SOLAR TRAINING REPORT BY:
NAMES MAT NO
ODILI ISAAC OKWUCHUKWU COET/7336/2020
EFELUWAI OGHENEOVIE DESTINED COET/7300/2020
FADENIPO OLUWANIFEMI JOSHUA COET/7305/2020
NSOFOR CHIDUBEM SAMUEL COET/8819/2021
FIDELIS EXCELLENT MARVELLOUS COET/7306/2020
UGOH TITUS HENENTER COET/7366/2020
AYARA GODSON OLUWADAMILARE COET/7288/2020
OSAKUE NOSAKHARE DESTINY COET/7354/2020
ESHA KENNETH KELECHI COET/7303/2020
AKPOTOR AKPOGHENE COET/7281/2020
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF: PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
GROUP F
300 LEVEL
SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
The process of converting solar energy into electrical power, either directly through photovoltaic
(PV) systems, indirectly through concentrated solar power (CSP), or both, is known as a solar
power system or photovoltaic (PV) system. Utilizing a mirror arrangement, concentrated solar
power systems direct the sun's energy onto a receiver, which transforms it into thermal energy.
Following that, the heat is transformed into steam, which powers a turbine to generate electricity.
There are three methods for connecting solar power systems, they are:
1. Grid-tied Solar Systems: They are connected to the existing electrical grid, generating
electricity that flows back to the grid and utility company. The system consists of a Grid-
Tie Inverter, Power Meter, and Solar Panel.
2. Off-grid Solar Systems: They use batteries to store electricity for use when the system isn't
generating enough for household functions.
3. Hybrid Solar Systems: They are connected to the grid's power lines and have a backup
battery system to store excess power.
Components of a Solar Power System
Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems consist of various components, including solar panels for
converting sunlight into electricity, a solar charge controller to prevent overcharging, an inverter
to change electric current, a battery for energy use and backup, and installation accessories for
mountings and cablings.
A solar panel, also known as a solar module or photovoltaic generator, is a system that converts
solar radiation into electrical energy. It can be connected in series or parallel to provide energy for
a specific load. Solar panels come in three categories: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-
film, and are used to harness the sun's energy.
Types of Solar Panels
1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels: They are black in colour and have higher efficiency due to
their single crystal structure, providing more space for electrons to move. They are
commonly used for residential solar installations and offer great efficiency at affordable
prices.
2. Polycrystalline solar panels: They are made by melting fragments of different silicon
crystals, are dark blue and have better temperature tolerance.
3. Thin film solar cells, made from multiple layers of photovoltaic material, are used in
various applications, including building-integrated PV systems, solar-powered calculators,
and garden lamps. Despite their potential, thin film solar cells are generally less efficient
and have lower power capacity.
Panel Parameters
Solar panels have three main parameters: Voltage Open Circuit (Voc), Short Circuit Current (Isc),
and Maximum Power Point (Pmax).
1. Voltage open circuit (Voc) represents the maximum voltage a panel can produce in bright
sun on a cold day.
2. Short Circuit Current (Isc) is the maximum current a panel can produce when wires are
shorted together.
3. Maximum Power Point (Pmax) is the maximum power point measured in Watts (W) or
peak Watts (Wp). In normal conditions, the panel's voltage is fixed by the load regulator.
Interconnection of Panels
Solar panels can be connected in series, parallel, series-parallel, or parallel series.
1. Series connections involve connecting multiple panels to achieve specific output voltage
values without changing current. This is known as a string, and the term "string" signifies
the series connection.
2. Parallel connections involve connecting multiple panels to achieve specific output current
values without changing voltage. For two panels with the same voltage and current,
connecting the positive and negative terminals is easy.
Both series and parallel connections are crucial for efficient solar panel operation.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Panel
When installing solar panels in areas with soiling issues, opt for panels with low soil retention
materials. Ensure the glasses are hardened and the aluminium frame is robust. Solar cells can last
over 20 years, but must be protected from mechanical hazards. The manufacturer should provide
the nominal peak power and variations with radiation and temperature, especially when used in
arrays. These variations can significantly impact the quality of power and panel useful life.
