FULL TITLE: STAND ALONE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS – A HANDBOOK OF RECOMMENDED DESIGN PRACTICES.
Published by the US Government Department of Energy in March 1995. 437 total pages on CD.
ABSTRACT
This document presents recommended design practices for stand-alone
photovoltaic (PV) systems. Sixteen specific examples of PV systems, designed for
different applications, are presented. These include warning signals, lighting,
refrigeration, communications, residential, water pumping, remote sensing, and
cathodic protection. Each example presents a system sizing technique that can be
completed using the worksheets provided. The calculations are simple and
straight-forward. In addition to sizing calculations, each example includes information
about available hardware, wire sizes, and a line-drawing to illustrate
installation techniques. However, the focus of this document is the presentation of
a consistent system sizing technique.
Stand-alone PV systems operate reliably and are the best option for many
remote applications around the world. Obtaining reliable long-term performance
from a PV system requires:
• consistent sizing calculations,
• knowledge of hardware availability and performance,
• use of good engineering practices when installing equipment, and
• developing and following a complete operation and maintenance plan.
These issues and others are discussed in this handbook.
FOREWARD
This popular handbook presents a consistent method for sizing PV
systems. Over 25,000 copies have been distributed worldwide since it was
first published in 1988. It was written by systems engineers with hands-on
experience with PV system design, installation, and operation. It has been
updated several times to stay current with the latest hardware and engineering
techniques. This version reflects recent field experience with component
reliabilities and system lifetime.
The selection and proper installion of appropriately-sized components
directly affects system reliability, lifetime, and initial cost. The designs
presented here represent real applications and illustrate some of the tradeoffs
necessary in system design and component selection. The example
systems are adequate for the application, and the initial cost is reasonable.
Using more batteries and increasing PV array size may extend the life and
reliability of a PV system designed for a specific application but will increase
the initial cost. It’s a trade-off.
This Handbook includes many details on system hardware, installation,
and operation. However, exhaustive coverage of all issues is not
intended. The information on operating and maintaining (O&M) a PV
system is intentionally brief because Sandia National Laboratories publishes
a companion document titled Maintenance and Operation of Stand-Alone
Photovoltaic Systems. Likewise, the electrical drawings may not show all
components required by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Information on
applying the NEC to PV systems is discussed in the document Stand-Alone
Photovoltaic Systems and the National Electrical Code. Both documents are noted
in Recommended Reading, page 86, and are available from the PV Design
Assistance Center at Sandia National Laboratories.
Brand names for components used in the representative systems were
available commercially in the United States in 1994. Use of a specific product
does not constitute an endorsement of that product by Sandia National
Laboratories or the United States Government, nor indicate that it is the only
(or best) option. Each reader is encouraged to compare component performance
and cost from known vendors. The number of equipment dealers is
increasing throughout the world. Most dealers have experience with system
design and installation using compatible components. The PV system
vendors in your country are your best information resource.
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