Lab Report: An Innovative R&D Photovoltaic System

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>Abstract

The utilization of solar energy through photovoltaics is a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. This report presents an innovative photovoltaic system integrated with wind energy to power the Energy and Mobility laboratory. The system comprises mono-crystalline solar cells, a power storage unit, a sun-tracking mechanism, and an intelligent hybrid inverter. The inverter manages power distribution to the laboratory, battery storage, and the grid. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of both solar and wind energy, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply.

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>Solar Cell Selection and Mounting

The Energy and Mobility laboratory has a flat roof, making flat roof solar cells the ideal choice. Non-bifacial photovoltaic cells, using monocrystalline and PERC technology, offer a conversion efficiency of approximately 21%. Alternatively, bifacial technology like ZEBRA (from ISC Konstanz) can achieve efficiency exceeding 23%. With a 2% encapsulation loss, the overall efficiency reaches 22.5%. To enhance energy generation, the roof's surface can be coated white to reflect more light and optimize the bifacial feature, while colder weather conditions help reduce resistive losses.

To maximize energy generation from solar cells, they should constantly face the sun. This requires calculating the Azimuth angle, which represents the horizontal direction of the sun relative to true north. A movable mount with a servo motor controlled by a micro-controller can be employed for sun tracking. This closed feedback loop control system ensures that the solar panels remain aligned with the sun, maximizing energy generation.

>Power Estimation for Solar Panels

The estimated power output can be calculated using the formula:

Power output (per day) = Average Insolation * Area utilization factor * Panel conversion efficiency

From data provided by the Solar Electricity Handbook website, the estimated yearly average solar insolation is 3.

12 kWh/m²/day. Assuming the laboratory roof area is 10m x 30m with a 90% area utilization factor, the effective area is approximately 270m². Therefore, the estimated daily power output of the system is:

Estimated Power Output = 3.12 kWh/m²/day * 270 m² * 0.225 (Panel Conversion Efficiency) = 321.2 kWh/Day

This power output is sufficient to meet the laboratory's energy needs, with excess power available for storage or grid distribution.

>Using Wind Energy as an Alternate Source

Wind energy is a valuable complementary energy source when combined with solar power. The laboratory's elevated location on a hill provides higher wind speeds, making it conducive to wind energy generation. Depending on power requirements, household-sized (10 kW) or medium-sized (up to 500 kW) wind turbines can be selected.

The integration of solar and wind energy is straightforward, with both sources connected in parallel to a regulator and converter. This hybrid system efficiently addresses seasonal variations in wind and solar availability, ensuring a consistent power supply throughout the year.

>Using Inverters

To convert the DC current generated by the solar panels and wind turbine into utility AC current, inverters are essential. Additionally, DC-DC converters are necessary for battery charging, which may have varying voltage levels. These systems facilitate power transmission to the grid, power storage, and direct usage, such as electric car charging.

In the laboratory's case, it is connected to the power grid, making extensive power storage unnecessary. Using a small, efficient power storage system for off-peak applications or direct usage, like electric car charging, reduces overall power transmission losses. The intelligent hybrid inverter plays a pivotal role in this setup, managing the photovoltaic system, wind turbine, power storage, and grid connection. It handles DC-AC or DC-DC conversion and makes real-time decisions regarding battery charging and grid power supply.

>Benefits and Sustainability

The innovative photovoltaic and wind energy hybrid system offers several notable benefits. First and foremost, it harnesses two renewable energy sources, solar and wind, maximizing energy production and ensuring a consistent power supply. This sustainability not only reduces the laboratory's carbon footprint but also contributes to the broader goal of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Furthermore, the use of mono-crystalline solar cells with high efficiency ensures that the system can generate ample electricity with a relatively small footprint. The sun-tracking mechanism increases energy output by optimizing solar panel alignment with the sun throughout the day. This innovation, combined with the intelligent hybrid inverter, guarantees efficient energy generation and distribution.

Moreover, the excess energy generated can be directed back to the grid, supporting the local power infrastructure. Additionally, any surplus energy can be stored for later use, enhancing energy security and resilience.

>Conclusion

In conclusion, the innovative R&D photovoltaic system presented in this report represents a significant step towards sustainable and efficient energy generation. By integrating mono-crystalline solar cells, wind turbines, an intelligent hybrid inverter, and sun-tracking technology, the Energy and Mobility laboratory can meet its power requirements while contributing to a greener future. This hybrid approach capitalizes on the advantages of both solar and wind energy, ensuring reliability, sustainability, and efficient power generation. As we continue to seek environmentally friendly energy solutions, such systems play a pivotal role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.