Basics of Solar PV System 1

Basics of Solar PV System

‘ Features of Solar PV System

‘ Components of system
‘ Type of System
± SHS, BCS, Centralized PV
‘ General output power

Basics of Solar PV System 2

Electricity from Solar Energy

PV Module converts Solar energy into Electricity(DC)

‘ Less Solar Energy

Less Electricity
‘ More Solar Energy
More Electricity

Power generation
changes daily

DC
Solar Energy PV Module Electricity
Input Conversion Output
 Basics of Solar PV Systems 3

Types of Solar PV systems

Off-grid On-grid
Connection to Grid
(Stand alone system) (Grid±tie system)
Battery Necessary Not necessary
Total Performance Ratio about 50% to 60% about 75%
20W ± 1kW 1kW ± 5kW
Solar Home System (SHS) Roof top grid ±tied system

9 Installed at each house

9 One system is for one house

Photo: NEDO

10kW ± 100kW 20kW ± 10MW

9 Installed at one place Centralized System (Mini-grid system) Centralized grid-tied System
9 One mini-grid system is for
one village.
9 One centralized grid-tie
system is connected to grid.

Basics of Solar PV System 4

Basic Components

‘ PV Module
± PV Module converts Solar energy into Electricity
± Power generation is during daytime only
± Long life for 20 years
‘ Battery
± Battery stores electricity
± Mainly used during night time
± Easily damaged if over discharged
‘ Charge Controller
± Charge controller protects battery from over charge and over discharge
‘ DC-AC Inverter
± Inverter converts DC to AC
± Not necessary for DC system
± AC system is more convenient for users, but less efficiency.
‘ DC Light
± DC fluorescent light (built-in inverter) is used for DC system
 Basics of Solar PV System 5

Features of Solar PV system

‘ Environment Friendly
± Clean source of energy
± No exhaust gas
‘ Reliable
± Quiet, no mechanical moving parts
± Requires little maintenance
‘ Modular
± It could match any size and easy to install on-site
‘ Fuel supply is not necessary
± Very low running cost
‘ Last resort to supply electricity
± Can be installed where no other energy sources are available
‘ Ability to combine with other systems (hybrid)

Basics of Solar PV System 6

Off-Grid : SHS (DC/AC)

Coverts solar energy into electricity

SOLAR PV SYSTEM

Solar Energy DC-AC

PV Module DC AC AC Load
(Source of Energy) Sun light DC Charge Controller Inverter
(Power generation)
(Battery protection)
DC DC Load

INPUT DC OUTPUT

Energy Flow Battery

Device to convert (Storage of electricity)
the form of energy
 Basics of Solar PV System 7

SHS (Solar Home System)

‘ SHS is Small, independent DC system
‘ Most efficient and economical system
‘ DC Fluorescent Lights are not easily available in local market

PV Panel
(50W)

Controller
(10A)
Fluorescent light
(12V DC 20W)
Compact Fluorescent light
Switch
(12V DC 11W)

Battery
(100Ah)

B/W TV Radio/Cassette player

(12V DC 15W) (12V DC 5W)

Basics of Solar PV System 8

SHS (AC)
‘ AC system is convenient for users because of easy availability of appliances
‘ Less efficient and higher cost than DC system

PV Panel
(100W) Inverter
( 12V DC Æ 220V AC, 150W)

Controller
(10A)
Fluorescent light
(220V AC 20W)
Compact Fluorescent light
Switch
(220V AC 11W)

Battery
(100Ah)

B/W TV Radio/Cassette player

(220V AC 30W) (220V AC 5W)
 Basics of Solar PV System 9

Off-Grid : Centralized System

Coverts solar energy into electricity

SOLAR PV SYSTEM

Solar Energy DC-AC

PV Module DC AC AC Load
(Source of Energy) Sun light DC Charge Controller Inverter
(Power generation)
(Battery protection)
DC DC Load

INPUT DC OUTPUT

Energy Flow Battery

Device to convert (Storage of electricity)
the form of energy

Basics of Solar PV System 10

Mini Centralized System (~ 5kW)

Solar Energy Control of Charging

(Charge Controller) Converting DC to AC
(DC-AC Inverter)
Power Generation Load
(PV Array) (Lights, Radio, TV, etc.)
48V DC~ 96V DC

220V AC

Inexpensive system
Limited power consumption
Storage of Electricity
(Battery)
 Basics of Solar PV System 11

Centralized System (10kW ~)

Control of Charging Converting DC to AC

(Charge Controller) (DC-AC Inverter)
Solar Energy

Power Generation Load

(PV Array) (Lights, Radio, TV, etc.)

120V DC
~ 300V DC

220V AC

Storage of Electricity
(Battery)
Expensive system
High quality electricity

Basics of Solar PV Systems 12

System Diagram

Blocking Diode ( One per string, Heat sink is essential )

Circuit Breaker ( 3P type to reduce arcing )
String Charge Control Panel
( series connected modules )
Street Lights
Inverter
P
240V AC
P P
110 ~ 150 V DC
( in case of 120V system) Watt-hour Meter

Internal use

Distribution Panel

240V AC
110 ~ 150 V DC
PV Array (in case of 120V system) P
P P P
110 ~ 150 V DC

Watt-hour Meter at every houses

Battery Bank
 Basics of Solar PV Systems 13

On-Grid : Roof-top

SOLAR PV SYSTEM
Selling (Generation > Consumption)
Solar Energy 230V AC
PV Module Power
(Source of Energy) Sun light DC Grid
(Power generation) Conditioner
230V AC
Buying (Generation < Consumption)

INPUT OUTPUT

Energy Flow 230V AC Load

(AC)
Device to convert
the form of energy

Basics of Solar PV Systems 14

On-Grid : Roof-top

Individual house becomes micro solar PV power plant

Source : NEDO
 Basics of Solar PV Systems 15

On-Grid : Centralized System

SOLAR PV SYSTEM

Solar Energy
PV Module Power
(Source of Energy) Sun light DC 230V AC Step-up 33kV AC Grid
(Power generation) Conditioner Transformer

INPUT OUTPUT

Energy Flow
Device to convert
the form of energy

Basics of Solar PV Systems 16

On-Grid : Centralized System

1MW solar PV power plant

Power House PV Array

 Basics of Solar PV Systems 17

1MW PV Power Plant

View point
for visitors

Control room

Basics of Solar PV Systems 18

1MW PV Power Plant

Lightning Rod
AC (Active type)

DC

Step-up Transformer
 Basics of Solar PV Systems 19

42kW PV Power Plant

PV arrays on the roof

Power conditioner
in the container house

Solar Energy 20

Solar Energy

‘ Irradiance and Insolation

‘ Peak Sun hours
‘ Insolation pattern
‘ Actual insolation data
‘ No-Shade time
 Solar Energy 21

Insolation

Irradiance : Intensity of Solar Energy kW/m2

Insolation : Quantity of Solar Energy kWh/m2
(Irradiation)
1.2
Max. Irradiance per day
1.0 ( 1.02 kW/m2)
0.8 Irradiance at 9:30 am
Irradiance (kW/m2)

