DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A 1.5KVA SOLAR INVERTER
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This project presents the design and installation of a 1.5kVA solar inverter system for providing reliable electrical power to the block of offices in electrical and electronics engineering department of Federal Polytechnic, Ede. The system solves the problem of frequent power failure and voltage fluctuation caused by the national grid by offering a clean energy that is renewable.
The design consists of, the pure sine wave inverter with 50Hz frequency, 12V DC input from battery storage and 220V AC output. Key components are 100W solar photovoltaic panel, 100Ah deep cycle battery bank, PWM based charge controller and power conversion circuitry based on SG3524 pulse width modulation IC. The system has full protection mechanisms such as overloading protection, thermal protection using heat sinks and cooling fans and automatic voltage regulation. A 16x2 LCD display is used to display real-time monitoring of the battery voltage, status of load and system faults.
The design methodology was system modelling based on block diagrams, load estimation calculations (1116Wh/day energy demand), component selection and sizing, circuit implementation based on printed circuit board (PCB), and systematic testing of each stage before integration. The oscillator stage is used to generate the required sine wave signal, a driver stage is used to amplify the current, and the power stage is used to perform the conversion of high power through a step-up transformer using the MOSFETS. Installation procedures involved appropriate mounting of PV modules at the optimal angle tilt, battery bank configuration, inverter housing with proper ventilation, and safe AC distribution wiring.
Testing and performance evaluation made successful achievement of 1.5kVA output capacity with pure sine wave generation. The system showed good dual charging capability from both solar panels and the grid supply, automatic change over functionality and stable operation under different load conditions. The project has succeeded in proving the feasibility of locally-developed and constructed solar inverter systems for providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution to supply electricity challenges in the developing world whilst also reducing the use of fossil fuel generating electricity.
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