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Research Article
Performance Comparison of Fixed-Tilt and Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems: A Case Study on Rural Electrification in Senegal
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
32-40
Received:
6 January 2026
Accepted:
31 January 2026
Published:
24 April 2026
Abstract: This study presents a theoretical comparative analysis of photovoltaic systems using Fixed-Tilt and dual-axis solar tracking structures, applied to rural electrification. The analysis focuses on the village of Kakouda, located in the Kaffrine region of Senegal, and is based on local meteorological data, particularly solar irradiation and ambient temperature, combined with mathematical models describing the apparent motion of the sun. Energy performance is evaluated using monthly energy production, solar irradiation, and Peak Sun Hours. The results show that, for the same installed capacity of 70 kWp, dual-axis solar tracking systems provide an average annual energy gain of 23.57 %. When systems are sized to meet a given energy demand of 230 kWh per day, solar tracking enables a reduction in installed capacity of approximately 23 %. These results confirm the technical advantages of solar trackers in terms of energy gain and land-use efficiency, resulting in a reduced number of photovoltaic modules. However, for small-scale community photovoltaic systems, the additional energy production corresponds to a relatively modest benefit compared to the higher investment and maintenance costs associated with tracking systems. This study highlights the need to identify an optimal compromise between energy performance and overall system cost, and emphasizes the importance of developing simplified, low-cost, and energy-efficient solar tracking solutions adapted to the specific technical, economic, and territorial conditions encountered in Senegal.
Abstract: This study presents a theoretical comparative analysis of photovoltaic systems using Fixed-Tilt and dual-axis solar tracking structures, applied to rural electrification. The analysis focuses on the village of Kakouda, located in the Kaffrine region of Senegal, and is based on local meteorological data, particularly solar irradiation and ambient te...
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Research Article
Application of Long-distance Conveying and Curved Rail Ship Loading System for Fly Ash
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
41-46
Received:
30 April 2026
Accepted:
13 May 2026
Published:
26 May 2026
Abstract: For coastal and riverside thermal power plants with convenient water transportation resources, waterborne shipment has become an effective and economical approach to enhance the resource utilization of fly ash. However, conventional transportation and ship loading systems are often confronted with prominent challenges, including limited conveying distance, frequent pipe blockage over long distances, severe pipe wear, poor adaptability to multiple vessel types, high dust emission, material spillage, and fuel-related pollution. To address these engineering problems, this paper presents an integrated system that combines double-pipe dense-phase pneumatic conveying and curved rail ship loading technology, based on a practical project of a 2×660 MW coal-fired power plant in Southeast Asia. The system adopts a two-stage closed pneumatic conveying process to realize stable long-distance transportation of fly ash from dust collectors to intermediate silos and then to wharf buffer tanks; meanwhile, the curved rail ship loader is adopted to achieve full-hold distribution, high efficiency, and environmental protection during ship loading operations. Engineering application results show that the integrated system features stable operation, high automation level, low energy consumption, and excellent environmental performance, which effectively eliminates dust and spillage and establishes a dual-channel utilization mode of waterborne shipment combined with land transportation. The system provides a reliable, economical, and replicable solution for fly ash disposal in coastal and riverside thermal power plants, and can also serve as a valuable reference for long-distance conveying and environment-friendly ship loading of granular and powdery materials in other related industries.
Abstract: For coastal and riverside thermal power plants with convenient water transportation resources, waterborne shipment has become an effective and economical approach to enhance the resource utilization of fly ash. However, conventional transportation and ship loading systems are often confronted with prominent challenges, including limited conveying d...
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Research Article
Impact of the Sounda Gorge Hydropower Plant on Power Flow and Voltage Stability of the Congo-Brazzaville Electrical Network Under PSAT
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
47-64
Received:
20 May 2026
Accepted:
1 June 2026
Published:
18 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjee.20261402.13
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Abstract: This article presents the mathematical modelling of the national power grid of the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville and its future behaviour following the integration of the Sounda Gorges hydroelectric power plant. The network is simulated using the PSAT 2.1.11 software on a model comprising 45 buses, 27 lines, 19 transformers and 5 generators. The nodal admittance matrix [Ybus] equations and the active power transit equations Pik and reactive power transit equations Qik are developed. Three scenarios are simulated: a full network configuration with the C.E.C and AKSA thermal power plants, a full network configuration with the Congo Electric Power Plant (C.E.C) operating at one-third of its rated capacity, and an all-hydro network configuration without the thermal power plants. The PSAT simulations reveal critical results for network planning, notably the presence of at least 11 out of 45 buses exhibiting voltages below the regulatory threshold of 0.95 p.u. across all three scenarios, regardless of the presence or absence of the C.E.C and AKSA thermal power plants. Sounda will only be able to operate at its full rated capacity of 800 MW with an interconnection to the Central African Power Pool (CAPP), given that the current national demand, including losses (545.6 MW), is lower than the total available generating capacity.
Abstract: This article presents the mathematical modelling of the national power grid of the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville and its future behaviour following the integration of the Sounda Gorges hydroelectric power plant. The network is simulated using the PSAT 2.1.11 software on a model comprising 45 buses, 27 lines, 19 transformers and 5 generators. The no...
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Oumar Dia
