Solar PV System Design

3 Day Training

Dates: 02 – 04 December 2024
Locations: Grayston Ridge Office Park, Sandton
Platform: Available In-Class / Online

Price: Available on request

Claim 3 CPD Points

Course Introduction

The Prospen Africa Solar PV System Design course focuses on ground-mounted, grid-connected, medium, and large utility scale solar farms connected to medium-voltage hydro circuits. Participants will also learn about overall solar farm configuration including DC and AC design and conceptual design of MV substation and AC collector circuits

Course Objectives

After participating in the Solar PV System Design course, you will be able to:

Apply basic principles of solar cell operation and comply with electrical authority and system operator
Perform AC and DC system losses, fault analysis at combiner boxes and assess solar farm site
Complete design layout and orientation, financial evaluations, and operation of utility scale inverters
Transform to AC and connection medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) distribution system
Understand safe design (AC arc flash analysis, labelling and interlocking)

Who should attend?

Owners
Electrical Designers
Electrical Engineers
Sales Engineers
Electricians
Project Managers
Installation
Operating Engineers requiring knowledge of PV Solar Systems.

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview and Learning Outcomes

PV Modules

Properties of light and PV modules
Basic theory
Commercial types and technologies
Understanding PV modules’ technical specifications
PV module IV curve

String Voltage and Current Sizing

Case study 1: VOC and ISC calculations
Cable sizing and ampacity
Approved cable types and cable sizing

String Combiners and Recombiners

Circuit ampacity correction and derating Factors
Sizing for combiners and recombiner boxes
“Smart” combiner boxes
Prewired combiner boxes
Fault analysis at combiner boxes

Case study 2: Voc and ISC calculations and sizing of combiner and recombiner boxes

Solar Farm Site Assessment

Civil works
Environmental aspect
Array length
Access road

Questions

DAY TWO

DC System Losses

PV module losses
Environmental losses
Cable voltage drop: I2R losses
Case study 3: I2R losses calculation

DC to AC Transformation

Understanding technical specifications for DC/AC grid tie-in inverters
Grid tie-in inverter operation principle
Inverter station e-house package
Inverter AC short circuit contribution
DC/AC ratio design consideration
AC transformation for utility grade inverters: Inverter AC output to hydro medium-voltage
MV collector system conceptual design
MV and HV substation conceptual design
Conservation of operational energy (“brown” power)
Safety aspects (Arc flash analysis and interlocking)
AC system losses (medium-voltage transformers no load and load losses and I2R cable losses)
Summary of DC and AC losses