P 36C/PHYS3670

Solar Power

(4 credits) Semester I Level III

Prerequisite : P36B/PHYS3660

Aim

To gain a working knowledge of solar energy technology

Objectives

To carry out solar radiation measurements.

• To analyze the operation of a flat plate collector with a view to determining efficiency.
• To describe the design, construction and operation of a photovoltaic cell.
• To evaluate the potential of using solar energy as an alternative energy source in particular situations.
• To design small solar systems using commercially available equipment, including a system for his/her own use.

Content

Solar Radiation

• Solar spectrum.
• Measurements.
• Global distribution.
• Solar radiation distribution in Jamaica , seasonal variation.
• Effect of tilt angle.

F lat plate collection and systems

• Analysis of heat transfer and efficiency in a flat plate solar thermal collector.
• Passive solar design

Photovoltaic Cells

• Semiconductor physics.
• Spectral response of solar cells.
• PV Cell Characteristics.
• Single cell design, construction and efficiency.
• Amorphous silicon cells.
• Thin film technologies.
• Multi junction cells.
• Modules and Arrays
• Manufacturing techniques and costs
• Applications
• System sizing
• System Performance
• Electrical integration
• Building integration
• Feasibility study

Other Applications

• OTEC
• Absorption refrigeration

Evaluation

2 -hour Final Examination 55%

In-Course (1-hour) Test 15%

Practical work 10%