Research at the Fota and Sprayfield PV installations

Informations projet

N° de convention de subvention: JOU20074

Projet clôturé

Date de début 1 Novembre 1992

Date de fin 31 Octobre 1994

Financé au titre de

• Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1990-1994

Coût total € 0,00

Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée

Coordonné par

National University of Ireland, Cork
Ireland

Résultats exploitables

Research at the Fota and Sprayfield PV installations

If photovoltaic (PV) systems are to make a significant contribution to energy supply, then both efficient large-scale grid-connected systems and small domestic systems must be developed. This project involved research into such PV systems and their components and the results have made a significant contribution to design improvements. The Fota (50 kWp) pilot plant and the Sprayfield (5.5 kWp) demonstration plant are test centres for PV systems and their components which were constructed as part of European programmes to investigate the application of large-scale systems. This project aimed to carry out further research on PV systems and components at these test sites. Three areas of research areas were to be conducted Firstly the effect of electrolyte agitation on battery behaviour was to be studied. Secondly, a comparison was to be made between a 5 kW PWM inverter from Sunpower and a transformerless Frauenhofer ISE inverter. Finally, a 3 kW wind energy converter was to be integrated into the Sprayfield plant and relevant tests carried out. The results of these investigations were then to be used to improve the design of PV systems and determine the feasibility of small domestic PV-Wind grid connected systems.