How Do Stand-Alone Power Systems Generate Electricity?
Stand-alone power systems are commonly used to provide electrical power in remote areas that lack power distribution systems. The stand-alone system operates "off-the-grid" hence its suitability for use in the mentioned locations.
Standard components of a stand-alone power system include an electricity-generating unit, a unit for the storage of electric power and an energy-regulation unit. This article discusses two types of electricity generating units used in stand-alone power systems. This information would be beneficial to business owners who need a steady supply of electrical power in their remote work stations.
The Use Of Solar Panels
Stand-alone power systems that rely on the use of solar panels to generate electricity are referred to as photovoltaic systems.
The solar panels in a photovoltaic stand-alone power system are responsible for the absorption of sunlight and for its conversion into electricity. This kind of system also consists of a solar inverter charged with the responsibility of converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Excess energy generated by a photovoltaic system is stored in its battery banks for future use.
It is important to point out that not all photovoltaic stand-alone systems feature battery banks for the storage of excess energy. Such systems are referred to as direct-coupled photovoltaic systems. Lack of storage banks in a direct-coupled system means that such a system is only suitable for day-time use in a remote location. Thus, direct-coupled systems are not ideal for business owners whose business is expected to run late into the night.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are also commonly used for the generation of electricity in stand-alone power systems. The turbines harness kinetic energy from the wind before converting it into electrical energy.
Business owners looking to invest in a wind-powered stand-alone power system have a choice between various types of wind turbines in accordance with their needs.
It is important to point out that the operation of wind turbines relies on the speed and strength of the wind in the location where the turbine is placed. Thus, the number of turbines required to power a remote location increases as the speed and strength of wind continues to decrease.
Business owners should take this into consideration before choosing wind-powered power systems for a remote location.
For more information in relation to the installation, use and maintenance of the discussed stand-alone power systems, get in touch with a preferred commercial electrical service provider in your area.