1.1 Introduction
A solar panel is a device that is able to absorb sun rays and convert it into electrical energy precisely DC. The photovoltaic panel comprised of silicon crystals, which reacts with sun ray and under this process, converts the sun rays into electricity. They supply the electricity for charging the batteries and for use by the appliances either directly or through an inverter. Multiple modules where used to produce more electricity and then any excess energy that was produced was stored in the batteries for use during the cloudy/ rainy weather. The term ‘PSU’ is commonly applied to units that are integrated with devices the supply power to such as computers and household electronic appliances. The PSU used in the laboratory for experimental purposes is called a laboratory bench supply (Shoewu et al., 2011). It is usually a variable power supply unit which can either supply a uni- or bi- polar power to the load connected.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the years, there had been epileptic power supply due to uncontrollable factors such as vandalization of electric cables, drop in volume of water flows in dams, heavy rainfall overloading of transformers, bridging of power cables. The converted voltage, 12V AC gets to the transformer via the switching stage, the signal will be stepped up from 12V AC to 220V AC before the output will be supplied to the load and small to a low input charger that converts the AC voltage to DC by bridge rectifier circuit that charges the 12V battery. The relay switches to the DC operators to power the load connected to the inverter. Many inverters of different types have been developed such as square wave modified sine wave, multilevel and pure sine wave inverters. The square wave inverters were the simplest, least expensive and early incarnation of inverter technology. They are seldom seen because of the low quality power.
In this design, transistors, comparators and regulators have been used as the basic building blocks in order to facilitate a robust design to give the desired multi-output required. Hence, reducing the number of components used in circuit design and also increases the functionality of the power supply unit. Modified sine wave inverters produce similar square wave output except that the output goes to zero volts for a time before switching positive or negative. They are simple low cost and suitable for many electronic devices except for sensitive or specialized equipment such as computers, laser printers, microwave, ovens, and fluorescent lighting audio equipment. A pure sine wave inverter produces nearly perfect sine wave output (typically below 3% total harmonic distortion) that is essentially the same as utility supply grid power thus it is compatible with AC electronic devices.
All equipments sold in the market are designed for a sine wave hence sine wave inverter will guarantee that the equipment work to its full specification. Sine wave inverters are the most expensive but they also deliver the most consistent wave output. The multi level inverter is a power electronic system that synthesis a desired voltage from several levels of a desired voltage from several level of direct current voltage as inputs. The advantages of using multilevel topology include reduction of power rating of power devices and lower cost. There are three topologies: diode clamped inverter, flying capacitor inverter and cascaded inverter.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to design and construct a Solar Power Supply.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the Design and Construction of Solar Power Supply which entails that, the existing system is not ideal for inductive AC and motor loads, sensitive electronic devices can be damaged by poor wave forms by low batteries, and reduced efficiency, more complexity, increased cost. Although basic switching regulator technology and its advantages have been known for years, a lack of the necessary switching transistors, rectifier diodes, and filter capacitors caused certain performance problems that were costly to minimize.
As a result, these supplies were used only in airborne, space, or other applications where cost was a secondary consideration to weight and size. However, the advent of high-voltage, fast switching power transistors, fast recovery diodes, and new filter capacitors with lower series resistance and inductance, have propelled switching supplies to a position of great prominence in the power supply industry.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to design and construct a Solar Power Supply. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to design and construct a system that will:
- Generate a Constant Power Supply from solar energy source,
- Produce a constant and efficient and electricity supply,
- To provide efficiency, steadiness in the use of power appliances, by ensuring continuous availability of power supply even in the absence of mains.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to Electrical Engineers, PHCN Company and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Design and Construction of Solar Power Supply in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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