The Physics and Process Control Department of the Szent István University has been dealing with the issue of researching and developing of photovoltaic systems for a considerable time. The constructed PV system is the largest currently existing construction in Hungary primarily built for educational and demonstrative purposes. Needless to say, besides the connected research tasks, these cells produce electricity as well that is fed in and used in the electric grid of the C dormitory building serving as the location of the investment.
The milestones of the investment are as follows:

• Determination/ selection of the system to be installed
  
• Selecting the location (e.g. no shadow, facing south, simple feeding)
  
• Modelling capacity of photovoltaic power station to be installed
  
• Testing measurements prior to installation
  
• Installation

TECHNOLOGY

The photovoltaic system is composed of three subsystems applying various technologies. One module is made up of 32 pieces of type ASE-100 (manufactured by RWE Solar GmbH) with a capacity of 105 Wp, and the other two subsystems are each composed of 77 pieces of type DS40 (manufactured by Dunasolar Ltd) modules of 40 Wp capacity. The total installed capacity of this system amounts to 9.6 kW with the total surface of solar cells of 150 m².

The generated energy is converted by three inverters to 230 V, 50 Hz alternating current required for the feeding in the electric network. The Constructor of this project was the Gaiasolar Ltd. The estimated amount of annually generated energy is 10 000- 12 000 kWh depending on the weather of the given year. This level did not reach 10 200 kWh in the first year of operation.

The expected lifetime of the system is 25-30 years (certain elements, for instance, solar cells come with a twenty-year guarantee).

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ECONOMIC ASPECTS

This “mini power station” was constructed within the framework of the PV Enlargement Project of the European Union. In addition to the basic financing of the EU, the project was also supported by the so-called KAC (Environmental Fund Targeted Appropriation) Program of the Ministry of Environment and Water. The necessary self-financing amount was ensured by the Szent István University - primarily by professional experts' job. The success of the EU project was also enhanced by the widespread international connections of the project leader, Prof. Dr. Farkas István department leader and university teacher.

As for the payback period of the investment, originally 15 years were defined; however this period was shortened due to the increase of energy prices taking place in the meantime.

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SOCIAL EFFECTS

At the acceptance of the system, the project received national and international media coverage both in the press and on the Internet. Since the system was put in operation the university receives visitors (student groups, expert teams) not only from the immediate surroundings of Gödöllő but also from all over Hungary.

In addition to energy generation, the mini solar power station also fulfils demonstrative, educational and research purposes. As solar cell modules are dependent on various technologies, it is possible to perform comparative measurements. The information board in the central building of the SZIU dormitory provides information on continuous operation, the amount of energy fed in the network and of the amount of related carbon dioxide savings.

On the Internet site of the system, not only the basic characteristics of the system are accessible but soon also the amount of generated energy and the level of CO₂ savings will be available.

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ENVIROMENTAL EFFECTS

In accordance with preliminary calculations (with 0.81 kg/kWh value) an amount of 8 100-9 720 kg emitted CO₂ is saved annually.

During almost one year of its operation the system produced a total amount of 10 173 kWh energy until 7^th october 2006 resulting in 8,262 kg CO₂ emission savings.

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DIFFICULTIES, PROBLEMS

As a budgetary institution, the gravest difficulty encountered was the collection of funds required for the investment.

A great deal of effort was devoted to authority licensing (compilation of designs, obtaining permits, etc.) all the more so since colleagues from the department elaborated the project in detail parallel to their educational tasks. Invaluable help was received from the University Investment Directorate partly in the above tasks as well as the adoption of the public procurement procedure.

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FOLLOW UP

The long-term plan is to possibly establish a solar collector system on the top of the building adjacent to the dormitory facility housing the already constructed system.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Prof. Dr. Farkas István department head and university professor
Szent István University
Physics and Process Control Department

Tel: +36 28 522 055
Fax: +36 28 410 804
E-mail: farkas.istvan@gek.szie.hu
Web: www.fft.szie.hu/10kW.htm

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