An ice machine adapted into an autonomous photovoltaic system without batteries using a variable-speed drive

The adaptation of a commercially available ice machine for autonomous photovoltaic operation without batteries is presented. In this adaptation a 1040 Wp photovoltaic array directly feeds a variable‐speed drive and a 24 Vdc source. The drive runs an induction motor coupled by belt‐and‐pulley to an o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in photovoltaics 2010-06, Vol.18 (4), p.299-305
Main Authors: Driemeier, C., Zilles, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells
Energy
Equipments, installations and applications
Exact sciences and technology
ice
Natural energy
Photoelectric conversion
Photovoltaic conversion
photovoltaic system
Solar energy
variable-frequency drive
variable-speed drive
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Summary:The adaptation of a commercially available ice machine for autonomous photovoltaic operation without batteries is presented. In this adaptation a 1040 Wp photovoltaic array directly feeds a variable‐speed drive and a 24 Vdc source. The drive runs an induction motor coupled by belt‐and‐pulley to an open reciprocating compressor, while the dc source supplies a solenoid valve and the control electronics. Motor speed and refrigerant evaporation pressure are set aiming at continuously matching system power demand to photovoltaic power availability. The resulting system is a simple integration of robust, standard, readily available parts. It produces 27 kg of ice in a clear‐sky day and has ice production costs around US$0.30/kg. Although a few machine features might be specific to Brazil, its technical and economical guidelines are applicable elsewhere. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. A commercially available ice machine was adapted for autonomous photovoltaic operation without batteries. Using a variable‐speed drive, motor speed and refrigerant evaporation pressure are set aiming at continuously matching system power demand to photovoltaic power availability. The resulting 1040 Wp system produces 27 kg of ice in a clear‐sky day and has ice production costs around US$0.30/kg.
ISSN:1062-7995
1099-159X
1099-159X
DOI:10.1002/pip.960