RESUMO
Waste-to-energy (WtE) power plants, supplied mainly with municipal solid waste (MSW) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which convert waste into electricity, have emerged as a solution to Thailand's waste management problems. This study focused on identifying and studying the critical success factors (CSFs) that influence the success of MSW and RDF power plants in Thailand. This study employed interpretive structural Modelling and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to a classification analysis to evaluate the impact of these CSFs on the development of WtE projects. The results showed that, for MSW, most CSFs were related to energy and waste management policies, followed by waste quality for electricity generation. In addition, strong financial resources and appropriate power plant locations are important for MSW management success. Conversely, for RDF, most CSFs were sufficient waste quality for electricity generation and performed well according to licensing conditions. In this study, high-level CSFs indicated that these factors were crucial for MSW and RDF development. CSFs differ based on specific technologies and regulations. However, sufficient waste quality (heating value and moisture content) is a common CSF in the MSW and RDF technologies. This study provides valuable insights into the CSFs that affect the development of WtE. Understanding and addressing these CSFs is essential for the development and operation of WtE power plants in Thailand and other countries with similar conditions. Thus, policy-makers and other stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure the success of WtE projects.
RESUMO
Effects of high humid weather conditions on photovoltaic (PV) modules were examined in this study, particularly insulation resistance. Three types of tests were conducted which include leakage voltage test, leakage current test, and wet leakage current test. Due to the usual field constraints in the study of insulation resistance, which limited measurements of leakage current, assurance was made that representative sampling were conducted. The study found a high number of modules with low insulation resistance and high leakage voltage values, which can interrupt the PV plant operation. High leakage voltage creates safety hazards issues. About two third of the samples, which showed deep moisture ingress in the modules, could not pass the minimum criterion of IEC 61646 standard for wet insulation resistance testing. The leakage current results showed the same trend as of leakage voltage, proving that leakage voltage test, which is quite easy and economical, can be used to detect such type of problems in field tests. Prolonged humidity conditions of the PV power plant particularly from natural disaster, should be avoided. Efficient drainage system should be supported in and around installations and all other moisture sources should be regularly removed from the plant area to keep proper operation and minimize losses in energy production.