Solar Charge Controller
A charge controller is a voltage and current regulator that prevents overcharging of batteries by
regulating the voltage and current from solar panels to the battery. It is essential due to the potential
damage caused by excessive voltage from brighter sunlight, as it maintains the proper charging
voltage.
A charge controller regulates voltage and/or current from solar modules to batteries. There are four
types: Shunt type, Series type, Pulse-width modulation (PWM), and Maximum Power Point
Tracker (MPPT) controllers, each categorized by method.
When choosing a charge controller, consider the wattage of the solar array and input voltage, as
well as the controller's input voltage. For a 3,000-watt array and 48-volt battery bank, choose an
80-amp controller. Ensure the controller's input voltage is not exceeded, as indicated by the
manufacturer. Additionally, consider the temperature and open-circuit voltages, as PV open-circuit
voltage increases with temperature, requiring the controller's input voltage ratings to handle cold
or winter conditions.
Inverter
An inverter is a device that converts DC voltage to AC voltage. Before buying an inverter, consider
your power requirement, which is the power consumed by electrical appliances during power
failure. The VA rating, or Volt ampere rating, is the voltage and current supplied by the inverter
to the equipment. Most inverters have an efficiency range of 60% to 80%, also known as the power
factor.
There are three types of inverters: Square Wave, Sine Wave, and Modified Sine Wave. Square
Wave inverters are simpler and more affordable, but may not be suitable for some loads due to
large harmonic content. Sine Wave inverters are produced by local utilities and generators, and
most equipment works with sine wave output. Modified Sine Wave is similar to square wave but
has low efficiency, requiring more power.
Sine Wave is preferred for sensitive electronics like drilling machines, as it provides consistent
voltage without spikes or drops. Higher wattage sine wave inverters cost about 15% to 20% more
than modified inverters.
Dc Input Voltage is the voltage required for an inverter to operate, and inverters are typically
designed with 12 Volts, 24 Volts, 36 Volts, and 48 Volts inputs.
Battery
The battery capacity is the backup hours an inverter can provide, expressed in Ah (Ampere Hours).
Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting the right inverter for your needs.
Inverter batteries are widely used in various applications. Lead acid batteries are the most common,
being rechargeable, lightweight, and economical. They last 3-4 years and require regular
maintenance. Tubercular batteries are popular due to their efficiency, long operational life, and
low maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, charge and discharged by lithium ions,
and are popular due to their high energy density and long life. Nickel-cadmium batteries, using
nickel oxide, hydrogen oxide, and metallic cadmium as electrodes, are used in portable computers,
drills, cordless electronic appliances, and other small battery-operated devices. These batteries are
known for their long life and high discharge rate, making them popular in industrial applications.
Battery connections can be used in series, parallel, series and parallel, or parallel and series to
achieve the right system voltage and amperage capacity. Series connections increase total voltage
by connecting opposite terminals of different batteries together, while maintaining the same
amperage capacity. This leads to higher system voltage and lower system current, allowing for
thinner wiring and less voltage drop.
Series connections have advantages such as increased power consumption and charging efficiency.
For example, a 360-watt device operating at 12 volts would draw 30 amps, while a 24 volts device
would draw 15 amps. However, series connections require a converter to get lower voltages off
the battery bank, which can be difficult to achieve without additional equipment.
Parallel connections increase the available runtime of a system while maintaining voltage. Two
batteries in parallel double the runtime, three batteries triple it, and so on. If one battery dies or has
an issue, the remaining batteries can still provide power. However, parallel connections have a
lower system voltage, resulting in higher current draw, thicker cables, and more voltage drop.
Series parallel connections connect a string of batteries to increase both voltage and capacity. For
example, six 12 V, 100 AH batteries can be connected to give a 36 V, 200 AH battery capacity by
configuring three strings of two batteries.
