Photovoltaic Energy

Photovoltaic solar energy is a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases. It produces electrical energy (ground-based production) that contributes to increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. This energy can also be used in mobile or embedded solutions, combined with storage solutions if necessary.

This teaching unit:

• Will provide the scientific skills necessary to understand how photovoltaic energy systems work to generate electricity.
• Will define the technologies and characteristics of photovoltaic cells, panels, and generators (ground-based, onboard, space-based, etc.).
• Will define portable, mobile energy sources based on photovoltaic systems that enable energy savings and a certain degree of autonomy depending on the situation.
• Will define the architectures, control, and command of terrestrial and space-based photovoltaic power generation systems.
• Will introduce the study of photovoltaic projects, resources, regulations, and the issue of connection to the distribution network.

An environmental aspect taking into account the overall impact of photovoltaic energy in the energy transition will be presented, introducing the advantages and disadvantages compared to other intermittent or non-intermittent energy sources.

Practical work will illustrate the key points introduced during this teaching unit. This topic may be proposed as a Master's 2 project.

The ultimate goal for students, at the end of the course and practical work, is to be able to respond to specifications and design a photovoltaic system that meets them.

Students will be able to integrate into design offices or research laboratories working in the field of photovoltaic energy.

He will be able to define the operation and characterize a photovoltaic system for the production of electrical energy.

They will be able to select components and size a terrestrial photovoltaic system (isolated site, pumping system, grid-connected or off-grid injection system, self-consumption) or space-based system (satellite, rover, etc.). They will also be able to participate in the design of space-based systems such as satellite onboard networks, taking into account the specific characteristics of this field.

Students will acquire knowledge enabling them to study the power electronics architectures used in photovoltaic production and will learn about control methods for optimizing photovoltaic energy (maximum power point tracking, MPPT).

The sizing and selection of energy storage device technologies, where necessary, will be part of their knowledge.

He will be able to use simulation software to model photovoltaic systems with or without storage.

General concepts of physics, basic electrical engineering, basic mathematics, efficiency calculations, basic power electronics

Recommended prerequisites:

Have completed UE HAE706E Energy Conversion Systems from the Master 1 EEA program.

Have completed the UE HAE804E Renewable Energies – Smart Grids course in the Master 1 EEA program, specializing in Electrical Energy, Environment, and System Reliability.

A final exam for the Written and Practical Work section.

1. Photovoltaic energy. Photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic systems (ground-based, onboard, space-based, etc.). Modeling and simulations.
2. Storage and photovoltaic energy. Battery and charger technologies. Space technology. Modeling and simulation.
3. Photovoltaic energy management for terrestrial electrical power generation. Photovoltaic panel and generator architectures. Power converter architecture. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods and algorithms. Technologies – equipment and protection.
4. Photovoltaic Study and Project. Case study: sizing (software, etc.). Regulations governing intermittent production. Issues relating to grid connection. Self-consumption, isolated sites, pumping. Simulation. Carbon footprint and eco-design.

CM: 9 p.m.

 Practical work: 12 hours