EQ3.1.1 MODULES IN PV SYSTEMS
Consider a crystalline PV module with the following output parameters mentioned at STC (Standard Test Conditions) conditions by the manufacturer.
PMAX = 250 W
VOC = 50 V
ISC = 6 A
NOCT = 40°C
Temperature coefficient of power = –1 W/°C
If the ambient temperature falls to 0°C while the irradiance is 1000 W/m², what is the cell level temperature in °C, as per the NOCT model?
EQ3.1.2 MODULES IN PV SYSTEMS
What is the new power output of the PV module in watts, under the ambient temperature of 0°C and 1000 W/m² irradiance?
EQ3.2.1 MPPT CONCEPTS
Consider a PV module with the following parameters as measured at STC (Standard Test Conditions):
VOC = 55 V
ISC = 5 A
IMPP = 4.7 A
Fill factor (FF) = 75%
Efficiency = 19.75%
Suppose that under normal operation at STC conditions, the module is not connected to an MPPT device, and is instead directly connected to a purely resistive, variable load R. The load R can be tuned to give a resistance between 0 to 1 k. What value of resistance will you keep the load at, if you wish to derive maximum power from the PV module under STC conditions?
Top of Form
R = 9.34
R = 11
R = 11.71
R = 5
Irrespective of the value R takes, the module can never be made to deliver maximum power under STC.
EQ3.3.1 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
Consider a lead-acid battery with 100 Ah capacity and a rated voltage of 24 V.
What is the total capacity of energy in watt-hours that can be stored in the battery?
EQ3.3.2 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
Assume that the battery is completely empty. The battery is now charging at a C-rate of 0.50C. What is the charging current in amps that is going into the battery?
EQ3.3.3 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
How much time in minutes will it take for the battery to go from 50% SOC to 100% SOC, assuming a constant C-rate of 0.5C? You may assume a linear rate of charging.
EQ3.3.4 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
If the battery is charged at an average constant voltage of 26 V, and discharged at an average constant voltage of 23.4 V, what is the voltaic efficiency of the battery in %?
EQ3.3.5 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
If the battery takes in a total charge of 100 Ah, and discharges a total of 90 Ah over one charge cycle, what is the coulombic efficiency of the battery in %?
EQ3.3.6 BATTERIES IN PV SYSTEMS
What is the roundtrip efficiency of storage in % for the battery? Assume the same voltaic efficiency and coulombic efficiency as you calculated above.
Family Cartman has a small house in the countryside which is not connected to the grid. The place enjoys 4 equivalent sun hours. Therefore, Mr. Cartman has decided to install an off-grid PV system in the house to supply the required electricity in the house. The house electricity needs are summarized in the table below.
Load | Quantity | Power per item (W) | Time of use (h) | Type |
Light bulb | 10 | 20 | 2 | DC |
TV | 1 | 80 | 2 | AC |
DVD | 1 | 40 | 2 | AC |
Fridge | 1 | 100 | 4 | AC |
When all loads are connected, what is the total DC power load in W?
EQ3.4.2 STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEM
When all loads are connected, what is the total AC power load in W?
EQ3.4.3 STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEM
Assuming that the overall efficiency for the cables, batteries and charge controller is 85% and the efficiency of the inverter is 95%, how much energy in watt-hours will the PV panels have to produce to cover the electricity demand?
EQ3.4.4 STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEM
The available panels that Mr. Cartman is looking at have the following specifications:
Power output = 120 Wp
VMPP = 20 V
IMPP = 6 A
VOC = 22 V
ISC = 7 A
Assume the panels work under MPP conditions. How many panels will be needed to produce that energy?
EQ3.4.5 STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEM
Since the system is disconnected from the grid, the family Cartman will also need some energy storage. Mr. Cartman has specified that 3 days of autonomy will be sufficient. In this case, batteries with the following specifications will be used:
Battery capacity = 105 Ah
Battery voltage = 12 V
Maximum allowed depth of discharge = 60%
The system is designed to use 24 V as operating voltage. What will be the minimum battery capacity needed in Ah?
EQ3.4.6 STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEM
How many of the batteries specified will be needed?
EQ3.5.1 ECONOMICS OF PV SYSTEMS
Which of the following variables does NOT affect the economic payback period of a PV system?
Insolation received by the PV system
Subsidies and feed-in tariffs
Cost of electricity
Overall lifetime of the PV system
EQ3.6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PV SYSTEMS
Consider a 250 Wp rated crystalline silicon PV module. It results from a manufacturing process that consumes 8 kWh/Wp of PV module. What is the total energy consumed (in kWh) during the production of the module?
EQ3.6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PV SYSTEMS
Assume that the PV module is used in a location where it gives an average annual PV yield of 500 kWh over its lifetime of 30 years. Also assume that the balance of system (BOS) requires a total of 1000 kWh for its production.
What is the energy yield ratio of the entire PV system over its lifetime of 30 years?
EQ3.6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PV SYSTEMS
What is the energy payback period for the entire PV system in years?
