Learning Objectives
- understand the properties of solar radiation before and after being transmitted through the atmosphere and what limitations there are in the radiation measurements
- be able to find solar radiation data in international databases
- calculate and judge the effect of the orientation of the receiving surface in terms of gained energy
- understand the dualistic wave-particle character of light and the consequences for photovoltaics
- explain the mechanism of current and voltage generation in illuminated semiconductors
- describe how solar cells are connected into a module, what the losses are and how these can be minimized
- independently design stand-alone as well as grid-connected solar electricity systems and choose components for optimal system performance
- choose and evaluate computer system simulation programs for photovoltaics
- describe different methods for solar thermal generation of electricity with help of solar concentrators
Course Content
In this course the basics of solar engineering are studied: the basic properties of solar radiation and its measurements, and the effect of orientation and slope of receiving surfaces, optical properties of materials are reviewed and discussed, the physics of photovoltaic devices and how they can be modeled mathematically, how these devices are manufactured, how the devices are tested, and how they need to be connected and packaged to provide practical power producing modules. Electrical energy storage and control is also studied as well as understanding of the various forms of solar thermal electricity generation.
Software Used
PVSYST is used to help design a stand-alone or a grid-connected PV system. Input data include: the energy demand of different loads, location with insolation data, direction of the PV modules and more. Output data include: a suggestion of design and information of input power, used power, lost power, and system cost. In the program Preliminary Design gives a rough size estimation for the system. In Project Design a more detailed design is possible and the user can choose between various PV panels, batteries, and regulators; giving more control tot he user over the system design.In this course PVSYST is used to design a theoretical stand alone system. PVSYST is also used to evaluated output of a theoretical grid connected system.
Assessment
Written exam 7 ECTS-credits, laboratory reports 2 ECTS-credits.
Literature
- Markvart, Tomas. (2000) Solar electricity. 2 uppl. Chichester : Wiley. (280 s). ISBN 0-471-98852-9
- Duffie, John A., Beckman, William A.. (2006) Solar engineering of thermal processes. 3rd edition. New York: Wiley. (928 s). ISBN 0-471-69867-9
- UNESCO energy engineering series. Energy engineering learning package, ISSN 99-1938624-3
