Solar Power System Design Optimization

Introduction

The main component parts in solar power system include; solar panel, charge controller, accumulators, and inverter. Variation in efficiency in each of these component parts affects the overall system performance. No system is a hundred percent efficient. Therefore, solar power system is not an exemption. Meanwhile, in order to maximize solar panel system efficiency, some measures are employed. Such as introduction of sun tracking systems, cooling units, and concentrators. Here, we will mention and explain the various function of solar system component parts and how these components can best be optimized.

Solar power system design

Three main types of solar power system design exist:-

On-Grid solar power system - also known as a Grid-tied or Grid-feed solar system, Off-Grid solar power system - also known as a stand-alone power system, and Hybrid solar power system - grid-connected solar system with battery storage.

Solar power system design optimization

In solar power system optimization, the efficiency of the solar power system must be optimal. There are many factors impacting the optimization of a solar power system. Such factors are not limited to the solar system components, which constitutes the solar panel and electrical components. Sun tracking systems, cooling units, and concentrators are some of the components used for increasing the efficiency of the solar panel. 

Factors limiting Solar power system efficiency

1) Electrical Components - In a solar power system, electrical components include charge controller, accumulators and inverter which affect the efficiency of a solar system. Cable losses accounts for certain percentage.

(a). Charge Controller: A charge controller limits the current transmitted to accumulators or taken from accumulators. Thus prevents performance drops or prevents shortening the life of battery resulting from overcharging or over voltage. Today charge controllers are using with PWM or MPPT technologies. Charge controllers improve the lifespan of the battery. It takes in the widely fluctuating input from the solar panels and stabilize it within safe limits to charge the battery

(b). Accumulators: Accumulators are used to store energy at the places where an uninterruptible power supply is needed. A general rule for all batteries is that the less they are discharged, the longer their service life. Insufficient charging affect the entire solar power performance.

(c). Inverter: Solar systems inverters are placed between accumulators and AC loads to convert DC power to AC. Inverters introduces harmonics in solar power systems.

(d). Cabling: One of the factors that affect inverter's performance is the distance between the solar panel array and the battery bank. The longer the wire used, the higher the voltage drops along the cable. This is due to I2r losses.

2) Latitude or distance from the equator – temperature drops the farther an area is from the equator, due to the curvature of the earth. Thus, not all locations received the same amount of sunlight heat or incoming solar radiation.

3) Reflectivity of the surface – the capability of a surface to reflect solar energy.

4) Conduction efficiency – a measure of photon conversion into electric current. The sun spreads out photons, when these photons reach the solar cell free electrons on the N type silicon rush to P type silicon to fill the free holes and electricity is produced by the movement of electrons.

5) The weather – poor weather condition

6) The time of the year – is the sun low or high in the sky.

7) Shading – Sun shade for solar panels should be avoided

How to optimize Solar power system  

The following are basic requirements to achieve optimal solar power system performance.

1) Comprehensive Site Survey - Conduct accurate site survey. Assess the existing infrastructure. Confirm direction of the Sunset, and the ideal installation location. Determine accurate power consumption requirement.

2) Comprehensive Design Approach – Let the design be scalable. Design and create allowance for possible upgrade.

3) Quality installation – This has to do with solar panel orientation, cabling and device termination.

4) Regular maintenance – keep to regular maintenance. Clean dusty solar panels, check individual battery output volts and replace underperforming ones. Ensure firm cable termination. Batteries should be stored in a cool environment.

4) Quality materials – Avoid substandard materials for solar power deployment.

5) Use of maximum power point tracking controllers that increases the conversion efficiency.

6) Use of Sun Tracking Systems: This involves increasing the incident sun radiance using sun tracking controllers. Sun tracking systems tracks the sun for ensuring sun rays fall perpendicular to panel surface from sunrise to sunset. Sun tracking systems can be added to solar system both in project phase and subsequently. Sun tracking systems is classified in two groups, Electronic (active) and Mechanical (passive) sun tracking systems.

7) Use of Cooling Units: Cooling down the modules temperature increases efficiency of a solar power system. Cooling systems is classified as active and passive cooling units.

8) Use of Concentrators: This is meant to increase solar system efficiency. The concentrators concentrate sunlight onto a small arc on photovoltaic panel by lenses or mirrors. Parabolic Dish and Linear Parabolic are the names of existing concentrator.

9) Effective system protection. This is to prevent interrupted service outage due to damage of system component parts.