Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi; Emmanuel Effah

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Emmanuel Effah

Published in Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Volume 2, Issue 1)

Received: 19 December 2013 Published: 28 February 2014

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Abstract

This paper seeks to emphasise the tendency of the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for today as far as the lighting needs of a particular infrastructure is concerned. It compares the use of a Photovoltaic (PV) System and an existing 60 kVA generator that powers a premise. The paper provides a general understanding of a solar energy (renewable energy) and how photovoltaic technology can be practically applied to power the lighting needs of the premise. Analysis of the site, weather data, and the design predicted the value of the photovoltaic system as an economic investment. We present the analysis undertaken using the PVSYST software package to optimize the system design for the premise. The simulation and calculation was done with the consideration of a PV array’s tilt and direction and economic considerations. The proposed photovoltaic system for the premise, with 30 units of battery capacity of 17850 Ah, an inverter size of 132 kW and a minimum number of 8 modules at 12.53 kWp was sufficient for the proposed design. The output analysis when implemented will result in a substantial lifetime energy savings, improving reliability and provide a great impact on the environment. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in photovoltaic renewable energy systems to augment the energy needs of locations where its use is viable.

Published in	Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Volume 2, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
Page(s)	9-16
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2014. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Standby Generator, Changeover, Automatic, Microcontroller, Switching, Firmware, Uninterruptible

References

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[2]	Singh, J. (2010), "Study and Design of Grid connected Solar PV system at Patiala," Unpublished MSc Thesis Report, Thapia University, Patiala – India, 94pp.
[3]	Attachie, J. C. and C. K. Amuzuvi (2013), Renewable Energy Technologies in Ghana: Opportunities and Threats. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 6(05): 776-782.
[4]	Gritsevskyi, A. (2000), "Renewable vs. Non-renewable energy sources, forms and technologies", Journal for International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (IRES), 8pp.
[5]	Anon (1998), "About Photovoltaic", www.eren.doe.gov. Accessed: March 11, 2012.
[6]	Aryeetey, E. (2005), "Guide to Electric Power in Ghana", Resource Center for Energy Economics and Regulation, University of Ghana, Accra, 67 pp.
[7]	Amuzuvi, C. K. and J. C. Attachie (2013), Effective Power Management in Homes and Premises in Ghana. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 6(03): 354-360.
[8]	Sauder, E. M. (2008), "Development of an appropriate Solar and Wind Hybrid Charging Station for Electric Vehicles in Developing Countries", Unpublished MSc Thesis Report, Pennsylvania State University, USA, 81pp.
[9]	Anon (2007), "How a Photovoltaic System Works: Florida Solar Energy", Journal of Solar Energy Solution Paper, Vol. 92, SN287-861, University of Florida, USA, pp. 1-4.
[10]	Anon (2005), "The History of PV", www.top-50 solar.de/solarcount.com.html. Accessed: March 3, 2012.
[11]	Dunlop, H., Nilsen, Riisem, E., Skåre, D., Salomatova, O. (2006), "The History Highlight of Solar Cells, www.org.ntu.no/solarcells/pages/history.php.de/solarcount.com.html, Accessed: December 5, 2012.
[12]	Zeroual, A. (2011), "Solar Power Generation for Commercial Purposes", International Journal on Solar Energy, Vol. 19, pp. 263-274.
[13]	Al-Barquoni, S. (2010), "Re-Evaluation and Re-Design Stand-Alone PV Solar Lighting Projects in Gaza Strip, Palestine", Unpublished MSc Thesis Report, Islamic University of Gaza-Palestine, 85pp.
[14]	Lubin, B. T. (2012), "Effect of Component Failures on Financial Status of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems", Unpublished PhD. Thesis Report, University of Hartford, 197 pp.
[15]	Omar, M. (2007), "Computer-Aided Design and Performance Evaluation of PV diesel Hybrid System", Unpublished MSc Thesis Report, An-Najah University, Palestine, 117pp.
[16]	Dradi, M. (2007), "Design and Techno-Economical Analysis of a Grid Connected with PV/Wind Hybrid System in Palestine (Atouf Village-Case study)", Unpublished MSc Thesis Report, An-Najah University, Palestine, 117pp.
[17]	Anon (2010), "Renewable Energy Potential - Country Report Ghana (RECIPES)", Technical Report on Developing Renewables, Amsterdam, 29pp.
[18]	Joe, X. (2007), "MPPT Inverters and Charge Controller Algorithms for Solar Tracker", International Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, IJMME-IJENS, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 13-18.
[19]	Aldous, S. (2009), "How Solar Cells Work" www.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm. Accessed: July 14, 2012.

