I'm making a model of a solar photovoltaic tower for a school project. I need a way to store energy, and we thought about using capacitors (mainly because of our somewhat limited funding). The tower will have a small photovoltaic panel (around the size of a laptop keyboard with number pad) and some (around 50) quot;heliostats(just the mirrors, no moving parts). What kind of capacitors should i use? and would a capacitor bank be better? i am getting confused with all those uF, pF and can't see the difference.Thanx in advance
If you have a rechargeable AA battery (NiMH or NiCad) that might work. You're not going to get much power from that size array anyway, especially if it is not in full sunlight. A Farad (F) is ,000 times bigger than a milliFarad (mF), which is ,000 times bigger (stores ,000 times more) than a microfarad (mF). pF and nF are so tiny do not even look at them. With your size array voltage might not be a problem, but be sure to check that the voltage rating of the capacitor is less than whatever the array can make. Some people buy those solar yard lights, which seem to break often. You might be able to get some and use the contents for your project (pre-wired circuits).
You need a rechargeable battery.Those uF you are talking about are Micro farads and pf are a million times smaller,they are less than gnat-bites compared to any rechargeable battery.You can get metal/metal hydride storage batteries (about .4v)and connect them in series if the voltage you generate is greater than that or in parallel if voltage is lower.Hard to advise without knowing voltage output from your design.As to getting hold of them there are so many in use you are sure to find someone who will lend a few (I would anyway!).
