Modular photovoltaic stand-alone systems. Phase I. Final report
A Phase I program plan was developed and implemented leading to the detail design of an optimized low power, reliable, low life cycle cost stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. Modularity was established in power increments of 0.25 kWp in the range of 0.5 to 16 kWp. The investigations, analyses and designs addressed the balance-of-systems (BOS) elements and subsystems, the PV cells and modules having been designated as an available technology conforming to JPL Block IV, Specification 5101-830. A survey of existing BOS developments was conducted and state-of-the-art BOS designs were generated, evaluated and used in cost trade-offs. A matrix of BOS attributes led to the selection of seven conceptual designs consisting of various BOS elements or combinations thereof. Three of the conceptual designs were selected for further evaluation, preparation of preliminary designs and refinements in life cycle cost trade-offs. The design emerging as the most optimum configuration was selected as the final design candidate. Detail drawings, equipment listings, procurement specifications, test procedures, and production cost estimates were developed in preparation for the Phase II breadboarding of critical control and load management circuits and for the development of an engineering model. Results of the study and designs showed that lead acid batteries are the only practical, near term, available source for electrical energy storage, and, for stand-alone PV power systems, are the major cost driver contributing between 60 to 70% of total system 20 year life cycle costs. For the established range of performance there were only small cost variances between different designs of a given element. It was also shown that properly adjudicated regulation and load management contribute significantly both to reductions in system sizing and improvements in battery life.
- Research Organization:
- Hughes Aircraft Co., Long Beach, CA (USA). Support Systems
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI01-76ET20485
- OSTI ID:
- 5525400
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NASA-0207-1; NASA-CR-168075; HAC-F-107-500-5; ON: DE84001694
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Microfiche only, copy does not permit paper copy reproduction. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
DESIGN
CONTROL SYSTEMS
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
LIFE-CYCLE COST
LIGHTNING
LOAD MANAGEMENT
OPTIMIZATION
POWER CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
RELIABILITY
COST
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MANAGEMENT
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems