Solar Power Mechanisms and LEDs

Transcription

1 Solar Power Mechanisms and LEDs

2 Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 Introduction 3.0 Solar Power Mechanisms 3.1 Photovoltaic Effect 3.2 Electrical Management 3.3 Economic Analysis and Benefits 4.0 Solar Powered LEDs 4.1 LED Light Generation 4.2 Industrial Applications and Best Practices 5.0 Larson Electronics Solar LED Lighting Solutions 6.0 Conclusion

3 1.0 Executive Summary This report covers the mechanisms of solar power and its applications in light emitting diodes (LEDs). The objective of the paper is to establish the requirements of solar power generation in relation to industrial lighting systems. Due to the nascent state of the solar energy sector, new industry trends and best practices will be highlighted throughout the report. Business owners, professionals, engineers and lighting specialists may use the information found in the paper to achieve a deeper understanding of natural light conversion processes and their economical benefits in various professional fields. Larson Electronics, a leading industrial lighting company, provides an extensive selection of LED and power distribution products for businesses worldwide. It currently caters to sectors with high demands for sturdy, customized lighting systems, such as marine, oil and gas, outdoor events and large-scale manufacturing. The brand extends its expertise and knowledge of the industry through the publication of this paper. 2.0 Introduction Solar power, or the process of converting natural sunlight to usable electricity, is one of the most promising technologies of the future. It is currently being applied in cars, homes and complex lighting systems. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a new solar project was installed every two minutes in Over the same period, around 40 percent of new electricity generated came from solar. GTM Research, a leading market analysis and advisory firm that focuses on sustainable energy, predicts that the US solar industry will hit 36,000 installations by the end of The top three countries leading solar energy production includes Germany, Spain and Japan. In the industrial lighting sector, the adoption of solar power is steadily increasing. Such systems can help businesses manage heavy lighting consumption and operational costs. With an infinite power source to rely on, companies are in favor of the technology s hands-off approach to electricity production. Establishments could easily install solar panels in secluded outdoor locations without reliance on adequate electrical infrastructure. Instead of investing in costly trenching, wiring and pole installations, companies could easily deploy a set of solar powered lights on the site. Buildings that experience frequent power outages may use the technology to improve lighting conditions, when electricity from the grid is not available. Since solar lights do not produce pollution, and do not harm the environment, businesses can use the products to comply with green energy practices. As with most new disruptive technologies, solar power comes with several obstacles for businesses that are interested in implementing the unconventional lighting system. Electricity from solar panels cost up to five times more, compared to dirty coal, gas or nuclear sources. Because of this, the world is only able to offset 0.01 percent of its electrical needs using sunlight. But with the rapid development of solar panels and portable batteries, coupled with

4 educational programs designed to promote its advantages, analysts expect costs for such systems to decrease, as global organizations push for adoption on a mainstream level. 3.1 Photovoltaic Effect 3.0 Solar Power Mechanisms Solar power relies on photovoltaics to generate electricity, which occurs at an atomic level. The photovoltaic effect refers to the production of an electrical voltage from two dissimilar materials that are in close contact during exposure to sunlight. When a solar cell that is composed of n-type silicon and p-type silicon is struck by light, photons (light particles) are collected at the surface of the panel. The photons make their way through the cell, where they release their energy to electrons present in the p-type layer. The energy generated is then used by the electrons to jump into the n-type layer, and out of the panel into the circuit where it flows out as electricity in one direction (direct current). The process strongly relies on an electric field to generate electricity. To streamline the process, it is common for manufacturers to add materials to the silicon in order to provide each component with a positive or negative electric charge. For the top layer of the panel, phosphorous is added to generate extra electrons (negative charge). While the bottom layer is treated with boron to mitigate the number of electrons, resulting in a positive charge. At the depletion zone of the PN junction, electricity is generated. This section is located between the n-type and p-type layers. Silicon is an optimal material for facilitating photovoltaic reactions due to its semi-conductor properties. At the end of the process, the electrons must be turned into usable power. In most cases, metal conductive plates found on the side of the cells gather the electrons and transfer the collection to wires. In a configuration where a wire is connected from the cathode (n-type silicon) to the anode (p-type silicon), electrons should flow smoothly through the wire. 3.2 Electrical Management Solar panels can t complete the generation of usable power on their own. The panels rely on other devices in the system to convert, move and store electricity. For example, an inverter is needed to convert the DC electricity into AC with specific voltage and frequency requirements. The unit also acts as a safety monitoring tool during failures, faults or major electrical fluctuations. If the solar PV system is connected to the grid, the electricity from the solar panels is pushed to the main power supply of the building. Appliances and electrical devices will use the power generated from the solar panels, and surplus power goes into the grid as green electricity, which can be bought by other individuals. The electricity can also be stored in an external battery, and saved for periods when sunlight is not available. When it comes to solar lighting systems, a controller may be installed to customize the way the fixture uses electricity from the solar panels and/or battery. It can be set to turn the fixture on

