The block diagram and its description of the project work “Solar Power

System” is explained as per the individual blocks. The complete block diagram
of the project work is shown at the end of this chapter. The functional
description of each block as per the main block diagram is explained in this
chapter, in this regard the process starts from the solar panel. The solar panel
used in this project work is rated for 0.8 Amps; it generates a maximum power
of 10 watts under the bright sun. Solar panels consisting of photo voltaic (PV)
cells convert the solar energy in to electrical energy. The electrical energy
produced by the solar panel is stored in the battery, and the stored energy is
used to drive the load through power system. This is the main function of the
power system.

The most useful way of harnessing solar energy is by directly converting it

into electricity by means of solar photovoltaic cells. When sunshine is incident
on solar cells, they generate DC electricity without the involvement of any
mechanical generators, i.e. in this system of energy conversion there is direct
conversion of solar radiation into electricity. The photovoltaic effect is defined as
the generation of an electromotive force as a result of the absorption of ionizing
radiation. Energy conversion devices, which are used to convert sunlight to
electricity by the use of the photovoltaic effect, are called solar cells.

The solar panel used in this project work is designed to deliver a maximum
voltage of 19 under the bright Sun; this is known as no load voltage, when it is
loaded, the voltage may fall down according to the load applied to the panel. As
per the ratings specified by the panel manufacturer, when a 10watts load is
connected across the panel terminals, then the voltage may fall down by less
then 13V. This voltage varies according to the load applied to the panel. As the
battery consumes total power when it is in discharge condition, & though the
panel output is regulated, the voltage may fall down by less then 13V, as the
battery is charging slowly, the terminal voltage level boosts & charging current
will be reduced gradually. As the charging current reduced, battery terminal
voltage will be increased, & this voltage reaches to a maximum level of 13.5V,
because panel out put is regulated by 13.5V. As the panel out put will not
exceeds beyond 13.5V, the battery will be charged with this constant voltage.

As described above, the panel voltage is not stable, it varies based on

many factors, the first reason is availability of solar energy, this is the input
source to the solar panel, and if this source is varied, accordingly panel output
also varies. The second reason is that the panel voltage varies according to the
load applied to it. Based on these two reasons, the panel output as it is can not
be used for charging. Therefore here using a voltage regulator circuit, panel
output is regulated at 13.5V. Means under any condition (though the panel is
exposed to the bright Sun), the panel final output voltage will not exceeds more
then 13.5V. This regulated source is used to charge the battery. As the battery
is charged with constant voltage source, the life of the battery can be increased.