A TECHNICAL REPORTON

STUDENT’S INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S.)

UNDERTAKEN AT

STARSIGHT ENERGY
9 Ondo Street, Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

BY

EKUNDAYO MONDAY EDEKI

FTP/EEE/21/0000606

SUBMITTED TO:

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING,

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OYE – EKITI.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF A BACHELOR OF

ENGINEERING (B.ENG) IN ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

 CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that this SIWES report was written and submitted by Ekundayo
MONDAY EDEKI with Matriculation number FTP/EEE/21/0000606 to the
Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal
University Oye-Ekiti In partial fulfillment for the award of a Bachelor of
Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electrical Electronics Engineering.

Student’s Signature Date

CO- Supervisor Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date

II
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this report to God Almighty for knowledge and wisdom. Also, to my
dear wife for always supporting me. Also, I devote this report of internship report
to respectable and honorable Lecturers who have empowered me with the
knowledge I have acquired in the cause of my study.

III
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to express my immense gratitude to God for the grace and privilege to
have successfully started and completed my training program at Starsight Energy.
I am also grateful to the conceivers and management of the Industrial Training
Fund, Nigeria, for the conception and inclusion of the SIWES training program
into the university syllabus. The Electrical and Electronics Department of the
Federal University Oye-Ekiti and The Electrical and Electronics Department of
the Lagos state polytechnic has contributed immensely to the success of the
training by providing a sufficient level of education before the program's start to
aid the amount of value that I could contribute to the company.

I thank the management and staff of Starsight Energy for their willingness
and availability in providing a conducive training environment for the
duration of the program. I am particularly grateful to the CEO, Tony Carr,
the CTO, Chike Ukachukwu, the entire technical team, Adeboye Afowora,
Anthony Achi, Opeyemi Afolabi, Opeyemi Omodiale, and Mathew Dasilva
for the rare opportunity to amass such a wealth of knowledge from each of
them in such a brief period.

IV
 ABSTRACT

The content of this technical report describes exclusively the industrial work
experience and technical skills that were developed during the SIWES training
period at Starsight energy.

V
 TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 Organizational structure of Starsight Energy……………………………….………………3
Figure 3.1: A diagram showing the photovoltaic effect…………………………………….…………..4
Figure 3.2: Schematic diagram showing power flow in a typical PV power system….………..……….5
Figure 3.3: Schematic diagram of a typical grid-connected PV system……………..………..…………5
Figure 3.4: Schematic diagram of a typical DC–coupled standalone PV system………….………….…7
Figure 3.5: Schematic diagram of a typical AC – coupled standalone PV system…………..……..……7
Figure 3.6: Schematic diagram of a typical Off-grid AC and DC solar combined……………..…..…...8
Figure 3.7: Image of the PEL 103……………………………….……………………………………....9
Figure 3.8: The PEL 103 configuration
panel…………………………………………………………..10
Figure 3.9: A typical as-built Single Line Diagram of a Solar Hybrid system……………...………….11
Figure 4.1: Three-phase inverter installation and configuration systems…………..…………………..16
Figure 4.2: Parallel configuration of inverter……………………………..……………………….…...16
Figure 4.3: Inverter programming setup……………………………………………..…………..……..17

Figure 4.4: Series connection of batteries……………………………………..….……….………..…..18

Figure 4.5: series connection of solar panels with ratings to charge controller……………….………19

VI
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION.....................................................................................................................................ii

DEDICATION……………………………………………….…………………………………………..iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................................................iv

ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................v

TABLES OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………………………vi

TABLES OF CONTENTS……………………………..………………...……………………………….vii

1 INTRODUCTION TO SIWES ………………………………...………………………….……….….1

1.1 BACKGROUND OF SIWES…………………………………………………... ..................................1

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES..................................................................................................1

2.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF STRAIGHT ENERGY ...........................................................................2

2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF STARSIGHT ENERGY.....................................................................................2

3.0 INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE UNDERTAKEN AT STARSIGHT ENERGY........................4

3.1RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEMS……………………………………….………..4

3.2 ENERGY & SITE AUDIT………………………............................................................................... 8

3.3 TECHNICAL DESIGN……………………...……………………………………...………………...10
3.3 CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING.................................................................................... 14
4.0 A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE WORK EXPERIENCE.............................................................15
4.1SITE ENERGY AUDIT & EVALUATION………............................................................... ………..15
4.2 QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE………………………………………………………………….…15
4.3 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE…………………………………………………………………………15

4.4 INSTALLATION AND UNITS………………………………………………………………………15

5.1 SUMMARY OF WORK DONE …………………………………………………………………..…20

5.2 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………………..20

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………..20

5.4 REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………...…21

VII
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO SIWES

1.1 BACKGROUND OF SIWES

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established by promulgating decree No. 47
on 8th October 1971 in response to the need for capacity building of human
resources in the industry, commerce, and government through training and
retraining of workers to effectively provide much-high-quality goods and services
in a dynamic economy as ours.

