CAPE COAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

DESIGN OF SOLAR STREET LIGHT SYSTEM FROM UCC WEST GATE TO ELMINA

JUNCTION

JOSHUA MAWULI LORLORFA (021110006)

JAMES TORKORNOO (021110008)

A PROJECT WORK PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING CAPE COAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF HIGHER

NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND)

SEPTEMBER, 2014

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 CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION

This dissertation has not previously been accepted and is not being concurrently submitted in can

didature for any degree.

Candidate Name: JOSHUA MAWULI LORLORFA (021110006)

Candidate Signature...……………………… … Date…………………………

Candidate Name: JAMES TORKORNOO (021110008)

Candidate Signature…………………………… Date………………………….

Supervisor's Declaration

I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation of the project work were supervised in acco

rdance with guidelines on supervision of project work laid down by the Polytechnic.

Supervisor Name: MR. N.GERRAR

Supervisor Signature…………………………… Date…………………………

Head of Department Name: MR. G. AGYARE

Head of Department Signature…………………… Date………………………….

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all we thank the Almighty God for his loving kindness and guidance through our entire

program.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Nana Gerrar, for serving as our supervisor a

nd helping us through our project. We are very thankful to him for his guidance and encouragem

ent during our undergraduate studies at cape coast Polytechnic.

Finally, we would like to thank all our course mates, friends and families for their help and moral

support

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 DEDICATION

We dedicate this project first, to almighty God for his Grace upon us throughout our years of

study.

We also dedicate this project to our supportive parent, and all our siblings and cousins for their

prayers and encouragements.

God richly bless them, and also our supervisor Mr. Nana Gerrar.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Pages

DECLARATION ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

DEDICATION iv

TABLE OF CONTENT v

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Problem of Study 2

1.3 Objectives of Study 3

1.4 Scope of Study 3

1.5 Significance 4

CHAPTER TWO

Literature Review 5

2.1 Introduction 5

2.2 Types of Street Lights 6

2.3 Photovoltaic Effect/Process 9

2.4 Charge Controller 10

2.5 Inverters 10

2.6 Battery 10

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 13

3.1 Introduction 13

3.2 Research Design 13

3.3 Research Procedure 14

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT 15

4.1 Introduction 15

4.2 The Design Circuit Diagram 16

4.3 Design Components 16

4.4 Solar Lighting System Schematic diagram 17

4.5 Typical Application and setting 17

4.6 Design Calculations 17

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 19

5.1 Summary 19

5.2 Conclusions 19

5.3 Recommendations 19

References 21

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Photo voltaic cells convert solar light protons into electricity. Photovoltaic solar cells full fill

two functions photo generation of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in a light-absorbing

material, and separation of the charge carriers to a conductive contact that will transmit the

electricity. Solar cells are commonly used in remote locations where cost-effective access to

local power grids is not possible. The semi-conductor based technology, works on the

principle of photo lighting striking electrons in the photovoltaic device, providing enough

energy to cause some of them to move through the semi-conductor junction, creating an

electric “pressure” (there is an electrical in-balance with too many “electrons” or negative

charges on one side of the junction (P-N junction or P-I-N junction) and too many “holes” or

positive charges on the other side). The actions of relieving thin pressure through the surface

grids and the cells interconnect occur when electrons flow from area of too many electrons

in one cell to an area of too few electrons in another cell.

To support any application, photo voltaic systems have been despaired and adopted to operate as

direct current (D.C) mode (the natural output of photo voltaic cell and module) or alternating

current (A.C)mode (with the dc output of the module converted). These systems can vary in

complexity from photo voltaic module directly connected to a load (e.g. a water pump) with no

other component. A solar system with one module, one battery, a charge controller, a compact

fluorescent light, a grid tied system, or a high breed system with a number of generation sources.

(Wind generators, diesel generators, and micro hydro generator).

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This research on solar energy is to confidently and completely design a system using

photovoltaic (PV) modules as the energy source for the street lighting from UCC west gate to

Elmina junction. (1)

1.2 Problem of Study

Since the beginning of 2013 till date, UCC West Gate to Elmina Junction has been

experiencing a rampant black-out of its street lighting system due to frequent power outage,

which contributes to loss of lives and livelihood.

