The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
This page was created as part of the 2014 MTU graduate course MY5490/EE5490: Solar Photovoltaic Science and EngineeringIt's open edit now, so feel free to improve it.Read more...
Abstract: As both population and energy use per capita increase, modern society is approaching physical limits to its continued fossil fuel consumption. The immediate limits are set by the planet’s ability to adapt to a changing atmospheric chemical composition, not the availability of resources. In order for a future society to be sustainable while operating at or above our current standard of living a shift away from carbon based energy sources must occur. An overview of the current state of active solar (photovoltaic, PV) energy technology is provided here to outline a partial solution for the environmental problems caused by accelerating global energy expenditure. The technical, social, and economic benefits and limitations of PV technologies to provide electricity in both off-grid and on-grid applications is critically analyzed in the context of this shift in energy sources. It is shown that PV electrical production is a technologically feasible, economically viable, environmentally benign, sustainable, and socially equitable solution to society’s future energy requirements.
Kimball, J.W.; Kuhn, B.T.; Balog, R.S. (2009-04). "A System Design Approach for Unattended Solar Energy Harvesting Supply". Power Electronics, IEEE Transactions on24 (4): 952-962. doi:10.1109/TPEL.2008.2009056. ISSN0885-8993.
Abstract: Remote devices, such as sensors and communications devices, require continuously available power. In many applications, conventional approaches are too expensive, too large, or unreliable. For short-term needs, primary batteries may be used. However, they do not scale up well for long-term installations. Instead, energy harvesting methods must be used. Here, a system design approach is introduced that results in a highly reliable, highly available energy harvesting device for remote applications. First, a simulation method that uses climate data and target availability produces Pareto curves for energy storage and generation. This step determines the energy storage requirement in watt-hours and the energy generation requirement in watts. Cost, size, reliability, and longevity requirements are considered to choose particular storage and generation technologies, and then to specify particular components. The overall energy processing system is designed for modularity, fault tolerance, and energy flow control capability. Maximum power point tracking is used to optimize solar panel performance. The result is a highly reliable, highly available power source. Several prototypes have been constructed and tested. Experimental results are shown for one device that uses multicrystalline silicon solar cells and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to achieve 100% availability. Future designers can use the same approach to design systems for a wide range of power requirements and installation locations.
Nasiri, A.; Zabalawi, S.A.; Mandic, G. (2009-11). "Indoor Power Harvesting Using Photovoltaic Cells for Low-Power Applications". Industrial Electronics, IEEE Transactions on56 (11): 4502-4509. doi:10.1109/TIE.2009.2020703. ISSN0278-0046.
Abstract: Utilization of low-power indoor devices such as remote sensors, supervisory and alarm systems, distributed controls, and data transfer system is on steady rise. Due to remote and distributed nature of these systems, it is attractive to avoid using electrical wiring to supply power to them. Primary batteries have been used for this application for many years, but they require regular maintenance at usually hard to access places. This paper provides a complete analysis of a photovoltaic (PV) harvesting system for indoor low-power applications. The characteristics of a target load, PV cell, and power conditioning circuit are discussed. Different choices of energy storage are also explained. Implementation and test results of the system are presented, which highlights the practical issues and limitations of the system.
Possibly useful for general discussion (Effects on users) and important information for controls, QC, reception, and design
Study investigates the impact of window size as well as assorted amounts of sunlight penetration's effect on occupant (user) emotional response and satisfaction
Interesting algebraic approach to determine mood
Trends for mood based on area of floor covered in sun
Lee, E.S.; D.L. DiBartolomeo, S.E. Selkowitz (1998-12). "Thermal and daylighting performance of an automated venetian blind and lighting system in a full-scale private office". Energy and Buildings29 (1): 47-63. doi:10.1016/S0378-7788(98)00035-8. ISSN0378-7788.
Notes:
Study utilized automated Venetian blinds synchronized with a dimmable electric lighting system.
Report is very well written and may provide good introduction information
Contains room blueprints, list of monitored data...
Paper could be extremely useful for a basis for writing report
Roisin, B.; M. Bodart, A. Deneyer, P. D. Herdt (2008). "Lighting energy savings in offices using different control systems and their real consumption". Energy and Buildings40 (4): 514-523. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2007.04.006. ISSN0378-7788.
Notes:
Simulations based off of DAYSIM
Estimates energy savings due to smart dimming of lights
Savings found to be between 45-61%
Possibly useful for future work and background information
Christoph F., Reinhart (2004). "Lightswitch-2002: a model for manual and automated control of electric lighting and blinds". Solar Energy77 (1): 15-28. doi:10.1016/j.solener.2004.04.003. ISSN0038-092X.
Notes:
Proposes a simulation algorithm that predicts the switching patterns of lightswitches
References several papers on blind use that may be useful
Probability of light switching based on illuminance
Charron, Raemi; Andreas K. Athienitis (2006-05). "Optimization of the performance of double-facades with integrated photovoltaic panels and motorized blinds". Solar Energy80 (5): 482-491. doi:10.1016/j.solener.2005.05.004. ISSN0038-092X.
Notes:
System uses a double-facade system for energy capture - paper may be limited in usefulness
Tilmann E., Kuhn (2006-06). "Solar control: A general evaluation method for facades with venetian blinds or other solar control systems". Energy and Buildings38 (6): 648-660. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2005.10.002. ISSN0378-7788.
Notes:
More-so a study of building design
Equation dense, may still be useful for energy calculations
Higher importance on staying within an illumination band than thermal
Tzempelikos, Athanassios; Andreas K. Athienitis (2007). "The impact of shading design and control on building cooling and lighting demand". Solar Energy81 (3): 369 - 382. doi:10.1016/j.solener.2006.06.015. ISSN0038-092X.
Notes:
Study done in Montreal, Quebec... daylight availability ratio tables
Another good option to base writing off of
M., Zaheer-Uddin (1987). "The influence of automated window shutters on the design and performance of a passive solar house". Building and Environment22 (1): 67-75. doi:10.1016/0360-1323(87)90043-6. ISSN0360-1323.
Notes:
Kachadorian, James (2006-07-31). The passive solar house. Chelsea Green Publishing. ISBN9781933392035.
Notes:
Book about general passive house information (Do-It-Yourself type book)
E., Bilgen (1994-01). "Experimental study of thermal performance of automated venetian blind window systems". Solar Energy52 (1): 3-7. doi:10.1016/0038-092X(94)90076-E. ISSN0038-092X.
Notes: