Section 1 - Markets and Applications Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the photovoltaic effect, and who discovered it?

A

The photovoltaic effect could make light turn into electricity due to electrodes in water. It was discovered by Edmund Becquerel in 1839.

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2
Q

Who discovered the photoelectric effect?

A

Albert Einstein in 1905

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3
Q

When was the first modern solar module developed?

A

In 1954, by Bell Labs

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4
Q

What is AHJ?

A

AHGJ is Authority Having Jurisdiction - an organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard or approving equipment, materials and installations. Typically it’s the city of county where you get your permit.

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5
Q

What are the main parts of a PV system?

A

Module or panel, circuits, combiner box, inverters, disconnects, breakers and meter

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6
Q

What is a utility interactive system?

A

Aka grid tied, interconnective, interactive. Excess energy is fed back out into the grid. Electricity matches grid powers. These systems only work when the grid is active.

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7
Q

What is an anti-islanding device?

A

In utility interactive systems, this senses when the grid goes down and shuts the solar system off.

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8
Q

What is a charge controller?

A

Charge controller ensures that batteries are not overcharged or over discharged, which would reduce their cycle.

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9
Q

What is more efficient, a standalone system or utility interactive system?

A

Stand-alone systems are less efficient because of stand-by losses at night and wasted power during the day with excess sunlight.

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10
Q

What are the components (in order) of a stand-alone solar system?

A

PV modules –> charge controller –> batteries –> inverter (converts to AC)

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11
Q

What is a linear current booster (LCB)

A

In direct coupled systems, this boosts current and sacrifices voltage to get pump to turn over when current is low due to less solar energy hitting the pv

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12
Q

What are self-regulating pv systems?

A

These are off-grid systems that power devices but use no charge control to protect batteries. Cannot charge batteries more than 3% per hour per NEC rule.

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13
Q

What are the two types of solar tracking systems?

A

Single access - track sun on the horizontal angle.

Dual access - tracks on both horizontal and vertical angle. More moving parts, typically higher maintenance. Up to 30% increase in energy harvest.

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