lesson02 - Photovoltaics (PV) System Basics
Basics of Current | |||
Current is classified into two types:
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| Alternative Current (AC): AC is an electric current which direction reverses cyclically. The usual waveform of AC power is sine wave with frequency 50 or 60 Hz. Examples of AC power sources are utility power supplies to residences and businesses, audio and radio signals, etc.
What is Electricity?
Any appliances that we use in our daily lives such as household appliances, office equipment and industrial equipment almost all of those things take electricity. Therefore, we should understand electricity.
What is Current?
An electrical phenomenon is caused by flow of free electrons from one atom to another.
What is voltage?
Electric current is flow of electrons in a conductor. The force required to make current flow through a conductor is called voltage and potential is the other term of voltage. For example, the first element has more positive charges, so it has higher potential. On the other hand, the second element has charges that are more negative so it has lower potential. The difference between two points is called potential difference. |
Photovoltaics (PV) System Basics
Overview
Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight to electric current. You are already familiar with some simple PV applications in today’s society, such as calculators and wristwatches. More complicated systems provide power for communications satellites, water pumps, and the lights, appliances, and machines in homes and workplaces. Many road and traffic signs along highways are now powered by PV.
Types of PV Systems
Photovoltaic power systems are generally classified according to their functional and operational requirements, their component configurations, and how the equipment is connected to other power sources and electrical loads. The two principal classifications are grid-connected or utility-interactive systems and stand-alone systems. Photovoltaic systems can be designed to provide DC and/or AC power service, can operate interconnected with or independent of the utility grid, and can be connected with other energy sources and energy storage systems.
Grid-connected or utility-interactive PV systems are designed to operate in parallel with and interconnected with the electric utility grid.
In many stand-alone PV systems, batteries are used for energy storage.
Grid-connected or utility-interactive PV systems are designed to operate in parallel with and interconnected with the electric utility grid.
Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
Stand-alone PV systems are designed to operate independent of the electric utility grid, and are generally designed and sized to supply certain DC and/or AC electrical loads. The simplest type of stand-alone PV system is a direct-coupled system, where the DC output of a PV module or array is directly connected to a DC load.
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