Showing papers by "Southwest Wisconsin Technical College published in 1996"
13 May 1996
TL;DR: A new control system has been developed, based on available PV equipment and a data acquisition system, that seeks to minimize the limitations imposed by the battery system while maximizing the use of PV energy.
Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) power systems offer the prospect of allowing a utility company to meet part of the daily peak system load using a renewable resource. Unfortunately, some utilities have peak system-load periods that do not match the peak production hours of a PV system. Adding a battery energy storage system to a grid-connected PV power system will allow dispatching the stored solar energy to the grid at the desired times. Batteries, however, pose system limitations in terms of energy efficiency, maintenance, and cycle life. A new control system has been developed, based on available PV equipment and a data acquisition system, that seeks to minimize the limitations imposed by the battery system while maximizing the use of PV energy. Maintenance requirements for the flooded batteries are reduced, cycle life is maximized, and the battery is operated over an efficient range of states of charge. This paper presents design details and initial performance results on one of the first installed control systems of this type.
11 citations
13 May 1996
TL;DR: This paper analyzes the various design constraints of hybrid PV power systems and suggests design changes that can improve overall system performance in some cases.
Abstract: A photovoltaic hybrid power system consists of a PV array and inverter that operate either alternately or in parallel with a conventional engine-driven generator. At present, hybrid power systems are being used to supply single-family residences, communications, and village power. This paper analyzes the various design constraints of such systems and suggests design changes that can improve overall system performance in some cases. The Southwest Technology Development Institute (New Mexico State University), under contract to Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has installed data acquisition systems (DAS) on a number of hybrid PV power systems. These range from small residential systems to village-scale systems. At present, even larger systems are being installed with hundreds of kilowatts of PV modules, multiple wind machines, and multiple diesel generators.
7 citations
13 May 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address why compliance with accepted codes and standards is needed and how it is being achieved and why PV installers are working more closely with licensed electricians and electrical contractors who are familiar with existing local codes and installation practices.
Abstract: As photovoltaic (PV) power systems gain increasing acceptance for both off-grid and utility-interactive applications, the safety, durability and performance of these systems gains in importance. Local and state jurisdictions in many areas of the USA require that all electrical power systems be installed in compliance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code(R) (NEC(R)). Utilities and governmental agencies are now requiring that PV installations and components also meet a number of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standards. PV installers are working more closely with licensed electricians and electrical contractors who are familiar with existing local codes and installation practices. PV manufacturers, utilities, balance of systems manufacturers and standards representatives have come together to address safety and code related issues for future PV installations. This paper addresses why compliance with the accepted codes and standards is needed and how it is being achieved.
3 citations