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APPLICATION
System Voltage
One of the advantages of PV systems is that they
are modular in nature and can be configured for
12, 24, 48, or even 120 DC volts or higher. For
most smaller, autonomous systems, a 12- or 24-
volt configuration will be optimal.
These lower voltages pose a somewhat lesser
electrical hazard and are closer to the operating
voltages of equipment typically deployed for
purposes of scientific research. Although 12-volt
systems have fallen somewhat out of favour in the
industry due to the larger gauge cabling required,
for many science experiments, this is still the
optimal voltage to utilize.
PV panels are typically available in 12- or 24-volt
nominal ratings. Panels can then be wired either in
series, which increases voltage while amperage
remains the same, or in parallel, which increases
amperage while the voltage remains the same.
System Monitoring
31
At a minimum, every PV system should display the
current status in terms of voltage and current flow.
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This allows the researcher to tell at a glance how
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the system is performing and what the energy
balance looks like. Voltage alone does not tell the
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whole story and is not an adequate measure of
system status.
There are now several monitoring devices available access are becoming increasingly popular as polar A 48 volt system using
that provide a wealth of information on how the researchers continue to push the limits of where 12 volt DC photovoltaic
system is performing, not only at the present and when scientific investigations can be modules
moment but also over time. A cumulative amp hour accomplished.
Issue I 2010
reading is a very useful tool, as is the battery bank
percent-full reading. The advantages of near real-time system
monitoring are fairly obvious to anyone who has
Any meter of this type will require installation of a deployed systems in the field. Without remote
shunt to measure energy flowing into and out of monitoring, it is impossible to know if the system is
the battery bank. Bear in mind that this device functioning properly. Many researchers have
utilizes a digital display and microswitches that returned to a field site after a year to find that their
may not perform well at extremely low instrument stopped working shortly after
temperatures. Some thermal regulation of the deployment. In some instances, the opportunity
environment is advised. to collect that data set might never again be
available highlighting the need for effective
Autonomous systems with remote monitoring PV systems.
Clearly, the greater the operating efficiency of a system, the
lower the overall power requirements will be. In designing residential
PV power systems, it is generally accepted that every $1 spent
on energy efficiency measures results in $3 that will not have
to be spent on additional power-producing equipment
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