CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

A most important and significant look in our modern civilization nowadays is

energy of different forms, Many necessary functions can be at a standstill without

energy. So energy is a part of our life. There are various form of energy consumption

process such as raw energy in falling water, in deposits of coal, oil and gas these are

most well-known form.

The worldwide energy demand is continuously growing and according to the

forecasts of the International Energy Agency, it is expected to rise by approximately 50

% until 2030. Currently, over 80 % of the primary energy demand is covered by fossil

fuels. Although their reserves will last for the next decades, they will not be able to cover

the worldwide energy consumption in the long run. In view of possible climatic changes

due to the increase in the atmospheric CO2-content as well as the conceivable scarcity

of fossil fuels, it becomes clear that future energy supply can only be guaranteed

through increased use of renewable energy sources.

One of the most common source of renewable energy is the sun; solar energy is

clean and abundantly available form of energy. Solar energy is the radiant light and heat

from the sun that has been harnessed by human since ancient times using a range of

ever-evolving technologies. Sunlight – solar energy - can be used directly to heat or

light buildings, to generate electricity, and provide hot water. Apart from the direct use of

solar energy, it can be converted to usable forms through a variety of technology.

Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |2
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

The earth receives more energy in just one hour from the sun than what is

consumed in the whole world for one year. This energy comes from within the sun itself

through process called nuclear fusion reaction. In this reaction four atoms of hydrogen

combine to form one helium atom with loss of matter. This matter is emitted as radiant

energy.

Solar energy has many advantages to the people as well as in our environmental

aspects, solar power is a renewable substitute for fossil-fuel-burning power plants,

which emit greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. And solar energy is free and

never runs out. Switching to solar energy is one of the biggest changes we can make in

our communities to curb global warming. In the other side there are several

disadvantages of using the sun as our source of energy, the fact that the solar power

cannot be harnessed during a storm, on a cloudy day and at night. But still the

advantages of solar energy out shadowed the disadvantages and it will surely overcome

through the rising technology.

Nowadays some commercial establishments or even industrial companies are

investing in solar electric system because of the advantages of it, by using of these

system it can lessen the electric bill and they have reliability of the electricity on their

premises or building during at day time.

Batangas State University Main Campus II located at Golden Country Homes,

Alangilan, Batangas City has a population of approximately 10,000 students. Due to a

huge number of students it comes to a result of also a huge consumption of electricity in

the said campus, especially at College of Engineering Architecture and Fine Arts
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |3
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

(CEAFA) building. In that case they need to schedule the air-conditioning system and

other high consuming equipment’s at 8:00 o’clock in the morning and turn it off at 5:00

o’clock pm to save energy as well as money. The problem now is how about the

students and professor having classes at 7:00 am in the morning and exceeding at 5:00

pm, they will not be able to use some equipment’s in the said building.

Advantages of having a Grid Tied Solar Electric System in Batangas State

University Main II- CEAFA building is that the building can be electrified without relying

too much to the utility company, by using of solar panels it can supply some of the loads

in the premises of the building during day time, and the system are connected to the

grid so that if the solar panels are not harnessing sunlight it can use the typical usage of

power in the electric company during cloudy day and night time.

In order to generate electricity efficiently from solar energy, there must be an

assessment of the knowledge and outlook of the building of CEAFA regarding the

implementation of solar energy in the building. Public awareness and acceptance is an

important factor to consider for designing a solar energy to the building.