( 0.76 kW/m2)
0.6
Insolation per day
0.4 ( 6.2 kWh/m2)
0.2

Sun Rise Sun Set

Solar Energy 22

Peak Sun Hours

Peak Sun Hours is used to calculate power generation of PV modules

Insolation Peak Sun Hours
( kWh/m2 per day ) ( hours per day at 1kW/m2 )

6.2 kWh/m2 6.2 h

Same Value 6.2 h

1.2

1.0 1 kW/m2
Irradiance (kW/m2)

Peak Sun
0.8
(Irradiance)
0.6

0.4 6.2 kWh/m2

0.2

Sun Rise Sun Set No particular clock time

Not a sunshine hours
 Solar Energy 23

Daily Insolation

Solar Energy changes daily

Power Generation changes daily
Insolation
7.7 kWh/m2 5.4 kWh/m2 5.7 kWh/m2 3.3 kWh/m2 0.6 kWh/m2
Peak sun hours
7.7 h 5.4 h 5.7 h 3.3 h 0.6 h
Available power*
(@100Wp) 1.2
492 Wh 345 Wh 364 Wh 211 Wh 38 Wh

1.0
Irradiance (kW/m2)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

Sunny Sunny Cloudy Cloudy Rain

*: at 100Wp SHS (PV performance ratio 80%,
Battery efficiency 80%)

Solar Energy 24

Daily Insolation (Actual data)

Insolation (kWh/m2/day)
Puerto Princesa, 2003
8.0 Daily Monthly
Daily
7.0
Monthly
Max. 6.9

6.0 Max. 6.2

Insolation (kWh/m2)

5.0
Ave. 4.9
4.0 Min. 4.1

3.0

2.0

1.0 Min. 1.0

0.0
1/1 2/1 3/1 4/1 5/1 6/1 7/1 8/1 9/1 10/1 11/1 12/1
 Solar Energy 25

Tilt Angle
‘ The purpose of tilt angle
± Optimize power generation throughout a year Minimum is 10º - 15º
to avoid dust accumulation
‘ How to optimize?
± Increase power generation at low insolation month
± Decrease power generation at high insolation month

Dec. Apr. Dec. Apr.

(Meridian Sun is Low) (Meridian Sun is High) (Meridian Sun is Low) (Meridian Sun is High)

Loss Loss

South Horizontal South Tilted

Low insolation High insolation Low insolation High insolation

Æ Lower Æ Higher Æ Higher Æ Lower

Not Optimized Optimized

Solar Energy 26

Effect of Tilt Angle

‘ If there is no weather effect, insolation curve looks like following curve.

‘ By tilting, the reception of energy on PV modules becomes relatively flat.

1.200

1.100
Tilted 15º (makes relatively flat)
1.000
Insolation

0.900

0.800

0.700 Horizontal
0.600

0.500
01 / 01 01 / 31 03 / 01 03 / 31 04 / 30 05 / 30 06 / 29 07 / 29 08 / 28 09 / 27 10 / 27 11 / 26 12 / 26

Image ( Latitude 15º)

 Solar Energy 27

Example of effect by various tilt angle

‘ Recommended tilt angle in the Philippines is 10º - 15º facing to South.

‘ Too much tilt angle reduces the energy.

Horizontal Tilt 5 Tilt 10 Year Max Min

7

Irradiation (kWh/m2 per day)

Tilt 15 Tilt 20 Tilt 25
6
7
Irradiation (kWh/m2 per day)

6 5

5 4

4 3
3 2
2 1
1
0
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mactan Island, Cebu

Solar Energy 28

No-Shade Time

7.7 kWh/m2 6.9 kWh/m2 5.7 kWh/m2

Irradiance (kW/m2)

1.2
1.0
0.8
Insolation
0.6
0.4
0.2

Sun rise Sun set 8 am 4 pm 9 am 3 pm

Irradiance (kW/m2)

1.2 7.7 h 6.9 h 5.7 h

1.0
0.8
0.6 Peak sun hours
0.4 100% 90% 74%
0.2

Ideal Acceptable May cause lack of power

(or needs more design margin)
 PV Module 29

PV Module

‘ Role of PV module
‘ Type of PV module
‘ I-V Curve
± Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, Wp
Always obtain data sheet.
‘ Output Power No datasheet, No quality
‘ Protection Diodes

PV Module 30

Role of PV Module
‘ PV module converts solar energy into electricity
‘ Most reliable component in solar PV system (lasts over 20 years)
‘ PV module consists of solar cells, front glass, frame, terminal box etc.
- Power generation part in PV module is Solar cell.

Structural diagram
5. Frame
1. Solar cell
2. Front grass 6. Seal material

3. Encapsulation sheet 4. Back sheet 7. Terminal box

*EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) *Electrical insulation
*Resistance to water and UV light *Moisture resistance
 PV Module 31

Type of PV Module
‘ Three types of PV module are used for power system generally.
‘ Crystalline type have been used and proven its reliability
‘ Efficiency of unit cell is not the matter of concern
± Whatever the cell efficiency, the output of a PV module is rated as Wattage
± Dimension of PV module is larger if low efficiency cells are used
± Amorphous PV module is almost double of size compare to crystalline PV module
‘ One PV module has 36 series connected cells (for 12V system)

Silicon

Crystalline

Monocrystalline Polycrystalline Amorphous

Unit Cell (octagonal)
Solid black surface
Unit Cell
Unit Cell (rectangular)
Solid black surface most
Granular boundary is visible
of the part of surface

PV Module 32

I - V Curve
‘ Unlike the other power generation devices, output voltage varies
‘ Output current depends on what output voltage is used
‘ Output power depends on what output voltage is used
‘ Max. output power (rated Wp) is available only at Vmp point under 1kW/m2 at 25ºC
1.0kW/m2, 25ºC, AM 1.5
7.0

Isc
6.0
6.34 A
Imp
5.0 Pm ( Maximum Power Point)
5.79 A
= Vmp x Imp
Pm : Maximum power
=100.2 W Imp : Current at Pm
4.0
Vmp : Voltage at Pm
Current (A)

3.0
Isc : Short circuit current
Voc: Open circuit voltage
2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Voltage (V) Vmp 17.3 V Voc 21.7 V

 PV Module 33

Power - V Curve
‘ Output power depends on Voltage (Power = Voltage x Current)
‘ By reading I-V curve, Power-V curve is obtained

1.0kW/m2, 25ºC, AM 1.5

Pm (Maximum Power Point) is obtained at Vmp ONLY

100
Pm

100.2 W
Power (W)

50

0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Voltage (V) Vmp 17.3 V Voc 21.7 V

PV Module 34

PV Module

‘ Always count the number of cells

‘ Always check the label on back side
 PV Module 35

Effect of Temperature (1)

‘ When temperature of PV module is increased;

± Output Voltage is reduced ± 0.4% to ± 0.5% / ºC
± Output Current is slightly increased + 0.04% to + 0.07% / ºC

‘ Rated output (Wp) does not mean actual output power at the site
7.0

6.0
Current is slightly increased.
5.0 25ºC
Current (A)

4.0 65ºC

3.0

Voltage is decreased.
2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)

PV Module 36

Effect of Temperature (2)

I-V curve changes depending on temperature
Find the relation between temperature and Voc
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 1.0kW/m2
7.0
6.49 80 W 85 W 90W 95 W 100 W
6.34
6.0
25ºC

5.0
¾ Find the equation.
35ºC
¾ How much is the
4.0
45ºC decrease ratio of Voc
per degree in this
Current (A)

55ºC
3.0
case?
65ºC ¾ How much is the Voc at
2.0 35ºC, 45ºC and 55ºC?

