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Experiment Manual
Includes 9 experiment with step-by-step guidance
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Develop an in-depth understanding of a Solar PV plant
through a real-life hands on experience.
A B
Collapsible stand
Adustable PV Panel
Regulated lamps
Concealed meters
DC load indicator
AC load indicator
Compact Solar
Photovoltaic Module Stand
It consists of two faced Photovoltaic
panel, which can be folded and
reassembled at use. The module also
contains a uniquely designed support
stand with adjustable gears for micro-
tilting the PV panel for accurate
experiments and readings.
This module also carries two lamps which
can be regulated for variable radiation.
Main Controller
This has been designed keeping in view
the user interactivity while connecting
the terminals and simultaneously taking
the corresponding readings. The main
load indicator has been kept at the
bottom to avoid the glare in the eye
while conducting the experiments.
A B
Protective shield
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two experiments explains the working of
stand-alone PV system with either DC and
AC load. Experiment 3 explores the complete
stand alone PV system with both DC and AC
load. Experiment 4 focuses on the charging
and discharging characteristics of battery.
This experiment is about voltage and current
variation with charging and discharging.
This experimental manual is prepared
specifcally for the users of Insight Solar
PV training kit. This manual covers the
fundamentals of solar PV system which would
be helpful to the engineering students of both
undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The manual is divided in two parts.
Part I focuses on the characteristics of PV
module at diferent conditions. Part II focuses
on the characteristics of PV system and power
fow analysis.
Part I comprises fve experiments. Experiment
1 helps to evaluate current-voltage
characteristics of single PV module while
Experiment 2 focuses on evaluating current-
voltage characteristics of combination of
two PV modules in series and parallel. These
two experiments also help to evaluate fll
factor of PV module. Experiment 3 explains
how incident radiation and power output
of module gets changed with change in tilt
angle of PV module. Experiment 4 shows the
efect of shading of cells of PV module. This
experiment uses some shading blades for
shading the solar cells. Experiment 5 helps to
explains the working of diode as blocking and
bypass diode.
Part II consists of four experiments.
Experiment 1 demonstrates and explains
the power fow of PV system when DC load
connected to it. Similarly, Experiment 2 does
the same when AC load is connected. These
Insight Solar
Experiment Introduction
Introduction
Insight Solar
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Objective
To demonstrate the I-V and P-V
characteristics of PV module with varying
radiation and temperature level.
Theory
PV module is characterized by its I-V and
P-V characteristics. At a particular solar
insolation and temperature, module
characteristic curves are shown in Fig.
1.1(a) and 1.1(b) respectively.
Characteristic curves
of solar cell
In I-V characteristic maximum current at
zero voltage is the short circuit current (I
sc
)
which can be measured by shorting the
PV module and maximum voltage at zero
current is the open circuit voltage (V
oc
). In
P-V curve the maximum power is achieved
only at a single point which is called MPP
(maximum power point) and the voltage
and current corresponding to this point
are referred as V
mp
and I
mp
. On increasing
the temperature, Voc of module decreases
as shown in Fig. 1.2, while Isc remains the
same which in turn reduces the power. For
most crystalline silicon solar cells modules
the reduction is about 0.50%/C.
Experiment no. 1
Insight Solar
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1
Fig. 1.2. Variation in Voc with change in temperature Fig. 1.1(b). P-V characteristic of PV module
Fig. 1.1(a). I-V characteristic of PV module
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
0,500
0,000
00 .050 .1 0.15 0.20 .250 .3 0.35 0.40 .5 0.55 0.6 0.45
Voltage (V)
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
(
A
)
1,200
1,000
0,800
0,600
0,400
0,200
0,000
00 .050 .1 0.15 0.20 .250 .3 0.35 0.40 .5 0.55 0.6 0.45
Voltage (V)
P
o
w
e
r
(
W
)
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
00 .1 0.20 .3 0.40 .5 0.60 .7
Voltage (V)
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
(
A
)
0
45 C
0
25 C
0
T = 60 C
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Experimental set-up
The circuit diagram to evaluate I-V and P-V
characteristics of a module is shown in
Fig.1.5. Form a PV system which includes
PV module and a variable resistor (pot
meter) with ammeter and voltmeter for
measurement. Pot meter in this circuit
works as a variable load for the module.