Vehicle plying that root sometimes collide into other vehicles in that area, due to the inability

to see the road properly when coming face to face with on-coming vehicles with their high

lights on. Sometime pedestrians and other road users are knocked down at night by these

drivers who at time do not see the pedestrians and the users at the shoulders of the road.

Some drivers also derail from the road into neighboring houses destroying lives and

properties due to total darkness in the area at night. Thieves bug users of the road who ply

that root at night while there is total darkness. These thieves also take the advantage to rob

drivers and passengers by crossing the road with logs to deflate their tires. In the year 2000,

it was estimated that electricity accounted for about 11 % of the total energy consumed by

the Ghana electricity Company (ECG). Ghana's electricity supply is mainly obtained from

hydro and thermal sources. Ghana also relies on some level of imports from neighboring La

Cote d'Ivoire to supplement domestic supply especially during peak hours. The electricity

supply mix in the country is expected to change by the year 2015 from the largely hydro-

based system to a largely thermal-based one relying on natural gas as the main source of

fuel. The current national access to electricity supply is about 43 % of the population.

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However, over 80 % of the domestic electricity supply is consumed in the cities and urban

towns. Hydropower and imported fossil fuel are the main energy sources used to generate

electricity in the country. There is also the potential for electricity generation from

renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and small hydro. These sources

however have not yet been exploited to any significant degree for electricity generation in

Ghana. UCC West Gate to Elmina Junction’s street lighting system also relies on these sources

of energy and as such, the problem of frequent power outage. To this effect, the need for solar

energy to support the energy requirement of UCC West Gate to Elmina Junction. There are

over 4,000 off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems installed nationwide as at 2001 with a total

capacity is about 1 MW.(3)

1.3 Objectives of Study

The objectives of this project are as follows:

1) To design solar as an alternative source of energy for the street lighting system.

2) To recommend measures in reducing energy consumption.

1.4 Scope of Study

This project work when successfully undertaken will go a long way to help UCC West Gate to

Elmina Junction.

More significantly, the work will serve as a means of introducing a new technology on the

UCC West Gate to Elmina Junction.

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1.5 Significance

This project work when successfully undertaken will go a long way to help the area. More

significantly, the work will serve as a means of introducing a new technology to the area.

This project work offers us a great opportunity to apply our knowledge in the lecture halls to that

of the industrial field.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter highlights the theoretical aspects and the related works performed by others

concerning our project. To initiate the external search literature review, we researched a variety of

street lighting circuit and compared them to narrow the search to our possible designs. Solar

energy is the light and radiant heat from the Sun that influences Earth's climate and weather

and sustains life. Solar power is sometimes used as a synonym for solar energy or more

specifically to refer to electricity generated from solar radiation. Solar radiation is secondary

resources like as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass account for most of

the available flow of renewable energy on Earth.

Solar energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends. All other

renewable energies other than geothermal derive their energy from energy received from

the sun. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending

on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use

photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar

techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces

that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar

technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies,

while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally

considered demand side technologies.

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Fig 2.1.Old, new style and solar street lamp (2)

2.2 Types of Street Lights

There are three different classifications of street light; they are Beacon, Roadway, Crosswalk

lights.

a) Beacon lights
A modest steady light at the intersection of two roads is an aid to navigation because it helps a

driver see the location of a side road as they come closer to it and they can adjust their braking and

know exactly where to turn if they intend to leave the main road or see vehicles or pedestrians. A

beacon light's function is to say "here I am" and even a dim light provides enough contrast against

the dark night to serve the purpose. To prevent the dangers caused by a car driving through a pool

of light, a beacon light must never shine onto the main road, and not brightly onto the side road.

In residential areas, this is usually the only appropriate lighting, and it has the bonus side effect of

providing spill lighting onto any sidewalk there for the benefit of pedestrians. On Interstate

highways this purpose is commonly served by placing reflectors at the sides of the road.

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 b) Roadway lights

Conventional streetlights are used instead of high mast lighting near airport runway approaches

due to the negative effects they cause.

Street lights are not normally intended to illuminate the driving route (headlights are preferred),

but to reveal signs and hazards outside of the headlights' beam. Because of the dangers discussed

above, roadway lights are properly used sparingly and only when a particular situation justifies

increasing the risk. This usually involves an intersection with several turning movements and much

signage, situations where drivers must take in much information quickly that is not in the

headlights' beam. In these situations (A freeway junction or exit ramp) the intersection may be lit

so that drivers can quickly see all hazards, and a well-designed plan will have gradually increasing

lighting for approximately a quarter of a minute before the intersection and gradually decreasing

lighting after it. The main stretches of highways remain unlighted to preserve the driver's night

vision and increase the visibility of oncoming headlights. If there is a sharp curve where headlights

will not illuminate the road, a light on the outside of the curve is often justified.

