Whether used independently or connected to the grid, a photovoltaic power generation system mainly consists of three parts: solar panels (modules), controllers, and inverters. These are mainly composed of electronic components and do not involve mechanical parts. Therefore, photovoltaic power generation equipment is extremely refined, reliable, stable, has a long lifespan, and is easy to install and maintain.
I. Composition of a Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation System
A solar photovoltaic power generation system consists of solar cell arrays, a solar controller, and a battery (or battery bank). If the output power is AC 220V or 110V, an inverter is also required. The functions of each component are as follows:
1. Solar Panels: Solar panels are the core component of a solar power system and also the most valuable part. Their function is to convert solar radiation into electrical energy, which can then be either stored in batteries or used to power loads.
2. Solar Controller: The solar controller controls the overall system's operating status and provides overcharge and over-discharge protection for the battery. In areas with significant temperature differences, a qualified controller should also have temperature compensation functionality. Other additional functions, such as light-controlled switches and time-controlled switches, should be optional features of the controller.
3. Storage battery: Generally a lead-acid battery, but in small-scale systems, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, or lithium batteries can also be used. Its function is to store the electrical energy generated by the solar panels when there is sunlight, and release it when needed.
4. Inverter: The direct output of solar energy is generally 12VDC, 24VDC, or 48VDC. In order to provide power to 220VAC appliances, the DC power generated by the solar power system needs to be converted into AC power, so a DC-AC inverter is required.
II. Application Areas of Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation
1. User solar power supply: (1) Small power supply ranging from 10 to 100W, used for electricity for military and civilian life in remote areas without electricity, such as plateaus, islands, pastoral areas, and border outposts, such as lighting, television, radios, etc.; (2) 3-5KW household rooftop grid-connected power generation system; (3) Photovoltaic water pump: solve the problem of drinking water and irrigation from deep wells in areas without electricity.
2. Transportation sector applications include navigation lights, traffic/railway signal lights, traffic warning/sign lights, Yuxiang streetlights, high-altitude obstruction lights, highway/railway wireless telephone booths, and unmanned track maintenance station power supply.
3. Communications/Telecommunications Field: Solar-powered unattended microwave relay stations, optical cable maintenance stations, broadcasting/communication/paging power systems; rural carrier telephone photovoltaic systems, small communication devices, and GPS power supply for soldiers, etc.
4. Petroleum, marine, and meteorological fields: solar power systems for cathodic protection of oil pipelines and reservoir gates, living and emergency power supplies for oil drilling platforms, marine monitoring equipment, meteorological/hydrological observation equipment, etc.
5. Power supplies for household lighting fixtures: such as garden lights, street lights, portable lights, camping lights, mountaineering lights, fishing lights, black lights, rubber tapping lights, energy-saving lights, etc.
6. Photovoltaic power stations: 10KW-50MW independent photovoltaic power stations, wind-solar (diesel) hybrid power stations, and various large parking lot charging stations, etc.
7. Solar buildings combine solar power generation with building materials, enabling large buildings in the future to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity, which is a major development direction for the future.
8. Other fields include: (1) Automotive accessories: solar-powered cars/electric vehicles, battery charging equipment, car air conditioners, ventilation fans, cold drink boxes, etc.; (2) Solar hydrogen production and fuel cell regenerative power generation systems; (3) Seawater desalination equipment power supply; (4) Satellites, spacecraft, space solar power stations, etc.