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established by ITF
in 1973 to solve the problem of the lack of adequate practical skills that are
considered a prerequisite for the employment of graduates of tertiary institutions in
Nigeria. SIWES aims to be a training program that engages students of
universities, polytechnics, and colleges of technology with work experience that is
typical of what is to be expected after graduation such that they develop
occupational competencies required for the workplace and they can contribute their
quota to national, economic, and technological development after graduation.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The work experience scheme is designed to bridge the gap between employer’s
expectations and the actual performance of graduates of Nigerian tertiary
institutions through the following means: Skills Development, Practical
Knowledge, Corporate Environment, Networking, Field Experience, and Synergy.

CHAPTER TWO
1
 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF STARSIGHT ENERGY

2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF STARSIGHT ENERGY

Starsight Energy is a leading African commercial & industrial solar power

supplier, serving the financial, FMCG, healthcare, industrial, educational, mining,
oil & gas, agricultural, large-scale residential, telecoms and data industries.
Starsight has a total installed generating capacity of 48MW and an installed battery
storage capacity of 35MWh leading to a carbon reduction of 31634T. Starsight
Energy provides premier clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to African
commercial and industrial clients.

Starsight is responsible for the installation of a hybrid Solar PV – Generator

solution that ensures that the facility operates optimally while ensuring that the
diesel or gas consumption is minimal and solar consumption is at its maximum.
With over 600 sites completed and in operation since 2015, it is indeed clear that
the record of accomplishment of success speaks for itself and leads the industry.
Starsight is backed by some of Africa’s leading investors; Helios, AIIM, and the
Bank of Industry, Nigeria.

2.1.1 VISION OF THE STARSIGHT ENERGY

Starsight Energy’s vision is to provide premier clean on-grid and off-grid energy
services to commercial and industrial clients in Africa.

2.1.2 MISSION OF THE STARSIGHT ENERGY

The mission is to be established, innovative, and committed to delivering clean

commercial and industrial power. To also be One of Africa’s leading Commercial
& Industrial (C&I) solar power suppliers.

2.1.3 CORE VALUES OF STARSIGHT ENERGY

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 The values of Starsight energy are : Powered by People, Putting Our Clients First, Committed
to Excellence ,Value Driven and Rooted in Integrity.

2.1.4 Departments in Starsight energy

The departments in straight energy are: Technical design, Operation, Human

resources, Analytics, Information technology, Telecommunication, Finance,
Network operation monitoring , Sales and C&I, Supply chain, OHSE and Legal.

2.1.5 Starsight Energy Organogram

The organogram of Starsight Energy is structured as shown below:

Figure 2.1: Organizational Structure of Starsight Energy

3
 CHAPTER THREE

INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE UNDERTAKEN AT STARSIGHT

ENERGY

In proposing a viable solution to a potential client, care must be taken to ensure

that sufficient value is being added to the client. An understanding of the energy
systems design process, and the business economics is critical in meeting the
required cost savings and energy savings.

3.1RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEMS

3.1.1 SOLAR PV SYSTEMS: Solar power is the conversion of energy from

sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly using
concentrated solar power, or a combination. Starsight main generation method is
photovoltaics.

Figure 3.1: A diagram showing the photovoltaic effect

For practical use this usually requires conversion to certain desired voltages or
alternating current (AC), with inverters. Multiple solar cells are connected inside
modules. Modules are wired together to form arrays, then tied to an inverter, which
4
produces power at the desired voltage, and for AC, the desired frequency/phase.
This is the basis upon which large solar systems are built. The diagram below
shows the schematics of power flow in a typical PV power system.

Figure 3.2: Schematic diagram showing power flow in a typical PV power system.

