Solar and Electric Grid
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The document discusses the electric grid and grid-connected solar PV systems. It describes the electric grid as an interconnected network that balances supply and demand of electricity across its three main components: generation, transmission, and distribution. It then explains that grid-connected PV systems use solar panels to generate DC electricity, an inverter to convert it to AC electricity, and can both supply excess electricity to the grid and draw from the grid when solar power is insufficient, providing a reliable source of renewable energy with reduced costs compared to off-grid systems.
Solar and Electric Grid
- 1. Majid Mushtaq St. Cloud State University
- 2. Agenda: Electric Grid Components of Electric Grid Solar Generated Electricity Grid Connected PV System Conclusion
- 3. Electric Grid: Interconnected network for delivering electricity from suppliers to consumers Consists of generating station, transmission lines, distribution lines and substation Maintains instantaneous balance between supply and demand
- 5. 3 components of Electric Grid: Generation: creating electricity Transmission: Moving it from bulk generators to distribution centers Distribution: bringing it from substations to homes and industries
- 7. Solar Energy Potential: The amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface every hour is greater than humankind’s total demand for energy in one year As of February 2006, Photovoltaic technology accounted for less than 1% of worldwide electricity generation.
- 8. Photovoltaic Cells (PV) ii) Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) i)
- 9. Photovoltaic Cells: Photovoltaic cells convert light energy to electric current by Photoelectric effect Produce direct current which fluctuates with light intensity For practical use it should be converted to a certain fix voltage or AC current through the use of Inverters.
- 11. Concentrating Solar Power: Requires direct sunlight use lenses or mirrors to focus large area of sunlight into smaller beam Not very effective in cloudy conditions Two approaches i) Power Tower ii) Parabolic Through
- 12. i) Power Tower:
- 17. When a solar energy system is connected to the grid it is capable of sending electricity to the grid that can be used at a later time when the system is not producing electricity. In the most simplest terms pulling energy from the grid when needed and supplying energy to the grid when energy is not being used at the solar site.
- 19. Advantages: Eliminates the need of batteries Reduces cost and maintenance Highly efficient use of the system Long life span Ensures a constant supply of electricity
- 20. Grid connected PV Components: Photovoltaic Cells Inverters Wiring Charge controller Disconnect switch Electrical Meter Total system cost = ~ 8$/watt
- 23. Net metering: Electricity delivered to the grid can be compensated in several ways "Net metering", is where the entity that owns the renewable energy power source receives compensation from the utility for its net outflow of power. For example, if during a given month a power system feeds 500 kilowatt-hours into the grid and uses 100 kilowatt-hours from the grid, it would receive compensation for 400 kilowatt-hours
- 24. Grid Tie Inverter: Special type of power inverter converts DC to AC And feeds it into existing electrical grid During period of overproduction, power is routed into the grid During insufficient power production it purchases power from utility company
- 25. Inverter:
- 26. Conclusion: Cut-down electricity bill Renewable energy source Environment friendly Low or no maintenance cost