Practical off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system examples

Here are 10 practical off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system examples with detailed calculations to solve real-world problems. These examples are designed to address higher-than-average complexity scenarios, ensuring reliability and efficiency in off-grid setups.

1. Sizing a PV System for a Remote Cabin

Problem: A cabin in a remote location needs 5 kWh/day of energy. The location receives 4 peak sun hours/day.

Solution:

- Daily Energy Requirement: 5 kWh/day

- PV Array Size: 5 kWh/day / 4 sun hours/day = 1.25 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 2 days of autonomy and 50% depth of discharge (DoD).

- Battery Capacity = (5 kWh/day x 2 days )/ 0.5 = 20 kWh

- Inverter Size: 1.5 kW (to handle peak loads).

2. Powering a Water Pump for Irrigation

Problem: A 1 HP (746 W) water pump runs for 4 hours/day. The location gets 5 peak sun hours/day.

Solution:

- Daily Energy Requirement: 746 W X 4 hours = 2.984 kWh/day

- PV Array Size: 2.984 kWh/day x 5 sun hours/day = 0.6 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 1 day of autonomy and 80% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (2.984kWh/day x 1 day)/(0.8) = 3.73 kWh

- Inverter Size: 1 kW (to handle pump startup surge).

3. Backup Power for a Medical Clinic

Problem: A clinic requires 10 kWh/day for lighting, refrigeration, and medical devices. The location gets 3 peak sun hours/day.

Solution:

- PV Array Size: 10 kWh/day /3 sun hours/day = 3.33 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 3 days of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (10 kWh/day x 3 days)/(0.5) = 60 kWh

- Inverter Size: 5 kW (to handle medical equipment loads).

4. Powering a Telecommunications Tower

Problem: A tower requires 2 kWh/day and is located in an area with 2 peak sun hours/day.

- Solution:

- PV Array Size: (2 kWh/day)/(2 sun hours/day) = 1 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 5 days of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (2 kWh/day x 5 days)/(0.5) = 20kWh

- Inverter Size: 1.5 kW (to handle communication equipment).

5. Off-Grid Solar for a School

- Problem: A school needs 15 kWh/day for lighting, computers, and fans. The location gets 4 peak sun hours/day.

- Solution:

- PV Array Size: (15 kWh/day)/(4 sun hours/day) = 3.75 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 2 days of autonomy and 50% DoD

- Battery Capacity = (15 kWh/day x 2 days) / (0.5) = 60 kWh

- Inverter Size: 5 kW (to handle peak loads).

6. Solar-Powered Cold Storage for Agriculture

Problem: A cold storage unit requires 20 kWh/day. The location gets 5 peak sun hours/day.

Solution:

- PV Array Size: (20 kWh/day/(5 sun hours/day) = 4 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 3 days of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (20 kWh/day x 3 days)/ (0.5) = 120 kWh

- Inverter Size: 6 kW (to handle compressor startup).

7. Off-Grid Solar for a Remote Research Station

Problem: A research station requires 30 kWh/day. The location gets 2 peak sun hours/day.

Solution:

- PV Array Size: (30 kWh/day)/(2 sun hours/day) = 15 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 7 days of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (30 kWh/day x 7 days)/(0.5) = 420 kWh

- Inverter Size: 10 kW (to handle research equipment).

8. Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging

- Problem: An EV requires 10 kWh/day for charging. The location gets 4 peak sun hours/day.

- Solution:

- PV Array Size: (10 kWh/day)/(4 sun hours/day) = 2.5 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 1 day of autonomy and 80% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (10 kWh/day x 1 day)/(0.8) = 12.5 kWh

- Inverter Size: 3 kW (to handle EV charger).

9. Off-Grid Solar for a Remote Village

- Problem: A village requires 50 kWh/day for lighting and small appliances. The location gets 3 peak sun hours/day.

- Solution:

- PV Array Size: (50 kWh/day)(3 sun hours/day = 16.67 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 2 days of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (50 kWh/day x 2 days)/(0.5) = 200 kWh

- Inverter Size: 20 kW (to handle village loads).

10. Solar-Powered Desalination Plant

- Problem: A desalination plant requires 100 kWh/day. The location gets 6 peak sun hours/day.

- Solution:

- PV Array Size: (100 kWh/day)/(6 sun hours/day) = 16.67 kW

- Battery Storage: Assume 1 day of autonomy and 50% DoD.

- Battery Capacity = (100 kWh/day x1 day)/(0.5) = 200 kWh

- Inverter Size: 25 kW (to handle desalination equipment).

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