Computer Controlled Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit

The Computer Controlled Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit, includes equipment that uses the photo-conversion law, which directly converts solar radiation into electricity. The absorbed energy is provided by simulated solar radiation, which in our case is supplied by a panel with powerful light sources (solar lamps).

ATENG 11492 — Computer Controlled Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit

(for main items)

• With this unit there are several options and possibilities:
• Main items: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• Optional items: 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
• Let us describe first the main items (1 to 6):
• 1 ATENG 11492. Unit:
  The “ATENG 11492” 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):
  Tempered glass modules with high level of transmissivity.
• Encapsulating material: modified ethylene-vinyl acetate.
• Output nominal power: 66 W.
• Area of the panel: 0.51 m².
• Maximum current: 3.76 A. Maximum voltage: 17.53 V.
• Thirty six cells, 156 x 156 mm each.
• Solar simulator composed of:
  Aluminum frame.
  Eight halogen lamps of 400 W each one, distributed into two independent voltage regulated
• circuits. Unit: ATENG 11492
  Electrically safe.
  Ventilation system, computer controlled, that allows to analyze the temperature influence on the unit
• operation, formed by:
  Four axial compact fans with plastic guards.
• DC load and battery charger regulator:
  It regulates how power generated in the photovoltaic solar panels is distributed to and from
  the auxiliary battery and to the load. A display informs about the state of the charge, operating
• parameters and fault messages. The functions of the electronic protection are:
  Overvoltage disconnection, short circuit protection of load and module, overvoltage protection
  at module input, over-temperature and overload protection, and battery overvoltage shutdown.
• Auxiliary battery charger:
  It carefully assesses the battery and then delivers the optimum charge required.
• Battery: Nominal voltage: 12 V. Nominal capacity (20 hours rate): 24 Ah.
• DC loads module:
  Metallic box with diagram on the front panel.
• Two 24 V lamps.
• DC motor: Voltage: 36 V, power: 5 W.
  Rheostat of 500 W.
• Independent connection for every load with the help of the four positions selector:
  Solar panels work at open-circuit.
  Rheostat and lamps are connected directly to the solar panels. These loads can be connected
  individually or in parallel with the aid of manual switches.
  The DC motor is directly connected to the solar panels.
  The DC load is disconnected and the solar panels are directly connected to the charge regulator.
• Sensors:
  Solar radiation sensor to study the behaviour of solar photovoltaic panels.
  Three “J” type temperature sensors to measure the environmental temperature, the temperature in
  the solar panel n° 1 and the temperature in the solar panel n° 2.
  DC current sensor and DC voltage sensor. The value of DC power can be visualized with the
  software.
  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.
  4

Complete Technical Specifications (for main items)

• The complete unit includes as well:
  Advanced Real-Time SCADA.
  Open Control + Multicontrol + Real-Time Control.
  Specialized Control Software based on LabVIEW.
  National Instruments Data Acquisition board (250 KS/s, kilo samples per second).
  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 technical support, are
  always included.
  Totally safe, utilizing 4 safety systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic & 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
  Scada-Net (ESN) System which enables multiple students to simultaneously operate
  many units in a network.