Tag Archives: solar energy

665–675 D. Berjoza, I. Jurgena and D. Bergspics
Solar electric tricycle development and research
Abstract |
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Solar electric tricycle development and research

D. Berjoza¹*, I. Jurgena² and D. Bergspics¹

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Motor vehicle institute, J. Cakstes blv. 5, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Economics and Social Development, Institute of Business and Management Science, Svetes street 18, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: dainis.berjoza@llu.lv

Abstract:

Due to the fact that the world’s energy resources are declining, various alternative energy sources are being sought. One such source of energy is solar energy. However, due to the large size of solar photovoltaic panels, solar energy is not widely used in mobile vehicles. In some electric automobiles, solar energy is used as an additional energy source, yet usually the sun is not able to provide more than 15–20% of the energy needed for their propulsion. There are some experimental design solutions for water vessels that are propelled by solar energy only. A recumbent electric tricycle was designed, constructed and tested within the present research. The recumbent electric tricycle used a 330 W solar battery, which was designed as a tricycle roof. During the tests with the solar battery, the electric tricycle reached a maximum speed of 32 km h-1. On a sunny day in May under the conditions in Latvia, a distance of 50.20 km was experimentally covered without battery recharging, compared with a distance of 17.14 km covered without the use of a solar battery. By skilfully operating the solar electric tricycle and limiting the speed to 20 km h-1 on a sunny day, the expected distance covered could be unlimited. The acceleration and braking parameters of the solar electric tricycle were identified by using a scientific radar Stalker ATS.

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2639–2652 T. Vinnal, H. Puusepp, N. Shabbir, L. Kütt and M. N. Iqbal
Case study of non-linear PV inverter devices attached to the LV distribution network
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Case study of non-linear PV inverter devices attached to the LV distribution network

T. Vinnal, H. Puusepp, N. Shabbir, L. Kütt and M. N. Iqbal

Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering, Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics, Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia.

Abstract:

Every year, more and more solar power plants are connected to the grid, producing electricity in an environmentally sustainable manner. The increasing number of photovoltaic (PV) installations and their integration into the low voltage (LV) distribution network (DN) is having an impact in terms of power quality (PQ). For example, the voltage in the DN can sustain high distortion values. The impact of a PV installation on the LV network is analysed in this research. The field measurements were carried out over a 3-week period at a solar power plant with a total output power of 160 kW in an Estonian rural municipality. The measurement results provide the opportunity to look more closely at the effect of the solar power plant on the supply voltage of the LV DN. Parameters such as voltage variation within a one-minute period, the asymmetry of the voltages and the total harmonic distortion of the voltages are discussed here.

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49–59 F.A. Damasceno, J.A. Osorio, C.E. Alves Oliveira, P.F.P. Ferraz and L.F. Brandão
Assessment of a low-cost solar water heating systems in farrowing facilities
Abstract |

Assessment of a low-cost solar water heating systems in farrowing facilities

F.A. Damasceno¹*, J.A. Osorio², C.E. Alves Oliveira¹, P.F.P. Ferraz¹ and L.F. Brandão³

¹Department of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, BR37200-000 Lavras - Minas Gerais, Brasil
²University National of Colombia, Faculty of Agrarians Science, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineer, Calle 59 A N 63-20, CO050001 Medellín, Colombia
³Department of Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, BR35400-000 Ouro Preto – Minas Gerais, Brasil
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to develop a prototype solar heater using alternative materials and then to compare its thermal efficiency against that of two other commercial solar heating systems when heating the floor of piglet housing. To evaluate the thermal heaters, temperature sensors were installed in the inlet and outlet of each floor and the thermal reservoir. The results showed good performance, however the thermal efficiency of the alternative heater was lower than the conventional systems. However, due to the construction of this solar collector with alternative materials its cost was relatively low and its operation is easier than the other conventional heater, therefore this heater is a good alternative to use for small livestock producer.

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