If it is desired to light a roadway (perhaps due to heavy and fast multi-lane traffic), to avoid the

dangers of casual placement of street lights it should not be lit intermittently, as this requires

repeated eye readjustment which implies eyestrain and temporary blindness when entering and

leaving light pools. In this case the system is designed to eliminate the need for headlights. This is

usually achieved with bright lights placed on high poles at close regular intervals so that there is

consistent light along the route. The lighting goes from curb to curb.

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 c) Crosswalk Lights

Crosswalk with overhead lighting, and internally illuminated overhead crosswalk signs

There are two types of crosswalk lights: those that illuminate the whole crosswalk area, and

warning lights.

In conventional intersections, area lighting is typically provided by pole-mounted luminaries.

These systems illuminate the crosswalk as well as surrounding areas, and do not always provide

enough contrast between the pedestrian and his or her background.

There have been many efforts to create lighting scenarios that offer better nighttime illumination

in crosswalks. Some innovative concepts include.

d) Illuminating lights

 Bollard posts containing linear light sources inside. These posts have been shown to

sufficiently illuminate the pedestrian but not the background, consequently increasing

contrast and improving pedestrian visibility and detection.

 Festooned strings of light over the top of the crosswalk.

e) Warning lights

 In-pavement lighting oriented to face oncoming traffic.

 In-pavement, flashing warning lights oriented upwards.

 Pole-mounted, flashing warning lights (mounted similar to a traffic signal).

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  Pedestrian warning signs enhanced with LED lights either within the sign faceor

underneath it.

In areas with heavy snowfall, using in-pavement lighting can be problematic, since snow can

obscure the lights, and snow ploughs can damage them.

2.3 Photovoltaic Effect/Process

Photovoltaic effect, process in which two dissimilar materials in close contact produce an

electrical voltage when struck by light or other radiant energy. Light striking crystals such

as silicon or germanium, in which electrons are usually not free to move from atom to atom

within the crystal, provides the energy needed to free some electrons from their bound

condition. Free electrons cross the junction between two dissimilar crystals more easily in

one direction than in the other, giving one side of the junction a negative charge and,

therefore, a negative voltage with respect to the other side, just as one electrode of a battery

has a negative voltage with respect to the other. The photovoltaic effect can continue to

provide voltage and current as long as light continues to fall on the two materials. This

current can be used to measure the brightness of the incident light or as a source of power

in an electrical circuit, as in a solar power system. (2)

2.4 Charge Controller in the solar street lighting system

Solar charge controller is a controller that is used in the solar application and also

called solar battery charger. Its function is to regulate the voltage and current from the solar

arrays to the battery in order to prevent overcharging and also over discharging. There are

many technologies have been included into the design of solar charge controller.

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2.5 Inverters in the solar street lighting system

Inverter is a critical component used in any PV system where alternative current (AC)

power output is needed. It converts direct current (DC) power output from the solar arrays

into clean AC to power the lights. In PV or solar applications, inverter may also be called

solar inverter. To improve the quality of inverter's power output, many topologies are

incorporated in its design such as Pulse-width modulation is used in PWM inverter.

2.6 Battery in the solar street lighting system

A battery has its basic component as a cell which can be defined as power generating device

which is capable of converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries can

be connected in three ways; series, parallel or series-parallel. These batteries connected are

made of numbers of electrochemical cells.

The characteristics required for a battery system to perform well are as follows:

• High cycle life.

• Low maintenance requirement.

• Reliability.

• Low rate of self –discharge.

• High discharge/charge efficiency.

• Ability to survive complete discharge.

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There are several types of secondary cells or batteries but for the purpose of this project, two

main types are to be considered. They are:

• Lead-acid cells or batteries.

• Nickel-cadmium cells or batteries.

Batteries are often used in PV systems for storing energy produced by the PV array. There

are other reasons for batteries to have plates made of lead mixed with other materials

submerged in a sulphuric acid solution. The lead oxide electrodes interact with the sulphuric

acid in an electrochemical process which is reversible. This in turn results in the flow of

electrons through the battery and into the load. The electrolyte is a solution of sulphuric acid

in water.

