EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application

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1 EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application Course Design Course Information Division Industrial Technology Education Course Number TEC 172 Title Photovoltaic Design and Application Credits 2 Developed by Dr. Joseph Shannon PhD / Revised by Charles Smith Lecture/Lab Ratio 1 Lecture/2 Lab Transfer Status n-transferable Activity Course CIP Code Assessment Mode Pre/Post Test (25 Questions/25 Points) Semester Taught Upon Request GE Category Separate Lab Awareness Course Intensive Writing Course Prerequisites Educational Value This course is designed to provide the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy as renewable electricity. Description This course provides an introduction into the science of active solar energy, converting sunlight into electricity. Students will learn the following aspects of photovoltaic energy: history, basic electricity, solar energy, conversion factors, wiring, site design, installation, and maintenance. Supplies EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application

2 Competencies and 1. Explore basic electricity and photovoltaic design a. Delineate the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion. b. Examine the pros and cons of photovoltaic as a renewable energy source c. Identify environmental, health and safety problems d. Define common photovoltaic systems and types e. Relate solar radiation fundamentals to site selection and application. 2. Correlate electrical load analysis and photovoltaic module type a. Classify energy efficient loads and appliances b. Estimate load surge, phantom, and cycling load requirements. c. Calculate load estimate via worksheet d. Define the principals of a photovoltaic system; cell, module, and system. e. Determine factors that impact photovoltaic module efficiency. 3. Determine appropriate battery and converter application for photovoltaic systems a. Identify the various battery types, specifications, and applications b. Define the aspects and importance of battery safety. c. Explore how battery wiring is configured. d. Delineate photovoltaic converter types and features e. Explore aspects of correct photovoltaic converter selection f. Calculate the correct battery and controller application via worksheet. EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application

3 4. Understand photovoltaic inverter design and application. a. Define the operating principals, types, and features of photovoltaic system inverters. b. Compare inverter application regarding grid and battery types. c. Calculate the correct inverter application via worksheet. 5. Explore the basics of wiring photovoltaic systems a. Examine wire types, coding, and size. b. Define voltage drop and ampacity. c. Determine the correct wire size via worksheet. d. Identify the considerations related to over current protection e. Determine the correct over current protection via worksheet. f. Delineate the importance of system disconnects, grounding, and surge protection. 6. Determine appropriate size for stand-alone and grid-tied photovoltaic systems a. Define the variables related to photovoltaic system sizing; load, batteries, array, controller, inverter, and wiring b. Identify the components of a hybrid photovoltaic system. c. Determine the correct stand-alone photovoltaic system size via worksheet. d. Identify the advantages and economic criteria for a grid-tied photovoltaic system. e. Delineate how to obtain an interconnection agreement and net metering device. f. Determine the correct grid-tied photovoltaic system size via worksheet. EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application

4 7. Analyze photovoltaic system types, applications, and installation considerations a. Recognize the factors influencing photovoltaic system mounting types. b. Examine various photovoltaic system mounting types. c. Define how to integrate photovoltaic system into new and existing buildings d. Delineate remote photovoltaic system applications e. Determine solar access with a sun chart 8. Define Photovoltaic System Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Criteria. a. Match photovoltaic system components to installation site. b. Correctly complete an installation final checklist. c. Define common photovoltaic system maintenance techniques. d. Determine common photovoltaic system troubleshooting techniques. e. Understand safety considerations during photovoltaic system installation. 9. Explore photovoltaic water pumping systems a. Examine the pros and cons of photovoltaic water pumping. b. Estimate water requirements. c. Identify types of pumps to be used in systems. d. Define and calculate total dynamic head. EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application

5 e. Calculate power requirements. f. Explore system design and installation. Types of Instruction Classroom Presentation Field-Laboratory investigations and practice. Grading Information Grading Rationale Each instructor has the flexibility to develop evaluative procedures within the following parameters. 1. The Post Test will represent 10% of the course grade. 2. Course learning activities shall represent 90% of the course grade. Grading Scale A 90% - 100% B 80% - 89% C 70% - 79% D 60% - 69% F Below 60 % EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE Photovoltaic Design and Application