UEERE0022 - Solve basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus and systems

Unit code: UEERE0022 | Study level: TAFE

Credit points

N/A

Location

Sunshine

Prerequisites

UEECD0016 - Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

UEECD0043 - Solve problems in direct current circuits; or

UEECD0044 - Solve problems in multiple path circuits

UEECD0046 - Solve problems in single path circuits

UEEEL0023 - Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

Overview

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to solve problems with solar radiation, photovoltaic (PV) modules and the impact that tilt, location and orientation has on the output of a PV system.
It includes providing known solutions to predictable problems in photovoltaic energy modules and system operated at extra-low voltage (ELV) and low voltage (LV).The skills and knowledge described in this unit do not require a license to practice in the workplace provided equipment is not connected to installation wiring at voltages above 50 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 120 V direct current (d.c.). However, other conditions may apply in some states/territories subject to regulations related to electrical work.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce & extend knowledge and skill competence within set & controlled parameters in accordance with each unit’s learning outcomes & performance criteria requirements, incl the setting of work based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:
*applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures, including:

using risk control measures
checking tools, materials, equipment and testing devices for correct operation and safety
testing or measuring on live work and operating systems safely
ensuring circuits are isolated
*providing viable solutions to apparatus/modules problems, including:
using problem-solving techniques to solve photovoltaic (PV) energy apparatus/modules problems from measured and calculated values
determining the operating parameters of an existing PV energy apparatus/modules
dealing effectively with unplanned events in accordance with workplace procedures
documenting justification for the solution used
*using known solutions to predictable problems to solve apparatus/modules problems
*measuring solar irradiance with a solarimeter
*using field measurements and a sun path diagram, the times and dates when a PV array will be shaded by obstacles at a particular site
calculation of:
the daily average irradiation on a horizontal plane given extra-terrestrial irradiation, location constants and sunshine hour data
the monthly mean daily irradiation falling on a PV array for each month of the year, adjusted for the effects of shading, using irradiance and irradiation data tables and a sun path diagram and/or appropriate software
the power at maximum power point (MPP), and the power under typical battery charging conditions of a PV module, given irradiance and ambient air temperature
the daily energy output of a PV array in accordance with relevant industry standards, and by using "rule of thumb" de-rating factors
selection of an appropriate tilt angle for fixed and seasonally adjustable PV arrays at a given latitude.

Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge:
*relevant manufacturer specifications
*relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements
*relevant workplace documentation, policies, procedures and standards
*risk mitigation processes
*daily irradiation, including:

definition of the terms: declination angle, reflectance, sunshine hours, extra-terrestrial irradiation, latitude, direct and diffuse radiation, azimuth and altitude angles, radiance, solar window, tilt angle, solstice and equinox
units and symbols for irradiation and irradiance
interpretation of solar radiation data tables and contour maps
how radiation varies throughout the year on the surface of a fixed collector
factors affecting the optimal tilt and orientation of PV arrays
*PV modules, including:
definition of the terms: cell, module, array, mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, amorphous, band gap energy and semi-conductor
diagram of a basic crystalline silicon PV cell, showing its physical structure, with at least five major features labelled
major steps in the production of PV modules based on bulk silicon cells in comparison with the production of thin film PV modules
basic physical principles of PV cell operation for the main types of commercially available PV modules
efficiency, spectral response, cost and typical applications of the main types of commercially available PV modules
new PV technologies currently being developed towards commercialisation, and their major features
mechanical and electrical features necessary for the long life of a PV module under a wide range of operating conditions
*module characteristics including:
definition of the terms: I-V curve, fill factor, operating point, MPP, cell temperature co-efficient, nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT), current, voltage and power output co-efficient
equivalent circuit for a PV cell, labelling each of the elements and the polarity of the terminals
family of current - voltage (I-V) curves for a PV module, labelling major points and showing the effects of variation in irradiance and variation in cell temperature
major ratings of a PV module from manufacturer’s information or nameplate data
determination of the operating point of a PV module with a resistive load, a constant voltage source or any other load with known I-V characteristics, using the - load line method
configuration of a typical PV array, including the function, placement and ratings of blocking and bypass diodes
the effect of partial shading of a PV module or array, the impact of bypass diodes and the significance of their configuration on output current in typical operating conditions
the scope and content of Australian or international standards relevant to the performance of PV modules
the electrical characteristics of a PV module according to relevant Australian or international standards, using an outdoor test method.

Required reading

The qualified trainer and assessor will provide teaching and learning materials as required in the form of workbooks produced by the Polytechnic and/or via the Polytechnic e-learning system.