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V) 18.2 19.1 20.0 20.8 21.7
 PV Module 37

Effect of Temperature (3)

For stand-alone system (battery system), Why?

the Effect of Temperature is minor.
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 1.0kW/m2
110
100 W
95W
100 90 W
85 W
90 80 W 25ºC

80
35ºC
70
45ºC
Power (W)

60
55ºC
50

40 65ºC

30

20

10

0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)

PV Module 38

Effect of Irradiance (1)

‘ When irradiance is decreased;

± Output Voltage is slightly reduced
± Output Current is decreased proportionally

‘ Pay attention while measuring charging current

7.0
1.0kW/m2

6.0

5.0
Current (A)

4.0

3.0 0.4kW/m2

2.0 Current is decreased.

1.0
Voltage is slightly decreased.
0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)
 PV Module 39

Effect of Irradiance (2)

I-V curve changes depending on irradiance
Find the relation between Isc(stc) and Isc(irr)
Isc(stc) : Short circuit current at STC [1.0kW/m2] , Isc(irr ): Short circuit current at given irradiance [kW/m2]
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 25ºC
7.0
6.3 A 1.0 kW/m2
6.2 A
100 W
6.0

5.1 A 0.8 kW/m2 5.0 A

¾ Find the equation.
5.0 80W

0.6 kW/m2
¾ How much is the
4.0 3.8 A 3.7 A 59 W decrease ratio of Voc
Current (A)

per degree in this

3.0
0.4kW/m2
2.5 A
39 W case?
2.4 A
2.0
1.3 A 0.2 kW/m2 18 W
1.2 A
1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Voltage (V)

PV Module 40

Effect of Irradiance (3)

For stand-alone system (battery system), Why?

Rated power(Wp) is never obtained.
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 25ºC
110
100 W
100

90 1.0 kW/m2
80 W
80 0.8 kW/m2

70
0.6 kW/m2
59 W
Power (W)

60
0.4kW/m2
50
0.2 kW/m2 39 W
40

30
18 W
20

10

0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)
 PV Module 41

Cell and Module

One module has many cells connected in series.

For 12V system, there are 36 cells in a module.
7.0
Pm (18 cells): 8.7V, 5.79A Pm (36 cells): 17.4V, 5.79A
Isc : 6.34A
6.0

5.0
36 cells
( 1 module )
4.0
Current (A)

1 cell 34 cells

3.0

3 cells 9 cells 18 cells 27 cells

2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0

Voltage (V) Voc (18 cells): 10.85V Voc (36 cells): 21.7V

PV Module 42

Parallel Connection

‘ Find parameters of I-V curve of blue line.

‘ Draw the connection of this array
15.0

1kW/m2, 25ºC

Isc :

10.0
Current (A)

Pm :
Vmp :
Imp :

5.0

Pm : 100W
Isc : 6.3A Vmp : 17.3V
Imp : 5.79A
ONE module

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0 70.0 75.0 80.0 85.0 90.0

Voltage (V)
Voc : 21.7V Voc :
 PV Module 43

Series & Parallel Connection

‘ Find parameters of I-V curve of blue line.

‘ Draw the connection of this array
15.0

1kW/m2, 25ºC

Isc :

10.0
Current (A)

Pm : 100W
Vmp : 17.3V
Pm :
Imp : 5.79A
Vmp :
Imp :

5.0

Isc : 6.3A

ONE module

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0 70.0 75.0 80.0 85.0 90.0

Voltage (V)
Voc : 21.7V Voc :

PV Module 44

Bypass Diodes
- +
‘Bypass diodes are factory built-in each PV module
± One per 18 cells.
± Built-in diode is not blocking diode but bypass diode
‘Bypass diodes have no role at normal operation (under clean
surface, no shading)
‘In case cell(s) have less output current such as shading, bird
droppings, it will bypass the current.
‘In case a PV module has defective in series connection, the
string may not have enough voltage to charge battery if number of
series connection is 4 or less.
‘When a battery is connected in reverse, such as BCS, bypass
diodes will be burned.
± When diodes are burned, they will be shorted or opened.
± If a diode is shorted, remove it. PV module works normally.
 PV Module 45

Effect of shadow
‘ Cells are connected in series.
‘ Shading even over one cell reduce total current of series connected.
‘ If there is a bypass diode, excess current can flow through bypass diode.
Bypass diode Bypass diode 7.0
6.0
5.0

Current (A)
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Shaded cell
0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 18.0

Voltage (V)

Equivalent Integrated I-V curve

Bypass diode Bypass diode

7.0 7.0

6.0 6.0

5.0 5.0

4.0 4.0

Current (A)
Current (A)

3.0 3.0

2.0 2.0

1.0 1.0
Shaded cell 0.0 0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

Voltage (V) Voltage (V)

PV Module 46

Bypass Diodes & Blocking Diodes

1.0 kW/m2 , 50ºC

5 series connected modules 8

PV module 14.2V 14.2 14.2V 7

built-in bypass diode 0A

6

Blocking diode 5
Current (A)

4
71.0V
3

7.3A 7.3A 2

17.9V 17.9V 17.9V -0.6V 1

0
4.0A 0 5 10 15 20
Voltage (V)

71.0V

4.0A 0A

0.0V 19.5V (Voc) 19.5V (Voc) 0.0V

58.5V

0.0A 0.0A X
Two Damaged (open)
 PV Module 47

Fault Module in a String

1 2 9 10 at 60ºC
0.0A 0.0A 0.0A 0.0A

-0.6V
String A 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
( all modules are OK) cells cells cells cells cells cells cells cells

6.1A, 13.2V 6.1A, 13.2V 6.1A, 13.2V 6.1A, 13.2V 6.1A

131.4V ² (² 0.6V) = 132.0V, 6.1A is obtained from the I-V curve 132.0V / 10 modules = 13.2V

1 2 9 10
0.0A 0.0A 5.5A 0.0A

String B -0.6V
( No.9 module is dead) 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
cells cells cells cells cells cells cells cells

5.5A, 14.8V 5.5A, 14.8V 0.0A, -1.2V 5.5A, 14.8V 5.5A

131.4V ² (² 0.6V) ² (² 0.6Vx 2) = 133.2V, 5.5A is obtained from the I-V curve 133.2V / 9 modules = 14.8V

Battery Voltage : 131.4V 11.6A

PV Module 48

Fault Module in a String

Range of battery voltage

( LVD: 115V, Float: 138V, Boost: 144V)

7.0

String A
6.0 (in case of 25ºC )

