Renewable Electrical Energy Power Supply Systems.

Solar Power Commercial Market Applications.

With global warming a frightening reality, and Bush's energy policy calling for widescale use of renewable and sustainable technologies, this report examines how businesses are applying large-scale solar projects to reduce their energy use and costs.

The sun has produced energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the solar radiation that reaches the earth. This energy can be converted directly or indirectly into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.

It is used for heating water for domestic use, space heating of buildings, drying agricultural products, and generating electrical energy.

Solar energy supplies electricity to several hundred thousand people around the world, provides employment for over ten thousand and generates business worth more than one billion dollars. In the future, the pace of change and progress could be even more rapid as the solar industry unlocks its hidden promise.

The benefits of solar power are compelling: environmental protection, economic growth, job creation, diversity of fuel supply and rapid deployment, as well as the global potential for technology transfer and innovation.

The underlying advantage of solar energy is that the fuel is free, abundant and inexhaustible. The total amount of energy irradiated from the sun to the earth’s surface is enough to provide more than 10,000 times the annual global energy consumption.

Yet these benefits remain largely untapped; most energy decisions today overlook solar power as a modular technology that can be rapidly deployed to generate electricity close to the point of consumption.

Phasing in solar photovoltaics therefore requires a shift from centralized to decentralized power production, offering far greater control to individual consumers.

  

Photovoltaic: The Basics.
PV technology was first applied in space, by providing electricity to satellites.
Anyone who has used a modern mathematical calculator can grasp the concept of photovoltaic (PV). It is simply the process of converting energy from the Sun into electricity that can power everything from household appliances, lights, sprinkler systems and water pumps to large-scale communications, industrial and military equipment.

In precisely the same way as the small solar cells on hand-held calculators eliminate the need for batteries, PV can provide the world with a clean, reliable source of electricity and reduce our reliance on ever-depleting fossil fuels.

The PV technology of the 21st Century makes it possible. It employs layers of micro-fine crystalline silicon to convert ordinary sunlight into small electrical charges. This process is then multiplied thousands of times over to create modules and systems that can generate enough electricity to power entire towns.

It's important to note that PV is different from the 'passive' solar thermal energy used for heating or in hot water production. A single PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly crystalline silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, small electrical charges are generated and conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC). 

In order to maximise energy collection and conversion, single cells are connected together and housed in a module. These modules are the building blocks of PV systems and are, in turn, connected together to generate usable volumes of electricity. In some instances, an inverter is also used to convert low voltage DC into higher voltage AC power.

 

Types of PV Cells

There are essentially two types of crystalline silicon PV cells:

* Monocrystalline Cells - These are made using cells cut from a single cylindrical crystal of silicon. While monocrystalline cells offer the highest efficiency (approximately 18% conversion of incident sunlight), their complex manufacturing process makes them slightly more expensive.   

 

* Polycrystalline Cells - These are made by cutting micro-fine wafers from ingots of molten and recrystallised silicon. Polycrystalline cells are cheaper to produce, but there is a slight compromise on efficiency (approximately 14% conversion of incident sunlight).

 
Types of PV Systems
PV technology was first applied in space, by providing electricity to satellites. Today, PV systems can be used to power just about anything on Earth. PV systems operate in two basic forms.

 

* Grid Connect PV Systems - These systems are connected to a broader solar electricity network. During the day, the solar electricity generated by the system is either used immediately or sold off to electricity supply companies. In the evening, when the system is unable to supply immediate power, electricity can be bought back from the network.

* Stand-Alone PV Systems - These systems are used in isolation of solar electricity grids, and may be used to power radio repeater stations, telephone booths and street lighting. There is also a growing market for mobile PV in the boat and caravan leisure market. Stand-alone PV systems also provide invaluable and affordable electricity in the developing world, where conventional electricity grids are unreliable or non-existent.

