help in isolated
deep). solar
the gapPV
To ofsystems
estimate theforerror,
the national rural public
obtained
deficit facilities infully.
heat demand
if exploited Zimbabwe”.
values were
This paper
This guideline
compared
therefore withcan
seeks be applied
toresults
create from aatdynamic
a “guidelineschools, clinics,
forheat
the police
demand stations
model,
introduction as well
previously
of isolated as
solar for educational
developed
PV andfor
systems purposes.
validated by thefacilities
rural public authors.in Zimbabwe”.
This
The guideline
results showedcan bethat applied
whenatonlyschools, clinics,
weather police
change is stations as well
considered, the as for educational
margin purposes.
of error could be acceptable for some applications
© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
(the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2017 International Conference on Alternative Energy in
­Dscenarios,
eveloping the error value
Countries increased Economies.
and Emerging up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered).
The value solar
Keywords: of sloperadiation; solar photovoltaic;
coefficient increased on Zimbabwe.
average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the
decrease insolar
Keywords: the radiation;
number ofsolar photovoltaic;
heating Zimbabwe.
hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and
renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the
coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and
improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and
Cooling.

*Keywords:
Corresponding
Heat author.
demand; +8170-2683-0440
Forecast; Climate;E-mail
changeaddress: rchahuruva@hotmail.com
1876-6102 © 2017
* Corresponding Chahuruva
author. Rujeko, Tsutomu
+8170-2683-0440 Dei.
;E-mail Published
address: by Elsevier Ltd.
rchahuruva@hotmail.com
Peer-review
1876-6102 ©under
2017responsibility of the Organizing
Chahuruva Rujeko, Tsutomu Dei.Committee
Publishedofby2017 AEDCEE.
Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committee of 2017 AEDCEE.

1876-6102 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and Cooling.
1876-6102 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2017 International Conference on Alternative Energy in
­Developing Countries and Emerging Economies.
10.1016/j.egypro.2017.10.142
932 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 138 (2017) 931–936
2 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

Solar PV system is a common method of electrification in remote, non electrified areas where abundant sunshine
is available. It does not need construction of power plant, extension of electric line, and purchase of fuel. It
consumes only sunshine for power generation. Countries like Zimbabwe with abundant sunshine and low
electrification rate can apply it for rural electrification. This guideline is therefore prepared in order for the users of
all strata to use the solar PV system sustainably.

1.2. Objectives

The guideline is designed as a technical resource for people interested in learning how to design stand alone
solar PV systems. It is basically intended for use as a self - learning guideline for public facilities like school,
clinics, and many others.
The main objective of the guideline is to impart the ability to successfully deal with the many aspects of solar PV
system design. It seeks to develop skills not only in computation, but also in making the necessary judgments of
when and where solar PV system can be a viable solution to power needs. It is therefore also designed to integrate a
range of skills required to specify the appropriate electrical components for the system, and select them from a wide
variety of products.

1.3. Components of the guideline

The guideline consists of the following sections but in this paper we will discuss the underlined sections:

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Key part of guideline
2.1 Selection of site
2.2 Coordination
2.3 Zimbabwe solar resource
Chapter 3 Solar PV system
3.1 System description
3.2 System components
3.3 System designing (sizing)
3.4 Determining PV system for a public institute
Chapter 4 Installation
Chapter 5 System operation and maintenance
Chapter 6 Optimum grid connection
6.1 Grid connected solar PV system

2. Key part of guideline

2.1 Selection of the site

Starting with the primary planning stage, it is crucial to look at where the solar panels could possibly be
positioned. We need to comprehend the climatic conditions and the solar irradiance of the site throughout the
different seasons of the year.

2.2 Coordination

It is important to study the relationship between angle of irradiation falling on the solar panel and the
 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 138 (2017) 931–936 933
Rujeko Chahuruva et al./ Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 3

generation of energy. Supporting concepts include the effect of axial tilt and seasonal change on solar irradiation.
Zimbabwe is located in the Southern Hemisphere with the following coordinates for the capital city Harare
Latitude: 17°49′39″ S and Longitude: 31°03′12″ E [1] so panels should face the North. Calculations are needed in
determining the tilt angle of the panels. The solar panels will charge, differently according to the angle of the sun
from sunrise to sunset. It is advantageous, however, to put panels to a movable ground rack which can easily be
altered to track the sun and obtain the maximum irradiation.

2.3 Zimbabwe Solar Resource

Zimbabwe has an abundance of solar radiation. On the basis of solar radiation data from NASA [2] shown
in table 1, the solar energy potential of Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe is relatively high. It has an average solar
radiation of 5.72 kWh/ m2/d. During the winter season (from May to August) the solar radiation is low due to cloud
cover.

Table 1. Table for monthly variation of solar radiation in Harare, Zimbabwe

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average
Radiation 5.84 5.78 5.62 5.54 5.14 4.70 4.99 5.77 6.56 6.68 9.25 5.71 5.72
(kWh/ m2/d)

7
Radiation ( kWh/m2/d)

6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4

Months
Fig. 1. Graph for monthly variation of solar radiation in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Figure 2 shows the hemispherical global horizontal irradiance map for Zimbabwe. The value of the solar
irradiance fluctuates from 5.7 to 6.5 kWh/m 2/ day. The highest solar irradiance values were recorded in the North
Western parts of Zimbabwe.

Fig. 2. Global radiation map for Zimbabwe [3].

