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21 views

Vinod

Bunt

Uploaded by

zidansiden99
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SNS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(An Autonomous Institution)


COIMBATORE-35
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology


UNIT 2-STAND ALONE PV SYSTEMS

Interfacing PV modules to loads

Interfacing photovoltaic (PV) modules to loads in a stand-alone PV system involves several steps to ensure
that the energy generated by the PV modules is efficiently and safely used by the loads. The process
includes converting and conditioning the power, matching voltages, protecting the system, and managing
energy flow. Here's how this is typically done:

1. Direct DC Load Connection

 When to Use:
o For loads that can operate directly on the DC output of the PV modules or battery bank.
o Common in small or simple systems, such as lighting systems or DC fans.
 Components:
o DC Loads: Devices that run on DC power, like LED lights, DC pumps, or DC motors.
o Voltage Regulators: Used if the load requires a specific DC voltage different from the PV
module or battery voltage.
o Fuses/Circuit Breakers: Protect the system from overcurrent.

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology/K.Prakash/AP/Mech/SNSCT


 Connection Schematic:
o PV Modules → Charge Controller → Battery Bank (optional) → DC Loads
 Advantages:
o Simplicity and efficiency, as there is no need for AC conversion.
o Reduced energy loss since there is no inverter involved.
 Considerations:
o Ensure voltage compatibility between the PV modules/batteries and the DC loads.
o Use appropriate wire sizes to handle the current.

2. AC Load Connection Using an Inverter

 When to Use:
o For loads that require AC power, such as household appliances (e.g., refrigerators,
televisions, or air conditioners).
 Components:
o Inverter: Converts DC power from the PV modules or battery bank to AC power. Choose
between pure sine wave or modified sine wave inverters based on the type of AC loads.
o AC Loads: Devices that operate on AC power, like typical household appliances.
o AC Circuit Protection: Includes circuit breakers, fuses, and possibly surge protection
devices (SPDs) to protect against overcurrent and voltage spikes.
 Connection Schematic:
o PV Modules → Charge Controller → Battery Bank (optional) → Inverter → AC Loads
 Advantages:
o Flexibility to use standard AC appliances.

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology/K.Prakash/AP/Mech/SNSCT


o Easier integration with existing household wiring.
 Considerations:
o Inverter sizing: Ensure the inverter can handle the total load demand (in watts) and peak
surge (in case of motorized appliances).
o Conversion losses: Inverters introduce some energy loss (typically 5-15%), so efficiency is
slightly lower than with direct DC loads.

3. Hybrid Connection (Both DC and AC Loads)

 When to Use:
o In systems where both DC and AC loads need to be powered.
o Common in larger systems where energy needs are diverse.
 Components:
o Hybrid Inverter: Manages both DC and AC loads and can also handle battery charging.
o DC Distribution Board: For distributing DC power to various DC loads.
o AC Distribution Board (Consumer Unit): For distributing AC power to various AC loads.
o Battery Management System (BMS): Especially important in systems with batteries,
ensuring optimal charging and discharging.
 Connection Schematic:
o PV Modules → Charge Controller → Battery Bank (optional) → Hybrid Inverter
 Hybrid Inverter → AC Loads
 Battery Bank → DC Loads (via DC Distribution Board)
 Advantages:
o Versatility: Can support a wide range of load types.
o Efficiency: Allows direct use of DC power where applicable, minimizing conversion losses.
 Considerations:
o More complex system design and management.
o Requires careful planning to balance the use of DC and AC loads.

4. Use of MPPT Charge Controllers

 Role of MPPT:
o An MPPT charge controller optimizes the power output from the PV modules by ensuring
they operate at their maximum power point.
o It adjusts the voltage and current from the PV modules to match the battery or load
requirements while maximizing energy harvest.
 Connection Schematic:

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology/K.Prakash/AP/Mech/SNSCT


o PV Modules → MPPT Charge Controller → Battery Bank
 Battery Bank → DC Loads or Inverter (for AC Loads)
 Advantages:
o Increases the efficiency of the PV system, especially in varying environmental conditions
(temperature, sunlight).
o Allows for better energy management and longer battery life.

5. Protection and Safety Considerations

 Overcurrent Protection:
o Use fuses or circuit breakers to protect against short circuits and overloads in both DC and
AC circuits.
 Grounding:
o Proper grounding of both the PV modules and the system components is essential to prevent
electric shock and protect against lightning strikes.
 Disconnects:
o Include DC and AC disconnects for isolating different parts of the system during
maintenance or in emergencies.
 Surge Protection:
o Protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes, particularly in systems connected to
outdoor PV arrays.

6. Energy Management Systems (EMS)

 Purpose:
o An EMS can monitor and optimize the use of power from PV modules, batteries, and the grid
(if available).
o Balances load demand with power supply, prioritizes critical loads, and manages battery
charging/discharging.
 Implementation:
o Can be integrated with smart inverters and charge controllers.
o Provides data on energy production, consumption, and storage for better decision-making.

Summary

Interfacing PV modules to loads involves careful consideration of whether the loads require DC or AC
power and how best to manage and protect the system. Direct DC connections are simple and efficient,
while AC connections allow for the use of standard household appliances. Hybrid systems offer flexibility

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology/K.Prakash/AP/Mech/SNSCT


for diverse load types but require more complex management. MPPT charge controllers, proper protection,
and possibly an EMS are essential for optimizing performance and ensuring the safety and longevity of the
system.

19MEZ402 Solar Photovoltaics Fundamentals And Technology/K.Prakash/AP/Mech/SNSCT

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