Engineering Orientation Solar Experiment

The Green Smart Factory - “Saving money and keeping the environment safe by thinking

smart”Team #4:

Alviz, CatherineCastano, AndresLezcano, HanselPolanco, VictorSousa, Carlos

Experiment Mentor: Prof. Wilmer ArellanoSenior Design Mentor: Dr. Osama Mohammed

OUTLINE• Introduction• Senior Design Project• Definition of a PV System• Types of PV Systems• Arduino kit• Sample circuit• Microcontroller – algorithm explanation• Relay operation explanation• Live demonstration

Catherine Alviz

• Electrical Engineering Major specializing in Microcomputers

• Work experience in design, maintenance, and assemblage

of electronic equipment

Andres Castano

• Electrical Engineering Major specializing in Control Systems

• Focus on the control design, and has experience in PV

installation and design, fire suppression controls systems

Hansel Lezcano

•Computer Engineering Major

• Responsible for all the Matlab programming inside

the controller

Victor Polanco

• Electrical Engineering Major specializing in Power Systems

• Confronts all energy related problems

• Electrical Technician experience

Carlos Sousa

• Electrical Engineering Major specializing in Power Systems

• Team Leader

• Experience in assembly of Mechanical equipment

TEAM MEMBERS

• Original project from an innovative ideas – improvement/different approach to existing design

• Research, design, and implementation throughout two semesters (or one, depending on major)

• Working in teams and managing time properly are the key

• Platform for new inventions and excellent way to showcase the leadership and technical qualities of the FIU student population

SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT

• Development of an Energy Management System

• Two sources: solar and utility

• Multiple loads: motors, and lighting

• Renewable source will be used when utility rates are high

• Goal is to reduce electricity costs without disturbing the loads

• Vital aspects of our Senior Design Project:

– Multidisciplinary collaboration and successful teamwork– Developing a plan of action– Detailed research of the topic– Work with anticipation!

THE GREEN SMART FACTORY

WHAT IS A PV SYSTEM?• A photovoltaic system is a system which uses one

or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.

• It consist of multiple components, including:- PV modules- Mechanical and electrical

connections- Mountings - Means of regulating and/or

modifying the electrical output.

Figure 1 – Grid Connected PV System

TYPES OF SILICON-BASED PV PANELS 1. Monocrystalline

• Cells cut from a single crystal of silicon

• They are a slice of crystal indeed

• In appearance, it will have a smooth texture and you will be able to see the thickness of the slice.

• Most efficient and the most expensive to produce.

• Rigid and must be mounted in a rigid frame to protect them.

2. Policrystalline

• Cells are effectively a slice cut from a block of silicon

• Large number of crystals

• Speckled reflective appearance

• Less efficient and less expensive than monocrystalline cells

• Rigid frame needed

TYPES OF SILICON-BASED PV PANELS - 2

3. Amorphous cells

• They are assembled by placing a thin film of amorphous (non crystalline) silicon onto a wide choice of surfaces

• Least efficient / least expensive

• Flexible

• Power output reduces over time, particularly during the first few months, after which time they are basically stable

• The quoted output of an amorphous panel should be that produced after this stabilization

TYPES OF SILICON-BASED PV PANELS - 3

Figure 3 – Old house renewed with solar panels

Figure 2 – Photovoltaic Power Station in Germany

ARDUINO KIT • Is an open-source single-board

microcontroller

• Easily implemented in various multidisciplinary projects

• Programmed using language similar to C++

• Detailed explanations are provided for each exercise

• Vital to understand the operation of a microcontroller and how it can operate certain components!

Figure 4 – Size of Arduino Board

SAMPLE EXERCISE • Two sources will be used –

solar panel and battery

• Microcontroller will switch from one to another depending on which is generating higher voltage

• Relay will perform switching operation Figure 5 – Circuit assembly

MICROCONTROLLER PROGRAMMING

1. analogRead()• The analogRead() method reads the value of an

analog input pin. • Possible values range is 0-1023, where 0 is 0 volts

and 1023 is 5 volts.

2. if (conditional) and ==, !=, <, > (comparison operators)

• if, which is used in conjunction with a comparison operator, tests whether a certain condition has been reached, such as an

input being above a certain number.

The format for an if test is:

WHAT’S A RELAY?• Is an electrically operated switch

• Used to control different loads or sources with a single circuit

• Various types – DPDT to be used in this sample exercise

Figure 6 – DPDT Relay Figure 7 – Wiring Diagram of DPDT

CIRCUIT SCHEMATIC

SUMMARY• SD project – final step in the pursue of your degree

• Teamwork, organization, and communication are key!

• PV Systems are growing throughout the industry

• Monocristallyne, policristallyne, and amorphous panels

• Sample assignment includes Microcontrollers, Transistors, and Motors – some of the most frequently used components in a Senior Design Project