5 during sunset, or when it detects low sunlight levels from the solar panel. It may also control the fixture s light levels, which may help decrease power consumption during low battery levels. When the battery is full, the controller may deactivate charging from the storage unit and push electricity to the LED lamp. With wireless access to the controller, operators can take a streamlined approach to light and power management. 3.3 Economic Analysis and Benefits Solar power offers a great number of benefits for businesses and industrial facilities with high lighting consumption rates. The installation requirements for such self-contained lighting systems are minimal and fairly easy to adhere to. An electric meter is not required, allowing buyers to minimize costs in purchasing, installing and connecting the unit. As mentioned earlier, individuals can bypass trenching during installation. This can reduce time spent on repairing the ground, as well as costs for replacement landscaping. Moreover, negotiations on the use of property for underground access when running wires and connections to the grid can be avoided with solar power systems. From an economical perspective, solar power can help businesses save money. An example of this comes from KC Electric Association. The Colorado-based organization serves 4,000 square miles of open space with roughly two customers per mile of distribution line. Every year, exposure to devastating winter storms causes up to 1,000 utility poles and 38 miles of lines to fail and malfunction. To replace the faulty poles, the association continuously spends up to $10,000 per mile of line, amounting to $380,000 in annual maintenance costs. In 1990, the group started using solar power to replace damaged electrical poles and wires. As a result, the business was able to reduce maintenance costs; and now offers competitively priced solarpowered water pumping services at $1,800 to $6,000 per well. Investors should consider that the value of solar installations is increasing. In 2011, the value of such projects in the US was estimated at around $8.6 billion. In 2012 and 2013, that figure increased to $11.5 billion and $13.7 billion. According to a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, titled Understanding the Solar Home Price Premium: Electricity Generation and Green Social Status, solar installations can add a $20,194 premium to the sales price of homes (for houses in the $500,000 range). This allows homeowners to recover a whopping 97 percent of their investment costs, not including savings from the reduction of energy consumption. 4.1 LED Light Generation 4.0 Solar Powered LEDs LEDs and solar power are an ideal combination for efficient energy usage. The adoption of LEDs can reduce annual power costs by up to 80 percent. Though in commercial settings, the efficiency average of the light ranges between percent. By comparison, incandescent units waste up to 90 percent of their energy heat. While metal halide lamps are only able to

