A Biologically Inspired Design Approach for Low Cost Solar Panel Systems

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufunmilola Atilola ◽  
Joseph Goodman ◽  
Kathryn Nagel ◽  
Julie Linsey
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Biologically Inspired Design

Biologically inspired design is the process of using biological systems as analogues to develop innovative solutions for engineering problems. This paper describes an effective and successful implementation of problem-driven biologically inspired design in a real-world problem. In support of the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, a national collaborative effort to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade, solar panel designs were carried out by engineering and architectural design teams. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems were developed using analogical design, and more specifically, bio-inspired design. Some systems were also designed using non-biological analogues. Functional decompositions were employed as the first step in the design process, as a way to identify the key functions essential to the system’s reliability and cost effectiveness. Six key functions were identified. Analysis of the final designs by the teams showed that the solar panel system designs using biologically inspired analogues were more effective in meeting the six key functions identified during functional decomposition. Employing a combination of divergent and convergent design thinking is also discussed as a way for effective biologically inspired design. The top three designs selected for prototyping were biologically inspired and exceeded the project goal of reducing the installation and labor costs of solar PV systems by 50%.

scholarly journals Sensorless dual axis solar tracker using improved sun position algorithm

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1305
Author(s):  
Chan Men Loon ◽  
Muhamad Zalani Daud
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Percentage Error ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Measured Angle ◽  
Solar Tracker ◽  
Fixed Panel ◽  
Fixed System ◽  
Better Than

This paper presents development of a prototype sensorless dual axis solar tracker for maximum extraction of solar energy. To prove the concept and evaluate the proposed algorithm, a low cost widely availabe materials were used which was programmed based on Arduino microcontroller. The porposed algorithm works based on two search methods namely the global search that approximates the best point location in a region, and local search that further determines the actual sun’s position. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm gives better performance compared to the existing sun position algorithm (SPA) - based method as well as the fixed panel system. In terms of total output power, the proposed algorithm gives 17.96% more efficient than the fixed system and 6.38% better than the SPA-based system. Furthermore, the percentage error of the experimental measured angle to the actual sun azimuth angle was relatively minimal (less than 3%) during clear day operation. The system was proven to be effective in tracking the sun for improved energy production of solar PV panels and the proposed algorithm also can be used for designing the tracker with larger size of solar PV systems.

scholarly journals Solar Concentrators In Malaysia: Towards The Development Of Low Cost Solar Photovoltaic Systems

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firdaus Muhammad Sukki ◽  
Roberto Ramirez Iniguez ◽  
Scott G. Mcmeekin ◽  
Brian G. Stewart ◽  
Barry Clive
Keyword(s):  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Solar Concentrators ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Pv System

Solar energy has become a matter of global attention in the past few years. This paper explores the use and benefit of solar concentrators in the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. First, a short literature review of previous research on the usage of solar concentrators in improving solar PV system performance and reducing the cost of implementation is presented. This is followed by an overview of SolarBrane, an example of a Building Integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system which uses an optical concentrator in the solar PV design. An optimised design of the SolarBrane is also discussed afterwards. A financial benefit study is conducted to compare the average return of investment of using the optimised SolarBrane and traditional solar PV installed in Malaysia’s environment. SolarBrane has proven to be a good alternative to achieve costeffective solar PV system. The financial analysis simulated under the new Malaysian Feed–In Tariff scheme indicates that the optimised SolarBrane could potentially reduce the initial cost of implementation by 40% and generate higher return, close to 20%, when compared to traditional solar PV systems. Key words: Solar photovoltaic; solar concentrator; solarBrane; dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator; financial analysis

scholarly journals Sustainable Robots for Humanitarian Demining

10.5772/5695 ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro F. Santana ◽  
José Barata ◽  
Luís Correia
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Humanitarian Demining ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Morphological Computation ◽  
Biologically Inspired Design ◽  
Short Time

This paper proposes a roadmap for the application of advanced technology (in particular robotics) for the humanitarian demining domain. Based on this roadmap, a portable demining kit to handle urgent situations in remote locations is described. A low-cost four-wheel steering robot with a biologically inspired locomotion control is the base of the kit. On going research on a method for all-terrain piloting, under the morphological computation paradigm is also introduced, along with the behavioural architecture underlying it, the Survival Kit. A multi-agent architecture, the DSAAR architecture, is also proposed as a way of promoting short time-to-market and soft integration of different robots in a given mission. A common denominator for all developments is the quest for sustainability with respect to (re-)engineering and maintainability effort, as well as economical and ecological impact. Failing to cope with these requirements greatly reduces the applicability of a given technology to the humanitarian demining domain. Finally it is concluded that biologically inspired design fits considerably well to support a sustainable demining paradigm.

scholarly journals An improved MPPT algorithm to minimize transient and steady state oscillation conditions for small SPV systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kashif Javed ◽  
Haroon Ashfaq ◽  
Rajveer Singh
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Output Voltage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Boost Converter ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Variable Load ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Steady State Oscillation ◽  
Transient And Steady State