When load on the module is varied
by pot meter the current and voltage
of the module gets changed which
shift the operating point on I-V and P-V
characteristics.
PV characteristics evaluation can be
achieved by following connections in
control board (as shown in Fig.1.6).
On changing the solar insolation I
sc
of the
module increases while the V
oc
increases
very slightly as shown in Fig. 1.3.
Fill factor: The Fill Factor (FF) is essentially
a measure of quality of the solar cell. It
is the ratio of the actual achievable
maximum power to the theoretical
maximum power (|
T
: that would be
achieved with open circuit voltage and
short circuit current together. FF can
also be interpreted graphically as the
ratio of the rectangular areas depicted
in Fig.1.4. A larger fll factor is desirable,
and corresponds to an I-V sweep that is
more square-like. Typical fll factors range
from 0.5 to 0.82. Fill factor is also often
represented as a percentage.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1
V
P
T
MP OC
P
MAX
I
MP
I
SC
I
V V
Fig. 1.3. Variation in I-V characteristic
with insolation
2
1
0
Voltage inV
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
i
n
A
00 ,1 0,20 ,3 0,40 ,5
2
1000W/m
2
600W/m
2
200W/m
Fig. 1.5. Circuit diagram for evaluation
of I-V and P-V characteristics
V
Pot meter
A
Fig. 1.4. Graphical interpretation
of the Fill factor (FF)
FF =
P
MAX
P
T
=
I
MP
V
MP
I
SC
V
OC
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
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Observations:
Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV
module :
These 4 sets are for diferent radiation
and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.
Results:
1. Draw the I-V curves of all the sets
on a single graph and show the
characteristics at diferent radiation
and temperature levels.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1
Controller connections
Fig. 1.6. Control board connections to get I-V
and P-V characteristics
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Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1
2. Draw the P-V curves of all sets
on a single graph and show the
characteristics at diferent radiation
and temperature levels.
3. Calculate the fll factor for the given
module.
Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be
taken within 1-2 minutes (for indoor
experiment) otherwise temperature
of the module may vary as radiation
source used is halogen lamp.
2. Halogen lamp position should not be
changed during one set otherwise
radiation on modules will change.
3. Connections should be tight.
Notes
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Objective
To demonstrate the I-V and P-V
characteristics of series and parallel
combination of PV modules.
Theory
PV module is characterized by its I-V and
P-V characteristics. At a particular level of
solar insolation and temperature it will
show a unique I-V and P-V characteristics.
These characteristics can be altered as per
requirement by connecting both modules
in series or parallel to get higher voltage or
higher current as shown in Fig. 2.1(a) and
2.1(b) respectively.
On increasing the temperature, V
oc
of
modules decrease while I
sc
remains
same which in turn reduces the power.
Therefore, if modules are connected in
series then power reduction is twice
when connected in parallel.
On changing the solar insolation, I
sc
of the
module increases while the V
oc
increases
very slightly, therefore there is overall
power increase. In parallel connection
power increment is twice than when
connected in series.
Experimental set-up
The circuit diagram to evaluate I-V and P-V
characteristics of modules connected in
series and parallel are shown in Fig. 2.2(a)
and 2.2(b) respectively.
Experiment no. 2
Insight Solar
Fig. 2.1(b). I-V
characteristic
of parallel
connected
modules
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2
Fig. 2.1(a). I-V characteristic of series connected
modules
Voltage(v)
Voc
I(A)
Voc
Pmax
Pmax
I(A)
Voltage(v)
Voc
Pmax
Pmax
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Form a PV system with modules in either
series or parallel and a variable resistor
(Pot meter) with ammeter and voltmeter
for measurement. Modules in series or
parallel are connected to variable load
(pot meter). The efect of load change on
output voltage and current of the modules
connected in series or parallel can be seen
by varying load resistance (pot meter).
I-V and P-V characteristics of the modules
connected in series or parallel can be
achieved by connections shown in Fig.
2.3(a) and (b) respectively.
