DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SMART 5KVA SOLAR POWER SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY

This work is on design and construction of a 5kva solar inverter. Solar inverter converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC powered equipment. In solar inverter, Solar panels produce direct electricity with the help of electrons that are moving from negative to positive direction. Most of the appliances that we use at home work on alternative current. This AC is created by the constant back and forth of the electrons from negative to positive. In AC electricity the voltage can be adjusted according to the use of the appliance. As solar panels only produce Direct current the solar inverter is used to convert the DC to AC. Energy plays a crucial role in the economic development of any country. Factors like urbanization, modernization, and population growth have driven up global energy demand. Currently, about 65% of the world's electricity is generated from non-renewable sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil, which contribute to environmental pollution. Therefore, there is an urgent need for renewable energy sources, like solar power, which are reliable and environmentally friendly, to supplement non-renewable sources. In Nigeria, the power supply system is notably ineffective and inefficient, leading to a rising demand for clean and reliable electricity. This research aims to address this issue by designing and implementing a 5kva solar power system, including the construction of a 5kva solar hybrid inverter capable of powering a fourteen staff office. The system uses eight (8) 300W solar panels, four 220Ah batteries, a 60A charge controller, and other electronic components. After construction and installation, the system was tested and met the design specifications. Performance tests with resistive and inductive loads were conducted. When the batteries were fully charged and disconnected from the solar panels, the system provided power for 11 hours with a 270W resistive load and 10 hours with a W inductive load. The efficiency of the systems lasting capacity was 92.5% for resistive loads and 86% for inductive loads.