Photovoltaic Energy

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

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, on-board, space, etc.).
• Define portable, nomadic energies based on photovoltaic systems allowing energy savings and a certain autonomy depending on the situation.
• Define the architectures, control and command of terrestrial and space 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 by introducing the advantages and disadvantages compared to other intermittent or non-intermittent energy sources.

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

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

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

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

You'll 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 a space system (satellite, rover, etc.). They will also be able to take part in the design of space systems such as on-board satellite networks, taking into account the specific features of this field.

Students will be able to study the power electronics architectures used in photovoltaic production, and will be familiar with control methods for optimizing photovoltaic energy (maximum power point tracking, MPPT).

The sizing and choice of technologies for energy storage devices when necessary will be part of its knowledge.

They 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* :

Completion of UE HAE706E Energy Conversion Systems in Master 1 EEA

Completion of UE HAE804E Renewable Energies - Intelligent Networks in the Master 1 EEA course Electrical Energy, Environment and Systems Reliability.

A final exam for the written and practical sections.

1. Photovoltaic energy. Photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic systems (terrestrial, on-board, space...). Modeling and simulations.
2. Photovoltaic energy storage. Battery and charger technologies. Space technology. Modeling and simulation.
3. Photovoltaic energy management for terrestrial power generation. Architectures of photovoltaic panels and generators. Power converter architecture. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods and algorithms. Technologies - equipment and protection.
4. Photovoltaic study and project. Case study: dimensioning (software...). Intermittent generation regulations. Grid connection issues. Self-consumption, isolated sites, pumping. Simulation. Carbon footprint and eco-design

CM: 21h

 Practical work: 12h