With this insight, the researcher decided to conduct a study on how to resolve the

aforementioned problem. Also the researchers would like to propose a grid tied solar

electric system to meet the demand of electricity in the building of CEAFA. Moreover,

the researchers expect to answer the problems regarding on the power outages and

limited source of supply of energy in generating electricity using alternative sources like

solar energy.
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |4
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

Objective of the Study

The main objective of the study is to design a grid tied solar electric system at

Batangas State University Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II specifically, the project

study aimed to seek the following objectives:

1. To evaluate the present loading condition of the CEAFA building

2. To present and propose site and site development plan

2.1 Site plan consideration and requirements

2.2 Vicinity map

2.3 Site development plan

3. To determine the grid tied solar electric system capacity and electrical

design plan layouts

3.1 Solar electric system capacity

3.2 Model and Number of solar panels

3.3 Size of inverter

3.4 Protective device

4. Present the economic analysis to determine the

4.1 Rate of Return

4.2 Net Present Value (NPV)

Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |5
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

4.3 Payback Period

4.4 Capital Expenditures

4.5 Operating Expenditures

5. Design a project construction execution plan with suitable quality control

and risk management.

Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |6
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

Conceptual Framework

Project study is an essential medium of progress both as a means to initiate

profitable projects for sectoral enhancement and expansion. The applicability of

different programs paved the way for identification of profitable, realistic and workable

projects.

The applicability of the project will be examined through further research, leading

to a pre-feasibility study, then to a project study and will be evaluated in terms of

optimality, practicality, potential and growth for presentation to investors.

The proposed project will focus on the design of a solar power that would supply

and provide electricity in a Building covered in the study. It deals with the assessment of

the energy consumption and the demand of supply in the said area.

The data and information that will be obtained from different institutions and

some sectors of the government will help the researchers in the preparation of the plans

and specifications of the proposed grid tied solar electric system for CEAFA building.
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |7
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

Moreover, the researchers expect to help different government sectors through

this research. The paradigm of this study is best expressed in the conceptual framework

shown in Figure 1.1.

Input Process Output

To evaluate the Demand Study

present loading • Present
condition of the • Projected
CEAFA building
Technical
Requirements

Research on Project • Solar electric

Applicability System capacity Proposed Grid Tied
• Model and Solar Electric System
Number of Solar in Batangas State
Panels to be University Gov.
Used Pablo Borbon Main II
Project Design – CEAFA Building
Requirements and • Size of Inverter
Considerations • Protective Device
• PEC
• NEMA Economic Analysis
• IEEE • Rate of Return
• LEED
• Net Present
Value (NPV)
• Payback Period
• Capital
Expenditures
• Operating
Expenditures

Figure 1.1 the Paradigm of the Study

The research paradigm comprises input, process and output elements. The input

element includes recommendation of location for the construction of the Grid Tied Solar
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |8
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

Electric System, research on project applicability, general requirement design and

considerations from various electrical codes.

The process includes the determination of Solar electric system capacity, size of

inverter, protective device and model and number of solar panels to be used, and

presentation of economic analysis to determine the rate of return, net present value,

payback period, capital expenditures and operating expenditures.

The output of this project study is the proposed grid tied solar electric system that

when constructed and operated will supply electricity to the building of College of

Engineering Architecture and Fine Arts (CEAFA).

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The research study will propose a grid tied solar electric system to be

constructed at Batangas State University Main II- CEAFA building. The researchers will

conduct various activities such as site selection, feasibility and financial studies,

preparation of electrical plans, preparation of cost estimate and other documents

pertaining to design works. The study will cover review and evaluation of the national

and local development programs and studies, project selection and identification, pre-

feasibility study and knowledge on conceptual and research literatures, general design

and considerations and provisions from various electrical codes. It also includes the

determination of present and projected demand, preparation of electrical plans and

specifications, estimating the project cost and identifying socio-economic benefits. The

output of the study is an electrical plan and specifications for a Grid Tied Solar Electric
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |9
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

System that when constructed and operated will supply electricity to the building of

College of Engineering Architecture and Fine Arts (CEAFA).

Specifically, the research study is delimited on small scale purpose only. The

project study is limited to the conditions present at Batangas State University Main II-

CEAFA building. Also it is limited to the design of a grid tied solar electric system only

and the development is not part of the study.

Significance of the Study

Demand in energy is continuously rising and electricity is one of the essential

components in order to obtain further development.