6 convert roughly 50 percent of energy into light. An example of LED s energy-saving potential comes from the city of Sacramento, California. In 2011, the city replaced its metal halide lamps with LEDs equipped with occupancy sensors within a 180,000 square-foot parking garage. After installation, officials calculated an 88 percent reduction of energy, which translates to $34,500 in annual savings. Due to the light s low energy requirements, less power is needed to generate consistent lighting. This generally translates to less sunlight needed to keep the fixtures on, longer battery life for systems that rely on batteries, and less room required for solar panel installations (with the use of smaller panels). In order to optimize the performance of solar powered LEDs, the panels and batteries must be configurable in terms of size to match the outdoor environment of the area. The duration of nights, days and bad weather must be accounted for accurately. With this in mind, it is common for manufacturers to use the most efficient lamps, coupled with an oversized system to ensure functionality during worst-case scenarios. For regions that are exposed to blistering, cold weather, solar powered LED lights offer reliability and flexibility under harsh conditions where traditional lighting products would normally fail. Compared to DC fluorescents, an LED lamp can last up to 5-10 times longer, under such conditions. Due to the light s superior lifespan of 50,000+ hours, maintenance and repair are less costly and frequent. 4.2 Industrial Applications and Best Practices Solar powered lights need to be installed and maintained properly in order to prevent premature failure, and ensure consistent lighting. It is best practice to install solar panels in a spacious area with direct sunlight exposure. In cases where an industrial facility presents hazardous elements, such as explosive dust particles, companies should consider applying special fixtures that adhere to the classifications of the work area. This advice is also applicable for locations in marine environments that are regularly exposed to corrosive agents, such as saltwater. Solar light batteries are usually prone to premature failure, before the LED lights, panels and controller. Some rechargeable solar batteries are designed to self-discharge; and over time, the units may discharge to a point where they stop working. Most batteries need to be replaced after 1-2 years of continuous usage. Signs that a rechargeable solar battery needs to be replaced includes the following: light flickering, poor light performance, a noticeable decrease in light illumination and complete light failure. Before replacing a solar battery, one must first check the other components of the system to make sure that the parts are not contributing to the declined performance of the lights and batteries. For example, dust, residues and other accumulations on the panel and wirings may hinder charging. Changes in sunlight patterns could also lower the efficiency of the panels, and result in lower battery charges. Numerous industrial sectors rely on solar powered LED lamps to streamline operations, safety and security. In the military sector, the units are used for parking lot lighting, pathway and trail

7 lighting, perimeter security lighting and roadway lighting. When applied in such settings, the lights are installed in remote or hard-to-reach locations, where wirings and grid connections are not available. Because military bases are often found in isolated areas, sunlight exposure can be maximized easily. Maintenance may also be reduced under optimal solar conditions. In mining and construction industries, solar powered lights may help provide guidance around the site. Like military bases, mining facilities are typically located in far-flung locations. The units can be installed around a perimeter for added security and detection, as well as makeshift, dangerous roadways for trucking and transporting operations. Businesses in the fields may also install solar powered lights to boost the efficiency of warning and beacon lamps. Lastly, in government sectors, the fixtures can be used for street lights and ground lights. 5.0 Larson Electronics Solar LED Lighting Solutions Larson Electronics provides a selection of solar powered LED lights for industrial sectors. The company s products can be used in mainstream outdoor environments, and hazardous working locations with strict lighting requirements and standards. In addition to solar powered LED products, the brand also offers fleet service lights, power distribution systems, light towers and military spot lights. Customers may benefit from the establishment s customized approach to industrial lighting solutions and configurations. Such services, coupled with expedited shipping and reliable customer service, makes Larson Electronics a leading business in the industrial lighting industry. Below is a shortlist of solar powered LED products available from Larson Electronics: Solar power panel (72-cell form factor and high performance) All weather solar panel (30 watts and high transmission tempered glass) All weather solar panel off grid model (60 watts and IEC certified by TUV) Solar powered explosion proof LED lighting (C1D1, two LED tubes and 60-watt panel) Solar powered LED explosion proof beacon light (C1D1; 1,600 lumens and 12-watt LED) Solar powered LED light beacon with 30 strobing patterns (Class 1 and 30-watt panel) Solar powered LED light with remote switch (30-watt panel, 5-watt LED lamp and 500 lumens) 6.0 Conclusion Solar powered LED lights are effective solutions for companies with high lighting consumption rates. The units are designed to ease maintenance and repair for remote locations with hazardous accessibility issues. Moreover, the application of solar powered LEDs may allow businesses to do away with costly trenching, lighting infrastructure replacements and complex wiring when connecting to the grid. The long-term performance of solar lights strongly relies on best practices during installation and usage.

8 LEDs are ideal products to combine with solar power, due to their energy-saving and sturdy properties. The fixture s superior lifespan may also reduce the need for frequent bulb replacements. Solar powered LEDs have numerous applications in industrial sectors, ranging from perimeter lighting in military bases to roadway lighting on highways. Because of this, the adoption of solar energy will likely continue to increase in the next decade.