University of Louisville
Domestic Alternative Energy Initiatives for Louisville Kentucky: STUDY 2 (Platt): Investigating the Potential for Domestic Solar Power Generation for Louisville, Kentucky
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Keith R. Mountain
Abstract
This study investigated the potential for the implementation of solar photovoltaics as a domestic power source for Louisville, Kentucky. Designed to quantify the relationships between the input of solar radiation and the production capacity of a solar panel array, the system was constructed and tested in a small residential house in Louisville. The experiment was conducted over a 34 day period from February 27 to April 2 with solar radiation measured using a standard Eppley pyranometer, air temperature by a Campbell Scientific 207 coupled temperature humidity sensor, and solar panel output measured through either voltage or amperage. All sensors were interrogated every 10 seconds with results time averaged for five minute intervals. Over the late Fall, Winter and early Spring, Louisville experiences relatively low levels of solar input leading critics to suggest that that there is an inadequate input of solar radiation to make solar power viable for the city. Despite periods of inclement weather, the system output was such that useful loads of power were generated and recovered by the storage system over the 34 day observation period. Based on the assumption that the wintertime climate conditions for the region are the least favorable for solar power generation, results from this study indicate that the potential for the expanded use of solar energy in Louisville is feasible on an annual basis.
Domestic Alternative Energy Initiatives for Louisville Kentucky: STUDY 2 (Platt): Investigating the Potential for Domestic Solar Power Generation for Louisville, Kentucky
This study investigated the potential for the implementation of solar photovoltaics as a domestic power source for Louisville, Kentucky. Designed to quantify the relationships between the input of solar radiation and the production capacity of a solar panel array, the system was constructed and tested in a small residential house in Louisville. The experiment was conducted over a 34 day period from February 27 to April 2 with solar radiation measured using a standard Eppley pyranometer, air temperature by a Campbell Scientific 207 coupled temperature humidity sensor, and solar panel output measured through either voltage or amperage. All sensors were interrogated every 10 seconds with results time averaged for five minute intervals. Over the late Fall, Winter and early Spring, Louisville experiences relatively low levels of solar input leading critics to suggest that that there is an inadequate input of solar radiation to make solar power viable for the city. Despite periods of inclement weather, the system output was such that useful loads of power were generated and recovered by the storage system over the 34 day observation period. Based on the assumption that the wintertime climate conditions for the region are the least favorable for solar power generation, results from this study indicate that the potential for the expanded use of solar energy in Louisville is feasible on an annual basis.