Small solar PV systems mostly residential PV systems are bounded to be low cost. So these systems are required low-cost processors, and these low-cost processors can only process simple algorithm efficiently. The conventional P&O MPPT algorithm is widely employed algorithm to control solar PV systems because of its simplicity, low cost, and ease of implementation. During rapid radiation change condition (RRC) the output voltage of conventional P&O MPPT algorithm is found unstable and suffers oscillations around MPP at transient and steady state conditions. This paper proposes a simple MPPT algorithm for small or residential solar PV systems to eliminate such above said drawbacks. The proposed MPPT controls the step size (dD) of the boost converter duty cycle (D) according to the system input conditions and have the ability to compensate the transient as well as steady-state oscillations around MPP and stabilize the output voltage under RRC and variable load conditions. To validate the proposed algorithm, a 1kW photovoltaic system model is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink, and the performance of the system is also investigated under RRC. The performance of proposed MPPT algorithm is found to be adequate under various insolation patterns. An experimental set-up comprising a boost converter, solar emulator with dSPACE controller is also used to investigate the performance of proposed MPPT algorithm further.Article History: Received October 4th 2017; Received in revised form September 15th 2018; Accepted November 1st 2018; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Javed, K. Ashfaq, H and Singh, R. (2018). An Improved MPPT Algorithm to Minimize Transient and Steady State Oscillation Conditions for Small SPV Systems. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 7(3), 191-197.http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ijred.7.3.191-197

A Compound Analogical Design for Low Cost Solar Panel Systems

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph N. Goodman ◽  
Jeannette Yen ◽  
Russell Gentry ◽  
Kathryn M. Nagel ◽  
Guillermo J. Amador
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
System Integrity ◽  
System Solution ◽  
Commercial Applications

In support of the Department of Energy Sunshot initiative target of $1.25 per watt photovoltaics systems for commercial applications, whole system designs were pursued using the analogical design methodology, an essential step in the bio inspired design approach. A functional decomposition of solar panel systems was conducted, and then key functions critical to system integrity and cost reduction were identified. Three sources of bio-inspiration were mainly used: hierarchical structures as a common design dimension exploited in natural systems, and leaves’ ability to maintain position through changes in shape and angle of attack when triggered by wind flow, and limpet shells’ reduction of hydrodynamic forces by way of natural geometrical features. The design team developed concepts with varying degrees of abstraction then attempted to reconcile them with other functional requirements. Variants that descended from the leaf concept were generally found to be biophilic and offer aesthetic value; however, presented shortcomings in electrical design and installation procedure (Kellert 2008). Alternatively, concepts inspired by hierarchical structures and limpet shells were found to have greater variability, enabling reconciliation with other functional requirements, resulting in a complete system solution capable of meeting the cost reduction objective. From the analysis of these design variants, we may conclude that transferring solution principles directly from nature is best done when there is small set of functional requirements that must be fulfilled and value in a biophilic design. However, in cases of significant system complexity, abstracted lessons from nature may be found to be more flexible and easily reconciled with multiple requirements.

scholarly journals Design and Fabrication of Low Cost Automatic Cleaning Module for Solar PV Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2S2) ◽  
pp. 1112-1114
Keyword(s):  
Automatic System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Servo Motor ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Cleaning System ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Long Time

The Solar PV modules are usually engaged in dusty environments which are the condition in many tropical countries like India. The dirt gets hoarded on the superficial of the PV module and chunks the photons from the sun. It decreases the generation ability of the PV module. The power output decreases the efficiency, if the PV module is not cleaned for a long time. In order to habitually clean the dust, an automatic cleaning system has been proposed, which senses the light energy from the sun on the solar panel and also cleans the PV module automatically. This system is realized with PIC16F877A microcontroller which controls the geared servo motor. This system consists of a sensor (LDR) to make it dusk to dawn. While for cleaning the PV modules, a mechanism consists of a sliding wipers has been developed. In earlier machinery, cleaning of PV panels was done manually. But here the PV panels has been cleaned by automatic system i.e. wiping mechanism with water flow for effective cleaning

scholarly journals Low Cost Solar Powered Telecenters for Malaysian Rural Areas: Case Study in Pos Sinderut, Pahang, Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.14) ◽  
pp. 421
Author(s):  
M. D. Ibrahim ◽  
S. Zainal ◽  
A. K. Othman
Keyword(s):  
Rural Community ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System