3.1.2 Grid–Connected PV Systems.

A grid-connected photovoltaic system is an electricity-generating solar PV power

system that is connected to the utility grid. A grid-connected PV system consists of
solar panels, one or several inverters, a power conditioning unit, and grid
connection equipment. The idea behind a grid-connected system is that the PV
power supply is made a priority and any subsequent power required or generated is
requested or given back to the grid, respectively.

5
Figure 3.3: Schematic diagram of a typical grid-connected PV system.

3.1.3 Standalone Power Systems.

Standalone power systems are the power systems that are more commonly
provided by Starsight due to the desire to ensure the client’s power uptime.
Standalone systems are independent of the utility grid but can also work with the
utility grid supply. Electricity is typically generated using solar panels, inverter
and/ or a diesel generator. Storage is usually implemented using the battery bank.
The primary functions of a storage battery in a stand-alone PV system are:

Energy Storage Capacity and Autonomy: To store energy when there is excess
power available and to provide it when required.

Voltage and Current Stabilization: To provide stable current and voltage by

eradicating transient.

Supply Surge Currents: to provide surge currents to loads like motors when
required.

When battery storage is involved, two coupling methods can be used namely DC-
coupled PV system and AC– coupled PV system.

DC-coupled PV systems: In these systems, a charge controller manages the harvest

potential of the array via MPPT or PWM as well as the output of the harvested
6
solar energy. The output of the charge controller is connected to the system’s
battery bank where energy is stored for backup or off-grid use. The battery bank is
connected to a battery-based inverter which is responsible for inverting the DC
voltage to AC voltage to be consumed by the AC load site. Some battery-based
inverters can charge the battery bank in the event solar power is not available and
an AC source (generator/grid) is available.

Figure 3.4: Schematic diagram of a typical DC–coupled standalone PV system.

AC-coupled PV systems are interconnected on the AC side. In this type of system,

the grid-tied inverter is responsible for managing the harvest potential of the array
via MPPT as well as the output of the harvested solar energy.

7
Figure 3.5: Schematic diagram of a typical AC – coupled standalone PV system.

Some configurations include:

PV + Grid + Backup Generator: The primary source of power is typically the

grid source and the goal of a solution of this form is to save on the cost of
electricity from the grid. In the event of the unavailability of grid power, the
backup generator supplies power and the goal at that instance would be to save the
cost of diesel.

PV + Grid + Backup Generator + Storage: This scenario is very much like that
described above but a new source is available to provide a reference waveform to
the PV source if there is no Grid/Generator. Tis new source is the battery bank.

8
Figure 3.6: Schematic diagram of a typical Off-grid AC and DC solar combined.

3.2 ENERGY & SITE AUDIT

The first step in ensuring a viable solution is proposed to a client involves carrying
out an extensive audit of the facility. An energy audit is an inspection survey and
an analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building or facility. It may
include a process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system
without negatively affecting the output. For our solutions, an energy audit is the
first step in identifying opportunities to reduce energy expenses and carbon
footprint. The parameters collected during energy audit are: the client electrical
architecture,

Number of generators and their capacities,

The generator’s operational state, if they are synchronized (which is common in
manufacturing facilities) or run independently.
The operational voltages of the facility (medium voltage or low voltage).
The method of grid connection of the client, etc.
. After the electrical architecture is understood, the next step involves carrying out
a load analysis to arrive at an estimate for the average load the facility is expected

9
to consume. A power and energy logger can be installed to obtain electrical
parameters (voltage current, power, energy, power factor, total harmonic
distortion) from the facility over a duration of time. At Starsight, the Power and
Energy logger that is used is the AEMC PEL 103.

3.2.1Installing AEMC PEL 103

The PEL 103 is a low-cost, simple to use, one, two (split phase), and three-phase
power/energy data logger. All vital energy data is easily measured, recorded, and
analyzed. The instrument is designed to be installed inside load center panels
(including the current sensors) allowing the door to close on most panels.

Figure 3.7: Image of the PEL 103.

The goal of the device installation is to capture all the load that the facility’s
sources are supplying. After the current and voltage sensors are connected as
needed, the next step involves ensuring the connection is done in the right way by

10
connecting the device to the accompanying software through Bluetooth, LAN, or a
USB cable.

Figure 3.8: The PEL 103 configuration panel

At the end of the recording duration, which could be between 3 days to a month,
the data that has been recorded can then be retrieved and analyzed.

3.3 TECHNICAL DESIGN

The technical design is the proposed solution that is expected to be implemented.

