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Questions and Answers
What is electrical energy primarily characterized as?
What is electrical energy primarily characterized as?
What does resistance in an electrical circuit depend on?
What does resistance in an electrical circuit depend on?
What is measured in volts?
What is measured in volts?
If the switch in a circuit is off, what happens to the current?
If the switch in a circuit is off, what happens to the current?
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Which common form of energy is described as the energy of moving objects?
Which common form of energy is described as the energy of moving objects?
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Which of the following best describes a watt?
Which of the following best describes a watt?
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What is the relationship between watts and watt-hours?
What is the relationship between watts and watt-hours?
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In an electrical circuit, which statement correctly represents electron flow?
In an electrical circuit, which statement correctly represents electron flow?
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What is the primary focus of the course 'Fundamentals of Photovoltaic'?
What is the primary focus of the course 'Fundamentals of Photovoltaic'?
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What is the percentage weight of the final exam in the overall assessment for the course?
What is the percentage weight of the final exam in the overall assessment for the course?
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Which component is NOT a part of photovoltaic system considerations outlined in the course description?
Which component is NOT a part of photovoltaic system considerations outlined in the course description?
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What is the significance of 'maximum cell efficiency' in photovoltaic systems?
What is the significance of 'maximum cell efficiency' in photovoltaic systems?
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Which of the following is an emphasized aspect in the course for advancing photovoltaic technology?
Which of the following is an emphasized aspect in the course for advancing photovoltaic technology?
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What does the course identify as an essential requirement for PV systems maintenance?
What does the course identify as an essential requirement for PV systems maintenance?
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Which of these topics is included in the course on Fundamentals of Photovoltaic?
Which of these topics is included in the course on Fundamentals of Photovoltaic?
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What does the term 'payback times' refer to within the context of such technologies?
What does the term 'payback times' refer to within the context of such technologies?
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What was a significant advancement that Thomas Edison contributed to electricity generation?
What was a significant advancement that Thomas Edison contributed to electricity generation?
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Which of the following is a major disadvantage of using Direct Current (DC) according to historical scientists?
Which of the following is a major disadvantage of using Direct Current (DC) according to historical scientists?
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What are the primary sources of non-renewable energy mentioned?
What are the primary sources of non-renewable energy mentioned?
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What type of resources are characterized by their ability to regenerate naturally?
What type of resources are characterized by their ability to regenerate naturally?
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What environmental issue is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels?
What environmental issue is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels?
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Which of the following statements about electric energy is true?
Which of the following statements about electric energy is true?
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What percentage increase did carbon dioxide emissions in Egypt experience compared to the previous year?
What percentage increase did carbon dioxide emissions in Egypt experience compared to the previous year?
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What was the purpose of Edison's DC generator in his laboratory?
What was the purpose of Edison's DC generator in his laboratory?
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What is one environmental driver behind the focus on renewable energy?
What is one environmental driver behind the focus on renewable energy?
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What is one primary problem associated with the current energy system built around fossil fuels?
What is one primary problem associated with the current energy system built around fossil fuels?
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What distinguishes photovoltaic (PV) technology from solar thermal (ST)?
What distinguishes photovoltaic (PV) technology from solar thermal (ST)?
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Which of the following represents a commercial driver for renewable energy focus?
Which of the following represents a commercial driver for renewable energy focus?
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Which of the following is NOT a problem related to fossil fuel energy sources?
Which of the following is NOT a problem related to fossil fuel energy sources?
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What outcome is associated with increasing energy demand and rising power prices?
What outcome is associated with increasing energy demand and rising power prices?
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How does renewable energy production contribute to energy security?
How does renewable energy production contribute to energy security?
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What is an example of a technology utilized in solar energy?
What is an example of a technology utilized in solar energy?
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What happens when sunlight strikes the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) cell?
What happens when sunlight strikes the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) cell?
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What constitutes a photovoltaic module?
What constitutes a photovoltaic module?
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Which of the following best describes a photovoltaic array?
Which of the following best describes a photovoltaic array?
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During the fabrication of silicon PV cells, what is added to polysilicon to create a P-type semiconductor?
During the fabrication of silicon PV cells, what is added to polysilicon to create a P-type semiconductor?
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What is the purpose of the anti-reflective coating applied to the top surface of PV cells?
What is the purpose of the anti-reflective coating applied to the top surface of PV cells?
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How are individual wafers obtained during the manufacturing of PV cells?
How are individual wafers obtained during the manufacturing of PV cells?
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What characteristic of photovoltaic cells is assessed after they are electrically tested?
What characteristic of photovoltaic cells is assessed after they are electrically tested?
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What is the hierarchical structure of photovoltaic components?
What is the hierarchical structure of photovoltaic components?
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course Title: Fundamentals of Photovoltaic
- Course Code: ERE212
- Prerequisites: Electronic Devices
- Study Hours: 3 Cr.hrs.= [2 Lect.+ 1 Tut + 2 Lab]
- Assessment: Final Exam (40%), Midterm (20%), Year Work & Quizzes (30%), Experimental/Oral (10%)
- Textbooks:
- Solar Energy Fundamentals, Technology, and Systems. Copyright Delft University of Technology, 2014.
- PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS, Rijeka, January 2012.
- Basic Photovoltaic Principles and Me1hods, SERI/SP-290-1448 Solar Information Module 6213 Published February 1982.
Course Description
- This course focuses on the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy.
