Solar energy systems that power health clinics include multiple components that health clinic operators need to understand.

Energy systems are composed of multiple components that act in concert. The act of designing an energy system is largely sizing the different components, such as the batteries and photovoltaic (PV) arrays, in relation to each other. PV systems are a renewable energy generation technology; other renewable technologies include wind, micro-hydro, biogas, and biomass gasification. For wind and solar power, battery storage is critical to meeting health-care facility demand when generation drops. Batteries can also be useful for biogas, biomass, or diesel generator–based energy systems by increasing generator loading and efficiency and enabling generator shutdown when loads and generator efficiency are low.

Remote monitoring is a critical function that requires specialized data-logging and communication hardware that a designer has to appropriately specify for an energy system. If health-care facility owners want to assess energy system performance and evaluate the suitability of the energy system’s design, they must understand the capabilities and limitations of remote monitoring.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a commercial product that couples a battery system with critical loads to bridge intermittent grid power. It uses grid power to simultaneously power loads and charge built-in batteries, and if grid power drops, the UPS seamlessly switches the loads to battery power. While the main component of a UPS is a battery bank, the UPS serves more functions than the battery banks used in a solar or wind system. For on-grid health-care facilities, it is worthwhile to understand the capabilities of UPS systems to evaluate if they are an economic alternative to backup generator sets.

  • Energy System Components

    Batteries and Battery Management

    Batteries provide backup power during gaps in electricity generation. They are critical for some energy systems but are expensive and may require maintenance or replacement. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Generators

    Health-care facilities commonly use generators to provide either primary or backup power. While convenient, they require regular maintenance and access to a reliable fuel supply. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Inverters

    Since batteries and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules produce direct current (DC) power and most common electrical devices require alternating current (AC) power, power inverters are used to convert DC power to AC power. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

    PV systems generate electricity from sunlight collected by solar panels. This energy can be used directly or stored in batteries. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Remote Monitoring

    Remote monitoring of health facility power installations increases the speed, effectiveness, and value of maintenance activities. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Uninterruptible Power Supplies

    Uninterruptible power supplies provide backup power, protecting equipment from damage in the event of grid power failure. Learn more

  • Energy System Components

    Wind Turbines

    Wind turbine systems can yield lower electricity costs than PV generation systems despite their higher maintenance costs, but identifying a suitable wind site is significantly more complicated. Learn more

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Energy System Components
Energy System Components
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