To conceptualize a feasible solution, information is passed on from the site audit.
A technical design would usually begin with discussions around a feasible system
size.

3.3.1 Sizing a Solar PV system

The following calculation can be done to arrive at a total number of panels to cater
for the energy requirements:

N𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 P𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑠 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑘 + 0.4 ∗ 𝑑𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦

𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑙
To size a solar PV system power to the facility, this calculation is done.

S𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 − (𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ∗ 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟

𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 (≈ 0.8)

∗ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝐾𝑉𝐴))

Finally, in sizing a system, the differences between the AC and DC system should
be noted. The PV output is always in DC and the DC must be converted into AC to
be utilized in the facility. In this conversion process, there are usually losses. These
11
losses are typically captured in a quantity denoted as the DC/AC ratio. The goal in
any system is to minimize the DC/AC ratio, but a healthy ratio is typically around
1.2. This means that an expected AC output of 100KWac would usually have a DC
input of approximately 120KWdc.

Figure 3.9: A typical as-built Single Line Diagram of a Solar Hybrid sys

12
3.3.2 Project Component Selection & Cost Estimation

The SLD produced would typically include the components that had been selected
and as such, it is much easier to use this SLD to estimate the costs to avoid clear
errors. Some of the typical components that feature in projects are:

Solar panels: The solar panels is the component that harvest the energy form the
sun. A PV string is a series of connections of different panels. The total number of
panels in a single string must be chosen to meet a minimum and maximum
expected voltage reading.

Batteries: the battery stores energy for backup. The most used batteries are open
lead acid batteries due to their availability and affordability. The energy content of
the battery is based on its Voltage and Ampere hours. A battery of 2V and 1000Ah
would have a total capacity of 2V*1000Ah=2000Wh is found if the battery is fully
discharged. The total battery capacity is designed to meet the general load.

Generators: If the solar panel, battery bank is completely drained, and grid power
fails. A diesel generator is provided to cater to the peak load of the facility and this
sizing is at 80% of its peak loading. Meaning that in a facility with a peak loading
of 20KW, a generator of 20/(0.8x0.8) = 31.25KVA would be sufficient.

Inverter: Most electrical appliances require power to come in AC, or alternating

current, at 230 V while the energy sources (PV array and create power in DC,
direct current. To get the voltage right between the battery side and the household
an inverter is needed. There are two broad categories of inverters that we use:

A. PV inverters which are grid-tied inverters that convert the DC voltage from the
solar panels into AC voltage.

B. Battery inverters convert the DC voltage from the battery bank into AC voltage.

13
C. Hybrid inverters integrate the functions of both the PV inverters and the

battery inverters.

Charge Controller: The charge controller regulates the power generated from the
solar source going into the battery.

Hybrid Controller: In most cases, monitoring and controlling different energy

sources is necessary. Diesel and gas generating sets must run at some preset base
load. The controller always ensures that there is optimal energy flow at all times.
The most important data that a controller can provide is the available
communication protocols that are supported and the number of input sources that
can be configured alongside.

Cables: The necessary interconnection between these components and for final
power delivery, electrical cables are needed. These cables must be selected to meet
the peak power requirements that would be supplied. To select these cables, we use
the power equations for single-phase and 3-phase systems to obtain the expected
maximum current that would flow through the said cables.

These equations are:

𝑃 = 𝐼 ∗ 𝑉 For the DC side,
and:
𝑃 = √3 ∗ 𝑉𝐿 ∗ 𝐼𝐿 ∗ cos(𝜙) For the 3-phase AC circuits,
Where: P is the power in Watts
V is the voltage in Volts
and 𝑉𝐿 is the Line voltage in Volts
I am the current in Amps And
𝐼𝐿 is the Line current in Amps

14
cos(𝜙) is the power factor
The unknown in these equations is the current values.

3.4 CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING:

A site that has been designed and approved to be built would then enter the
construction phase. At Starsight, the construction process is outsourced to a
contractor while being closely monitored by a construction engineer. The first step
is usually to mount the PV panels. The solar racking system is the foundation that
holds the solar array in place. The mounts are used to attach the solar panels to the
roof or ground. A string of solar panels is a series of connections of the panels.
Solar panels are usually connected using MC4 connectors that have been crimped
to adequate cable size. If a storage system would be used, the storage system can
also be installed at this stage and the DC wiring completed. The PV strings are
tested to make sure they meet the minimum voltage specified by the inverter or
controller. The system must also be properly earthed, and this is tested by doing
continuity tests.