Series connected modules
Fig. 2.3(a). Control board connections for
modules connected in series
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Fig. 2.2(a). Circuit diagram for evaluation of
I-V and P-V characteristics of series connected
modules
V
Pot meter
A
V
Pot meter
A
Fig. 2.2(b). Circuit diagram for evaluation of I-V
and P-V characteristics of parallel connected
modules
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Observations:
Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV
modules in series:
These 3 sets are for diferent radiation
and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.
Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV
modules in parallel:
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Parallel connected modules
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2
Fig. 2.3(b). Control board connections for parallel
connected modules
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These 3 sets are for diferent radiation
and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.
Results:
1. Draw the I-V curves of all the 3 sets
on a single graph for the modules
connected in series and parallel and
show the characteristics at diferent
radiation and temperature levels.
2. Draw the P-V curves of all the 3 sets
on a single graph for the modules
connected in series and parallel and
show the characteristics at diferent
radiation and temperature levels.
Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be taken
within 1-2 minutes (for indoor exp.)
otherwise temperature of the module
may change as radiation source used is
halogen lamp.
2. Halogen lamp position should not be
changed during one set otherwise
radiation on modules will change.
3. Connections should be tight.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2
Notes
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Objective
To show the efect of variation in tilt angle
on PV module power.
Theory
Tilt is the angle between the plane
surface under consideration and the
horizontal plane. It varies between 0-90
0
.
PV arrays work best when the suns rays
shine perpendicular to the cells. When
the cells are directly facing the sun in
both azimuth and altitude, the angle of
incidence is normal. Therefore, tilt angle
should be such that it faces the sun rays
normally for maximum number of hours.
Experiment no. 3
Insight Solar
The tilt angle settings for diferent seasons
are shown in Fig. 3.1. PV systems that are
designed to perform best in the winter,
array should be tilted at an angle of equal
to latitude +15. If the array is designed
to perform best in the summer, then the
array needs to be tilted at an angle of
equal to latitude15. In this way the array
surface becomes perpendicular of the sun
rays. For best performance throughout
the year, tilt should be equal to the
latitude angle.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3
Summer
Tilt angle is set
at latitude minus
15 degrees
Spring & Fall
Tilt angle is set
at latitude
Winter
Tilt angle is set
at latitude plus
15 degrees
Fig. 3.1. Tilt angle settings for diferent seasons
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Experimental set-up
The tilt angle of the module can be
changed by rotating the lever below the
module. Lit the halogen lamp and change
the tilt of the module by rotating the
lever.
To evaluate efect of tilt on power output
of the module, following connections are
to be done in the control board as shown
in Fig. 3.3. The pot meter in this case has
to be fxed at constant position so that the
efect of tilt can be seen.
Controller connections
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3
Fig. 3.2. Arrangement to vary tilt of the module
Fig. 3.3. Control board connections
to evaluate efect of tilt
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Observations:
Tables for evaluating efect of tilt: Each set
is for the diferent positions of pot-meter
but during one set its position will be fxed.
Radiation on module will be calculated
by taking an average of the radiations
recorded at three diference locations on
the module (viz. upper end, middle and
lower end).
Results
Draw the graph between tilt (as x-axis)
and Radiation and Power (on left and right
y-axis). Relation between radiation and
power o/p will be linear.
Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be taken
within 1-2 minutes (for indoor exp.)
otherwise temperature of the module
may vary as radiation source used is
halogen lamp.
2. Observations for tilt angle should be
taken as correct as possible.
3. Always take radiation reading after
module current and voltage readings.
4. Connections should be tight.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3
Notes
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Objective
To demonstrate the efect of shading on
module output power.
Theory
There are 36 solar cells in a module. These
36 solar cells are in series as shown in Fig.
4.1 which makes the module as series
connected solar cells.
Experiment no. 4
Insight Solar
These cells are in series without bypass
diode so shading of one cell will be
sufcient to reduce the power to zero.
This arrangement gives zero power if the
entire row of cells gets shaded.
Experimental set-up
There are some shading elements of the
string size which can cover the string of
module completely. For executing this
experiment, put one of these shading
elements on one string to shade it
completely. After this shade two parallel
connected strings. For conducting this
experiment do the connections as shown
in Fig. 4.2.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 4
Fig. 4.1. Internal structure of the module
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Controller connections
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Results:
1. Demonstrate the power output of
module with one string shaded.
