TECH8015- Lab2_Manual-MS-Word_Version

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Conestoga College *

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Dec 6, 2023

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Laboratory Manual TECH8015: Photovoltaic Grid Design
Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Rev: December 2021 NAME: ORJI CHRISTIAN CHUKWUNYERE STUDENT NUMBER: 8900608 DATE: OCTOBER 8, 2023. INSTRUCTOR: PROFESSOR ROBERT ROSS SECTION TECH 8015: 01 LAB GROUP NUMBER: 01
Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 2 of 6
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Table of Contents Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... 1 Lab 2: Site Shading Analysis using Solar Pathfinder ............................................................................... 2 Objective ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Required Preparation ......................................................................................................................... 2 Procedures ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Task 1: Setup and Record Data from Solar Pathfinder ................................................................... 2 Task 2: Interpretation of Data ........................................................................................................ 2 Task 3. Prepare a Report and Answer the Following Questions: .................................................... 3 Expected Outcomes ........................................................................................................................... 4 Report Submission Instructions ......................................................................................................... 4 Appendix A ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 3 of 6
Lab 2: Site Shading Analysis using Solar Pathfinder Objective To perform a site shading assessment for a photovoltaic system installation at your College. Apparatus Solar Pathfinder Retscreen software Digital camera/cell phone Measuring tape Required Preparation Review this lab manual, including the Solar Pathfinder assembly and usage instructions in Appendix A. Select a location to perform a site assessment. Before setting up the Pathfinder, make note of your initial thoughts as to the viability of this site. Do you think the impact from shading in this location will be significant, or not? Using RETScreen, determine the annual and monthly insolation at this location. Procedures Task 1: Setup and Record Data from Solar Pathfinder Step 1: At your location, setup the Solar Pathfinder using the provided instructions in Appendix A of this Lab Manual. Take digital photos of shading analysis and angle estimation. Ensure these pictures are clear and all necessary numbers are visible when you zoom in. Step 2: Record all the data of the surroundings such as trees, chimneys, antenna, buildings, overhead electric lines etc., that creates shading for the PV site. Measure the distance to any and all obstacles that may provide shade, where possible. Note down approximate distances where it’s not possible. Make sure you stay safe during this step. Remember that many of these obstacles can be located using satellite imagery such as Google Earth later, where fairly detailed distance measurements can be obtained. Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 4 of 6
Task 2: Interpretation of Data Step 3: Using the image editing software of your choice, show your tracings on your pictures. Step 4: Calculate the losses due to shading for each month by adding up the corresponding numbers. Step 5: Determine the total annual insolation received after losses due to shading. Task 3. Prepare a Report and Answer the Following Questions: Question 1: Revisit your initial thoughts as to the expected impact due to shading. Does your analysis confirm or refute those initial thoughts? Why do you think this is the case? Question 2: Would raising the height of your solar panel installation help to increase the peak sun hours? If so, how much would you raise the height, and how much of an impact would it have? Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 5 of 6 Answer: Answer:
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Question 3: Would rotating the azimuth angle of your solar panel installation help to increase the peak sun hours? If so, how much would you rotate, and how much of an impact would it have? Expected Outcomes By following the procedures listed above you should have observed the effect of shading on the viability of a specific site. You should also have observed how the shading from different objects changes depending on time of year and time of day. Report Submission Instructions Submit your lab report on eConestoga under Lab 2 assignment. While you may discuss with others how to approach the assignments, the work you submit must be your own. Please note that your submissions will be checked for originality by Turnitin. Submitting an unoriginal work and plagiarism is an academic offence that will not be tolerated. A range of penalties may be applied based on whether it is a first or subsequent offence and on the severity from a grade deduction to suspension from the College. Please review the College's Academic Integrity Policy for more information. Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 6 of 6 Answer:
Appendix A Instrument Set- up The Solar Pathfinder™ is made up of three sections: Dome section: the part with the translucent lens/dome; Instrument section: the part with the compass and level; Base section: the part with the rubber grommets. To avoid accidentally dropping the dome section, it should be set aside until the tripod, base, and instrument section are securely assembled. Save the plastic bag for storing the Pathfinder™ dome section when it's not in use. The transparent, reflective lens is easily scratched. Step 1: Insert the rounded ends of the tripod legs sequentially into the rubber grommets on the base. Pull on the bottom end to slide out the inside tripod leg sections. You will want to lean over the dome and have your eye about 15 inches above the dome. Adjust the legs to get the base approximately level. The base doesn't need to be precisely level, as the instrument section will rock in the dish shaped base to finish adjusting the leveling and the directional orientation of the Pathfinder™. Step 2: Put a paper sunpath diagram over the center pivot of the diagram platform of the instrument section. Step 3: Adjust the Pathfinder for the proper magnetic declination; gently pull out the brass Magnetic Declination Tab located by the compass 1/4". This will allow the center triangle and black disk to easily pivot. The “number line” on the perimeter of the diagram is for magnetic declination adjustment. The numbers to the left of “0” are “west of north” are negative numbers; the numbers to the right side of “0” are “east of north” or positive numbers. Rotate the sunpath diagram on the central pivot to adjust for the magnetic declination: • counterclockwise for declinations to the east of north (positive numbers) {the western continental US}, or • clockwise for declinations to the west of north (negative numbers) {the eastern continental US}. See the magnetic declination for your location from https://www.geomag.nrcan.gc.ca/calc/mdcal-en.php Line up the declination number with the small white dot on the rim of the base. Then Solar Pathfinder™ will now point “true” south. Relock (push in) the brass Magnetic Declination Tab (located by the compass). Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 7 of 6
Step 4: With the Sun path diagram locked to its proper declination set the instrument section onto the base. Slide it around on the cupped base making adjustments until the bubble is in the middle of the level. If you can’t get the instrument level this way, readjust the tripod legs and try again. At the same time you will be rotating the instrument section until the black pointer of the compass is pointing directly above the “S”. This is magnetic south. [A word of caution -- any ferrous material can seriously affect the direction of the compass. Example: when working near buildings with large metal beams, move the compass away from beams until compass needle direction stabilizes. Find a distant true south reference point, and then set the Pathfinder™ up at the original site using that reference point]. Step 5: Place the dome section on top of the instrument section. The opening on the side of the dome section should be opposite the compass to allow the wax pen to be inserted for marking on the diagram. You are now ready to do your site tracing. Photovoltaic Grid Design and Installation Lab Manual Page 8 of 6
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