Design and implementation of a low-cost solar photovoltaic experimental station for education enhancement

Throughout the years, Montana State University's (MSU's) Energy Conversion Laboratory (ECL) has been a valuable educational asset for students understanding of the basics of electrical power and energy conversion. With increased interest in the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, a need for the development of an experiment on solar PV was recognized so that the undergraduate students taking the required course, “Energy Conversion Devices,” become familiar with the characteristics of the solar-electric energy conversion system. This paper presents the design and implementation of a low-cost 50-W solar PV experimental station for in-door use. Students obtain in the laboratory the solar PV panel I-V and P-V characteristics, the effect of tilt angle, light intensity and temperature on the panel characteristics, and the function of a charge controller and battery in providing a desired steady voltage at the output of the system to the extent possible. The system is fully computerized and portable, sitting on a rolling cart. In addition to the above, a brief description of the capabilities of the ECL and the typical experiments undergraduate students perform in the Electrical Engineering department's undergraduate energy conversion course is given.