- Topics include:
- Sunlight Energy
- Energy Conversion
- Solar Radiation Measurement
- Principles of Solar Cell Operation
- Structure, Electrical and Optical Characteristics
- Equivalent Circuit
- Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
- Thin Film Technologies for PV
- Building Integrated PV (BIPV)
- Energy Production by A PV Array
- Energy Balance in Stand-alone PV Systems
- The Estimated Cost and Payback Times for The Various Technologies
- The Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type
- Feed-in Tariffs and Other Incentives
- Standards, Calibration and Testing of PV Modules and Solar Cells
- PV System Monitoring
- Safety Considerations in PV System
- Site Assessment
- System Design and Sizing
- Maximizing Cell Efficiency
- Social and Environment Aspects of PV Systems
- Basics of Testing and Maintaining Major Components of A PV System
Introduction
- Energy is the ability to do work and move an object.
- Energy can be classified as renewable and non-renewable.
Energy Applications
- Electronics
- Transportations
- Communications
- Computers
- Heat
Common Forms of Energy
- Chemical
- Kinetic
- Rotational
- Solar
- Thermal
- Nuclear
Five Key Questions
- What is electrical energy?
- How do we produce electric energy?
- Why is electrical energy important?
- What are the resources of electrical energy?
- What about renewable energy resources?
What is Electric Energy?
- Electric energy is a crucial form of energy.
- It is transferred from one type to another in various devices.
- Electricity is the flow of electrons.
Electrical Concepts
- Voltage: The electrical potential difference, measured in Volts. It's like the "height" of water on one side of a dam.
- Current: The rate of electron flow, measured in Amps. It's like the "speed" at which water flows through the dam.
- Resistance: Opposition to the flow of electrical current, influenced by material, cross-sectional area, length, and temperature.
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Watt: Measure of power, the rate of electrical energy.
- Watt-hour (Wh) is a measure of energy:
- Indicates the amount of electrical energy consumed or produced
- 1 Kilowatt-hour (kWh) = 1000 Wh
- Watt-hour (Wh) is a measure of energy:
The Flow of Electric Charge
- Current, measured in Amperes (A), describes the flow of electric charge.
- When a switch is off, there is no current flow.
- When a switch is on, there is current flow.
How do We Produce Electric Energy?
- A magnetic field and a movable conductor create electricity.
- In 1878, Joseph Swan invented the incandescent filament lamp.
- Edison later made a similar discovery in America.
- Edison used his DC generator to illuminate the first New York street with electric lamps in 1882.
Why is Electrical Energy Important?
- Electricity is crucial to modern life, with numerous uses from lighting to appliances and transportation.
Resources of Electrical Energy
- Electrical energy resources are classified as renewable and non-renewable.
Non-Renewable Energy
- Sources are not environmentally friendly and can have negative effects on our health.
- Cannot be re-generated within a short time frame.
- Include fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal.
Renewable Energy
- Resources found in nature like the sun, wind, rain, and tides.
- Can be replaced or renewed without harming the environment.
- Often used to produce clean energy that does not contribute to climate change.
The Impact of Fossil Fuels
- Pollution from fossil fuels leads to increased greenhouse gases, acid rain, and harm to public health.
- Egypt's carbon dioxide emissions are increasing, leading to concerns about climate change and resource access.
- Increased energy demand is placing strain on energy production and resources.
The Need for Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy production provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- It leads to cleaner and more reliable energy production.
- It helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote energy security.
Drivers Behind the Focus on Renewable Energy
-
Environmental drivers:
- Limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Avoiding the need for new transmission circuits.
-
Commercial drivers:
- Uncertainty in electricity markets favors smaller energy production.
- Cost-effective way to achieve better power quality and reliability.
-
National/regulatory drivers:
- Diversifying energy sources to enhance energy security.
- Promoting competition in the energy sector.
Why Sustainable Energy Matters?
- The world currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, which is unsustainable.
- Problems with fossil fuels:
- Finite reserves.
- Concentration of reserves in volatile regions.
- Detrimental environmental impact from mining and combustion.
Solar Energy
- Most renewable energy, directly or indirectly, originates from the sun.
- Sunlight, or solar energy, is used for heating and lighting, generating electricity, and various commercial and industrial applications.
- Two basic solar energy technologies:
- Photovoltaic (PV)
- Solar Thermal (ST)
How PV Cells Work?
-
- An electrical field is created near the surface of the cell where two materials meet (P-N junction).
-
- Sunlight strikes the cell's surface, this field gives momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons.
-
- When connected to an electrical load, this flow creates a current.
Photovoltaic Hierarchy
- Cell: The fundamental unit.
- Module: Multiple cells connected in series and/or parallel.
- Array: Multiple modules combined to form the complete power-generating unit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Photovoltaic
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of solar photovoltaic energy.
How PV Cells are Made?
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- The process starts with pure semiconductor-grade silicon.
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- The silicon is melted with boron added to create a P-type semiconductor material.
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- An ingot (block) is formed.
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- Wafers are sliced from the ingot.
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- A thin N-type semiconductor layer is created around the cell.
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- An anti-reflective coating is applied.
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- Electrical contacts are imprinted.
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- Aluminized conductive material is deposited on the back side.
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- Each cell is tested, sorted, and connected to create cell circuits for PV modules.
PV Module Anatomy
- Understand the construction and key components of a PV module.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the principles of photovoltaic energy in this quiz based on the Fundamentals of Photovoltaic course. Topics include energy conversion, solar cell operation, and various technologies like crystalline silicon and thin film. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of solar radiation measurement and BIPV.