Lecture 16 Solar PV Systems PDF 2024

Matthew 21:22. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 7:7-8. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be ope...

Matthew 21:22. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 7:7-8. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  ENVS3200:ENERGY TECHNOLOGY. Lecture 16: Solar PV Systems Lecturer: Mr. Buya Morgen. Semester II, 2024 MSc Objective. To learn the primary components of a fully functioning solar PV system and their specific functions. Solar PV Systems What are the various components required to construct a working solar PV system? A fully functional solar PV (Photovoltaic) system requires several key components to generate, convert, store, and distribute solar electricity effectively.  Simple PV System. Use a PV module to power a 12V DC light bulb - Simple Use a PV Module to charge a12V battery – complex The battery can then be used to power the light when sun is not shining. A charge controller prevents overcharging battery. Overcharging the battery can create hydrogen gas which is explosive and dangerous. Battery powers the light bulb. Fuse protects the battery.  Small PV System Components Typical Components for a Solar PV Systems. Electric meter. measures electricity Solar modules and panels. production. Mounting Structure/Racking System Wiring and Electrical Batteries. Accessories. Charge Controller/Battery Bank. Connects system Inverter. components. Disconnect Switches. On/Off Switch for PV system. Functions Solar PV Panels (Modules) Convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity using the photovoltaic effect. The solar PV panels are typically made up of multiple solar cells that are connected to form a module. Types of PV Cells: Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and ___. Functions Roof-Mounted: Panels are mounted directly on a building's Mounting Structure/Racking System roof. Supports and secures the solar panels to rooftops, ground mounts, or other structures at the optimal tilt and orientation to maximize sun exposure. Tracking System: Mounts that adjust the panel’s orientation Ground-Mounted: Panels are installed on to follow the sun’s movement for increased energy capture. frames or poles anchored to the ground. Functions Inverter. Converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most home appliances and can be fed into the electrical grid. String Inverter: Connects multiple solar panels in series (string). Converts DC to AC Power. Microinverter: Attached to each individual panel for independent conversion. Hybrid Inverter: Combines a Central Inverter: Used in large- standard inverter and a scale solar installations for battery inverter to manage multiple strings of solar panels solar and battery storage. Functions DC Disconnect Switch Collects the output from multiple solar panel strings into a single DC output. It provides circuit protection with fuses or breakers and often includes a surge protection device. On/Off Switch for PV system. Mainly used in large installations where multiple strings of panels need to be combined. Functions AC Disconnect Switch Allows for the disconnection of AC power from the inverter to the main electrical panel or grid. Typically installed for safety and required by local utility companies for grid-tied systems. Functions Junction Box. A protective enclosure where connections between solar panels are made. It houses important electrical components like fuses and bypass diodes. Functions Combiner Box. Collects the output from multiple solar panel strings into a single DC output. It provides circuit protection with fuses or breakers and often includes a surge protection device. Mainly used in large installations where multiple strings of panels need to be combined. Functions Battery Bank (for Off Grid or Hybrid Systems) Stores excess electricity generated by the solar panels for use when sunlight is not available (e.g., during the night or cloudy days). Flow Batteries: Provide longer discharge times Store PV-produced electricity. and better scalability. Lead-Acid Batteries: Economical but heavier and have shorter lifespans. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lightweight, higher energy density, longer lifespan, but more expensive. Functions Battery Bank (for Off Grid or Hybrid Systems) Regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to prevent overcharging and protect the batteries. Prevents Batteries overcharging. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Controllers: Suitable for smaller systems with minimal power loss. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Controllers: Optimizes the power output from the panels, especially under varying sunlight conditions. Functions Metering and Monitoring Systems. Measures the electricity generated, consumed, and sent back to the grid. Monitoring systems also provide data on the performance of the solar system, often accessible remotely via a smartphone or computer. Functions Wiring and Electrical Accessories Transfers electrical current between different components of the solar PV system. Includes solar cables, connectors (MC4 connectors), grounding wires, conduits, and protective casings to ensure a safe and efficient flow of electricity. Functions Main electrical Panel. Distributes electricity throughout the building and connects to the inverter to utilize solar power in conjunction with grid electricity. Houses circuit breakers that control the flow of electricity to various parts of the home. Functions Net Meter – for Grid Tied System. Measures the electricity fed into the grid from the solar system and the electricity consumed from the grid. It allows for net metering, where excess solar power sent back to the grid can offset the electricity consumed from the grid. Installed by the utility company to track the bidirectional flow of electricity. Functions Fuse/Circuit Breaker Provides overcurrent protection to prevent electrical faults and fires by breaking the circuit when excessive current flows through it. Essential safety components used in both DC and AC circuits of the solar PV system. Grid Tied Solar PV System Solar PV system backed up with power from a local utility.  Off-grid Solar PV Systems Isolated PV system not connected to local utility grid. Grid Tied PV System with Battery Backup Same as off-grid system, but now tied to local utility system Large Scale Solar PV System PV System designed to provide electricity to the grid. Current from PV arrays combined at collector box 1,500 V (DC) Inverter (Utility Scale) Converts DC to AC Transformer increases AC to substation voltage. 11kV (AC) Substations increases AC to transmission voltage to a far away city. 138+kV (AC). Summary –Solar PV Systems PV system components Solar modules and panels Batteries Charge Controller Inverter Electric Current PV Systems can be Off grid Grid tied Battery Storage The various components of a solar PV system are designed to work together to harness solar energy efficiently. References https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Photovoltaic_system#:~ :text=A%20photovoltaic%20(PV)%20system%20is%20composed %20of%20one%20or%20more https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-technology- basics#:~:text=Department%20of%20Energy.%20What%20is%20 photovoltaic%20(PV)%20technology%20and%20how https://solarmagazine.com/solar-power- systems/#:~:text=PART%201:%20What%20is%20a%20solar%20p ower%20system?%20The%20term