RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract

This paper presents three kinds of renewable energy systems. The first design is based on wind turbine and a photovoltaic for electricity supply. The second design is a solar thermal system for hot water supply for a family of 5 people. Finally a PV system will be designed for the monitoring purposes.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

1.0 Introduction4

2. Wind Turbine Design4

3. Solar Thermal System Design10

4. PV System Design11

5. Conclusion16

References18

Renewable Energy Systems

1.0 Introduction

Renewable Energy Systems Design provides engineers and students with a comprehensive yet practical guide to the characteristics, principles of operation, and power potential of the most dominant renewable energy systems. Written by an expert with over 40 years of teaching, research, and design experience, this pragmatic reference focuses directly on the engineering and design of alternative energy systems, eschewing discussions of policy and social issues and avoiding math-heavy treatments of underlying scientific background. The main focus is on technologies with high development potential such as solar thermal systems, photovoltaics and wind power. This text not only describes technological aspects, but also deals consciously with problems of the energy industry. In this way, the topics are treated in a holistic manner, bringing together maths, engineering, climate studies and economics, and enabling readers to gain a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies and their potential.

2. Wind Turbine Design

Small wind-electric systems can provide electricity on remote, off-grid sites, or right in town connected to the utility grid. Although wind systems require more maintenance and need more attention than solar-electric or microhydro-electric systems, if you invest up front in good equipment, design, and installation, wind-electric systems can make economic and environmental sense. (Beser et. al. 2010: 144-149) They also bring a great deal of satisfaction—there´s nothing quite like watching your wind generator convert a summer breeze or a winter storm into electrical energy.

Boiled down to its simplest principles, a wind generator´s rotating blades convert the wind´s kinetic energy into rotational momentum in a shaft. The rotating shaft turns an alternator, which makes electricity. This electricity is transmitted through wiring down the tower to its end use.

The blades use engineered airfoils, matched to the alternator, that capture the wind´s energy. Most modern wind generators use three blades, the best compromise between the highest efficiency possible (one blade) and the balance that comes with multiple blades. Together, the blades and the hub they are attached to are termed the rotor, which is the collector of the system, intercepting winds that pass by. Most turbines on the market today are upwind machines—their blades are on the windward side of the tower. A few downwind machines are available, but neither configuration has a clear performance advantage over the other. (Larbeset. al. 2009: 2093-2100)

In most small-scale designs, the rotor is connected directly to the shaft of a permanent magnet alternator, which creates wild, three-phase AC. Wild, three-phase electricity means that the voltage and frequency vary continuously with the wind speed. They are not fixed like the 60 Hz, 120 VAC electricity coming out of common household ...