Think about this: Many companies in the renewable/solar energy field are concentrating only on increasing the solar panel efficiency, but not about optimizing the energy consumption by electrical appliances that are going to use the power generated by the solar panels. In effect, both give the same result. Or wait. Will increasing the energy efficiency of appliances make a bigger difference?
I met Dr. R. Ramarathnam of Basil Energetics Pvt. Ltd, Chennai, India, who has introduced Super Energy Efficient Products (electrical appliances) that can utilize both AC & DC current (so that they can run using electricity from the mains and solar panels, respectively). They have introduced an Inverterless solar system that powers the above mentioned super efficient appliances. Also, the appliances are soft-starting and hence they don't require a huge amount of current during start-up.
Basil Energetics has also developed a solar controller system that alternates the power supply (to the appliances) between the mains and solar panels, depending on the amount of power generated by the solar modules.
Basil Energetics has also developed a solar controller system that alternates the power supply (to the appliances) between the mains and solar panels, depending on the amount of power generated by the solar modules.
What does all this mean for the end user?
It means, users can power (high power demanding appliances like) air-conditioners, refrigerators through solar panels, as the electricity requirement for these super efficient appliances are considerably lower than normal ACs and fridges available in the market (that are generally kept out of solar power systems).
It means, users can power (high power demanding appliances like) air-conditioners, refrigerators through solar panels, as the electricity requirement for these super efficient appliances are considerably lower than normal ACs and fridges available in the market (that are generally kept out of solar power systems).
The above photo shows the iGrid, the solar power controller installed in The Rain Center, Chennai. This controller alternates the power supply between the solar panel input and the grid input. If the solar power is sufficient, all the appliances are powered using solar panels. If the solar power is lower, solar panels power as many appliances as possible and the remaining power is drawn from the grid. If the solar panel output is nil (during nights, for example), all the power is drawn from the grid (mains).
The above photo shows iChill, their super efficient air conditioner. According to the company, their 1.5 Tonne air conditioner consumes just 900W - 1300W, while even BEE 5 Star Certified air conditioners available in the market consume a minimum of 1800 W. These air conditioners can work both on AC & DC current, hence avoiding the use of an inverter (that converts DC power generated by solar panels into AC power required for normal appliances).
The above photo shows iFreez, their super efficient refrigerator. According to the company, their 330 Liter fridge consumes 100W initially and within an hour the power consumption reduces to 70 - 40W. But even a normal 165L refrigerator in the market consumes 145W of electricity. The iFreez can also work using both AC and DC inputs.
The above picture shows a LED lamp that is inherently super-efficient and consumes lesser power than tubelights or CFL lamps. It seems, they also have LED tubelights and energy efficient fans (that consume 25W (vs) 55W for BEE 5-star rated fans).
Since these appliances consume less electricity than normal appliances, the solar power requirement (and hence the rating/cost of solar panels) is also lower. Besides, many solar power systems do not connect to/power air conditioners and refrigerators, as these appliances are energy guzzlers. But in a hot country like India, these two appliances are critical, especially in summer.
According to them, the power factor of their appliances are closer to 1 and hence the current lost (due to that) is minimum. Also, since their appliances can handle voltage fluctuations, they do not require a stabilizer, which in itself consumes some power (if present).
Batteries can be supplied (at additional cost). Otherwise, this system eliminates the batteries as well, in addition to eliminating inverters! I feel (smaller capacity) batteries maybe required to power appliances during power-cuts (In Chennai city powercut has been around 1-2 hours).
Edited to add (after receiving feedback from company officials): Back up by battery is possible and is given as add on option. Due to the super efficiency of the appliances and absence of starting current, the AH (Ampere Hour) rating of the battery comes down by as much as 67%.
Edited to add (after receiving feedback from company officials): Back up by battery is possible and is given as add on option. Due to the super efficiency of the appliances and absence of starting current, the AH (Ampere Hour) rating of the battery comes down by as much as 67%.
I feel, if this system can interact with the grid and feed excess power to it, it will be beneficial to the consumers. At present, any excess power generated, I guess, is grounded and hence lost. But connecting to the grid using smart meters depends on the state electricity policy. Right now, some pilot projects have been announced, and (hopefully) more solar systems maybe allowed to draw power from/export power to, the grid in the future.
Also, many consumers may have existing air conditioners and refrigerators. Those cannot by powered by this system. Since this system comes as a package (solar panels, controller, appliances, etc.), consumers need to consider what can be done with their existing appliances (if any).
Since this system does not supply power in the night (no sun), appliances are totally dependent on the grid. In summers, since many air conditioners draw maximum load in the nights (for residential areas), the strain on the grid is also huge which result in low-voltage scenarios. If solar power could replace grid power during nights, at least for three months in the summer, it will be very useful (both for the consumer and for the EB dept).
Also, many consumers may have existing air conditioners and refrigerators. Those cannot by powered by this system. Since this system comes as a package (solar panels, controller, appliances, etc.), consumers need to consider what can be done with their existing appliances (if any).
Since this system does not supply power in the night (no sun), appliances are totally dependent on the grid. In summers, since many air conditioners draw maximum load in the nights (for residential areas), the strain on the grid is also huge which result in low-voltage scenarios. If solar power could replace grid power during nights, at least for three months in the summer, it will be very useful (both for the consumer and for the EB dept).
If you're wondering why I didn't publish the photo of the solar panels, well, here it is -
I couldn't take a picture from the top to show you the shining blue solar panels!
I thank Dr. R. Ramarathnam of Basil Energetics Pvt. Ltd. for explaining the technical details of the system to me, and Dr. Sekar Raghavan for allowing me to take pictures of the system installed in The Rain Center, Chennai. For further information, you can contact Basil Energetics @ +91 44 43111289.
Company Website: Basil Energetics.
Company Website: Basil Energetics.
Please note: All the info given in this article is based on what was conveyed to me by the company officials. I have not verified any of the technical info presented here. Consumers are encouraged to verify the info and test the equipments (if required) before making any purchase decisions. This article is only for informational purposes and is not a testimonial to the company or their products.
