Development and installation of a 1.5kVA solar-powered inverter system for a mini ICT centre

Abstract

Operation of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre relies heavily on the availability of regular power supply. Renewable energy sources such as solar power have been identified as a potential solution to shortage in power generation especially in developing countries, Electricity supply does not meet the demands of users and many rural communities remain without access to the national grid, while those connected to the national grid experience epileptic power supply. Moreover, the desire for an alternative power supply has induced a rapid growth in the number of solar power inverter building across the globe, this study presents the design and implementation of 1500VA solar inverter to cater for the electricity need of a mini ICT centre. Key components of the power supply system include photovoltaic cell, the oscillator circuit of the inverter consists of an SG3524 integrated circuit and two NPN transistor drivers powered directly by a 12V battery through a switch and two sets of IRF740 MOSFET.