The use of low optical concentration with planar reflectors represents a relatively simple method for improving solar photovoltaic (PV) specific efficiency. A coupled optical and thermal model was developed to determine the effects on yearly performance of a planar concentrator on array-scale solar PV installations. This model accounts for i) thermal, ii) angle of incidence, iii) reflectivity, and iv) string mismatch loss mechanisms in order to enable informed design of low optical concentrat...
Correct modelling of solar photovoltaic (PV) system yields is necessary to optimize system design, improve reliability of projected outputs to ensure favourable project financing and to facilitate proper operations and maintenance. An improved methodology for fine resolution modelling of PV systems is presented using module short-circuit current (Isc) at 5-min time-scales, and clearly identifies pertinent error mechanisms that arise when working at this high resolution. This work used a modif...
The rise of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology as a driver of rural electrification in the developing world and a contributor to climate change mitigation suggests that innovations enhancing PV efficiency and scalability could make considerable strides in reducing both poverty and greenhouse gas emissions. The nearly global access to the solar resource coupled to innovation-driven decreases in the costs of PV provides a path for an renewable energy source to accelerate sustainable development...
The energy sector plays a major role in driving Kenya’s economy. The need to conceive, develop and sustain energy generating sources cannot be underestimated. Being a growing economy, Kenya therefore needs to redirect her effort in production of self-sustaining energy generating sources. It is in this line that the government through the ministry of industrialization, energy and vision 2030 sought to establish the Numerical Machine Complex, which serves as a hub for fabrication, assembl...
Previous studies with fixed operating temperatures have shown that hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) was a promising absorber layer for solar photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) systems because of (a) a low temperature coefficient and (b) the opportunity to reverse light induced degradation with thermal annealing. This study further refined the simulation of the optimal dispatch strategy for a-Si:H based PVT by studying annealing cycles and analysis of the degradation at other operating temper...
This study assesses the viability of photovoltaic (PV) technology in northern latitudes as a part of energy supply system for remote nomadic camps of indigenous communities involved in reindeer husbandry. Two boundary locations were analyzed: southern Yakutia, Russia, 56°41′N; and the northernmost area in Norway, Finnmark, 68°51′N. Sixteen scenarios were simulated based on energy consumption, light sources and electric load schedules. The results show that PV-based systems are beneficia...
The release of the open source 3-D printer known as the RepRap (a self-Replicating Rapid prototyper) resulted in the potential for distributed manufacturing of products for significantly lower costs than conventional manufacturing. This development, coupled with open source-appropriate technology (OSAT), has enabled the opportunity for 3-D printers to be used for sustainable development. In this context, OSAT provides the opportunity to modify and improve the physical designs of their printer...
Se diseñó y construyó un prototipo funcional de un sistema de medición de radiación solar (global y difusa) basado en un espectrómetro de amplio espectro (UVA, VIS y parte del IR cercano) para el monitoreo solar en Cochabamba, Bolivia, conjuntamente con un sistema similar instalado en Ontario, Canadá. Los datos obtenidos en dos regiones con características geográficas muy distintas ayudaran en el estudio y optimización de materiales fotovoltaicos, para su implementación en diferent...
Although coal remains the largest source of electricity in the U.S., a combination of factors is driving a decrease in profitability and employment in the coal-sector. Meanwhile, the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is growing rapidly in the U.S. and generating many jobs that represent employment opportunities for laid off coal workers. In order to determine the viability of a smooth transition from coal to PV-related employment, this paper provides an analysis of the cost to retrain current ...
The average American is highly supportive of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and has the opportunity to earn a high return of investment from a PV investment for their own home. Unfortunately, the average American does not have easy access to capital/financing to install a PV system able to meet their aggregate annual electric needs. One method to overcome this challenge is to allow 'plug-and-play solar', which is defined as a fully inclusive, commercial, off-the-shelf PV system (normally ...
Plug and play solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are affordable, easy to install and portable grid-tied solar electric systems, which can be purchased and installed by an average prosumer (producing consumer). The combination of recent technical/safety analysis and trends in other advanced industrialized nations, indicate that U.S. electrical regulations may allow plug and play solar in the future. Such a shift in regulations could radically alter the current PV market. This study provides an es...
The U.S. electrical grid, the largest and most complex man-made system in the world, is highly vulnerable to three types of external threats: 1) natural disasters, 2) intentional physical attacks, and 3) cyber-attacks. The technical community has recommended hardening the grid to make it more resilient to attack by using distributed generation and microgrids. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are an ideal distributed generation technology to provide power for such microgrids. However, both the ...
Design and Implementation of an Automatic Security Lighting for ATBU, Yelwa Campus Chior David #1, Ifeora Henry #2 and Lisiyas Alfred #3. #1 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. #2 Department of Systems Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos. #3 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bayero University Kano, Kano. Abstract— This paper has covered the design of an automatic security lighting system for ATBU, Yelwa Cam...
Simple 3-D printable open source hardware designs have proven to be effective scientific instruments at low costs. Further development in this area is coupling open source electronics with 3-D printable mechanical components to make fully functional distributedly-manufactured mechatronic tools for science. One research area where such low-cost technology is needed is to characterize thin film anti-reflective coatings and transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) for the glass, mirror and solar pho...
ABSTRACT Security Car Using RFID System. This project is designed to enhance vehicle safety systems available. Thus, this project consists of some combination of equipment and components to create a car security system that meets the security features and use more advanced. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the most reliable way to electronically identify, data capture, control, track, and inventory items using RF communication. Thus the project was produced by using RFID (Radio Freq...