Alkaline batteries can either be nickel-cadmium or nickel-iron batteries. They have plates

made of nickel submerged in a solution of potassium hydroxide. Nickel-cadmium cells use a

nickel hydroxide anode and a cadmium cathode with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte.

As the cell is discharged, the anode is converted to nickel hydroxide and cathode to cadmium

hydroxide. The electrolyte acts only as the medium to transport ions and its specific gravity

remains uncharged regardless of state of charge.

The cycle life of a battery is the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged

before it permanently loses more than 20% of its rated capacity. The cycle life varies with

discharge rate, depth of discharged and temperature.

Battery size is an important factor in solar lighting system. The size of the battery bank

required will depend on the storage capacity required, maxim discharged rate, maximum

charge rate and the minimum temperature at which the batteries will be used. The storage

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capacity of a battery is the amount of electrical energy it can hold, usually expressed in

ampere hours (Ah).

When selecting battery, the following must be taken into consideration:

• Nominal system voltage

• Required capacity at discharge rate

• Ampere –hour capacity at discharge rate

• Electrolyte type, concentration

• Battery life –span

• Charge regulation requirement

Fig.2.2: Lead Acid Battery (2) Fig2.3. Solar street lamp.(4)

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter discussed the method adopted for the research, the instrument or the tool needed and

the design procedure. Methodology is the process used to collect information and data for the pur

pose of making a decision. This chapter of the study deals with the research method, procedure or

design use in collecting the necessary data and the review of the theory.

3.2 Research Design

With our work, we used verbal interviews from various offices concerned with the maintenance

of the street lights in the area. These offices were the K.E.E.A and the E.C.G.

a) Data Collection

Is the process of gathering information on variables of interest, in an established systematic, enab

les one to answer stated research question, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. In other to col

lect data and clear information, the researcher uses primary and secondary sources of collection o

f data.

b) Primary data

This is a type of information that is obtained directly from first-hand sources by means of survey,

observation or experimentation and research.

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 c) Secondary data

This is original data that have been altered or distorted. Every research is built upon what others

have done earlier. Research from books and publications on solar street lights, interviewing the

electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), K.E.E.A and some of the people leaving in the area.In the

course of study, a lot of investigations about the street light were made. These tasks were done

through research on the internet and the authorities involved. After the information had been

collected and gathered, the project would be continued with the design process. We first researched

pre-existing designs to gain an understanding of the currently available solar street lights in other

places. After completing the per-existing designs, we realized that a modification of pre-existing

one would be needed or used in our design.

3.3 Research Procedure

The procedure to our design work is as follows;

Brainstorming - is the approach used in the conceptualization stage, which will be the efforts made

to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed

by the members involved.

Feasibility assessment will be made to determine whether the project is possible or not,

Establishing the design requirements which will controls the design of the project and the

Preliminary design which will bridge the gap between the design concept and the detailed design

phase of the project.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT

4.1 Introduction

This chapter deals with the discussions and the results obtained after the designing of the solar

street lights. Solar cell produces D.C power from sunlight. Sunlight contains packets of energy

called photons that can directly be converted into electrical energy.

You cannot see the photons but they hit the cells and produce free electron that move through

wires and cause electrical current to flow. Although you can’t see the photons but you can see the

effects on bulbs. A greater amount of light available means a greater amount of photons are hitting

your solar cell and the more power you get from it.

A well designed and installed solar panel system is durable and simple in concept. It is advisable

to install the panel at a height which will be more difficult for unauthorized persons to access as

the glass covering has the possibility of breaking; hence a maintenance schedule ought to be

prepared for the system.

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Fig 4.1 Design Block Diagram

This block diagram above is about the combination of the charging circuit and

controller circuit to the load and the DC voltage source. At the day, solar panel will

get the energy from the sun and the circuit charging will control the charging rate to

the battery. The charging circuit will control the charging until the battery reaches

the floating condition that is the full condition of the battery. The charging only

occur when in the day because the solar need for the light to transfer the sunray to

the electricity. In the night condition, the circuit charging automatically stops.