The main objective of this project is to design and analyze the cost benefits solar PV system for rural telecenter. The project focused on designing the main solar system and solar panel energy performance based on translucency. The task that was carried out in this project was the selection of the suitable system that will suit the operation well while keeping the design cost as low as possible. In this project, the design of the solar panel system was focused on the electric loads and its cost benefit. Homer software was used to evaluate the solar panel system. Meant for ways of communications for indigenous people, the Solar Photovoltaic system is one of the popular solution for off-grid rural community power supply. The optimized combination for a particular rural site can be predicted based on NASA’s data of Solar Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI). In this project, Pos Sinderut was chosen as the site, and the data load was measured. In our preliminary findings, it was found that the model on site was not suitably designed and maintained. The data parameters that was used for the on-site installed model was also not possible to be calculated when the model was simulated using Homer Software. As a result, we proposed a new model design by optimizing the load of VSAT and charging station based on the amount of solar PV and batteries that was supplied. This paper shows the significance of preliminary designs based on the irradiance and the usage load of the specific site before any installation should be commenced. It also showed how the site should be maintained properly in order to ensure a chosen site is sustainable for the rural community, post-installation.  

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of Solar Based Dc Grid using Arduino Uno

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 109-113
Author(s):  
Thirupathaiah M
Keyword(s):  
Power System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Load Management ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
End User ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Efficiency And Reliability

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) such as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) became more popular over the last decade due to increasing environmental awareness and tax exemption policies on the solar PV systems. Integration of solar PV using various smart load management techniques will boost the efficiency of the overall system by reducing the massive cost of electricity bills. There is a need to find efficient and expert ways to enjoy these RES exclusively. Besides providing the connection between different loads, this system has the ability to collect information and execute control commands for the households by providing continuous observations and information about both load and supply profile, convincing the end user to take preventive measures by switching the auxiliary load to save power. This paper presents implementation of a low cost Solar based DC grid using Arduino. In the proposed system, the node which acts as a microcontroller reads the power consumption by the loads in each unit through current sensor. When the excess amount of power is consumed at particular unit, the controller makes the relay cut off the supply to the loads, which will be continuously displayed through LCD. This DC based power system helps to eliminate the requirement of converters systems, reducing converter cost, power system complexity, improve efficiency and reliability.

scholarly journals Analytical Modeling and Optimization of a Heat Sink Design for Passive Cooling of Solar PV Panel

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3490
Author(s):  
Fahad AlAmri ◽  
Gaydaa AlZohbi ◽  
Mohammed AlZahrani ◽  
Mohammed Aboulebdah
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Heat Sink ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Passive Cooling ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Pv Systems

High temperature is the primary challenge in the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in an arid climate. A rise in temperature diminishes the performance of the PV systems and shortens their lifespan. The goal of this manuscript is to develop an analytical model to predict the temperature of PV panels under a passive cooling system for an arid environment. Taking into consideration the link between solar panel temperature and its conversion efficiency, Kirchhoff’s and Ohm’s laws for a complex circuit were applied to calculate the heat flux in the solar panel system, and hence obtain the temperatures of each layer in the system. Closed-form analytical expressions for temperature, output power, and conversion efficiency of the solar panel were deduced and presented as functions of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, emissivity, wind velocity, tilt angle, and dimensions of fins. Comparison between the results presented in the literature and those predicted by the developed analytical model validated the presented model. Moreover, the length of the fins required for safe thermal operation of solar panels in harsh desert environment were also obtained from analysis. Furthermore, the effect of using such a cooling system on the temperature and efficiency of the solar panels was verified by using the developed model under real conditions in Dammam city during summer and winter seasons. The results showed that the optimized heat sink could raise the solar panel power by 8.7% during summer and by 6.5% during winter.

A tes

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
IJE Manager
Keyword(s):  
Energy Supply ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
A Site ◽  
Selection Methodology

In the past century, fossil fuels have dominated energy supply in Indonesia. However, concerns over emissions are likely to change the future energy supply. As people become more conscious of environmental issues, alternatives for energy are sought to reduce the environmental impacts. These include renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, most RE sources like solar PV are not available continuously since they depend on weather conditions, in addition to geographical location. Bali has a stable and long sunny day with 12 hours of daylight throughout the year and an average insolation of 5.3 kWh/m2 per day. This study looks at the potential for on-grid solar PV to decarbonize energy in Bali. A site selection methodology using GIS is applied to measure solar PV potential. Firstly, the study investigates the boundaries related to environmental acceptability and economic objectives for land use in Bali. Secondly, the potential of solar energy is estimated by defining the suitable areas, given the technical assumptions of solar PV. Finally, the study extends the analysis to calculate the reduction in emissions when the calculated potential is installed. Some technical factors, such as tilting solar, and intermittency throughout the day, are outside the scope of this study. Based on this model, Bali has an annual electricity potential for 32-53 TWh from solar PV using amorphous thin-film silicon as the cheapest option. This potential amount to three times the electricity supply for the island in 2024 which is estimated at 10 TWh. Bali has an excessive potential to support its own electricity demand with renewables, however, some limitations exist with some trade-offs to realize the idea. These results aim to build a developmental vision of solar PV systems in Bali based on available land and the region’s irradiation.

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