Application of solar photocells. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering / Alternative energy sources

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Solar photovoltaic cells are a feasible technically and economically viable alternative to fossil fuels in a number of applications. A solar cell can directly convert solar radiation into electricity without the use of any moving mechanisms. Thanks to this, the service life of solar generators is quite long. Photovoltaic systems have proven themselves since the very beginning of the industrial application of photovoltaic cells. For example, solar cells have been the primary power source for satellites in Earth orbit since the 1960s.

In remote areas, photovoltaic cells have powered off-grid power systems since the 1970s. In the 1980s, manufacturers of mass-produced consumer goods began to integrate photovoltaic cells into many devices, from watches and calculators to musical equipment. In the 1990s, utilities began using photovoltaic cells to meet small user needs.

Solar PV pumping units are efficient and cost effective in virtually any water pumping application. U.S. power companies have found that it is more economical to run solar-powered water pumps than to maintain electrical distribution lines leading to remote pumps. Some utilities offer solar powered pumping units to fulfill customer requests.

In rural areas, there are other uses for photovoltaic systems - charging and lighting electric fences; providing water circulation, ventilation, light and air conditioning in greenhouses and hydroponic facilities.

Photovoltaic modules supplied electricity to the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon during its non-stop flight around the globe. For three weeks in March 1999, all equipment aboard the balloon was powered by 20 modules suspended under a basket. Each module was tilted so as to provide a uniform current while driving and charge five batteries for navigation devices, power a satellite communication system, provide lighting and water heating. All modules worked perfectly throughout the trip.

Photovoltaic cells are successfully used for the electrification of villages. Today, two billion people around the world live without electricity. Most of them are in developing countries, where 75% of the population does not have access to electricity. Remote villages are often not connected to the network.

Those who do not have access to electricity from the grid often use fossil fuels - kerosene, diesel fuel. There are a number of problems associated with its use:

• fossil fuel imports deplete the country's hard currency supply;
• transportation of fuel is hampered by the lack of normal infrastructure;
• maintenance and repair of the generator is problematic due to the lack of spare parts;
• the generator pollutes the environment with exhaust and creates a lot of noise.

Photovoltaic electric lighting is more efficient than kerosene lamps, and installing a photovoltaic system usually costs less than extending the grid. Moreover, many developing countries are located in regions with high levels of solar radiation, which means that they have an abundance of free energy all year round. The production of "solar electricity" is simple and reliable, as proven by the experience of operating tens of thousands of photovoltaic systems around the world.

In the coming decades, a significant part of the world's population will become familiar with photovoltaic systems. Thanks to them, the traditional need for the construction of large, expensive power plants and distribution systems will disappear. As the cost of solar cells declines and technology improves, several potentially huge markets for solar cells will open up. For example, solar cells built into building materials will carry out ventilation and lighting of houses. Consumer products - from hand tools to automobiles - will benefit from the use of components containing photovoltaic components. Utilities will also be able to find new ways to use photovoltaic cells to meet the needs of the population.

The European Union has set a goal of doubling the share of renewable energy by 2010. One important component is the production of 1 million photovoltaic systems (500000 rooftops and 500000 rural systems exported) with a total installed capacity of 1 GW. BP Amoco (one of the world's leading petroleum product sellers) is going to use solar energy at 200 of its new service stations in Britain, Australia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, Spain, France and the USA. The $50 million program includes the use of 400 solar panels with a total capacity of 3,5 MW and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 3500 tons annually.

Through this project, BP Amoco will become one of the world's largest consumers of solar electricity, as well as one of the largest manufacturers of solar cells and modules. The solar panels will generate more electricity than needed for lighting and water pumps, so the system will be connected to the grid. During the day, excess electricity will be supplied to the network, and at night, the lack of energy will be replenished from it. The world market for solar cells by 2010 should reach 1000 MW, and by 2050 - 5 million MW, according to the forecast of the president of BP Solar.

Photovoltaic cells generate electricity with a performance that varies depending on the level of solar radiation. Photovoltaic cells are combined into modules that make up the main component of photovoltaic systems. The modules are designed for different voltages, up to several hundred volts. This is achieved by connecting photocells and modules in series. Inverters must be used to power AC electrical appliances.

The efficiency of photocells is calculated as a percentage ratio between the energy supplied to the photocell and the electricity supplied to the consumer. There is a difference between theoretical, laboratory and practical efficiency. It is important to know the difference between the two, and for solar cell users, of course, only practical efficiency matters.

Practical efficiency of mass-produced photovoltaic cells:

• monocrystalline silicon: 16 - 17%;
• polycrystalline silicon: 14 - 15%;
• amorphous silicon: 8 - 9%.

Photovoltaic systems are usually divided into:

1. Stand-alone systems that consist only of photovoltaic panels. In addition, they may include regulators and batteries.
2. Hybrid systems, which are a combination of photovoltaic cells and additional means for generating electricity, such as wind, diesel or natural gas. These systems often use smaller batteries and regulators.
3. Grid-connected systems are in fact small power plants that supply electricity to the public grid.

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