Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Second Edition

480 pp  ISBN 0849317932      £39.00

• Uses a modified top-down approach with a heavy design orientation
• Reflects recent developments in the field, both in technology and in industry standards
• Includes discussions on economic and environmental issues
• Contains a wealth of illustrations, examples, and exercises that facilitate and solidify students' understanding of the material A solutions manual is available with qualifying course adoptions.

Thoroughly updated, Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Second Edition offers a practical engineering basis for PV system design. It provides quick exposure to all system building blocks, then examines both the whys and hows of the electrical, mechanical, economic, and aesthetic aspects of PV system design-why certain designs are done in certain ways and how the design process is implemented. Students mastering the contents of this book will have the engineering judgement needed to make intelligent decisions based on a clear understanding of the parameters involved in PV systems.

Highlights of the Second Edition:

• Complete updates to each chapter that incorporate currently available system components and recent changes in codes and standards
• Increased emphasis on design trade-offs and the design of grid-connected systems
• New discussions on site evaluation, and battery connections
• A new section on array mounting system design
• A new section on utility interactive residential PV systems
• A new section on curve fitting using Excel
• A new appendix that presents a recommended format for submitting PV design packages for permitting or design review purposes
• Examples and exercises replaced or modified to incorporate contemporary components, such as the Linear Current Booster

BACKGROUND
Introduction
Energy Units
Current World Energy Use Patterns
Exponential Growth
Net Energy, BTU Economics and the Test for Sustainability
Direct Conversion of Sunlight to Electricity with Photovoltaics

THE SUN
Introduction
The Solar Spectrum
The Effect of Atmosphere on Sunlight
Insolation Specifics
Capturing Sunlight

INTRODUCTION TO PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
The PV Cell
The PV Module
The PV Array
Energy Storage
PV System Loads
PV System Availability
Associated System Electronic Components
Generators
Wiring and Code Compliance
Balance of System Components

PV SYSTEM EXAMPLES
Introduction
Example 1: A Simple PV-Powered Fan
Example 2: A PV-Powered Water Pumping System with Linear Current Booster
Example 3: A PV-Powered Area Lighting System
Example 4: A PV-Powered Remote Cabin
Example 5: A Hybrid System
Example 6: A Utility Interactive System
Example 7: A Cathodic Protection System
Example 8: A Portable Highway Advisory Sign

COST CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
Life Cycle Costing
Borrowing Money
Externalities

MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
Important Properties of Materials
Establishing Mechanical System Requirements
Design and Installation Guidelines
Forces Acting on Photovoltaic Arrays
Array Mounting System Design
Computing Mechanical Loads and Stresses
Summary

STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
A Critical Need Refrigeration System
A PV-Powered Mountain Cabin
A Hybrid Powered Residence
Seasonal or Periodic Battery Discharge
Battery Connections
Computer Programs

UTILITY INTERACTIVE PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
Nontechnical Barriers to Utility Interactive PV Systems
Technical Considerations for Connecting to the Grid