4.2 The Design Circuit Diagram

The proposed circuit diagram of the design is shown below;

Fig 4.2 Design Circuit Diagram

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4.3 Design Components

Solar charge controller regulates the solar panel to charge the battery. Inverter converts direct

current (DC) of battery into alternating current (AC) and provides the power for AC load.

The core components are solar charge controller and inverter. Controller’s functions are regulating

the solar panel to charge the battery and protecting the battery from over-charging. Inverter

converts the DC power into AC power to supply the AC load.

4.4 Typical application and configuration:

AC photovoltaic system is widely used as most of our everyday use electrical appliances are AC

loads. AC system can be applied in many fields like daily household power supply, office

electricity supply and production base electricity supply etc.

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4.5 Solar Lighting System Schematic diagram

4.6 Design Calculations

The distance from the UCC west gate to Elmina junction is 7000 meters.

The intervals between each solar street light are 50 meters.

Thus; 7000 / 50 = 140

Therefore per the distance from UCC west gate to Elmina junction will be 140 street solar lights.

For our specification, we chose 150W mercury bulb with a power factor of 0.85 which gives high

illumination to be able to bright across the distance of 50meters from each solar street light.

Thus; 150* 140 = 21000W. This means the total load needed in the area is 21KW.

Since our system is a single phase the voltage remains 220V

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 Total Current required,

I =P/V Cos c

I = 21000/220*0.85

I = 112.29A

I.E.E regulations states that the contactor rating should be 5% of nominal current + nominal
current.

Thus; (5% *112.29) +112.29 = 117.9A

The contactor in the market is 120A, so we recommend 120A contactor as our switch.

Power of the solar panel

Power P = IV cos Ө

Power P = 120 * 220 * 0.85 = 20998.23W (21KW)

Typical configuration

Solar panel Battery Contactor/Switch Inverter Load(Mercury Bulb) Cable

22.44KW （12V, 100AH）×2 120A 220V 150W 6mm2

Table :4.1

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 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

The final part of this project work will highlight the conclusion of our findings and

recommendations made to the work.

5.2 Conclusions

Above all, individuals involved in this design have acquired a lot of knowledge in the solar

technology, and it’s important. Project topics such as these expose students too newly and under

developed technologies which need to be critically examined and utilized in developing countries

such as ours.

Power supply sources for domestic and commercial purposes have for long depended on hydro

and thermal technologies and it is about time solar technology is developed as a means of power

supply to ensure reliability, environmental protection, less operation and maintenance cost (zero

refueling) and other advantage that will go a long way to cut down cost and expenses made on the

power supply system that is currently in operation.

Development of the solar technology in Ghana will bring added skill to our engineers and go a

long way to reduce boredom due to working with old technology such as hydro and thermal

generation. Finally solar technology is a variable venture and government should have a critical
(4)
consideration for it.

5.3 Recommendations

Upon the research conducted on this project we recommend that polytechnic administration,

individuals and company should be encouraged to take interest in the various projects works to

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offer a means of support in terms of finance for the student so as to enhance and facilitates in the

various topics. If this is done, projects works of student can be put on large scale and made for

commercial gains. It will feather enhance research for development nationwide.

Solar power systems have endowed advantages over the other forms of electrical energy. Examples

are: high reliability, less maintenances, silent in operation, zero fuel in refilling etc. Hence there is

the need to develop and expand solar power technology in Ghana. This in tend will make

accessibility to solar systems and technology more easy and worth researching on.

The syllabus of the HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering program should be reviewed to cover

new technologies.

We also recommend that in the near future, the department will consider giving the last semester

to students to go out to the field to do more research for their project works. These we believe will

give ample time to student to pursuit their work.

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REFERENCES

(1) (14-11-2013.) .news.info/technology/solar-power/photo-voltaics/. Retrieved from

www.alternative-energy-news.info.

(2) DattarajVidyasagar. (January 10, 2012.) . Fundamentals of PN Junction diode. Retrieved

from http://vsagar.com/fundamentals-pn-junction-diode-complete-theory-diode/.

(3) www.autobatteries.com

(4) (Mar/24/2006). Energy Commission, Electricity Sector Overview,2002. Retrieved from

http://www.ghanaef.org/energyinghana/energyinghana.htm.

(5) wikipedia.org. (11-11-2013.) Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#Energy_from_the_Sun.

(6) solarPower (1995 – 2011). Retrieved from http://solarpower.com

(7) solaratlas.com (2007) Retrieved from http://www.solaratlas.com/

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