5th Edition
Photovoltaic Systems Engineering
The primary purpose of PV Systems Engineering is to provide a comprehensive set of PV knowledge and understanding tools for the design, installation, commissioning, inspection and operation of PV systems. During recent years, more PV has been installed worldwide than any other electricity source. New, more efficient, more reliable and more cost-effective components and processes are rapidly appearing, along with continuously changing Codes and Standards. In order to keep up with the rapid changes, understanding of the underlying principles is essential. In addition to practical system design and installation information, this edition includes explanations of the basic principles upon which the design and operation of PV systems are based, along with a consideration of the economic and environmental impact of the technology. Numerous design examples are presented to assist the reader in aggregating the basic principles, components, codes and standards. The book begins with basic sunlight parameters, system electronic components, wiring methods, structural considerations and energy storage. Emphasis is on grid-connected systems, but a chapter on stand-alone systems is also included. Homework problems in each chapter focus on basic principles of the chapter, but also include open-ended design problems to challenge the reader’s creativity and understanding.
Chapter 1 Background
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Urgent Attention to World Population Forecasts
1.3 Energy Demand and Carbon Dioxide Emissions
1.4 A Brief Overview of Thermodynamics
1.5 A Brief History of Photovoltaics
1.6 Energy Units
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 2 The Sun
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Solar Spectrum
2.3 The Effect of Atmosphere on Sunlight
2.4 Sunlight Specifics
2.5 Capturing Sunlight
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 3 Introduction to PV Systems
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The PV Cell
3.3 The PV Module – Essentials and Improvements
3.4 The PV Array
3.5 Energy Storage
3.6 PV System Loads and Maximum Power Point Tracking
3.7 PV System Availability – Traditional Concerns and New Concerns
3.8 Inverters – Conversion of DC to AC
3.9 Balance of System (BOS) Components
Problems
References
Chapter 4 Grid-Connected Utility Interactive PV Systems
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Applicable Codes and Standards
4.3 Design Considerations for Straight Grid-Connected PV Systems
4.4 Utility Interconnection Options
4.5 Design of a System Based on Desired Annual System Performance using Microinverters
4.6 Design of an Optimizer System Based Upon Available Roof Space
4.7 Design of a String Inverter-Based System
4.8 Design of a Nominal 100 kW Commercial Rooftop System that Feeds a 3-phase Distribution Panel
4.9 Design of a Nominal 5 MW Agrivoltaic System
Problems
References
Suggested Readings
Chapter 5 Structural Considerations
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Important Properties of Materials
5.3 Design and Installation Guidelines
5.4 Forces Acting on Photovoltaic Arrays
5.5 Rooftop Mounting System Design
5.6 Large-Scale Ground Mount Arrays
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 6 Energy Storage Systems
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Lithium Batteries
6.3 Nickel-Based Battery Systems
6.4 Flow Batteries
6.5 Emerging Battery Technologies
6.6 Hydrogen Storage
6.7 The Fuel Cell
6.8 Mechanical, Thermal and Other Storage Options
6.9 AC and DC Batteries
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 7 Grid-Connected PV Systems with Energy Storage (ESS)
7.1 Introduction
7.2 ESS Design Basics
7.3 A Microinverter-Based 120/240 Volt AC-Coupled Partial Home Battery Backup System
7.4 A Whole House AC-Coupled Backup System Using a String Inverter
7.5 A 10 kW DC-Coupled PV/ESS Partial Backup System
7.6 A 45 kW 3-phase PV with BESS Using Inverters in Tandem
7.7 Large BESS Design Considerations
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 8 Stand-Alone PV Systems
8.1 Introduction
8.2 The Simplest Configuration: Module and Fan
8.3 A PV-Powered Water Pumping System
8.4 A PV-Powered Parking Lot Lighting System
8.5 A PV-Powered Mountain Cabin
8.6 Summary of Design Procedures
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 9 Economic and Environmental Considerations
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Life Cycle Costing
9.3 Borrowing Money
9.4 Payback Analysis
9.5 Externalities
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Chapter 10 The Physics of Photovoltaic Cells
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Optical Absorption
10.3 Extrinsic Semiconductors and the pn Junction
10.4 Maximizing PV Cell Performance
10.5 Exotic Junctions
Problems
References
Chapter 11 Evolution of PV Cells and Systems
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Silicon PV Cells
11.3 Gallium Arsenide Cells
11.4 Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) Cells
11.5 Cadmium Telluride Cells
11.6 Emerging Technologies
11.7 Micro Grids
11.8 Summary
Problems
References
Suggested Reading
Index
Biography
Roger Messenger is professor emeritus of Electrical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and is a Registered Professional Engineer, a former Certified Electrical Contractor, and a former NABCEP Certified PV Installer, who has enjoyed working on a field installation as much as he enjoys teaching a webinar or working on the design of a system or contemplating the theory of operation of a system. His research work has ranged from electrical noise in gas discharge tubes to deep impurities in silicon to energy conservation to PV system design and performance. He worked on the development and promulgation of the original Code for Energy Efficiency in Building Construction in Florida and has conducted extensive field studies of energy consumption and conservation in buildings and swimming pools.
Since his retirement from Florida Atlantic University in 2005, he has worked as Vice President for Engineering at VB Engineering, Inc, in Boca Raton, FL and as Senior Associate at FAE Consulting in Boca Raton. While at VB Engineering, he directed the design of several hundred PV designs, including the 1 MW system on the roof of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. While at FAE Consulting, he led the design of an additional 6 MW of systems that were installed. Since 2020 he has reviewed over 60 MW of residential systems, including more than 8 MWh of residential Battery Energy Storage. He has also been active in the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy, has served as a peer reviewer for the U. S. Department of Energy and has served on the Florida Solar Energy Center Advisory Board. He has conducted numerous seminars and webinars on designing, installing and inspecting PV systems. In May, 2024 he received a Florida Solar Energy Industries Association Hall of Fame award for extraordinary contributions to the Florida Solar Industry.
Homayoon “Amir” Abtahi, is currently Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from M.I.T. in 1981 and joined Florida Atlantic University in 1983. In addition to his academic activity, he has a wealth of practical experience, much of which has been obtained as a volunteer. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Florida and is a member of ASCE and SAE. He has held LEED Certification since 2007, is ESTIDAMA Certified in the United Arab Emirates and is a Certified General Contractor and a Certified Solar Contractor in the State of Florida. His interests range widely from PV to PEM Fuel Cells, integrated capacitor/battery power modules and Atmospheric Water Generation.
In 1985, he installed the first known solar power system in Venezuela and was responsible for the first known application of solar power for post hurricane emergency power and lighting and Ham Radio communication operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in St. Croix in 1989 and Hurricane Marilyn in St. Thomas in 1995. In 1989, he published the first comprehensive catalog of 12-V appliances for use with PV systems.
Recently, he has been involved with PV installations in the Caribbean, South America, Bangladesh and India. In the 2008-2010 time period, he was responsible for design and installation of over 100 residential and 20 commercial/industrial PV systems. Over the past 15 years, he has had responsibility for design and installation of 1 Million BTUD of solar hot water and solar process heat. Along with the PV and thermal applications, he has had experience with heat exchangers, MEP plan review, LEED projects, tracking PV, Micro-turbines, parabolic trough solar and other hybrid applications.
