Abstract:
There is much concern about the fossil fuel exhaustion and the environmental problems
associated with conventional power generation. PV systems are the most direct way to
convert solar radiation into electricity and are based on the PV effect, which was first
observed by Henri Becquerel in 1839.
It is quite generally defined as the emergence of an electric voltage between two
electrodes attached to a solid or liquid system upon shining light onto this system.
Practically, all PV devices incorporate a PN junction in a semiconductor across which
the photo voltage is developed. These devices are also known as solar cells. Light
absorption occurs in a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material has to be
able to absorb a large part of the solar spectrum. This thesis is primarily focused on grid
connected photovoltaic systems with the functionality of harmonic compensation is
introduced in this thesis. Increasing interest and investment in renewable energy gave
rise to rapid development of high penetration solar energy..
PV systems have the advantage of requiring little or no maintenance as well as being
pollution-free but their installation cost is high and, in most applications; they require a
power conditioner (DC/DC or DC/AC converter) for load interface.
The simulation developed in this thesis provides a better understanding and significance
of PV systems. Solar cells have a complex relationship between solar irradiation,
temperature and total resistance that produces a non-linear output efficiency which can
be analysed based on the I-V curve. As a result, maximum power point techniques have
been employed to get the maximum power possible out of the solar cells.
Description:
Thesis in the Department of ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY,
Faculty of TECHNOLOGY, Submitted to the School of GRADUATE STUDIES,
University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfilment of the requirement for award
of the MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION in ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY.
JULY, 2016
