| Author | Sivoththaman, S. |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. ET-89-07 |
| Subject(s) | Photovoltaic power generation
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the Degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | For sizing a photovoltaic system to supply a specified load in a
region, knowledge in predicting the future radiation profile is
necessary. Oversizing can always be an easy solution but neither
the manufacturer nor the user can financially survive by this.
Hence, radiation prediction with an acceptable level of accuracy
becomes essential in sizing to prevent undersizing as well as
oversizing.
Two models have been developed and proposed for the prediction of
required radiation and available radiation. The first model
computes the minimum daily average radiation required for the
system to survive without failure, given the load and the
consecutive days-of-run. The component ratings of the system, PV
panel size and battery size are observed to have great influence
on the necessary radiation.
The second model calculates the probable mini mum radiations in
the future, given the number of consecutive run-days and the
percentage probability with which the values are to be minimized.
The five-year radiation data for Bangkok (1983 1987) were
obtained from the climatological division, Bangkok, and were
statistically processed-for the use of the model as raw data.
Computer programs are written for the models, and the output of
the two models, when superimposed on each other, gives a clear
idea about the system performance and about the optimum sizing.
In the experimental part, a photovoltaic hybrid system was
designed and set up in the AIT energy park. A special study by
the author previously revealed that a photovoltaic hybrid system
(PV + a back-up source) would be the most economical choice than
either constituent chosen alone. A de power source (12- 18V, 7A max.) was designed and used as back-up. Electronic circuits to
start the back-up source automatically when the solar energy is
insufficient, and to stop it automatically when there is enough
solar energy, are designed and fabricated. The whole control over
the loads and the collection of necessary data is taken care of
by an APPLE-II microcomputer, using a control program in
APPLESOFT -BASIC. The system operated successfully and several
load profiles were executed in the system and the results are
analyzed. |
| Year | 1989 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Lasnier, France; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Bhattacharya, Sribas C.;Prida Wibulswas; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of France; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1989 |