Application of Photovoltaic Systems in Field Observation and Research Stations: Research on the Relationship between Power Generation Scale and Electricity Consumption to Improve Photovoltaic Application in Field Observation Stations

Abstract

Most field scientific observation and research stations are located at the end of power grids which are usually not extended to such areas. Consequently, the power supply of equipment in field observation stations cannot be guaranteed. Meanwhile, regions with poor ecosystem stability are relatively sensitive to environmental changes and thus prone to degradation and succession due to external interference. In this paper, the photovoltaic (PV) power generation system of a grassland ecohydrological field scientific observation and research station was taken as the research object. Two kinds of distributed PV power generation systems were simulated and analyzed by use of PVsyst software. The total power of laboratory equipment, PV power generation efficiency, and system cost of the field observation station were calculated and analyzed. The design scheme and scale of PV power generation systems suitable for field observation stations were determined. Finally, a PV power generation test system was set up, and PV power generation data were sorted out. The feasibility of the design scheme of PV power generation systems was verified by analyzing the relationship between the simulated and actual power generation of systems and that between the daily energy use proportions of field observation stations. Besides, the environmental benefits of PV systems were analyzed, and their amount of energy saving and emission reduction was calculated. This study can solve the issue of the low power supply guarantee rate of field observation stations, provide a design basis and beneficial reference for the construction of environment-friendly field laboratory stations, and realize green energy saving and the sustainable use of energy while protecting the ecosystem from being destroyed.