Computer Controlled Thermal Solar Energy Basic Unit

The Computer Controlled Thermal Solar Energy Basic Unit, to demonstrate solar thermal heating of domestic water in an illustrative manner.

ATENG 11501 — Computer Controlled Thermal Solar Energy Basic 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):
• 1MINI-EESTC. Unit:
  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.
• Solar panel (thermal solar collector):
  Metallic structure.
  Solar panel, made of polycarbonate, with polypropylene pipes.
  Pipes (already set) to connect the panel and the tank.
  Temperature sensors, “J“ type.
  Tank of 30 l.
• Solar simulator:
  Aluminum structure with adjustable height.
  Two solar spectrum lamps of 300 W each one.
  Lamps intensity control from the computer (PC).
• Pumping system:
• Computer controlled pump, flow: 0 – 2 l/min.
  Flowmeter.
  Flow sensor.
  Five temperature sensors, type “J“, at different points of the unit.
  The unit includes two “Venetian” type blinds to reduce a direct visual
  contact with the lamps and to reduce the direct contact with the solar
• panel when the unit is working. Unit: ATENG 11501
• 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.
  3

Complete Technical Specifications (for main items)

• MINI-EESTC/CIB. Control Interface Box:
  The Control Interface Box is part of the SCADA system.
  Control interface box with process diagram in the front panel and with the same distribution that
  the different elements located in the unit, for an easy understanding by the student.
• All sensors, with their respective signals, are properly manipulated from -10V. to +10V. computer output.
  Sensors connectors in the interface have different pines numbers (from 2 to 16), to avoid
  connection errors.
  Single cable between the control interface box and computer.
  The unit control elements are permanently computer controlled, without necessity of
  changes or connections during the whole process test procedure.
  Simultaneous visualization in the computer of all parameters involved in the process.
  Calibration of all sensors involved in the process.
  Real time curves representation about system responses.
  Storage of all the process data and results in a file.
  Graphic representation, in real time, of all the process/system responses.
  All the actuators’ values can be changed at any time from the keyboard allowing the
  analysis about curves and responses of the whole process.
  All the actuators and sensors values and their responses are displayed on only one screen in the
  computer.
  Shield and filtered signals to avoid external interferences.
  Real time computer control with flexibility of modifications from the computer keyboard
  of the parameters, at any moment during the process. MINI-EESTC/CIB
  Real time computer control for pumps, compressors, heating elements, control valves, etc.
  Real time computer control for parameters involved in the process simultaneously.
  Open control allowing modifications, at any moment and in real time, of parameters involved in the
  process simultaneously.
  Three safety levels, one mechanical in the unit, another electronic in the control interface and
  the third one in the control software.
• 3 DAB. Data Acquisition Board:
  The Data Acquisition board is part of the SCADA system.
  PCI Express Data acquisition board (National Instruments) to be placed in a computer slot. Bus
  PCI Express.
• Analog input:
  Number of channels= 16 single-ended or 8 differential. Resolution=16 bits, 1 in 65536.
• Sampling rate up to: 250 KS/s (kilo samples per second).
• Input range (V)=±10 V. Data transfers=DMA, interrupts, programmed I/0. DMA channels=6.
• Analog output:
  Number of channels=2. Resolution=16 bits, 1 in 65536.
• Maximum output rate up to: 900 KS/s.
• Output range (V)=±10 V. Data transfers=DMA, interrupts, programmed I/0. DAB
• Digital Input/Output:
• Number of channels=24 inputs/outputs. D0 or DI Sample Clock frequency: 0 to 100 MHz.
• Timing: Number of Counter/timers=4. Resolution: Counter/timers: 32 bits.
  The Data Acquisition board model may change at any moment, providing the same or better
  features than those required for the unit.
  4 MINI-EESTC/CCSOF. Computer Control + Data Acquisition + Data Management
• Software:
  The three softwares are part of the SCADA system.
  Compatible with actual Windows operating systems. Graphic and intuitive simulation of the
  process in screen. Compatible with the industry standards.
  Registration and visualization of all process variables in an automatic and simultaneous way.
  Flexible, open and multicontrol software, developed with actual windows graphic systems,
  acting simultaneously on all process parameters.
  Management, processing, comparison and storage of data.
  Sampling velocity up to 250 KS/s (kilo samples per second).
  Calibration system for the sensors involved in the process.
  It allows the registration of the alarms state and the graphic representation in real time.
  Comparative analysis of the obtained data, after the process and modification of the conditions
  during the process.
  Open software, allowing the teacher to modify texts, instructions. Teacher’s and
  student’s passwords to facilitate the teacher’s control on the student, and allowing the access MINI-EESTC/CCSOF
  to different work levels.
  This unit allows the 30 students of the classroom to visualize simultaneously all the results
  and the manipulation of the unit, during the process, by using a projector or an electronic
  whiteboard.
  5 Cables and Accessories, for normal operation.
• 6Manuals:
• This unit is supplied with 8 manuals: Required services, Assembly and Installation, Interface and
  Control software, Starting-up, Safety, Maintenance, Calibration & Practices manuals.
• References 1 to 6 are the main items: ATENG 11501 + MINI-EESTC/CIB + DAB + MINI-EESTC/CCSOF + Cables and Accessories +