Transcript Document
Introducing Solar Power!
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Background
Why are photovoltaic (solar power) panel assemblies
needed?
– cost effective alternative
– to provide power where or when line power is not available
– Other methods, eg generator, fuel cell, wind not practical
Why not just offer batteries?
What is the difference between solar for ordinary locations
and for Division 2 hazardous locations?
Key questions to select:
– what location to install? (ie how much sun?)
– what load, in amperes? (size the panel and the battery)
– how often will the load need power?
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Terminology
Off grid: solar power with battery backup
Grid tie: tied into utility power
Stand-alone: large (KW) solar power
assembly
Hybrid: standalone coupled with generator
Inverter: electronic equipment to convert
DC voltage from solar to AC for load
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Benefits of solar power modules
Eliminate need for power infrastructure,
and the time and costs to install
Enables monitoring/control in remote
applications
Modules are easy to install,
minimal maintenance required
Pre-wired per the NEC/CEC
minimize installation time and wiring errors
Quality components maximize reliability and
system life
Systems can be designed for higher load and
voltage requirements (other than wireless)
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Applications
Installed with remotely located devices and equipment
Examples:
Obstruction lighting in remote locations
Instrumentation
Cathodic protection
Navigational aids
Seismic monitoring
Video surveillance
Irrigation monitoring and control
Telecommunications
Tank and well level monitors
Flow meters
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Benefits to customers
Enhance Safety and Productivity
Supply power to monitor remote assets and their locations to improve emergency
response time and eliminate time-consuming, on-site inspection
Solar is a mature technology used in applications requiring safe/reliable power
sources
Reduce Operation and Labor Costs
Eliminate infrastructure needed to develop line power in remote applications
Pre-wired kits allow for quick installation by any qualified electrician
Maintenance-free battery life eliminates battery replacement for 4+ years
Reliable Performance in Any Environment
Recommended temperature range: -30ºC to 50ºC
(consult factory for more extreme temperatures)
Class I, Division 2 assemblies available
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Solar Module Review
Thin Film
Mono or Single Crystalline
Poly or Multi Crystalline
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Solar Module Review
Thin Film Modules
– Larger area for the same electrical output
(2X)
– Lower efficiency about 7%
– Does well in low light levels and off angle
radiation
– Does not perform well in high temperatures
– Lighter weight, no tempered glass
– 6% market share
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Solar Module Review
Mono Crystalline Modules
– Smaller footprint
– High efficiency about 18%
– Most expensive to manufacture
– 37% market share
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Solar Module Review
Poly or Multi Crystalline Modules
– Smaller footprint than thin film
– High efficiency about 16%
– Not as expensive to manufacture as Mono
– 57% market share
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PV Module (Solar Panel)
Photovoltaic Module
Made of high efficiency polycrystalline silicon
modules, capable of weathering any environment.
High efficiency, small footprint – more compact
than other solar technologies
Fully encapsulated panel resists harsh weather
conditions (hazardous environments, hail, rain,
90mph wind)
Integral junction box with terminal connection
block with pre-installed UV rated cable, providing
ease of installation
25 year expected life
Installation angles are important for performance
and maintenance
Solar Panel
• FM Certified:
- Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D
Higher efficiency, smaller profile, longer life than
other comparable solar tech panels (e.g. thin film)
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Mounting Structures
Roof & Ground Mount
Rapid Rac
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Mounting Structures
Top of Pole
– Single module
– Multi module
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Mounting Structures
Side of Pole
– Single module
– Multi module
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Regulator (aka controller)
Efficient and reliable solid state components
Maintains health of the battery, prevents severe
discharging
Rated for 25% overloads
Encapsulated electronics with marine rated
terminals for superior corrosion resistance
Temperature compensation provides reliable power
supply at extreme temperatures
Green charging / red low voltage disconnect (LVD)
indicators-- help expedite troubleshooting
Regulator
• UL Listed:
- UL 1604
• FM Certified:
- Class I, Division 2, Groups
A, B, C, D
- CSA 22.2 No. 213-M1987
Regulators channel the sun’s energy to the equipment when needed,
or charge the battery when energy is not required
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Battery Technologies
There are three (3) general types of battery
technologies that are used in photovoltaic (PV)
off-grid application
Flooded
AGM
Gelled
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Battery Technologies
Gelled Electrolyte
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Battery Technologies
Gelled electrolyte
Designed for maintenance-free deep cycling
solar applications
Sealed, valve-regulated, gelled electrolyte
Low stand loss minimizes deterioration between
transport and storage
Non-spillable ICAO, IATA, and DOT ratings
ensure safe transport without the need for
special containers
Handles heat better than AGM or Flooded
Battery
• UL Listed:
UL1989
Higher initial cost, heavier weight
Specifically designed batteries supply power to
the load when sunlight decreases or at night
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Battery Technologies
Does depth of discharge affect cycle life?
Yes! The harder any battery has to work, the sooner it will fail.
The shallower the average discharge, the longer the life. This is why it’s
important to size a battery system to deliver at least twice the average
power required, to assure shallow discharges.
Typical Battery Cycling Ability vs. Depth of Discharge
Capacity Withdrawn
100%
80%
50%
25%
10%
Typical Life Cycles
Gel
AGM
450
150
600
200
1000
370
2100
925
5700
3100
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Sizing Solar Arrays
(4) Questions that your customer will be able to
provide the answer to:
1 - What is the power consumption expressed as
either watts or amps
2 - Duty-cycle…How long is the equipment
running, continuous, intermittent, etc.
3 - What is the equipment voltage, generally but
not always this is: 12VDC / 24VDC / 48VDC
4 - Where is the geographic location for the
system, different locations have different solar
resource values
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Selecting a System
STEP ONE
Determine the equivalent sun hours
of the application you would like to
install a solar kit into.
Example:
Atlanta, GA 4.0 Equivalent Sun Hours
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Selecting a System
STEP TWO
Determine the load requirements for your application in Amp-hours / day.
For wireless applications, determine the power of your device in amps
STEP THREE
Determine the duty cycle (i.e. 100% for continuous vs. 50% for 12 hours per day) of your load.
STEP FOUR
Adjust for a 1.2 service factor to account for load requirement variability
STEP FIVE
Select the solar kit capable of meeting or exceeding the load requirements (in Amp-hours /
day) for your application.
Load requirement (Amp-hours / day) = (amps of device x duty cycle x 1.2) x 24 hours / day
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Selecting a System
Example:
200 mA device, continuous duty cycle, Atlanta GA
Load requirement = (200 mA x 100% x 1.2) x 24 hours / day = 5,760 mA-hr / day
Load requirement = 5.8 Amp-hours / day used in a region which has 4 equivalent sun hours
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Summary
Solar Panel Assemblies provide:
– Remote source power for wireless and other uses
– Performance and long life from reliable, field
proven components
– Ease of installation from modular design, and
prewired components
– Low TCO due to proven components with low
maintenance requirements
– Assemblies for higher load requirements, or
grid-tie, consult factory
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