5.0
Current (A)

4.0 One module

( 60ºC )
String B String A
10 modules in series 10 modules in series
(but 1 module is dead) ( 60ºC )
3.0
( 60ºC )

2.0
String B String A
10 modules in series
10 modules in series
( 50ºC )
(but 1 module is dead)
1.0
( 50ºC )

0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Voc( 25ºC ) : 217.0V

Voc( 60ºC ) : 168.3V
Voc( 60ºC ) : 187.0V
Voltage (V)
 PV Module 49

Fault Module in a String

‘ When many modules are connected in a string, it is very difficult to diagnose

the fault module.
Range of battery voltage
( LVD: 115V, Float: 138V, Boost: 144V)
1100
String A
(in case of 25ºC )
1000
String B
900 10 modules in series
(but 1 module is dead)
( 60ºC )
Power (W)

800

700 String A
10 modules in series
600 ( 60ºC )

500

400 String A
10 modules in series
( 50ºC )
300
String B
200 10 modules in series
(but 1 module is dead)
( 50ºC )
100

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Voltage (V)

Centralized PV System

Fault Module in a String

‘ Failure rate of PV modules are around 1% to 5%

‘ In a string, it is difficult to identify a fault PV module
Bypass diode hides a fault module
‘ Only thermography camera can detects fault modules

Source:
Dr. Kazuhiko KATO (AIST)
 Battery 51

Battery

‘ Role of Battery Always obtain data sheet.

‘ Profile of charging and discharging No datasheet, No quality
‘ Specific gravity, Voltage
‘ Charging efficiency
‘ Cycle life and Depth of Discharge
‘ Capacity
‘ Maintenance
± Electrolyte : to keep Level
to prevent Stratification
± Electrode : to prevent Sulfation
± Cell Voltage : to keep Equal cell voltage
‘ Proper size
‘ Series and Parallel Connection

Battery 52

Common Sense
‘ Storage of electricity
± Does NOT generate electricity
‘ Unit cell is 2V
± 2V means nominal voltage. Voltage range is around 1.85V to 2.40V
± 12V battery has 6 unit cells in series connection
Structural diagram
± 6V battery has 3 unit cells in series connection
Cap Catalytic cap
‘ Material
Electrode
± Electrode : Lead (Negative
)
± Electrolyte : Diluted Sulfuric Acid Electrode
(Positive)
‘ Precautions
± Electrolyte is high corrosive material
Æ Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, clothes
Æ Wash out with plenty of water in case of contact
± Spilt acid does not evaporate Negative plate
Æ must be neutralized with soda, if not available use baking soda
Positive plate
± During charging, explosive gas will be released
(Oxygen and Hydrogen) Separator
Æ Air ventilation is necessary. No source of naked flames! Battery case
(Electrolyte)
± Keep away from children
 Battery 53

Type of Lead-acid Batteries

HVD, LVD are
)RUJHWDERXWWKHWHUPV³'HHS&\FOHW\SH´DQG³6KDOORZ&\FOHW\SH´
example only These will confuse you. The operation of solar PV system is shallow cycle operation.
Automotive Type Industrial Type
Flooded (Liquid) z Available z Available
z Need to top up distilled water z Low cost z Durable
z Durable z Acceptable for small application z Wide range of capacity
z Relatively strong against overcharge z Limited range of capacity (~150Ah) ( ~2000Ah, 2V unit )
(HVD ~14.4V) z LVD: ~11.7V , HVD: ~14.4V z LVD: ~11.5V , HVD: ~14.4V

Maintenance free (Liquid)

z Easy to handle
z Available z Available
z Weak against over charge
z Acceptable for small application z Recommended for small application
z Need to use lower HVD than flooded
z Good for maintenance free system z Good for maintenance free system
type (~14.1V)
z Need good charge controller to avoid z Need good charge controller to avoid
z No boost charging
overcharge overcharge
z Limited range of capacity (~150Ah)
z LVD: ~11.7V , HVD: ~14.1V z LVD: ~11.5V , HVD: ~14.1V

Maintenance free (Gel)

z Sealed z Available
z Easy to handle z Recommended for small application
z Weak against over charge z Good for maintenance free system
z Need to use lower HVD than flooded
N/A z Need good charge controller to avoid
type (~14.1V) overcharge
z No boost charging z LVD: ~11.5V, HVD: ~14.1V
z Limited range of capacity (~150Ah)

Battery 54

Battery
‘ Battery stores electricity
± It does NOT generate electricity
‘ Most important key device for Solar PV and Wind systems
‘ Maintenance is very easy theoretically because no mechanical
maintenance such as lubrication, overhaul, etc.
Æ Maintenance is extremely difficult in reality
‘ Technical maintenance Problem!
1. Maintain electrolyte level (Topping up of distilled water)
Æ Always forget. Use of unsuitable water (tap water, mineral water, well water, etc.)
2. Maintain homogeneous electrolyte (Avoid stratification) Problem!
3. Maintain healthy electrode (Avoid sulfation)
Æ If no charge controller, easily over discharged because users want to use more power
4. Maintain equal cell voltage (Periodical equalization)
Æ Normally automatic by charge controller
‘ General maintenance
± Maintain clean environment (Cleaning of terminals, cover, floor and air ventilation)

Most problematic device

 Battery 55

Profile of Battery Voltage

‘ Voltage is always different at each stage

Charging stage Discharging stage

Charge stop

14.5 quick drop

14.0 Discharge start

13.5
Voltage

quick jump quick jump

13.0 (recovery)

12.5
Both voltage are same
but state of charge is quick drop
12.0
different
11.5 Discharge stop
Charge start

Time

Battery 56

Indicator of State Of Charge

12.0V is relatively discharged level

Example ONLY: Values may change depends on Type and Model of Battery
State of Open Circuit Voltage ( V ) End Voltage ( V )
Specific Gravity
Charge at 25ºC (rest 24 hours) at 25ºC
( g/ml ) at 20ºC
(%) Cell 6 Cells Cell 6 Cells
100 1.280 2.12 12.73 2.40 14.40
Charged 90 1.261 2.10 12.62
1.250
80 1.241 2.08 12.50
70 1.220 2.06 12.37 Non linear
Different in
60 1.198 2.04 12.24
Charging / Discharging
50 1.175 2.02 12.10
40 1.151 1.99 11.96
30 1.127 1.97 11.81
1.100 20 1.101 1.94 11.66

Discharged 10 1.076 1.92 11.51

0 1.051 1.89 11.35 1.85 11.10
 Battery 57

Charging Efficiency

‘ Battery can store electricity

‘ However, there is a loss around 20%

Energy used for charging Obtained energy as discharge

100 Wh 80 % of 100 Wh 80 Wh

Loss 20%

Battery 58

Cycle Life

‘ Shallow cycle operation prolongs cycle life

‘ Higher operating temperature reduces cycle life
Life becomes half every 10 ºC higher than 20 ºC
6 years at 20 ºC Æ 3 years at 30 ºC Æ 1.5 years at 40 ºC

2000
2000

1400
1500
Cycle Life

1000
700

400
500

0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
DOD
Source: VARTA
 Battery 59

Life of Battery

‘ Battery is recognized dead when the capacity becomes 80% of its

original capacity.
‘ People still can use the battery without noticing it is dead.
‘ When capacity becomes very small, it is easily fully charged and
discharged empty in short time.

