Page 158 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

134 SOLAR POWER SYSTEM PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGIES

The batteries used for most systems are slightly different from the ones used in cars.
They are called deep-cycle batteries and are designed to be rechargeable and to pro-
vide a steady amount of power over a long period of time. In some farming operations,
solar-powered water systems pump the water into large holding tanks that serve as
reserve storage supplies during cloudy weather or at night.

SOLAR POWER IN A LARGE-SCALE IRRIGATION PUMPING
APPLICATION
A typical large-scale solar power pumping system, presented in Fig. 3.70, is engineered
and manufactured by WorldWater & Power Corporation, whose headquarters are located
in New Jersey. WorldWater & Power is an international solar engineering and water-
management company with a unique high-powered solar technology that provides
solutions to water supply and energy problems. The company has developed patented
AquaMax solar electric systems capable of operating pumps and motors up to 600 hp,
which are used for irrigation, refrigeration and cooling, and water utilities, making it
the first company in the world to deliver mainstream solar electric pumping capacity.
In large solar-powered irrigation projects, as a rule, grid power normally provides the
power to the pumps. However, in the event of power loss, the system automatically
and instantaneously switches power fully to the solar array. In keeping with the

PV ARRAY

POWER
UTILITY
TRANFER
METER
CONTROLLERS
VARIABLE
GRID TIED FREQUENCY
INVERTER DRIVE

PUMP
CABLE

WATER
PUMP
DEEP WELL, RIVER
OR CANAL
Figure 3.70 Grid-connected solar pumping system diagram.
Courtesy of WorldWater & Power Corporation.