1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The solar inverter is a critical component in a solar energy system. It performs the conversion of the variable DC output of the Photovoltaic (PV) module(s) into a clean sinusoidal 50 or 60 Hz AC current that is then applied directly to the commercial electrical grid or to a local, off-grid electrical network. A solar cell (also called photovoltaic cell) is the smallest solid-state device that converts the energy of sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. A Photovoltaic (PV) module is an assembly of cells in series or parallel to enlarge or increase voltage and/or current. A Panel is an assembly of modules on a structure. An Array is an assembly of panels at a site. Typically, communications capability is included so users can monitor the inverter and report on power and operating conditions, provide firmware updates and control the inverter grid connection.
At the heart of the inverter is a real-time microcontroller. The controller executes the very precise algorithms required to invert the DC voltage generated by the solar module into AC. This controller is programmed to perform the control loops necessary for all the power management functions necessary including DC/DC and DC/AC. The controller also maximizes the power output from the PV through complex algorithms called maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The PV maximum output power is dependent on the operating conditions and varies from moment to moment due to temperature, shading, soilage, cloud cover, and time of day so adjusting for this maximum power point is a continuous process. For systems with battery energy storage, the controller can control the charging as well as switch over to battery power once the sun sets or cloud cover reduces the PV output power. (Aditee P. Bapat et al 2013)
1.2 Statement of Problem
If there is one factor that has perpetually maintained the status of Nigeria as a less developed country, it is its electricity sector.Till date, many households and businesses cannot be guaranteed of 24 hours supply of electricity from the public grid. At this stage of Nigeria’s social and economic development, the country cannot deliver adequate energy to the citizens despite huge financial resources that have been expended in the sector.
Rather, Nigerians have continued to rely on electricity generators for their power supply, fuel marketers are taking significant portion of households’ and businesses’ incomes to supply power, noise pollution from regular humming generators have become integral part of living for many Nigerians with imaginable consequences on their health. Because of these problems, there is a need to design and construct the solar panel inverter which will complement the electricity supply from the public grid. It is less noisy and does not have any consequence(s) on human health (Lookman Oshodi 2014).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
1.3.1 Aim
The aim of this project is to design and construct a 2000Watt solar panel inverter.
1.3.2 Objectives
The objectives of this project are;
- To provide efficiency, steadiness in the use of power appliances, by ensuring continuous availability of power supply even in the absence of mains.
- To eliminate all suspense from mains outage during the execution of an important and urgent assignment as may be required.
- To design a simple and rugged technology; this will utilize the appropriate use of home or local electrical appliances.
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