User does not experience LVD. User often experiences LVD every night,
even battery is fully charged every day.
Daily load 20Ah Daily load 20Ah Daily load 20Ah
(DOD: 20%) (DOD: 25%) (DOD: 50%)

Normal life Zombie life

100Ah 80Ah 40Ah

(100%) (80%) (40%)
Zombie:
Dead person but looks alive.
A: New battery B: End of Battery life C: End of Zombie battery
(officially dead) (practically not usable)

Battery 60

Battery Capacity

‘Batteries should come with data sheet

± Always READ data sheet
± No data sheet means substandard battery
‘Capacity at each discharge rates shall be indicated
‘Capacity is larger at longer discharge rate in same battery
± Low discharge current Æ Longer usage hours
± One by one load (less current) is recommended
± Switch on many loads at same time (more current) reduces usage
hours
 Battery 61

How to read Capacity

A : 960Ah at 24h discharge rate [ 960Ah (C/24) ]

= Can draw 40A for 24hours till voltage becomes 1.85V/cell
B : 1200Ah at 120h discharge rate [ 1200Ah (C/120) ]
= Can draw 10A for 120hours till voltage becomes 1.85V/cell

Discharge rate
Duration of
discharge (hours)
Final voltage
Discharge is
Model No. stopped at this
voltage (Empty)

Capacity at each
A B discharge rate
(Ah)

Battery 62

Battery Capacity v.s. Discharge Rate

2000
Discharge current

6.5A
15.4A
Capacity (Ah)

1500
27.9A
12.5A
20.0A
50.0A

1000
100.0A

500
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Discharge rate (hours)

Capacity depends on Discharge rate

 Battery 63

Maintenance of Electrolyte
( To keep Level )

‘ Loss of Electrolyte occurs during operation

± Water component Æ Decrease
± Acid component Æ No change
‘ To keep Electrolyte Level, Dry up, Adding unsuitable water
± Compensate decreased water component are
‡ Add distilled water ONLY Major Cause of DAMAGE
‡ Do NOT add acid

Loss of Electrolyte Add distilled water ONLY

Do not exceed Max level
(Loss of Water component)
Max Max

Min acid acid acid acid acid acid acid Min

acid acid
acid acid acid
acid acid acid acid
acid acid
acid acid acid
acid acid acid
acid acid acid

acid acid acid acid acid acid acid

acid acid
acid acid acid

Battery 64

Maintenance of Electrolyte
( To Prevent Stratification )

‘ Acid tends to accumulate in bottom area (Stratification)

‘ To prevent Stratification,
± Boost charging to mix electrolyte by bubbling
± Shake battery to mix electrolyte (small battery only)

acid acid acid

acid acid
acid
acid
acid acid acid acid
acid
acid acid
acid acid acid acid
acid Boost charging to acid
acid Bubbling
acid
Homogeneous produce bubbles acid acid
acid
acid

Shaking
acid
acid acid
acid
acid acid
3cm
acid
acid acid acid acid acid acid
Lift one side to shake
Stratification
 Battery 65

Maintenance of Electrode
( To Prevent Sulfation )

‘ Sulfation occurs during discharging, it reverts the state during charging

‘ When over discharged and/or left uncharged, sulfation develop crystals
± Crystallized sulfation covers surface of electrode permanently
± Active area of electrode is reduced Æ Less capacity
‘ To prevent Sulfation,
± Do NOT over discharge
± Do NOT leave battery uncharged Major Cause of
‡ Charge battery immediately after discharge Short Life
‡ Battery shall be fully charged daily

Specific gravity : High Specific gravity : Low Specific gravity : Low

‡ Over Discharged
Discharge ‡ Left Uncharged
acid acid acid acidd acid acid acidd acid acid
acid acid
acid acid acid
acid acid acid
acid
acid

acid
acid acid acid
Charge acid
acid
X acid
acid

Revert Point of No Return

Sulfation Sulfation
(non-crystal/soft crystalline lead sulfate) (Hard crystalline lead sulfate)

Battery 66

Maintenance of Cell Voltage

( To Equal voltage )

‘ In series connected batteries, cell voltages become different

‘ To do Equalization,
± Force over voltage under controlled charging (Boost Charging)
± Equalization is also effective to prevent Stratification and Sulfation
± Charge controllers normally have this function
± Do NOT do boost charging for sealed (maintenance free) type battery

Equalization
$IWHUIRUDZKLOH« (Boost Charging over 2.5V~)

2.25V 2.12V 2.31V 2.40V 2.40V 2.40V

 Battery 67

What users have to do for Maintenance

‘ Users have to top-up distilled water if flooded type battery is used

‘ Users have to monitor charge controller to avoid overuse

Technical Maintenance
Maintenance of Electrolyte 1
(To keep electrolyte level)
Maintenance of Electrolyte 2
(To prevent stratification)
Maintenance of Electrode
(To Prevent Sulfation)
Maintenance of Cell Voltage
(To Equal voltage)
Types of Battery
Flooded type
y Users have to do this.
y Users have to do this.
y Not necessary if charge controller
has boost charging function
y Users have to check SOC daily to
avoid overuse.
y Users cannot do this.
y Not necessary if charge controller
has boost charging function
Maintenance Free type
y Not necessary.
y Users have to do this if battery is
not gel type.
y Not necessary if charge controller
has boost charging function
y Users have to check SOC daily to
avoid overuse.
y Users cannot do this.
y Not necessary if charge controller
has boost charging function

Battery 68

Series and Parallel

‘ Parallel connection sums Ah
‘ Series connection sums Voltage
‘ Total energy storage (Wh) is same
‘ Do NOT mix different type, model, age of batteries

Parallel Series
12V 100Ah 24V 50Ah
1200Wh 1200Wh

+ - + - + - + -

12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V
50Ah 50Ah 50Ah 50Ah
 Battery 69

Balanced Connection

‘Balanced wiring is important

± Uniform each battery voltage
V1 = Va + Vc + V2 V1 + Va + Vb = V3 + Vc + Vd
= Va + Vb + Vc + Vd + V3 = V2 + Vc + Vb

Va Vb Va Vb

+ + + Va = Vc + + +
V1 V2 V3 Vb = Vd V1 V2 V3
_ _ _ _ _ _

Vc Vd Vc Vd
Imbalanced : V1 > V2 > V3 (Charging) Balanced : V1 = V2 = V3
V1 < V2 < V3 (Discharging)
No OK
Battery 70

Inter-connection

No inter-connection among series connected string

+ +
+ +
‡ Cause complicated _ _
stray current _ _
network
+ +
‡ Difficult to equalize + +
voltage _ _
_ _

+ +
+ +
_ _
_ _

No OK
 Battery 71

Parallel Connection
‘ Maximum parallel connections need to be limited up to 4
± Difficult to control equal charging current due to slight difference of voltage, internal resistance
and capacity
‘ For more than 4 parallel connection, need independent current control function
Conventional Charge controller
C/C

More than 4 Parallels Reduce to 4 Parallels

+ + + +

Conventional Charge controller _ _ _ _

C/C

+ + + + + + OK
_ _ _ _ _ _
Charge controller
with independent current control function
C/C

No ! Use independent current control

+ + + + + +
_ _ _ _ _ _

Centralized PV System 72

Required Indications on Battery

Otherwise, disqualified.