934 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 138 (2017) 931–936
4 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

2.4 Solar PV System

A solar PV system is a system that consists of different components connected together to generate
electricity from solar energy. The output voltage can either be DC or AC. A general solar PV system consists a solar
PV module, batteries, charger controller and inverter. The solar PV module is an array of solar cells connected
together in parallel or in series. The solar cells in the PV module convert light energy to electrical energy. The
batteries are used for storing the energy converted by the solar modules. The charger controller prevents
overcharging and over discharging of the batteries. The inverter converts power from AC to DC to be used by the
load. Solar PV is being used in Zimbabwe in different areas such as solar refrigeration (used in isolated rural
hospitals and clinics), solar powered irrigation and solar home systems. The problems identified in the solar PV
systems are system cost and quality standards. A lot of substandard products and services are found in the market.
At the present moment the stand alone solar home systems that are used in Zimbabwe are mainly AC solar PV
systems.

3. Optimum grid connection

3.1 Grid Connected solar PV system

In Chapter 6 of the guideline, grid connected solar PV system will be explained. Considering the fact that
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company is rehabilitating and aiming to expand the
distribution grid in Zimbabwe it would be important to consider an integrated system that can be connected to the
grid. There are so many solar PV systems already installed in rural area therefore modification of the isolated solar
PV system to the grid connected system have to be written in the guideline. GTI are not widely used in Zimbabwe
and that is why we are testing it in Japan. The current transmission grid map and the proposed new map are shown
below [4]. The transmission grid expansion program has been prepared to meet the demand projected under the
three scenarios, namely: a low case, base case and high case for 2010 to 2020.

Fig. 3. (a) Existing Transmission Grid of Zimbabwe (b) Existing & Proposed Power Generation Sites & new lines in Zimbabwe

An integrated solar PV system that can be connected to the utility grid would be ideal in Zimbabwe since
there is a plan of extending the grid. To prepare the guideline, a case study of a grid connected solar system is being
conducted at Ashikaga Institute of Technology in Japan so as to obtain results which could be transferred to the case
 Rujeko Chahuruva et al. / Energy Procedia 138 (2017) 931–936 935
Rujeko Chahuruva et al./ Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 5

of Zimbabwe as well as to ensure reliability and feasibility of the system. Efficiency of the grid interactive inverter
was monitored by this system. The wiring diagram for the case study is shown in figure 4. Figure 5 shows the
images of the solar PV system and 2 pyranometers installed to measure irradiation at 0 and 30 tilt angle. The
system consists of a 2kW solar panel array and a1kW inverter. The system voltage is 24V and the battery capacity is
420Ah.

Fig. 4. Wiring diagram of the AC solar PV system.

Fig. 5. (a) 2kW solar PV system (b) Installed pyranometers.

The conditions of the experiment were as follows

 Panels are arrayed at 30 tilt angle and the radiation variation with time is shown in figure 6. The data was
recorded on the 12th of April, 2017 at Ashikaga Institute of Technology. The peak solar radiation was recorded
at 12:00pm and the value was 8.251kWh/ m 2/day. Average radiation for the horizontal orientation was
6.127kWh/ m 2/day, the average solar radiation at 30 tilt angle was 6.284kWh/m 2/day. The difference of the
radiation was 157Wh/ m2/day.
6936 RujekoRujeko
Chahuruva et al. / Energy
Chahuruva Procedia
et al. / Energy 00 (2017)
Procedia 138000–000
(2017) 931–936

Fig. 6. Relationship between solar radiation at different angles and time.

The efficiency of the grid interactive inverter for 11 consecutive days was recorded by the data loggers and
is shown in table 2. The efficiency of the grid interactive inverter was ranging for 82% to 94%. The average
power efficiency of the grid interactive inverter was 89%. The grid interactive invert showed a satisfactory
steady state performance in terms of power efficiency.

Table 2. Efficiency of grid interactive inverter

Date Pin(W) Pout(W) Efficiency

2017/04/09 107.501 92.75 86%
2017/04/10 249.033 224.683 90%
2017/04/11 158.3 144.721 91%
2017/04/12 199.209 184.323 93%
2017/04/13 300.189 263.567 88%
2017/04/14 192.03 161.278 84%
2017/04/15 163.5 139.873 86%
2017/04/16 230.452 210.981 92%
2017/04/17 216.952 192.078 89%
2017/04/18 223.158 183.377 82%
2017/04/19 283.65 267.231 94%

4. Conclusion and recommendations

The use of solar power in Zimbabwe is not beyond imagination when one looks at the weather conditions and the
need to venture into sustainable and renewable energy source for the future. Since the cost of connecting to the
conventional power grid by extending and laying cables may be expensive, solar panels can be used in the remote
areas. The awareness of solar potential must increase since the country is facing load shedding and still having non
electrified towns and suburbs. A grid interactive inverter is an important component of solar PV systems in the rural
areas because the grid is extending to the rural area. Henceforth, the performance of the grid interactive inverter has
to be included in the guideline. In this study the efficiency of the grid tied inverter was clarified.

References

[1] Retrieved from http://dateandtime.info/citycoordinates.php?id=890299

[2] Retrieved from NASA (http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/)
[3] Hove T, Göttsche J.Mapping global, diffuse and beam solar radiation over Zimbabwe.Renew Energy 1999;18:535–56
[4] Zimbabwe Report, chapter 8: Rehabilitation and Recovery in the Power Sector Zimbabwe Report p. 22-23 retrieved from
https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/10.%20Zimbabwe%20Report_Chapter%208.pdf