Systems
[Cal Poly] [CP Engineering] [CP Architecture] [REC] [DOE Solar Decathlon] [Web Master]
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
Systems |
||||||||
|
|
Home | Mission | News | Design | Construction | Fundraising | Team | |||
|
|
|
Photovoltaic array: the life blood of the electrical system, being the
sole power source for the entire house, collecting and harnessing the
sunlight's energy. The Solar CalPoly array consists of 28 BP Solar
panels, which are capable of generating as much as 4.9 kilowatts. This
size allows enough power to maintain a generous standard of living given
thoughtful energy conservation practices.
|
||||||||
|
|
MPPT, or Maximum Power Point Tracker, allows the PV array to operate at
its optimal level by maintaining the array at its peak power level. The
Solar CalPoly project utilizes two MPPTs manufactured by Outback.
|
|||||||||
|
|
Inverter: takes DC (direct current) from the PV array and converts it
into AC (alternating current). This home uses two high efficiency
Xantrex inverters to provide both the 240VAC and 120VAC needed to power
all the electrical devices in the house.
|
|||||||||
|
|
Batteries allow the system to store electrical energy produced by the PV
array during the day so there is electrical power available during the
night. The batteries are a necessity since the house is not connected to
the electrical grid. The Solar CalPoly design utilizes a total of 24
batteries manufactured by the Trojan Battery Company.
|
|||||||||
|
[Cal Poly] [CP Engineering] [CP Architecture] [REC] [DOE Solar Decathlon] [Web Master]
|
||||||||||