Minimum Requirement

Insulated Inter-connections

Battery Number

Electrolyte Level ( max. and min. )

Preferable
Specific Density
Final Voltage
( discharged ) Capacity at the Discharge Rate

Nominal Voltage
Recycle Mark

Model Name
Manufacturer Name
 Charge Controller 73

Charge Controller

Always obtain data sheet.

‘ Role of Charge controller No datasheet, No quality

‘ Type of PV control
‘ Set point voltage
‘ Connecting sequence

Charge Controller 74

Functions of Charge Controller

‘ Role of Charge controller

± Charge controller protects batteries from Overcharge and Over discharge
± Charge controller does NOT control/regulate current and voltage.
‘ Over charge protection : Example of 12V system
± Sense battery voltage
± Battery voltage is high (fully charged, ~14.4V : High Voltage Disconnect, HVD)
Æ Disconnect PV module from battery ( Stop Charging )
± While battery voltage is not high (not fully charged, below 13.5V : High Voltage Reconnect, HVR)
Æ Always connect PV module to battery ( Normal status for charging )
‘ Over discharge protection :
± Sense battery voltage
± While battery voltage is not Low (ordinary status, above 12.5V : Low Voltage Reconnect, LVR)
Æ Always connect Load to battery ( Normal status for discharging )
± Battery voltage is Low (close to empty, below 11.5V : Low Voltage Disconnect, LVD)
Æ Disconnect Load from battery ( Stop Discharging )
 Charge Controller 75

Overcharge Protection

Charging Charging stopped

(Switch A is ON) (Switch A is OFF)

Charge Controller Charge Controller

A A
PV PV
Module Charging
Module Charging
stopped

Battery Battery

Charge Controller 76

Over discharge Protection

Discharging Discharging stopped

(Switch B is ON) (Switch B is OFF)

Charge Controller Charge Controller

B
B
Load Load
Discharging Discharging
stopped

Full
Battery Battery
Before empty
Empty
 Charge Controller 77

Type of Charge Controller

‘ Two types of over charge protection :

¾ Series Type : PV is disconnected as Open
¾ Shunt Type : PV is disconnected as Shorted

Series type : PV is Open Shunt type : PV is Shorted

Charge Controller Charge Controller

Control Circuit Control Circuit

Over charge Over discharge Over discharge

protection protection Over charge protection
protection
A1 B B

PV PV
Load A2 Load
Module Module

Battery Battery

Charge Controller 78

Method of Charging Control

‘There are two methods of charging control.

± On-Off method
± PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) method
‘Most of new charge controllers use PWM.

Types of Charge
Charging Method Discharging Method
Controller
Series Type (On-Off) On-Off On-Off

Series Type (PWM) PWM On-Off

Shunt Type (On-Off) On-Off On-Off

Shunt Type (PWM) PWM On-Off

 Charge Controller 79

Charging Control (On-Off)

‘ Over charge Protection

± When Battery voltage reached to the final voltage , PV is disconnected (High Voltage Disconnect)
± When Battery voltage decreased to the reconnect voltage, PV is reconnected (High Voltage Reconnect)

Charge Controller 80

Charging Control (PWM)

‘ Over charge Protection

± When Battery voltage reached to close the float voltage , PV is disconnected and connected by pulse width.
 Charge Controller 81

Discharging Control

‘ Over discharge protection

± When Battery voltage decreased to the low voltage, Load is disconnected (Low Voltage Disconnect)
± When Battery voltage recovered above the reconnect voltage, Load is reconnected (Low Voltage Reconnect)
‘ Under normal operation, LVD is not triggered except overuse or end of battery life

Charge Controller 82

Additional functions

PWM charge controller has additional function to

prolong battery life and for efficient charging.
‘Boost charging mode
± Boost charging mode is triggered automatically (low battery voltage,
after several charging cycles, etc.). Once boost charging is completed,
it will automatically back to its normal charging mode.
‘Equalize charging mode
± To equalize cell voltages, high voltage is implied. This mode is triggered
automatically (low battery voltage, after several charging cycles, etc.).
Once boost charging is completed, it will automatically back to its normal
charging mode
± Do NOT use this function for sealed (maintenance free) battery
 Charge Controller 83

Boost Charging Mode

Example of boost charging mode

15.0
14.8 Boost charging (14.4V) for 2hours
14.6 ĺ7KHQH[LW%RRVWFKDUJLQJPRGH
14.4
14.2
14.0
13.8
13.6
13.4
13.2
13.0
Battery Voltage (V)

12.8
12.6
Trigger voltage (12.6V)
12.4 for boost charging mode
12.2
12.0 Weather condition is not good or
11.8 energy is consumed more than instructed Battery voltage reached trigger voltage
11.6 ĺ(QWHULQJ%RRVWFKDUJLQJPRGH
11.4
11.2
11.0
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 0 3 6 9 12
Time (hrs)

Charge Controller 84

Set point voltages

‘ Set point voltages are slightly differs by each model

± Choose the right set point voltage with the battery type.
‘ Temperature compensation is necessary (built-in)
± Approx. -3mV to -5mV / ºC per cell
± Approx. -0.18V at 12V battery when 10 ºC increased

Set point voltages for over discharge protection

Types of battery LVD LVR
Automotive type 11.6V ± 11.7V 12.4V ± 12.5V
Industrial type (factory setting) 11.3V ± 11.5V 12.4V ± 12.5V

On-Off charging PWM charging

Types of battery
HVD HVR Float Boost Equalize
Flooded type (factory setting) 14.3V ± 14.4V 13.0V ± 13.5V 13.8V ± 13.9V 14.4V ± 14.7V 14.8V ± 14.9V
Maintenance Free type 14.0V ± 14.2V 13.0V ± 13.5V 13.4V ± 13.6V 14.2V ± 14.4V disabled

Values are @ 20 ºC, reference ONLY

 Charge Controller 85

Connecting Sequence

‘ Connecting / Disconnecting cables to C/C

Connect Battery First, Disconnect Battery Last

Connecting Sequence Disconnecting Sequence

Battery PV Load Load PV Battery

First Last

If battery is not connected,

high voltage (18-21V) of PV
module may damage
PV Load Load (Max input is ~14.5V)

Battery

Charge Controller 86

Additional functions

Some charge controllers have additional function to

prolong battery life and efficient charging

‘Boost charging mode

± To equalize cell voltage, high HVD setting By changing HVD,
± Boost charging mode is triggered automatically (low battery voltage,
after several charging cycles, etc.). Once boost charging is completed,
it will automatically back to its normal charging mode.
± Do NOT use this function for sealed (maintenance free) battery
 DC Light 87

DC Lights
‘ For SHS and BCS, DC lights are necessary
± Available power is very limited
± Electricity is very precious
± High efficiency lights are necessary
‘ Type of DC Lights
± DC Fluorescent Light
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
± Halogen Light
± LED (Becoming a new standard for DC lights)

2.5W LED light

DC Light 88

Compact Fluorescent Light

Typical DC light used in SHS and BCS

There is a built-in inverter that converts 12 V DC into some hundreds volts of AC.

