Economic feasibility of a PV system for grid-connected semiconductor facilities in South Korea

Hyung Jong Choi, Gwon Deok Han, Jin Young Min, Kiho Bae, Joon Hyung Shim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, a cost optimization and sensitivity analysis were carried out for the deployment of a photovoltaic (PV) system in a semiconductor facility in South Korea. The Microgrid software (HOMER) was used to simulate the performance of the system for the electrical load profile of a representative semiconductor manufacturing facility. We performed cost optimizations for grid-only, PV/battery, and grid/PV systems for the semiconductor facility. The environmental impact was evaluated by estimating the amount of polluting emissions. The grid-only system showed the lowest net present cost and cost of energy, and by connecting the PV system to the grid, the amount of pollutants was decreased by 10% with a renewable fraction 9%. If we consider a renewable PV/battery system, a 100% renewable fraction and zero emissions can be achieved. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed. Under the assumption that PV costs decrease and grid costs increase, it was found that grid/PV and grid/PV/battery systems are economically more competitive than grid-only systems. Additionally, as feed-in tariffs are introduced to South Korea, it can be shown that a semiconductor facility with a PV system installed could generate profit by selling excess energy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2033-2041
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
Volume14
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Nov

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Human Resources Development of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) grant funded by the Korea Government Ministry of Knowledge Economy (No. 20124010203250) and the Korea University Grant Program. The authors acknowledge the advice and data provided by KEPCO.

Keywords

  • Grid-connected
  • HOMER
  • Microgrid
  • Photovoltaic
  • Semiconductor facility
  • South korea

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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