Solar cell laboratory
Solar cell laboratory
The Solar Energy Systems Laboratory consists of two educational platforms based on the operational principles of solar energy systems. The first platform includes four 25-W photovoltaic (PV) panels along with two 50-W batteries. This platform is capable of simulating both on-grid and off-grid solar energy systems. Solar irradiance can be utilized either directly from natural sunlight or simulated using four projectors installed on the platform, allowing controlled laboratory conditions. The platform is equipped with a charge controller and an inverter, as well as four double-pole switches and four lamp holders. The system operates in two different modes. In the first mode, the batteries are charged via the charge controller using either natural or artificial solar radiation, and the stored energy is then converted by the inverter into 220-V AC power to supply and illuminate the lamps. In the second mode, the natural or artificial solar radiation is converted directly by the inverter into electrical energy to power the lamps without intermediate energy storage. The second platform implements the same operational mechanism for a water pumping system. This platform includes two 25-W photovoltaic panels, one battery, a charge controller, an inverter, and a water transfer assembly consisting of two tanks at different elevations, a water pump, a level sensor, and water transfer pipes. Instead of powering lamps, this system transfers water from one tank to another. Using the level sensor, the water transfer process can be automatically started or stopped, enabling autonomous control of water movement between the tanks.
