International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi, Mutiu Oluseyi Lawal, Richeal Chinaeche Ijeoma
Abstract: This study presents a blueprint analysis of a hybrid solar-inverter system designed to provide uninterrupted power to government vocational school workshops in Port Harcourt. Frequent grid outages and unreliable supply compromise hands-on training, damage equipment, and reduce instructional hours, challenges that this research addresses by combining solar photovoltaic generation with intelligent inverter-based energy management and battery storage. The paper develops site-specific system architecture, sized through load surveys of typical workshop equipment (welding machines, drills, compressors, lighting and power tools), local solar resource assessment, and operational duty cycles. Key components include PV arrays; a bidirectional inverter/charger with surge-and-islanding capability, a battery energy storage system sized for critical loads during peak outage periods, and a supervisory energy management system that prioritizes loads, schedules charging, and supports seamless transition between grid, PV and battery modes. Using techno-economic modelling and scenario analysis, performance metrics system availability, autonomy duration, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and payback period are evaluated under Port Harcourt’s irradiance and tariff conditions. Results indicate that a properly sized hybrid solution can achieve >99% uptime for critical workshop operations, reduce energy expenditures, and extend equipment life by smoothing supply disturbances. Sensitivity analysis shows that battery cost and duty-cycle demand are the most influential variables on financial viability. The blueprint also outlines installation best practices, safety and grounding considerations for educational environments, routine maintenance schedules, and guidelines for integrating the system into vocational curricula as a live teaching resource. The proposed blueprint offers a scalable, replicable model for other government training institutions aiming to improve practical training continuity, build local technical capacity, and progress toward resilient educational infrastructure.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17325762
