SIMULATION STUDIES OF A PV SYSTEM FOR RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

The aim of this project is to carryout simulation studies on a photovoltaic based system,
to be used in residential sector. Photovoltaic is a semiconductor device that generates
electrical power, from solar radiation. Sunlight received by the solar cell, and will be
used to generate direct current. Sunlight is necessary for PV to generate electricity, and in
order to ensure continuous supplyof powerstorage is required. A properanalysis of a PV
based system is necessary, as the sunlight that is received at the surface of earth is
transient in nature. On the average, Malaysia receives between 6-9 sunshine hours. Due
to this, the system identification process is rather critical and the main specification is
related to the PVarray sizing. Since sunlight is mandatory; then the next important aspect
is the battery array sizing. A typical house model was used to do load calculation, and
this is an important process to assist in the planning of the number of PV panels and
batteries required. To safely ensure sustainable power supply, storage is vital.
Experiments were carried out by using a standard 80W PV array, subjected to local
weather condition at UTP. Results obtained clearly indicated that a system simulation,
based on precise mathematical model is very important. Visual Basic Software was used
as a programming tool for simulation of the project. A simulation of a project is simple
and user-friendly to design PV system for the house such as sizing PV array, sizing
battery and load calculation. The objective of the; project has been accomplished. The
result has been successfully achieved andproject working effectively.