2. Demonstrate the power output of
module with two strings shaded.
Precautions:
1. Shading of string should be exactly on
that string only.
2. Connections should be tight.
Observations:
Table for evaluating the efect of shading
on cells:
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 4
Fig. 4.2. Control board connections
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Objective
To demonstrate the working of diode as
Bypass diode and blocking diode.
Theory
Diode is very important element in the
PV system. This element can work as a
blocking diode or as a bypass diode. Diodes
connected in series with cells or modules
are called blocking diodes and diodes
connected across cells or modules are called
bypass diodes. There are two situations
where these diodes can help.
Bypass action of diode
If two modules are in series then the current
in circuit will be decided by the module
which is generating less current. Hence if
one module is completely shaded then the
current in the circuit will be zero. If there is
a diode in parallel with the shaded module
then power output of non-shaded module
gets bypassed by diode and will be available
at load terminals.
Blocking reverse fow of current from
the battery through the module at
night.
In battery charging systems, the module
potential drops to zero at night when
Experiment no. 5
Insight Solar
sunlight is not available. The battery
could discharge at night time by
fowing current backwards through the
module. This would not be harmful to
the module, but would result in loss of
precious energy from the battery bank.
To prevent the current fow from the
battery to the module at night time
blocking diode is placed in the circuit
between the module and the battery.
Circuits with and without diodes are
shown in following fgures.
Blocking reverse fow down through
damaged module from parallel
connected modules during the day.
Blocking diodes placed at the head of
separate series wired strings in high
voltage systems can perform yet another
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
Fig. 5.1. Diode in blocking mode in series
connected modules
+
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Experimental set-up
There are two diodes which can be used
as a blocking diode as well as bypass
diode.
a) Diode in bypass mode in series
connected modules
Shade one module completely and
connect the diode in parallel with shaded
module terminals (as shown in Fig. 5.3.).
b) Diode in blocking mode in series
connected modules with batteries
In blocking action of series connected
modules a diode is connected in series
with series connected modules. This
protects the module from reverse current
fow from battery. Connections as shown
in Fig. 5.4.
c) Diode in blocking mode in parallel
connected modules
In parallel connected modules the
diode is connected in series with the
shaded module and this protects the
shaded module from reverse current
fow (generated by other module).
Connections as shown in Fig. 5.5.
function during daylight conditions. If
one string becomes severely shaded,
or if there is a short circuit in one of the
modules, the blocking diode prevents
the other strings from loosing current
backwards down the shaded or damaged
string. The shaded or damaged string
is isolated from the others, and more
current is sent on to the load. In this
confguration, the blocking diodes are
sometimes called isolation diodes.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
V
+
-
Shaded diode
A
Fig. 5.2. Diode in blocking mode in parallel
connected modules
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Fig. 5.3a. Series connected modules without
bypass diode
Fig. 5.3b. Series connected modules with bypass
diode
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
Controller connections
20
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Controller connections
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
Fig. 5.4a. Series connected modules with
batteries and without blocking diode
Fig. 5.4b. Series connected modules with
batteries and with blocking diode
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Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
Fig. 5.5a. Parallel connected modules without
blocking diode
Fig. 5.5b. Parallel connected modules with
blocking diode
Controller connections
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
22
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Observations:
1. Power output of series connected
modules before using bypass diode
with shaded module will be close
to zero. After using bypass diode
with shaded module, power output
of series connected modules gets
increased from nearly zero to higher
value.
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5
2. Connections with two confgurations
of blocking mode without using
diode, LED will glow in these two cases
showing reverse current fow.
3. Connections with two confgurations
of blocking mode using diode, LED will
not glow in these two cases.
Notes
23
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Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6
Objective
Workout power fow calculations of stand-
alone PV system of DC load with battery.
Theory
Stand alone PV system (Fig. 6.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also, but these systems
perform best with battery bank. These
systems are best suited for the locations
Experiment no. 6
Insight Solar
where grid connectivity is not present
and these systems fulfll the requirements
of these locations.
