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The Study of Solar Power Air Compressors325.2 Assessment of energy and cost for running an air compressor with solarenergy The cost for running the same 1 HP motor air compressor with solar energy is as follows:To runa 1 HP air compressor, we need to have an array of solar panels that can generate 1kilowatt of

electrical energy, i.e., 1250 Watts of electrical energy.We know that cost of solar power in India

is very high (whole sale price is1$/watt in U.S.A)i.e., aboutRs. 85/watt.Hence, to run an air compressor of 1 HP we need 1000 watts of solar panels that will costaboutRs.1,02,000/-.In addition to this cost, we need to have a solar power plant that consistsof battery bank, solar

charge controller and inverter for A.C air compressors. This will makethe total investment to

aboutRs.1,40,000/-.The payback period for this compressor will be as follows

As the air compressor does not require any maintenance cost for a period of 20-25years, the

savings will be as follows:If we consider that the solar plant will work for 25 years, then the

electricity bill willbe saved for only 20.93 years since we have to subtract the paybackperiod.Savings are calculated as follows:

5.3 Advantages of solar power air compressor

Solar power can be useful in such industrial applications where small kilowatt energyis required.

The most common application of this technology is the common or garden aircompressor.

Solar power air compressors are used in the regions where gas and oil companies drillis remoteand does not have a reliable source of power.

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The Study of Solar Power Air Compressors33

Solar energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas oil and coal) and sustainable, helping toprotect ourenvironment.

Low / no maintenance.

Reduces dependence on centralized sources of energy.5.4 Limitations of solar power air compressor

High initial cost.Photo-voltaic arrays are not easily available.

High capacity DC motors cannot be manufactured easily.

Using an inverter incurs some loss of energy due to conversion of DC to AC.

Solar charge controllers involve complicated circuits management.With rising energy costs and more awareness of the need to be environmentally

friendly,companies and individuals are beginning to utilize the solar power air compressor.

The Study of Solar Power Air Compressors34Bystudying Solar Power Air Compressor, it is clear that solar power air compressorsare the application of solar power technology topower the compressing of air that powers adrill or other device. It is the classic theory of

conservation of energy, where one form of energy is transformed into another.These systems

provide a dependable source of pneumatic power for use in remote areas.They include high

efficiency photovoltaic modules, long life batteries and heavy duty steelconstruction for rugged,reliable service.

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Can be used in Turbo charging of automobile engines.

This technology can be used to supply the compressed air to the pneumatic tools inany small or

even medium scale workshops.Applying this photo-voltaic compressor technology in modern construction may helpto provide

refrigeration effect, i.e., Air Conditioning to the rooms of the building.

This may also be helpful in pumping up the water to higher elevation by usingsubmersible water

pumps which in turn work on the same principle of centrifugal aircompressor. CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION

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