7KHIOXRUHVFHQWOLJKWVQHHG$&7KHGHYLFHXVHGLQ'&IOXRUHVFHQWOLJKW³LQYHUWV´'&LQWR$&
6RPHWLPHVWKHLQYHUWHULVFDOOHG³EDOODVW´+RZHYHURULJLQDOPHDQLQJRI³EDOODVW´LVWKHGHYLFHQRUPDOO\XVHGLQ
conventional AC fluorescent light. It is a sort of choke coil. It does not change DC to AC.
 DC Light 89

DC Fluorescent Light

‘ CFL is the most recommended light at the moment

± Low cost, Enough brightness at reasonable power consumption
± The life of tube is around 1~2 years Æ problem of tube supply
‘ Halogen lamp is easily available at automobile parts shop
± Easily available but power consumption is higher than CFL.
‘ LED light is becoming popular.
± Cost of LED is becoming cheaper than CFL light.
± LED light will become main stream for SHS

Illuminance at each
Lights Current (A) distance from light (Lux)
The combination of
maintenance free battery
1m 2m
and LED lights will make CFL 9W 0.58 83.0 20.0
SHS as maintenance free
system Halogen 10W 0.80 50.0 8.0
LED 2.5W 0.23 120.0 35.0
Candle N/A 1.2 0.5

Inverter 90

Inverter

Always obtain data sheet.

‘ Converts DC into AC No datasheet, No quality
‘ Wide range of capacity
± 100W ~ 300W ~1kW ~ 5kW (Easily available in market, Inexpensive)
± 10kW~ 100kW (Production by order, Expensive)
‘ Inverters for car use are becoming popular
at low price $20~, 100W
‘ Use of inverter is very convenient for users
‘ Need larger PV panel due to low efficiency of AC system compare
to DC system
 Inverter 91

Inverter for SHS

‘ Car use type is easily available at low price

‘ Check surge power tolerance
± Some appliance such as TV, Fridge requires high current at start
up.
± Inverter must have tolerance of these surge current
Example:
Rated : 150W (continuous)
Surge : 500W (within one minutes)
‘ Choose low self power consumption and high efficiency type

Inverter 92

Output Waveform

‘ Sine wave output is ideal

‘ Due to cost limitation, modified sine wave types are common for small-
scale application
‘ Rectangular wave type might have some problem with some appliances

Low cost High cost

SHS Centralized PV

Rectangular Wave Modified Sine Wave Modified Sine Wave Sine Wave
 Maintenance 93

Maintenance

‘ Basically PV system is low maintenance system

‘ General Maintenance ³Keep Clean´LVCommon Sense)
± Cleaning of PV module Æ Dust, Birds dropping
± Cleaning of Battery terminal Æ Rust, Corrosion
± Cleaning of Floor Æ Spilt acid
± Cleaning of System Æ Dust, insects, web
‘ Maintenance of Battery
1. Electrolyte (Maintain level ) Æ Top up distilled water
2. Electrolyte (Avoid Stratification) Æ Shake once a week (SHS)
Automatic by C/C (Centralized)
3. Electrode (Avoid Sulfation) Æ Maintain full charge
(Avoid overuse) Load
4. Cell Voltage (Equalization) Æ Automatic by C/C Management

Sounds easy but extremely difficult to do

Battery 94

Overuse
‘ Electricity is generated by PV modules
‘ Battery only stores electricity
‘ Daily power consumption should be less than generated power
± Daily power consumption is limited by PV module size and insolation
± Battery capacity is not the matter
‘ Overuse
± [Generated available power] < [Power consumption]
‘ Overuse occurs
± Poor insolation (Cloudy, rain)
± Larger Load (Additional load, time (in hours) of use of load is more than the
designed usage)
How can I check overuse?
Case A : Charge controller does not show Full state during a day
- Accidental overuse. Cloudy or Rain, Special TV program, Party, etc.
- Reduce load usage time in half for a day
May need larger
Case B : Charge controller cut off load PV module
- Daily overuse. Battery is empty.
- Reduce load usage time in half till C/C shows Full state ( at least for a week )
 Battery 95

Battery Size VS Over Use

‘ Larger battery capacity allows shallower cycle operation Æ Prolong cycle life
‘ Larger battery capacity becomes disadvantage when overused

Battery is too large compare to PV size

50Wp, 50Ah 50Wp, 120Ah
25% Over use Normal use 25% Over use Normal use
Daily overuse (25% more
100.0
than Power generation)
100.0

80.0
80.0
State of Charge (%)

State of Charge (%)

60.0
60.0
50% loaduse
50% Saving
50% load
50% Saving use
saving by user saving by user
40.0 40.0

Load Accidental overuse Load Power

disconnect
out
by
disconnect
Power out
Charge controller
20.0 by Charge 20.0

controller Daily overuse (25% more

than Power generation) Not fully charged for long period Æ Sulfation
0.0 0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Days Days

Maintenance 96

General Cleaning

‘ PV Module
± Clean surface
± Use water, soft cloth
± Never use detergent
‘ Battery
± Clean spilt acid
± Avoid skin contact of acid
‘ Charge Controller
± Remove insects & dust
‘ Lights
± Clean diffuser cover
± Remove insects & dust
 Inspection & Monitoring 97

Inspection & Monitoring

‘Inspection & Monitoring are the KEY to ensure system

reliability & sustainability
± Should be conducted by doubting
± Should be conducted by using measuring equipment
± Should be conducted by using 6th sense

‘Must understand Meaning of system parameters

± Monitoring without understanding of system parameters is useless
± Only qualified people can conduct proper monitoring

Inspection & Monitoring 98

Inspected & Approved, Why??

One is 30 degree, the other is flat??

PV panels are facing West

 Inspection & Monitoring 99

Inspected & Approved, Why??

Deep cycle battery is used,

Inverter is connected to battery directly but battery selector of C/C is set to
car battery

Inspection & Monitoring 100

Inspected & Approved, Why??

Corrosion
(No grease)

High risk of short circuit

Temperature sensor was cut off High risk of short circuit

 Inspection & Monitoring 101

Inspected & Approved, Why??

,QVWDOOHGEHKLQGDELJEDREDEWUHH«

Why these are approved?

Because Inspectors did not know about solar PV
V\VWHP«

How they could be inspectors?

Because ..... Why???

Inspectors should have :

z Proper Knowledge (Intermediate or Advanced level)
z Good Skills to check System Parameters
z Good Technical Sense
Need qualification of
Inspectors

Inspection & Monitoring 102

System Parameters
(Essential Knowledge)

‘ Electricity is invisible.
Need to measure several parameters to check system status
‘ System parameters
± Battery Voltage
± Battery Current
± PV Voltage
Prime parameters for SHS
± PV Current
± Load Voltage
± Load Current
± Specific Gravity
± Battery Temperature
± Irradiance
± PV Temperature

Must understand Meaning of Measured Values for Monitoring

 Inspection & Monitoring 103

Why do we need system parameters?

