Computer Controlled Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit (EESFC)

1. EESFC. Unit:

• The “EESFC” unit is a computer controlled unit for the study of the conversion of solar energy into electric energy.
• Anodized aluminum frame and panels made of painted steel.
• The unit includes wheels to facilitate its mobility.
• Main metallic elements made of stainless steel.
• Diagram in the front panel with distribution of the elements similar to the real one.

The unit includes:

• Two photovoltaic solar panels (polycrystalline).
• Solar simulator.
• Ventilation system, computer controlled, that allows to analyze the temperature influence on the unit operation.
• DC load and battery charger regulator.
• Auxiliary battery charger.
• Battery.
• DC loads module.
• Sensors.
• The connection of solar panels in parallel or series, the measurement of the voltage and the current before or after the regulator and the regulation of the light intensity of lamps of the two independent circuits are computer controlled.
• The unit includes four blinds to reduce a direct visual contact with the halogen lamps and to reduce the direct contact with the photovoltaic solar panels when the unit is working.

The complete unit includes as well:

• Advanced Real-Time SCADA.
• Open Control + Multicontrol + Real-Time Control.
• Specialized EDIBON Control Software based on LabVIEW.
• National Instruments Data Acquisition board.
• Calibration exercises, which are included, teach the user how to calibrate a sensor and the importance of checking the accuracy of the sensors before taking measurements.
• Projector and/or electronic whiteboard compatibility allows the unit to be explained and demonstrated to an entire class at one time.
• Capable of doing applied research, real industrial simulation, training courses, etc.
• Remote operation and control by the user and remote control for EDIBON technical support, are always included.
• Totally safe, utilizing 4 safety systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Software).
• Designed and manufactured under several quality standards.
• Optional ICAI software to create, edit and carry out practical exercises, tests, exams, calculations, etc. Apart from monitoring user’s knowledge and progress reached.
• This unit has been designed for future expansion and integration. A common expansion is the EDIBON Scada-Net (ESN) System which enables multiple students to simultaneously operate many units in a network.

2. EESFC/CIB. Control Interface Box.
3. EESFC/CCSOF. Computer Control + Data Acquisition + Data Management Software.
4. Cables and Accessories, for normal operation.
5. Manuals: This unit is supplied with 8 manuals. Required services, Assembly and Installation, Interface and Control software, Starting-up, Safety, Maintenance, Calibration and Practices manuals.

EXERCISES AND PRACTICAL POSSIBILITIES TO BE DONE WITH THE MAIN ITEMS

1. - Identification and familiarization with all components of the unit and how they are associated with its operation.
2. Determination of the solar panel characteristic parameters.
3. Study of the materials that make up the solar cell.
4. Study of the p and n sides of a solar cell.
5. Study of the I-V and P-V curves.
6. Study of the inverse current or the saturation current.
7. Study of V, I and W according to different loads.
8. Measurement of the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current for a solar panel with load.
9. Measurement of the maximum power for a solar panel with load.
10. Study of the relationship between power generated and solar radiation power.
11. Study of the solar panel maximum power.
12. Study of the influence of temperature on the solar panel opencircuit voltage.
13. Determination of the photo-conversion efficiency.
14. Study of the efficiency of the solar panels connected in parallel.
15. Study of the efficiency of the solar panels connected in series.
16. Study of the efficiency, depending on the temperature, of the photovoltaic system connected in parallel.
17. Study of the operation of the photovoltaic generation system supplying power to different DC loads without an auxiliary battery.
18. Study of the photovoltaic power generation system operation with an auxiliary battery and supplying different DC/AC loads.
19. Study of the operation of the photovoltaic system in series/ parallel with connection of different loads and without the support of the storage battery.
20. Study of the operation of the photovoltaic system in series/ parallel with connection of different loads DC and with the support of the storage battery.