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APA Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Emmanuel Effah. (2014). Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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ACS Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi; Emmanuel Effah. Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. J. Electr. Electron. Eng. 2014, 2(1), 9-16. doi: 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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AMA Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Emmanuel Effah. Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. J Electr Electron Eng. 2014;2(1):9-16. doi: 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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@article{10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12,
  author = {Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi and Emmanuel Effah},
  title = {Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana},
  journal = {Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering},
  volume = {2},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-16},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jeee.20140201.12},
  abstract = {This paper seeks to emphasise the tendency of the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for today as far as the lighting needs of a particular infrastructure is concerned. It compares the use of a Photovoltaic (PV) System and an existing 60 kVA generator that powers a premise. The paper provides a general understanding of a solar energy (renewable energy) and how photovoltaic technology can be practically applied to power the lighting needs of the premise. Analysis of the site, weather data, and the design predicted the value of the photovoltaic system as an economic investment. We present the analysis undertaken using the PVSYST software package to optimize the system design for the premise. The simulation and calculation was done with the consideration of a PV array’s tilt and direction and economic considerations. The proposed photovoltaic system for the premise, with 30 units of battery capacity of 17850 Ah, an inverter size of 132 kW and a minimum number of 8 modules at 12.53 kWp was sufficient for the proposed design. The output analysis when implemented will result in a substantial lifetime energy savings, improving reliability and provide a great impact on the environment. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in photovoltaic renewable energy systems to augment the energy needs of locations where its use is viable.},
 year = {2014}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana
AU  - Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi
AU  - Emmanuel Effah
Y1  - 2014/02/28
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
T2  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
JF  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
JO  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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SN  - 2329-1605
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
AB  - This paper seeks to emphasise the tendency of the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for today as far as the lighting needs of a particular infrastructure is concerned. It compares the use of a Photovoltaic (PV) System and an existing 60 kVA generator that powers a premise. The paper provides a general understanding of a solar energy (renewable energy) and how photovoltaic technology can be practically applied to power the lighting needs of the premise. Analysis of the site, weather data, and the design predicted the value of the photovoltaic system as an economic investment. We present the analysis undertaken using the PVSYST software package to optimize the system design for the premise. The simulation and calculation was done with the consideration of a PV array’s tilt and direction and economic considerations. The proposed photovoltaic system for the premise, with 30 units of battery capacity of 17850 Ah, an inverter size of 132 kW and a minimum number of 8 modules at 12.53 kWp was sufficient for the proposed design. The output analysis when implemented will result in a substantial lifetime energy savings, improving reliability and provide a great impact on the environment. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in photovoltaic renewable energy systems to augment the energy needs of locations where its use is viable.
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi

University of Mines and Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Tarkwa, Ghana
Emmanuel Effah

University of Mines and Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Tarkwa, Ghana

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APA Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Emmanuel Effah. (2014). Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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ACS Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi; Emmanuel Effah. Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. J. Electr. Electron. Eng. 2014, 2(1), 9-16. doi: 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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AMA Style

Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Emmanuel Effah. Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana. J Electr Electron Eng. 2014;2(1):9-16. doi: 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12

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@article{10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12,
  author = {Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi and Emmanuel Effah},
  title = {Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana},
  journal = {Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering},
  volume = {2},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-16},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jeee.20140201.12},
  abstract = {This paper seeks to emphasise the tendency of the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for today as far as the lighting needs of a particular infrastructure is concerned. It compares the use of a Photovoltaic (PV) System and an existing 60 kVA generator that powers a premise. The paper provides a general understanding of a solar energy (renewable energy) and how photovoltaic technology can be practically applied to power the lighting needs of the premise. Analysis of the site, weather data, and the design predicted the value of the photovoltaic system as an economic investment. We present the analysis undertaken using the PVSYST software package to optimize the system design for the premise. The simulation and calculation was done with the consideration of a PV array’s tilt and direction and economic considerations. The proposed photovoltaic system for the premise, with 30 units of battery capacity of 17850 Ah, an inverter size of 132 kW and a minimum number of 8 modules at 12.53 kWp was sufficient for the proposed design. The output analysis when implemented will result in a substantial lifetime energy savings, improving reliability and provide a great impact on the environment. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in photovoltaic renewable energy systems to augment the energy needs of locations where its use is viable.},
 year = {2014}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Design of a Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Source of Electrical Energy for Powering the Lighting Circuits for Premises in Ghana
AU  - Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi
AU  - Emmanuel Effah
Y1  - 2014/02/28
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
T2  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
JF  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
JO  - Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
SP  - 9
EP  - 16
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2329-1605
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeee.20140201.12
AB  - This paper seeks to emphasise the tendency of the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for today as far as the lighting needs of a particular infrastructure is concerned. It compares the use of a Photovoltaic (PV) System and an existing 60 kVA generator that powers a premise. The paper provides a general understanding of a solar energy (renewable energy) and how photovoltaic technology can be practically applied to power the lighting needs of the premise. Analysis of the site, weather data, and the design predicted the value of the photovoltaic system as an economic investment. We present the analysis undertaken using the PVSYST software package to optimize the system design for the premise. The simulation and calculation was done with the consideration of a PV array’s tilt and direction and economic considerations. The proposed photovoltaic system for the premise, with 30 units of battery capacity of 17850 Ah, an inverter size of 132 kW and a minimum number of 8 modules at 12.53 kWp was sufficient for the proposed design. The output analysis when implemented will result in a substantial lifetime energy savings, improving reliability and provide a great impact on the environment. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in photovoltaic renewable energy systems to augment the energy needs of locations where its use is viable.
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download