Off-Grid Solar Power System

Off-Grid Solar Power System

Engineering Service Learning (Engr. 4692.01S)

Zach Dombi, Vincent Mazzone

Bradley “Scott” Valentine, Peter Worley

5/29/2014

Presentation Topics1. Project Details

a. Backgroundb. Objectives

2. Design a. Processb. Electricalc. Mechanical

3. Post-Trip Resultsa. Issues Encounteredb. Objectives

Achieved/Deliverablesc. Sustainability and

Ownershipd. Cost Analysis

5. Conclusion6. References and

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Role Team Member Specialization

Team Leader Zach Dombi Electrical

Communication Peter Worley Mechanical

Documentation Scott Valentine Electrical

Financial Vincent Mazzone Chemical

Team Members

Background Information: Problem

● Model Home○ Stability○ Health○ Living Condition

● Residential Electricity ○ Lights○ Cellphone ○ Television○ Fans○ Refrigerator

Background Information: Goal● Vocational School Dorm

○ Model home plus wings○ 8 students

● Off-Grid Power○ Grid unreliable○ High rates○ Long term vision

● Wind Power Impractical

Need● Scope

o Construct pilot off-grid solar system at local home

o Power numerous applianceso 1 day autonomy

● Constraintso $1,400 budgeto Local partso Safetyo Replicable design

Objectives● Deliverables

o Functioning solar systemo Information and maintenance

packeto On-site testing

Power levels Completed circuit

o Economic Analysis Rate of return

Design Process1. Determine desired electrical devices2. Determine energy demand 3. Size inverter - max wattage

a. Max wattage4. Determine insolation or sun-hours/day5. Select solar panels

a. 15% inverter lossb. 16% 20 year loss

6. Size batteries - 50% depth7. Determine wire and circuit breakers

Pre-Trip Electrical Design● Panel 180 W

● Safety box

○ Battery - 105 Ah

○ Charge Controller - 15 A

○ Inverter - 450 W

● Light bulbs with strings

Pre-Trip Mechanical Design● Pole mount

● Security bolts

● Concrete foundation

In-Country Implementation● La Bonanza● Rural, impoverished

community● House does not have

its own grid connection

The House● Living room, kitchen, bedroom● 2 lights, one outlet● Unsafe

Electrical Box

● Protection from environment

● Child safety● Ventilation

Mount Frame● Scrap metal● Welded● Bolt panel to frame

Mount Pole● Two galvanized “canteletas” welded

together● Significantly cheaper than metal pole

○ $40 vs. $100● 13 feet

○ 4 feet in the ground○ 9 feet above the ground

The beams were laid on each other and welded along the seam every few feet on both sides.

Foundation● 2 foot diameter by 4 feet deep hole● Concrete with rebar● Ingenious Dzwonczyk Collar

Final Assembly

Location of Electrical Components within Home

Electrical Wiring● Four Outlets● Four Light

fixtures● One circuit

General Wiring Diagram

Issues Encountered● The amount of cement needed

● Alignment of the bolt holes

o Panel and mounting system

● Securing the wood platforms

● A short in the system

o Grounding error

● The iron

Objectives Achieved and Deliverables● Six main objectives/goals

● Local parts versus low cost

● Maintenance manual and a day of

education

● Under budget

Sustainability and Ownership● All major parts bought locally● Minor parts can be purchased in

country ● Aiding in the installation● Education seminar

Cost AnalysisTotal Cost: $1,177.23

● $1053.80 in Honduras all major solar panel components and other

miscellaneous items● $123.43 in United States

minor items (i.e. screws, outlets, fixtures)

Install Cost Utility Rate(monthly) Most Economical

Grid Connection $143 if < 150 kWh: freeif > 150 kWh: $0.24/kWh

X

Solar System (180 W) $1,177 if <30 kWh: free

Economic Analysis● If use > 200 kWh/month there is an economic case for solar● WGM compound uses ~ 220 kWh/month● WGM vocational school would use more

Install Cost

Energy Usage

Monthly Bill

Grid Connection $143 200 kWh $48

Solar System (1 kW) $4,500 200 kWh (provides)

0

Install Cost Simple Pay-Back Rate of Return

Solar System (1 kW) $4,500 7.8 years 12.8%

Non-Economic Analysis● Grid power erratic (frequent power outages)

● Remote villages unable to be grid-tiedo Islandso Hill/mountain sides

Conclusion

● Achieved goals set by scope of work

● Objectives adjusted while in country to account for new information

● Easily replicable if funds are able to be generated

● Ownership established

● Viable for use in areas with no possibility of grid access in the foreseen

future

Acknowledgments ● Roger and Mariant● Larry and Angie Overholt and WGM● Engineering Education Innovation Center● Solar Education and Outreach: Jason

Mulligan● Wiring Lab: Mike Lichtensteiger

References1. http://www.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2012/191162.htm2. https://www.worldcityweb.com/past-events/global-connections/7808-energy-forum-ways-to-cut-energy-costs-in-latin-america3. http://www.siliconsolar.com/off-grid-solar-systems.html4. http://tyconpower.com/products/images/world_insolation_map_04-1250x691%20%281%29.gif

Questions?