Thinking smart

Storing power is complicated and expensive, but there is no way around large batteries for grid-independent electricity consumers. It would make more sense to use the electricity when it is generated. This becomes possible with the help of a smart energy management system.

Concentrator photovoltaic system (CPV) modules require far less space than traditional PV modules and supply the energy, while Fresnel lenses concentrate the rays of the sun onto pinhead-sized multi-junction solar cells. With the aid of a tracking motor, the CPV cells, which are attached to a pillar, follow the sun precisely to achieve an optimized yield of solar light. They can thus supply the energy for submersible pumps and for a small desalination unit that satisfies farmers' potable water requirements. The CPV cells also supply the energy for PV-module trackers, the monitoring and control system and an air-conditioning unit that cools the utility room of the facility.

This was what the developers in a model project in Egypt did. According to the need of the hour the smart systems changed the usage, doing away with storage batteries except one small unit to store some energy for early morning alignment of mirrors.

Smart thinking!