Q#2. Imagine a very simple, reliable solar water heater using PVs directly connected to the electric resistance heating element of a small electric water heater. The water heater is one that would deliver 2.88 kW if it were wired to normal 120 V ac.
1-sun
2
Idealized I-V curve
amps
for 1 module
0
0
volts
20
4 PV modules
R
Electric
water
heater
rated at
2.88 kW
and 120V
Suppose you have 4 identical PV modules, each with an idealized, 1-sun, I-V curve as shown above. Three ways that you can wire up the PVs are A, B, and C as shown.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Plot the I-V curves for the three combinations (A, B, and C) and decide which one delivers the most energy in a day's time. Explain your answer.