Photovoltaic Energy

Solar photovoltaic energy is a clean energy that does not emit greenhouse gases. It produces electrical energy (terrestrial production) which contributes to increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. This energy can also be used in nomadic or embedded solutions associated if necessary with storage solutions.

This teaching unit:

• Will provide the scientific skills necessary to understand the operation of photovoltaic energy systems for the production of electrical energy.
• Define the technologies and characteristics of photovoltaic cells, panels and generators (terrestrial, embedded, space...).
• Will define portable, nomadic energy based on photovoltaic systems allowing energy savings and a certain autonomy depending on the situation.
• Will define the architectures, control and command of terrestrial and space photovoltaic power generation systems.
• Will introduce the study of photovoltaic projects, the resource, the regulations, and the problem of connection to the distribution network.

An environmental aspect taking into account the global impact of photovoltaic energy in the energy transition will be presented by introducing the advantages and disadvantages compared to other energy sources, intermittent or not.

Practical work will illustrate the essential points introduced during the course of this teaching unit. This theme could be proposed as a Master 2 project.

The final objective for the student, at the end of the course and the practical work, is to be able to answer a specification and to design the photovoltaic system answering it.

The student will be able to work in 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.

He/she will be able to choose the components and size a terrestrial photovoltaic system (isolated site, pumping system, grid injection system with or without backup, self-consumption) or space system (satellite, rover, etc.). He/she will also be able to participate in the design of space systems such as satellite on-board networks, taking into account the specificities of this field.

The student will have knowledge of power electronics architectures used in photovoltaic production and will have knowledge of control methods for photovoltaic energy optimization (maximum power point tracking, MPPT).

Sizing and technology selection of energy storage devices when needed will be part of his knowledge.

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

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

Recommended prerequisites*:

To have followed the UE HAE706E Energy Conversion Systems of the Master 1 EEA

To have followed the UE HAE804E Renewable Energies - Intelligent networks of the master 1 EEA course Electrical Energy, Environment and Reliability of the systems.

A final exam for the written and practical part.

1. Photovoltaic energy. Photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic systems (terrestrial, embedded, space...). Modeling and simulations.
2. Storage and photovoltaic energy. Battery and charger technologies. Space technology. Modelling and simulations.
3. Photovoltaic energy management for terrestrial power generation. Architectures of photovoltaic panels and generators. Architecture of power converters. Methods and algorithms for finding the maximum power point (MPPT). Technologies - equipment and protections.
4. Photovoltaic study and project. Case study: dimensioning (software...). Regulations in intermittent production. Problem of grid connection. Self-consumption, isolated sites, pumping. Simulation. Carbon footprint and eco-design

CM : 21h

 TP : 12h