Philippine Science High School Batch 85 donates LED Lighting Retrofit and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Project to PSHS Main Campus

The alumni of the Philippines Science High School, Batch of 1985, the celebrating Jubilarian Batch for the year 2010, in recognition of the contributions of their alma mater in moulding to who they are today, under the auspices of the Wilfred and Bonnie Uytengsu Foundation, has donated to the Philippine Science High School Main Campus a LED Lighting Retrofit and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Project. The project is composed of two phases: Phase I is the Light-Emitting Diode Lighting Retrofit and Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied System Project for the Administration Building, and Phase II is the Stand-Alone, Off-Grid Solar Powered LED Roadway Lighting System.

This project was in the wish list of the current PSHS Main Campus Director, Dr. Helen Caintic, whose vision for the school is to be an environment-friendly institution showcasing renewable energy. Indeed, this project reduces the carbon footprint of the institute by 7.5tons-CO2 per year.

Spearheaded for implementation by Dr. Giselle Gervacio and Engr. Rodney Armena of Batch 1985, Brightbox Inc., represented by two other Batch 1985 alumni, Mr. Ramil Sevilla and Mr. Jason Hernando, was the implementing agency.

Phase I: Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied System

The first component of Phase I involved the retrofitting of 200pcs of LED Ecolight downlight with a total wattage of 1,000watts replacing79pcs fluorescent tubes, 12pcs CFL and 3pcs Incandescent bulbs with a total wattage of 3,198 watts. Replacement of the conventional lamps to the more energy efficient LED lamps with a lifetime of 50,000-100,000 hours will reduce power consumption by 109,000-219,800KWh.
 
The second component of Phase I is the Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied System, which is the first non-utility grid-tied system in the Philippines, consisting of six (6) Kyocera 200W solar panels and one (1) unit of 1.5KWh grid-connect inverter. This system is designed to generate 5-6KWh of power per day, and with a life-span of 30 years, the projected total generated energy by the system for the school is 54,750 - 65,700 KWh.

Sunlight is absorbed by the solar panels which then converts the solar energy to direct current (DC). This direct current then flows into a grid-tied inverter, convert it to alternating current (AC), and is then transmitted to the main utility breaker panel to be used to light the lamps in the Administration Building. In cases of overcast weather conditions, where the power generated by the system may be less than the requirement, power is still to be supplied from the utility power provider because the system is grid-tied.

Phase II: Stand-Alone, Off-Grid Solar Powered LED Roadway Lighting System

Phase II are solar-powered LED streetlights composoed of a solar module whose function is to collect and convert solar energy into electricity, a solar charge/lighting controller to regulate and control the charging and lighting operations, a deep-cycle, lead-acid solar battery to store electrical charge for night-time operation and the LED roadway light. The system provides stand-alone, off-grid power to the 30W Ecolight LED roadway light to be installed on select roadways and outdoor pathways throughout the campus.

The six (6) units dusk-dawn solar LED streetlights each consist of a solar module whose function is to collect and convert solar energy into electricity, a solar charge/lighting controller to regulate and control the charging and lighting operations, a deep-cycle, lead-acid solar battery to store electrical charge for night-time operation and the LED roadway light. Another 12 units 6-10pm (4hours lighting operation) were installed in various locations throughout the campus to light some dark areas, replacing some existing conventional low-efficiency lights as well as augmenting the lighting in some areas.

To ensure 100% lighting uptime, the configuration provides for up to five-day system autonomy. System autonomy is the capability of the setup to provide reserve power during overcast weather where solar energy collection is below minimum required level. A built-in dusk-dawn sensing function is also provided as part of the charge controller features.

The use of LED streetlamps system reduces energy consumption by 5,475KWh/year, which relates to 31,250 – 62,500KWh for the lifetime of the LED lights, which is from 50,000-100,000 hours.

INAUGURATION

Inauguration and Turn-Over ceremonies was held at the Front Lobby of the Philippine Science High School Main Campus, attended by officials of the DOST, officials and teachers of the PSHS Main Campus and the donors, Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu, Jr. of the Wilfred and Bonnie Uytengsu Foundation, and members of the Batch 1985 last August 5, 2010 .