Solar Power

Solar photovoltaic energy is a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases. It generates electricity (on-site production), which helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This energy can also be used in portable or onboard systems, combined with storage solutions as needed.

This course unit:

• Will provide the scientific knowledge 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 solutions based on photovoltaic systems that enable energy savings and a certain degree of autonomy depending on the situation.
• Will define the architectures, control, and operation of ground-based and space-based photovoltaic power generation systems.
• Will introduce the study of photovoltaic projects, resources, regulations, and the challenges of connecting to the power grid.

An environmental perspective that takes into account the overall impact of photovoltaic energy on the energy transition will be presented, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages compared to other energy sources, whether intermittent or not.

Practical exercises will be used to illustrate the key concepts introduced during the lectures in this course. This topic may be proposed as a Master’s 2 project.

The ultimate goal for students, upon completion of the course and the practical assignments, is to be able to meet a set of specifications and design a photovoltaic system that meets those specifications.

Students will be able to find employment in engineering firms or research laboratories working in the field of photovoltaic energy.

He will be able to explain how a photovoltaic system works and describe its characteristics for the production of electrical energy.

He or she will be able to select components and size a ground-based photovoltaic system (off-grid site, pumping system, grid-connected system—with or without backup power—or self-consumption) or a space-based system (satellite, rover, etc.). He or she will also be able to contribute to the design of space systems, such as satellite onboard power systems, taking into account the specific requirements of this field.

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

Their knowledge will include the sizing and selection of energy storage technologies when necessary.

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

General concepts in physics, elementary electrical engineering, basic mathematics, efficiency calculations, and elementary power electronics

Recommended prerequisites*:

Have completed the UE HAE706E course, “Energy Conversion Systems,” as part of the EEA Master’s 1 program

Have completed the UE HAE804E course, “Renewable Energy—Smart Grids,” as part of the first year of the EEA master’s program in the Electrical Energy, Environment, and System Reliability track.

A final exam for the Written and Practical Work sections.

1. Photovoltaic energy. Photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic systems (ground-based, onboard, space-based, etc.). Modeling and simulation.
2. Energy Storage and Photovoltaics. Battery and Charger Technologies. Space Technology. Modeling and Simulation.
3. Photovoltaic energy management for on-ground electricity generation. Architectures of photovoltaic panels and generators. Power converter architectures. Methods and algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Technologies—equipment and protective devices.
4. Photovoltaic Design and Planning. Case Study: Sizing (software, etc.). Regulations Governing Intermittent Power Generation. Issues Related to Grid Connection. Self-Consumption, Off-Grid Sites, Pumping. Simulation. Carbon Footprint and Eco-Design

CM: 9:00 p.m.

 Practical Training: 12:00 p.m.