Different Photovoltaic Systems For Different Needs
September 3, 2010 by
Filed under alternative energy
While different photovoltaic systems operate on the same principles, they have different configurations. There are two basic types: one is connected to an existing power grid and the other is an independent, stand-lonely logic.
On The Grid
Photovoltaic systems that are connected to an existing grid are designed to supplement traditional gas, coal and oil-fired power plants. This requires a converter, since a photovoltaic panel produces preside over current, and the U.S. power grid runs on alternating current. In case you aren’t sure of the difference, preside over current, or DC, is thrilling energy that flows in one direction only. A common example is the household battery which is why battery-operated devices such as CD players, small thrilling keyboards and some hand-held sports meeting require a special adapter (technically known as a rectifier) when plugged into the wall. Alternating current, or AC on the other hand, changes direction. This is the kind of power that comes out of your wall socket and powers most of your plug-in appliances.
When it comes to integrating CPV solar power systems into a commercial grid, an inverter, or power conditioning unit (PCU) is required to turn DC into AC. This device also governs the flow of power from the photovoltaic array to the grid and vice-versa. So, for example, when power plea is low, the PCU can cut back or shut off the flow of power from the CPV solar array and open it up when plea rises.
By the way, that “CPV” stands for “concentrated photovoltaic.” When it comes to such systems that are part of a larger grid, it is necessary to get more “bang for the buck” by literally concentrating sunlight. Concentrated photovoltaic technology is the science of just that; it works through the use of mirrors that imitate a large amount of sunlight onto a single panel. Use of concentrated photovoltaic technology has boosted the efficiency of CPV solar panels to nearly 40%.
Off The Grid
A standalone logic is the type you might use for your own home, though other sources including wind, an engine-driven generator or even the local grid is usually required. Furthermore, a standalone logic only operates during the daylight hours, which means it requires some type of storage device.
Beyond this, a standalone photovoltaic logic is most useful for running air conditioning, fans, and pumps for solar thermal water heating.
Both types of systems help meet particular needs, and as the technology advances and costs continue to decline, its liable that well see an increase in solar energy implementation worldwide.
About the Leader:
Wayne Hemrick writes about–photovoltaic systems
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Tags: energy, solar energy