15
 CHAPTER FOUR

A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE WORK EXPERIENCE

4.1 SITE ENERGY AUDIT & EVALUATION

One of the core tasks that I carried out at Starsight was energy site audits with
members of the technical team and the report is sent to the design team for further
deliberations and indeed the final proposal.Among the sites, I audited are Access
Bank Apapa, Domino pizza Lagos, union bank, Lagos Island, and Indian language
school.

4.2 Quarterly maintenance

This type of maintenance is carried out on the installed facilities every three (3)
months.

4.3 Routine maintenance

This is the maintenance that is normally carried out every week and the report is
uploaded to the site reporting app. This maintenance involves:

Checking of Diesel generator, Checking the terminals of the AC voltage box and
DC voltage box, Checking of batteries Terminals and Remote monitoring of the
Hybrid system using the Victron energy software.

4.4 Installation systems and units

The installation of a generator, PV inverters, inverter chargers, battery bank, ac

box, dc box color GX or Venus GX, and solar panels.

16
4.4.1 Three-phase inverter installation and configuration systems

The three inverters are linked together using the cat 5 network cable and RJ 45
terminal head. The network cable is finally terminated to the color GX control
panel. The panel controls the operation of the inverter.

Fig 4.1 Three-phase inverter installation and configuration systems

4.4.2 Parallel configuration of inverters

One phase of the generator or grid is connected to the three inverters to increase
the wattage rating.

Fig 4.2 Parallel configuration of inverters

17
4.4.3 monitoring and setting up of inverter the computer and software

The computer and the software are used to program and edit the parameters of the
inverters

Fig 4.3 Inverter programming setup

4.4.4 Battery systems configuration

A battery is a source of electric power consisting of one or more electrochemical

cells with external connections for powering electrical devices. The two types of
batteries used for solar energy storage are lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. It is
normally connected in series, parallel, and series-parallel depending on the energy
needed.

Series connections involve connecting 2 or more batteries to increase

the voltage of the battery system but keep the same amp-hour rating. In
straight energy, a 48v system configuration is normally used. 24 batteries
connected in series with 2v/1000AH are normally used.

18
Fig 4.4 Series connection of batteries

The battery can be monitored and set up via Bluetooth. The Victron Connect app
provides Battery status, Battery voltage, Battery Temperature, Last full charge, ell
balancing status, Cell voltages battery settings Product information (firmware
updates).

4.4.5 Solar panels wiring

The solar panels are connected in series and parallel depending on the voltage and
current rating of the solar panel. Also, the charge controller voltage and current
ratings are put into consideration. MC4 connector is normally used to connect the
solar panel. The connection of two or more panels is terminated to the charge
controller.

19
Fig 4.5 series connection of solar panels with ratings to charge controller

20
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 SUMMARY OF WORK DONE

During my training period with Starsight Energy, I acquired both technical skills
relating to the operations carried out in the company and office skills necessary for
working with people to achieve a common goal

5.2 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I consider myself very privileged not only to have been a part of
this insightful training but also to have been attached to Starsight Energy, and
strongly believe that the knowledge and skills acquired from the company will be
very instrumental in my career, especially in the renewable and power industry.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

For students who would soon begin their SIWES, I would recommend:

➢ They focus majorly on the experience opportunity that SIWES presents to them.

➢ While on their SIWES, students should begin to identify critical problems

which plague their industry and should also begin to engage in research about ways
such problems can be solved for their final year project.

➢ The goal of any student at any company must be to add value to the missions
and vision of the company.

21
5.4 REFERENCES

C. (2019b, April 22). Keys to running your generator efficiently. CK Power.

https://www.ckpower.com/keys-to-running-your-generator-efficiently/

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, December 4). Solar power. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power

Wikipedia contributors. (2021b, December 6). Photovoltaic effect. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_effect

Documenting a Decade of Cost Declines for PV Systems. (n.d.). News | NREL.

Retrieved December 9, 2021, from
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2021/documenting-a-

decade-of-cost-declines-for-PV-systems.html

AEMC® Instruments. Power Energy Logger Model PEL 102 & PEL 103: User
Manual.

Retrieved from
https://www.aemc.com/userfiles/files/resources/usermanuals/Power-

Meters-Loggers/PEL102-103_EN.pdf

Victron energy professional

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