Thesis:

Design of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system for refrigeration purposes in Nairobi cargo hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,Nairobi county,Kenya.

Electrical energy demand in the world is increasing each and every day. Africa is among the continents, which are mostly affected by less accessibility of electrical energy. Solar PV technology has been the most promising renewable energy in Kenya. The study presents design of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system for refrigeration purposes where it focuses on cold storage facilities based in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Cargo hub. The utilization of solar photovoltaic (PV) for refrigeration system have drawn much attention in Kenya due to rising cost of conventional electrical energy. The main purpose of this study was to design and provide an alternative energy cost appraisal for refrigeration purposes using solar photovoltaic. The study addressed three specific objectives, which are, to evaluate refrigeration energy demand in Nairobi cargo hub at JKIA, to design and optimize a grid connected solar PV for refrigeration processes in sampled refrigeration facility and to evaluate the social economic benefits of the grid connected system. Descriptive research method is adopted where qualitative approach is employed. The data is analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and correlation. The study established that the average peak load and daily energy consumption are 67kW and588.4 kWh/day respectively. The cold-rooms store horticultural produce such flowers, fruits and vegetables which are maintained at temperature settings of +4 to +8 degrees centigrade. The economics analyses of the grid-connected solar PV system have resulted to positive NPV of approximately $136098.75, LCOE is $0.0034/kWh and PBT is 3.79years. The research proves the worthiness of a grid connected solar PV system for refrigeration purposes due to favorable solar isolation of 4 to 6kWh/day at JKIA in Nairobi, grid parity achievement, reduction in cost of energy, creation of opportunities and adoption of clean energy.