Design of PV Based Streetlight Using Solar Radiation Estimation Technique

In this paper, the work is based on real life problem related to streetlight installed in the remote areas. Currently available PV based streetlight is a generalized design for all locations. As the solar radiation pattern is not same in all locations, due to which currently available PV system is not able to capture sufficient solar radiation to charge the battery in all weather conditions. So, flickering of bulb can be observed during winter season and cloudy days, which decreases the visibility range, cause blurred vision and increases the safety concerns for the remote areas. The key objective of this paper is to design a PV based streetlight using monthly average hourly global solar radiation estimation technique. This method will ensure the accurate design of streetlight according to the location. In this paper NIT Jamshedpur campus is chosen for the prototype model. The value of monthly average solar radiation is calculated by using regression constant in the model suggested by Angstrom Prescott. A standalone PV system with the Boost converter is used for capturing the solar radiation with maximum power-point tracking and storing the generated energy in our designed battery bank. The system designed is according to the calculated average solar radiation for the NIT Jamshedpur campus. The proposed system is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink, and according to the simulated results the performance of system can be observed for all weather conditions.