The result of the study would be important to the improvement and/or

development of the following sectors:

Batangas State University Main II-CEAFA Building. The main beneficiaries of

the study are the students and worker of the building covered in the study. Every rooms

will be assured of enough supply of low cost electricity. Solar power is completely

natural and considered a clean and reliable energy source. Solar power systems

harness energy from the sun and transform it to electricity. With the use of solar power

systems, the renewable nature of solar PV technology, tax incentives and low system

maintenance make solar panel system a good investment for both residential and

commercial where electricity is in demand. They create no pollution or wasteful

byproducts and they will benefit the entire planet by limiting the emission of greenhouse
Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |10
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

gases that causes global warming. Hence, reduces the amount people spend on paying

utility bills.

Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). It is anticipated that the use of solar

power will reduce the power outages and the demand of electricity. It will result to

minimal needs of supply from different power plants and lessen the expenses in

providing power supply in rural areas.

Electrical Engineering Students. The study will provide the practical aspect of

learning in the science of electrical engineering. This will help them understand the

principle and concept of solar power generation as means to produce electricity.

Researchers. This will help the researcher enhance their full abilities and

potential as future engineers. This will serve as another foundation of their knowledge

and learning experience. The procedures used in the study may serve as a frame of

reference when they embark on a similar study.

Future Researchers. This will serve as their basis in conducting future

researches and come up with new ideas and design in developing a solar power plant.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally for clear understanding of the

study:

Electricity Generation. Defined as electricity generated from fossil fuels, nuclear

power plants, hydro power plants (excluding pumped storage), geothermal systems,

solar panels, biofuels, wind, etc. [1]

Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |11
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

Flat Plate. A type of solar collector consisting of a series of flat glass or plastic

plates with black metal surfaces that absorb solar energy. [2]

Fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil or natural gas,

formed from the remains of dead plants and animals. [3]

Grid-tie inverter. converts direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC)

suitable for injecting into an electrical power grid, normally 120V RMS at 60Hz or 240V

RMS at 50 Hz. Grid-tie inverters are used between local electrical power

generators: solar panel, wind turbine, hydro-electric, and the grid.[4]

Grid-tied Electrical System. Also called tied to grid or grid tie system, is a semi-

autonomous electrical generation or grid energy storage system which links to the

mains to feed excess capacity back to the local mains electrical grid. When insufficient

electricity is available, electricity drawn from the mains grid can make up the shortfall.

Conversely when excess electricity is available, it is sent to the mains grid. [5]

Net Metering. A system in which solar panels or other renewable energy

generators are connected to a public-utility power grid and surplus power is transferred

onto the grid, allowing customers to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility. [6]

Panel. A collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired and

designed to provide a field-installed unit. [7]

Passive solar. Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the

heating and cooling of living spaces. In this approach, the building itself or some

element of it takes advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials and air

Design of a Grid tied Solar Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background |12
Electric System At Batangas State University
Gov. Pablo Borbon Main Campus II, Alangilan, Batangas City
Bolia, M.A., Hermosa, J.C., Julongbayan, J.D.

created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple, have few moving parts,

and require minimal maintenance and require no mechanical systems. [8]

Photovoltaic cell. is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly

into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, which is

a physical and chemical phenomenon. It is a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a

device whose electrical characteristics, such as current, voltage, or resistance, vary

when exposed to light. Solar cells are the building blocks of photovoltaic modules,

otherwise known as solar panels. [9]

Photovoltaic Module or Photovoltaic Panel. A packaged interconnected

assembly of photovoltaic system to offer electricity for commercial and residential

applications. [10]

Solar Concentrators. One or more mirrors or lenses that collect (focus) solar

rays to increase the intensity of solar radiation. [11]

Solar Energy. Radiant light and heat from the sun that is harnessed using a

range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaic, solar thermal

energy, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis. It is an important source of

renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar

or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it

into solar power. [12]

Surge Arrester. Is a device to protect electrical equipment from over-voltage

transients caused by external (lightning) or internal (switching) events. [13]