Project 1:

The objective of the project is to design a grid-connected photovoltaic system in the Atlanta area. The system is to be installed with fixed tilt and azimuth modules, the parameters to be determined by the following objectives: 1.) Find the tilt and azimuth which would maximize the total energy production of the system. 2) Consider the load curve which is roughly modeled as a sinusoidal curve with a 24 hour period, peaking at 3pm every day of the year; the ratio between minimum and maximum load is to be 2:1, meaning that the load at 3pm is twice as large as it is at 3am (this is somewhat simplistic load modeling, but nevertheless good enough to help us understand the differences between the choices of tilt and azimuth). The goal in this part the project is to orient the array (tilt and azimuth of the modules) so as to produce the best peak shaving effect (maximum reduction of the load by maximizing he PV production at the time of the peak). As it can only happen at the expense of the overall energy production over the year, also calculate how much energy production is lost by module reorientation which maximizes the peak shaving performance. To obtain the fine resolution annual solar performance data, rely on databases such as TMY2 (typical meteorological year #2), which can be found on the internet, and which contain all the necessary information on insolation in short intervals during the course of an entire year. You can use software such as PVsyst to assist your design.

Project 2:

The goal of this project is to design a field installation of a 20 MW PV system from the standpoint of orientation. The design options for the grid-connected system are: 1) fixed tilt and azimuth; 2) single-axis trackers; 3) two-axis trackers. Option 2 provides variable azimuth with fixed tilt (or variable tilt with fixed azimuth), while option 3 provides both parameters as variable and make the system capable of better tracking the position of the sun. Estimate the annual yields of the systems optimized according to the constraints (1), (2) and (3). Obtain the information on relative costs of fixed systems vs. 1-axis and 2-axis
trackers and use it to evaluate the costs and benefits of such installations based on incremental energy yields priced as average costs of the commercial electricity in the Atlanta area. Which tracker is the best option? What happens to your conclusion if you keep decreasing the power rating of the PV system? Obtain all the necessary information on internet or in the literature. To obtain the fine resolution annual solar performance data, rely on databases such as TMY2 (typical meteorological year #2), which can be found on the internet, and which contain all the necessary information on insolation in short intervals during the course of an entire year. You can use software such as PVsyst to assist your design

Project 3:

Design a solar PV based system to supply the electrical power and energy needs of a typical single home for use in Atlanta, GA. You need to estimate the actual loads in use, and create a prole of the power and energy demand for this typical house. Using your own electricity bill is encouraged. Design the system for complete grid-independent autonomous operation for up to three days with minimal incoming insolation. There are at least three ways to achieve this. 1) Increase the panel size. 2) A hybrid system with a diesel backup generator. 3) A hybrid system with a wind turbine. Which one of these is the best option? Convince the reader by estimating the overall cost of the three systems, and the cost per kilowatt-hour over a 20 year life. List sources and assumptions very clearly. You can use software such as PVsyst to assist your design.

Project 4: (I personally think this project is too easy) As an average American citizen, you con- sume a specic amount of electrical energy in kWHrs per year, require heat for your house and office, attend an office or factory with a certain number of people in a building that consumes given amount of electricity and heat, drive a car 30 miles per day, take 3 flights per year of 500 miles each with 150 other passengers, etc. You also spend, say $1000 per month on purchases with an energy component of say 8% of cost. Develop a realistic scenario for what your share of carbon emissions are per year. Using your own electricity
bill is encouraged. How does this compare with total US carbon emissions, and with IPCC recommendations. Can you suggest ways that you would be willing to use to reduce your carbon footprint by 30%? What will the impact be on your lifestyle? List sources and assumptions very clearly. Using online carbon calculator is acceptable but you need to present how their algorithm works.

Project 5:

To connect photovoltaic panels to the grid, power electronics converters are needed. The goal of this project is to design and simulate a power electronics interface for connecting several photovoltaic panels to the grid. The rated power should be 10 kW, and the grid voltage is 110 Vrms, 60 Hz. The simulation studies must be done in MATLAB/Simulink using SimPowerSys toolbox. The required power electronics converters are taught during the lectures. You will need to design the parameters of these converters and also design required controllers for them. Controllers are also taught during the lectures. The designed power electronics interface must be capable of regulating the power exchange between a varying DC source (as photovoltaic panels) and an AC source (as the grid). All parameters of the power electronics converters must be designed by yourself.

Project 6:

Choose your own project. However, topics related to solar cell, wind turbine, other renewable energy technologies, electric or hybrid electric vehicles, power electronics, energy policy and climate change are preferred. One page summary of your ideas needs to be turned in and approved before you can work on your own topic.