Evaluation of Solar Photovoltaic Energy Storage for Aids to Navigation.
Abstract
A detailed discussion of the U.S. Coast Guard aids to navigation application of solar photovoltaics with an emphasis on energy storage by lead-acid batteries is presented. A methodology is developed for the prediction of performance of a lead-acid battery in low-rate photovoltaic charging. Experimental results from five years of solar photovoltaic charging of lead-antimony grid batteries at various levels of voltage regulation are discussed. A two-level, two-factorial experiment with pure-lead grid batteries is analyzed. An experimental comparison is made between pure-lead grid and lead-calcium grid batteries. The results of temperature-controlled zener diode voltage regulator testing are presented. All three grid types of lead-acid batteries were found to be acceptable for aids to navigation usage with different constraints on voltage regulation and maintenance needed for each type. A final discussion is presented on the considerations for the operational deployment of solar photovoltaic-powered aids to navigation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA096476
Entities
People
- J. S. Ryba
- S. E. Trenchard
- W. R. Allen
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center