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i. Solar modules
A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a
frame (more commonly known as a solar panel), which can then be grouped
into larger solar arrays.
There are two types of solar modules:
Crystalline silicon
o Monocrystalline
o Polycrystalline
Thin-film
ii. Mounting structures
Solar panels mounting: Solar panels are mounted on iron fixtures so that it
can withstand wind and weight of panels. The direction of panel is south
facing for maximum power tracking. The tilt angle of panels will be 25° from
horizontal. This angle is called axis tracking angle. You can set 40° degree
tracking angle in the month of December and 10° degree in the month of
June. In the month of September & March it will be 25° degree.
iii. Charge controllers
There are basically two types of charge controllers existing today in terms of
functionality:
Float phase: After the absorption time passes the voltage is lowered to float
level (usually 13.4 to 13.7 volts) and the batteries draw a small maintenance
current until the next cycle.
Relationship between the Current and the Voltage during the 3 Phases of the
Charge Cycle
Source: http://www.solardropshipping.com/charge_controller.php
MPPT charge controllers: They constantly track and maintain the optimum
voltage and current to charge the battery. They match the output of the
solar panels to the battery voltage to insure maximum charge (amps).
For example: even though your solar panel is rated at 100 watts, you won't
get the full 100 watts unless the battery is at optimum voltage.
If the batteries are low at say 12.4 volts, then your 100 watt solar panel
rated at 6 amps at 16.5 volts (6 amps times 16.5 volts = 100 watts) will only
charge at 6 amps times 12.4 volts or just 75 watts. You just lost 25% of your
capacity!
The MPPT controller compensates for the lower battery voltage by delivering
closer to 8 amps into the 12.4 volt battery maintaining the full power of the
100 watt solar panel! 100 watts = 12.4 volts times 8 amps.
iv. Batteries
Batteries chemically store electrical energy in renewable energy systems.
They come in several voltages, but the most common varieties are 6 Volt and
12 Volt.
Lead-acid batteries
Gel Cell
Alkaline batteries
o Nickle-cadmium
o Nickle-iron
Lead-acid Batteries: in the United States, the battery most commonly used
for residential scale PV application is the lead-acid battery. This chapter
primarily discusses the lead-acid battery system, since these batteries are
rechargeable, widely available, relatively inexpensive and available in a
variety of sizes and options. They are also commonly used, easily
maintained, and reasonably long lived.
Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most cost-effective variety. They require
maintenance that involves monitoring voltage, adding water, and occasional.
Additionally, FLA batteries vent hydrogen under heavy charging so they
must be stored in a ventilated enclosure. Because of the maintenance issues
of FLAs, some people prefer sealed batteries, which don’t require
maintenance. Since they are sealed, they do not require watering, nor do
they typically vent any gasses. AGM batteries cost more and are more
sensitive to overcharging than FLAs. Gel Cell batteries are similar to AGMs
in that they are also sealed and therefore do not require maintenance, but
tend to be the most expensive of the three types. The useful life of all battery
types is measured in rather than units of time. is directly related to number
of charge cycles possible: the deeper you drain batteries each time you use
them, the fewer charge cycles you will get from them. Sealed batteries tend
not to last as long as flooded batteries. Well-maintained FLAs can last as
long as ten years, with sealed batteries lasting closer to five years. Other
factors to keep in mind are that some of these batteries weigh over 200
pounds and, depending upon capacity, can cost anywhere from $20 to
$1200 each. So, given the maintenance issues, weight and expense,
consider your energy storage needs very carefully.
Types of Batteries:
Parameters Flooded Sealed
AGM Gel
Nearly three
No/negligible maintenance
Maintenance Require maintenance required
3-7 years
Industrial(Traction):20 years
% of electrical
power lost as
heat 15-20% 4% 10-16%
http://www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/01.Type/index.html
Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries, such as nickel-cadmium and nickel-iron batteries, also
have positive and negative plates in an electrolyte. These plates are made of
nickel and cadmium or nickel and iron and the electrolyte is potassium
hydroxide. Each cell has a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts and charge
termination point is 1.65-1.8 volts per cell. These batteries are often
expensive and may have voltage window compatibility issues with certain
inverters and charge controls. An advantage is that they are not affected by
temperatures as other types of batteries. For this reason, alkaline batteries
are usually only recommended for commercial and industrial applications in
locations where extremely cold temperatures (-50oF or less) are anticipated.
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