Stand alone PV system of DC type is
used when local loads consist of DC
equipments and battery storage only.
This system consists of PV module, charge
controller, battery and DC load.
Charge controller regulates the module
voltage at 12V or any other value of
voltage, required by the battery bank or
load and then powered the load. In this
system there is no need of Inverter so
efciency of system is high because
DC to AC conversion stage is absent.
Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with only DC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module (Fig.6.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.6.2b)
c) Using modules in series (Fig.6.2c)
Fig. 6.1. Stand alone PV system
24
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Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6
Controller connections
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Fig. 6.2a. Demonstration of DC load with single
module (12 V system)
Fig. 6.2b. Demonstration of DC load with
parallel connected modules (12 V system)
25
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6
Controller connections
Fig. 6.2c. Demonstration of DC load with series
connected modules (24 V system)
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
26
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6
Observations
The parameters to be observed are DC load current, DC load voltage, battery current and
battery voltage with diferent series/parallel combinations of modules.
Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:
Results
Show the power balance by following
formula:
Array power = load power + battery
power + Power loss by charge controller
|o|e |o||e, o.e .||| e .||| .e | ||
o||e, | J|c|o| ||oo| |ooJ oe|
coo||o o| |oe co|o||e | 4^
Precautions
1. Readings should be taken carefully.
2. Always plug-in the module power lead
at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.
Notes
27
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7
Objective
Workout power fow calculations of stand-
alone PV system of AC load with battery.
Theory
Stand alone PV system (Fig. 7.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also, but these systems
perform best with battery bank. These
Experiment no. 7
Insight Solar
systems are best suited for the locations
where grid connectivity is not present and
these systems fulfll the requirements of
these locations.
Stand alone PV system of AC type requires
inverter to convert DC voltage available at
the charge controller output to controlled
AC voltage of required magnitude to
supply AC type of load.
This system consists of Modules, charge
controller, battery and inverter. Charge
controller regulates the module voltage to
12 volt and charge the battery and then
this regulated DC power is converted to AC
by means of inverter. Inverter efciency is
approximately 95%.
Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with only AC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module (Fig.7.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.7.2b)
Fig. 7.1. Stand alone PV system
28
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Controller connections
Fig. 7.2a. Demonstration of AC load with single
module
Fig. 7.2b. Demonstration of AC load with
parallel connected modules
29
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7
Observations
The quantities to be observed are AC load current, AC load voltage, inverter input voltage,
current, battery current and battery voltage with diferent parallel combinations of modules.
Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:
Results
Show the power balance in both the sets
by following formulae:
1. Array power = Inverter i/p power +
battery power + loss due to charge
controller
2. Inverter efciency = AC load
power*100/Inverter input power (DC)
|o|e |o||e, o.e .||| e .||| .e | ||
o||e, | J|c|o| ||oo| |ooJ oe|
coo||o o| |oe co|o||e | 4^
Precautions
1. Readings should be taken carefully.
2. Always plug-in the module power lead
at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.
Table for inverter efciency:
30
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8
Objective
Workout power fow calculations of stand-
alone PV system of DC and AC load with
battery.
Theory
Stand alone system (Fig. 8.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also but these systems
Experiment no. 8
Insight Solar
perform best with battery bank. These
systems are best suited for the locations
where grid connectivity is not present and
these systems fulfll the requirements of
these locations.
This system use DC power to charge the
battery and run the DC load but, use
AC power to run the AC load. There are
modules, charge controller, batteries, DC
load, inverter and AC load in this system.
This system runs the AC and DC load
simultaneously and can fulfll the demand
of the both types of loads.
Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with AC & DC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module (Fig.8.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.8.2b)
Fig. 8.1. Stand alone PV system
31
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Controller connections
Fig. 8.2a. Demonstration of AC & DC load with
single module
Fig. 8.2b. Demonstration of AC & DC load with
parallel connected modules
32
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Observations
Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:
Results
Show the power balance in both the sets
by following formulae:
1. Array power = DC load power +AC
load power + battery power+ loss due
to charge controller.