 

For more information on "ZONNE KRACHT" go to:

www.zonnekrachtcentrales.nl

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Off Grid (Stand Alone) Remote Solar and Wind Power Systems
We specialize in the design and supply of solar energy and wind power systems for all remote applications and uses including: off-grid residential electricity, remote instrumentation, data acquisition, monitoring, water pumping or remote automation systems. We can design and supply a system to meet your exact needs and that includes all balance-of-system components.
 

Configurations may include a mixture of possible electrical generating sources, including inverters and batteries. Options include:
- Solar PV modules
- wind turbines
- small hydroelectric generators
- diesel or petrol generators
- hybrid systems comprising of two or more of those mentioned above.

If you are planning to implement a stand-alone or off-grid energy system then you need to download our quick and easy to use ENERGY ASSESSMENT CALCULATOR
If you really need more information of the design of off-grid energy systems then you should read:  DESIGNING STAND ALONE SYSTEMS

 
Wind Turbine & Solar Panel Combination provides 24 x 7 power for stand-alone and off-grid applications.
Remote power systems are ideal for providing energy to rural properties, holiday homes, alternative power systems and small community power supplies. If you live in an area where there is no electricity and connecting to the electricity grid is not an option, most likely it is far too expensive! The UK is unusual in that it experiences good wind conditions so wind power is certainly viable. Coupled with sunshine, a solar and wind solution provides a reliable, safe, environmentally friendly and user-friendly source of electricity for a very long time. A solar and./or wind power solution will need little maintenance simply because there are no moving parts. Component failure is very rare and come with superb guarantees, solar panels offer a 25 year warranty as standard. Best of all, you are generating your own electricity for free!
 

With an off grid system you will need somewhere to store the generated electricity and this is usually stored in batteries. The battery bank provides electricity at night, and during periods of cloud cover.
Remote power systems are installed for a range of reasons, including:
- expensive grid connection;
- desire to use renewable energy;
- low running costs;
- environmentally safe - no overhead wires;
- desire for independence from the grid.

Systems can comprise of a stand-alone pv system and wind turbine, solar pv system.
Stand-alone solar (only pv) systems require high availability and so systems are often oversized, to account for long summer short winter sunshine. Over sizing is expensive, but may be necessary for applications in remote areas, On the other hand, house design and orientation, plus a planned maintenance schedule and careful choice of energy sources and appliances are of critical importance.
 

General suggestions and rules with off-grid systems. Do not use renewable energy sources for:
* cooking - microwave ovens can be used;
* hot water - use proper solar thermal system;
* space heaters;
* clothes drying;
* air-conditioning.
 

Fridges may be used, but you have to be careful to use only energy efficient appliances.
NOTE: never leave appliances in standby mode.
The choice between AC and DC Systems
Homes connected to the electricity grid use AC power for all appliances. For remote power systems this may not be the case as DC appliances are very efficient and using DC appliances means that an inverter is not required. DC systems do require heavier cabling and switches and the range of appliances is much smaller.
 

Lights
Do not use incandescent lights for lighting as they are totally hopeless and inefficient. Fluorescent lights are about four time more efficient than IL. LED are also now an option to be considered.
 

Fridges and Freezers
These are energy consumers on a vast scale so choose carefully. Make sure your fridge has an high efficiency rating and choose the smallest one possible to meet your needs. Use a DC fridge if you can.
 

Microwave ovens
These are the only ovens that should be used with a remote power system. Wood or gas stoves should be considered.
 

Dishwashers
Use only those that connect to both the hot and cold water systems as they use about 30% less energy than those connected to only to the cold water supply with an internal heater. Connection to the hot or cold system is decided upon by how the water is heated. If the remote power system supplies energy to heat the water then connect to the cold water supply. If water is heated by solar thermal system then connect to the hot water system.
 

Home Entertainment Systems
Even though TV's, hi-fi systems, videos etc are low power users they can be used for long periods of time so make sure you are energy efficient.
 

General Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen can be a nightmare for deciding upon which appliances to use. Think of all the appliances used: kettles, toasters, washing machines, electric knives, microwave ovens, radios, telephone - permanently switched on. A recipe for disaster. If a diesel generator is used for backup or additional power requirements then run the heavy loads in synchronization with the generator.Appliances with electric motors that require heavy starting currents (sometimes up to 5-6 times the rated power use) should not be used with an inverter, but directly from the generator. There are inverters that are able to cope with high transient (start-up) currents and of these only use pure sine wave inverters.                                                                                                                                                
 

Hybrid System Design
Using a mixture of systems, solar and wind powered systems, there are a number of factors to take into account.
What are the components of an off-grid solar power system?
There are five main components of an off grid system.
- Solar panels and/or wind turbine;
- Solar panel mounting frames and kits;
- controller;
- Battery bank;
- Power Inverter;
 
A customised system has a lot of options and we can offer a wide range of products to suit all requirements.

 

Solar Vertical Wind Turbine

BSWT is a vertical wind turbine based on sailing engineering. The wind rotor is rotated by two spiral-formed vanes. For best performance, these vanes are covered in solar cells, so that sun and wind produce electricity as one element. The BSWT installation costs relatively little, produces no noise or significant shadowing, can be easily maintained from ground level, and is an attractive addition to any home.

 

Wind Energy

Why do without energy, if the wind does not blow? Or the sun does not shine? Why not use both energy sources at the same time?
Just like that, the idea of a combined solar/wind generator is born. With the conventional concept of wind generators, high cost of maintenance prevents this technology from being economical.
A new form had to be found.With the Bluenergy system, the generator is no longer in a height, which is difficult to be accessed, but at the foot of the turbine. No crane is necessary to perform necessary repairs or maintenance.
The wind surface was increased and is completely equipped with Photovoltaic modules.The "wind screw" consists of identical segments, which significantly reduce production costs.

Ease of maintenace with genarator below. No crane necessary

Mag-Wind Vertical Axis Turbine for your Home/Business.
 
We get excited about new technologies; sometimes we jump the gun, so it is great to find a product that is new, different and actually available. It's a "Magnetically-Levitated Axial Flux Alternator with Programmable Variable Coil Resistance, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine' , and it has just come on the market. Designed by Thomas Priest-Brown and Jim Rowan in Canada and manufactured in Texas, it"solves 11 different problems that previously limited the development of vertical-axis wind turbines for generation of electricity ." The center hub floats on a magnet, and the coils that generate the power are at the outer ring, with magnets at the tips of the blades flying over them at high speed. It is designed for home installation in urban settings; It is only 4 feet high, so neighbours are unlikely to complain about its appearance. We asked about issues with ice and snow, and were assured that there was no problem. We also asked about noise (often a complaint) and was told that it was inaudible.

Unlike normal turbines, it doesn't mind a little turbulence, works well in developed areas, and gets an extra kick from something called "the roof effect" -evidently "A roof with a 10-foot vertical rise and a 30% angle will provide nearly a 200% increase in the amount of wind energy that is available to be turned into electricity. Compared to the same turbine just sitting on a pole, the roof effect increases the power yielded by operation of the wind turbine dramatically."
Specifications are impressive:
* Productivity: 1100 kWh/month in a 13 mph average wind
* Name Plate: 5 kW rated output in 28 mph wind at sea level with 80% relative humidity.
* Cut-In Speed: Less than 5 mph.
* Top Speed: Greater than 100 Mph.
* Economics: Fully burdened cost over 10 years is 3.5 cents per kW.
* ROI: If current bill is $300 per month or more, then ROI 3 years or less.
* Maintenance & Operation Costs: Minimal
* Deployment: Rooftop Urban or Rural Setting.
* Total Estimated Production Run 2006: 3,500 Units
* Production Units Ready Spring 2006
 

For more information on "ZONNE KRACHT CENTRALES" or "Concentrated Solar Power" go to:

www.zonnekrachtcentrales.nl

For more information and details on the MAGLEV Altenative Energy Supply Systems go to:

www.maglev-energy.com

For more information and details on the Altenative Energy Systems go to:

http://www.bluenergy-ag.net/English/products_wind.html

For more information and details on wind gensets costs per kw., visit the link below:

http://www.canwea.ca/images/uploads/File/TipsheetsFINAL.pdf