Evaluating the 7E impact of solar photovoltaic power plants at airports: a case study

The deployment of solar panels at airports offers numerous benefits, such as clean energy production, cost savings, emission reduction, improved energy security, and a positive public image. In this study, the performance of various solar panel technologies is investigated based on the 7E framework (i.e. energy, exergy, economic, energoenvironmental, exergoenvironmental, energoenviroeconomic, and energoenviroeconomic) at airports in Pakistan. Initially, available spaces at five international airports are identified followed by energy assessments conducted with PVSyst simulation software. Next, a mathematical model is developed to evaluate exergy, economic, energoenvironmental, exergoenvironmental, energoenviroeconomic, and exergoenviroeconomic parameters. Results show that all airports demonstrate favorable performance ratios. Specifically, Quetta airport emerges as the optimal location as per the 7E assessment, showcasing a reference yield of 2752 kWh/kW, final yield of 2420.8 kWh/kW, 27.63% capacity utilization factor, 0.031 $/kWh levelized cost of electricity, 5730 tons of CO2 avoided annually, and $488,826 per year in greenhouse gas revenue, achieved through thin film-based technology with single axis tracking. Peshawar airport stands out for its high energy efficiency, while Karachi airport excels in exergy analysis. The outcome of the study will provide insights into the potential of these systems to mitigate energy challenges, considering economic feasibility and environmental implications.