2. Inverter efciency = AC load
power*100/Inverter input power
|o|e |o||e, o.e .||| e .||| .e | ||
o||e, | J|c|o| ||oo| |ooJ oe|
coo||o o| |oe co|o||e | 4^
Precautions
1. Readings should be taken carefully.
2. Always plug-in the module power lead
at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.
Table for inverter efciency:
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8
33
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9
Objective
To draw the charging and discharging
characteristics of battery.
Theory
Battery discharging
Battery discharging depends on
magnitude of current drawn and the
time for which this current is drawn.
Rate of charge fowing determined the
steepness of discharge characteristic.
At higher current i.e. at higher rate of
discharge, voltage variation becomes
more steeper and battery discharge up to
much low voltage. Similarly, at lower rate
Experiment no. 9
Insight Solar
of discharging voltage variation becomes
less steeper and battery discharge up to
somewhat higher voltage. The typical
12V, 3Ah battery discharge characteristic is
shown in Fig. 9.1.
Battery charging
Starting current of charging is much higher
because the voltage of the discharged
battery is low. Initially battery draws
almost constant charging current while
battery voltage increases rapidly, as soon
as battery voltage reaches rated voltage,
charging current start reducing rapidly
and battery voltage becomes constant.
After fully charging, the battery charging
current reduces to vary low value required
to trickle charge the battery. The typical
charge characteristic of 12V battery is
shown in Fig. 9.2.
23 5 10 20 30
13.0
12.0
11.0
10.0
9.0
0
0
Discharge characteristic (25C )
1.23A
h
0.77A 0.44A 0.225A
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0
15
14
13
12
11
Charge Volume
Charge Voltage
Charge Current
Charge Time (H)
C
h
a
r
g
e
V
o
l
u
m
e
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
V
o
l
t
a
g
e
V
o
l
t
a
g
e
(%)( CA) ( 12V)
Fig. 9.1. Battery discharging characteristics Fig. 9.2. Battery charging characteristics
34
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9
Controller connections
Battery charging
Battery discharging
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Module Temperature
LED
Diode 1 Diode 2
Inverter I/P Inverter O/P
Module Current
Module Voltage
Inv. Input Voltage
Inv. Input Current
Batt. Input Current
Gen. AC Current
DC Load Current
Batt. Input Voltage
POT Meter
Gen. AC Voltage
DC Load Voltage
Solar Charge Controller
Battery 1 2
Module Output 1
Battery / Inverter
DC Load
DC I/P
Module Output 2
AC Load
DC Load
Experimental set-up
To demonstrate charge and discharge
characteristics of the battery connections,
do the connections in control board as
shown in Fig. 9.3(a) and 9.3(b).
Fig. 9.3 (a). Fig. 9.3 (b).
35
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9
Observations
Discharging experiment can be done at diferent current values. This can be achieved by
changing the load.
Table for discharging of battery:
Results
1. Draw charging and discharging curves
by taking time (in hrs) on x-axis and
voltage and current on y-axis..
Precautions
1. Connections of battery should be
made carefully.
2. Always plug-in the module power lead
at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight
Table for charging of battery:
36
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Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
37
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Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
38
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Insight Solar
Notes
Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
39
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Insight Solar
Notes
Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
40
Insight Solar, 2011 Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com
About Ecosense
Ecosense is a group of engineers, designers and researchers
from various IITs of India, which work towards bringing
sustainable transformation in the lives of common people
by providing basic infrastructure solutions for clean
water, sanitation, energy and green habitat. We work with
government, private organizations and civil societies to
sensitize and help them adopt development mechanisms
that are environment friendly. We expertise in integrated
water management, renewable energy, irrigation,
environmental planning & management, rural & urban
development, training & capacity building.
We operate with a commitment to integrity and hold
ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, quality, and
accountability. Our team shares a genuine sense of respect
and stewardship for the places where we work and the
people whose lives we impact.
Delivering environment
friendly mechanisms
Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Correspondence Address:
D-44, 2nd Floor, East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065
Regd. Address: 124, Himgiri Apartment, Vikaspuri, New Delhi 110018
Phone: +91 11 41097435, +91 9910477840, +91 9910166999
Email: info@ecosenseworld.com Web: www.ecosenseworld.com

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