Electricity is Invisible

System parameters are only way

to understand system status

Recorded data give us feed back

whether estimated values are reasonable or not

Inspection & Monitoring 104

Parameters to be measured at monitoring

Battery Voltage Vcbat , Vbat

Battery Current Ibat (Positive = Charging, Negative = Discharging
PV Voltage Vcpv , Vpv
PV Current Ipv
Load Voltage Vcld , Vld
Load Current Ild
Vpv

Ipv Ild
Vcpv Vcld
C/C Vld
Vcbat
‡ Vpv and Vld are normally difficult to measure
‡ You must evaluate the status of the system with
Ibat
these parameters
Do NOT disconnect components
‡ You must understand the relations among
Do NOT measure Isc / Voc of PV module Vbat
parameters
Battery ‡ Pay attention to the direction of current flow
 Inspection & Monitoring 105

AC/DC Clamp Meter

Measurement:
AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current

<Required Specification>
‡ DC current to measure current
Max. : min. 10 A
Resolution : min. 0.01 A
‡ DC voltage to measure voltage
Max. : min. 600 V
Resolution : min. 0.01V
‡ Resistance to check contact failure of switches/terminals
Max. : min. 40Mȍ
Resolution : min. 0.1ȍ

One clamp tester is enough to measure prime parameters

Inspection & Monitoring 106

Digital Multi Meter

Measurement: Not necessary if

AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current AC/DC Clamp Meter is
available
<Required Specification>
‡ DC current to measure current
Max. : min. 10 A Limited to 10A
Resolution : min. 0.01 A
‡ DC voltage to measure voltage
Max. : min. 600 V
Resolution : min. 0.01V
‡ Resistance to check contact failure of switches/terminals
Max. : min. 40Mȍ
Resolution : min. 0.1 ȍ

Not recommended to disconnect cable to measure current

 Inspection & Monitoring 107

Digital Illuminance Meter & Pyranometer

Digital Illuminance Meter

Measurement:
Illuminance as Irradiation

<Required Specification>
‡ Range
Max. : min. 200,000 Lx
Resolution : min. 0.1 Lx
Irradiance 1kW/m2 = around 116,000 Lx ~ 120, 000 Lx

Use together with data logger

Pyranometer
<Required Specifications>
Measuring wave length: 0.3~2.8 ȝm
Sensitivity: 7ȝV / (7.0 mV / kW*m-2 )

Inspection & Monitoring 108

Status of C/C
On Off On Off On Off On
Switch 䐟

HVD 14.4
Must understand status of C/C B
A
A'
A
HVR 13.0

LVR 12.5

Same voltage but diff

different
f erent stage
of PV connection
LVD 11.5
Charge Controller
PV module
Switch 䐠
Control Circuit
On Off On
Lights
+ +

䐟 䐠
Over charge Over discharge
PV protection protection Load
On : HVR On : LVR
Off : HVD Off : LVD

- -

- +

Battery
 Procurement 109

Measuring Equipment

In addition to components, Measuring

equipment is also important to procure.
‘ SHS
± AC-DC Clamp meter
± Lux meter
± Emission thermometer
± Compass & Angle finder
‘ Centralized system
± AC-DC Clamp meter
± Emission thermometer
± AC Clamp Power meter
± Pyranometer
± Data acquisition system

Troubleshooting 110

Troubleshooting
2. C/C (5 - 10yrs) Many
4. Solar Energy Shorten - Fuse blown 5. DC Lights (1 - 2yrs) troubles
battery - Drift of set point voltages - Burn out of inverter
- Climate condition life Æ Damages battery - Blackening of tube
- Mismatch to battery type - Lack of tube supply

6. Cables
3. PV (20yrs) - Voltage drop
- Miss orientation & tilt angle - Open or Short (rats)
- Dust
- Crack by stone
- Shadows 7. Switches, Sockets & Plugs
- Theft - Crack, Contact failure, Short

Many 1. Battery (2 - 6yrs)

troubles - Dry up 8. Appliances
- Unsuitable water is added - Breakdown, Short
- Over discharge (Sulfation)
- Over use
- Corrosion by acid
 Troubleshooting 111

Troubleshooting

Many people request to learn troubleshooting at

early stage of training. However, you must learn
‘Check all system parameters system first. Once you could understand PV
system very well, you already know
± Users/Operators may report a trouble that is normal Troubleshooting.
± Users/Operators may report normal that is a trouble
± Must understand meaning of measured data
± Identify the cause of the trouble by analyzing measured data

‘THINK solutions
± There are several ways to solve the problem
Æ In most cases, there is no 100%-correct answer (no best solution)
± Consider advantages and disadvantages of each solutions
Æ Choose Better solution at case by case.
The better solution at the site A may not be the better solution at the site B.
± Explain them to the user for approval

You MUST understand meaning of system parameters for Troubleshooting. Exercise

You MUST be intermediate to advanced level

Troubleshooting 112

Troubleshooting

How to check PV module

Broken glass
Open circuit voltage: Voc Short circuit current: Isc

V A

Deformation + - + -

Break of Break of
Cell crack Break of back sheet terminal box bypass diode

9LVXDOFKHFNĺ0HDVXUH9RFDQG,VFĺ&KHFNRSHUDWLRQ
 Troubleshooting 113

Troubleshooting

How to check voltage drop at SHS

Lamp
PV module
VL1
Junction Box
C/C

Vc2
PV Bat Load
VL2

Vc1 Vc3
Vp
SW
Vb
Measuring Point Difference
Vp Vc1 < 0.5V
Vc2 Vb < 0.1V Battery
Vc3 VL1 < 0.5V
Vc3 VL2 < 0.5V

Troubleshooting 114

Troubleshooting

How to check C/C

All Lamps turn off
PV module C/C

PV Bat Load

Vc1, Ic1

Vc2, Ic2
1. Visual check 2. Check operation in charging
Abnormal noise, Heat Vc1 >= Vc2 , Ic1 = Ic2
Damage, Deformation Battery
Loose connection
Dirt, Rust
LED operation
 Troubleshooting 115

Troubleshooting

How to check C/C

All Lamps turn on
PV module C/C

PV Bat Load

Vc3, Ic3

Vc2, Ic2
PV module is disconnected
3. Check operation in discharging
Battery Vc2 = Vc3 , Ic2 = Ic3

Troubleshooting 116

Troubleshooting

How to check battery performance

1) Check using hour of electricity
After charging battery fully, use electricity with constant Full charge LVD operates
load (example; two 11W CFL lamps) + - + -

Measure using hour of electricity until LVD operates and

compare with designed hour.
If measured hour is less than 80% of designed hour, How many hour?
the battery almost reaches the end of its usefulness.

2) Check the battery voltage

Full charge After 10 minutes
After charging battery fully, leave the battery in the
condition of charging stop. + - + -
After 10 minutes, measure the battery voltage.
If the voltage is lower than 12.5V, the battery almost
reaches the end of its usefulness. How much is the battery voltage?