week 10

Measuring Solar Panel Power Output

Load of PV panel

The power output of a solar panel depends on the resistance of the electrical load to which it is connected. In an open circuit situation (infinite resistance) the voltage of the solar panel will be high, but no current will flow and therefore no power is generated. In a short circuit situation (zero resistance) current flows, but with zero voltage and so again no power is generated. These results all follow from ohms law  which gives the relationships between voltage, current, resistance, and power.A collection of power resistors of different values are required. A power resistor is a resistor  which can cope with high power (and therefore heat) without being damaged. A standard 1/4 or 1/2 watt resistor will not do the job as it will overheat and be destroyed. Pictured above is a 2 Ohm resistor rated up to 50 Watts of power. power output is totally depending on the value of the resistor used.

The analysis would require instrumentation to measure 2 parameters:

1. System voltage
2. System current

connection of multimeter


reading and measurement 

above is the video to measure PV panel using Multimeter.

Measuring Wind and Hydro power output

 For wind and hydro energy, it involve of turbine parts which is it converts mechanical energy to electrical form. Therefore, to measure theturbine we have to make a  reservoir that with enough pressure for the water to turn the turbine. As for educational purpose, we are replacing big turbines with suitable size of turbine so that i will be ease and less cost to build. The method use are same as Pv panel measurement that is by using multimeter to measure the 2 parameters, voltage and current output.The modification of turbine are also affect the size of control circuit that are use. As for this project, we are using mini turbine 12V DC Hydroelectric Power Micro-hydro Generator. This turbine produce output that can be measured directly.this turbine are used in both wind and hydro trainer. This turbines also use to covert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy. On the top of the large turbines there's a generator that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Gears connect the generator to the turbine shaft and the electronic systems of the turbine regulate the motion in order to produce electric current of a specific frequency and voltage.The output power of the turbine are measure in power . (watts) . For wind energy the modification needed a suitable wind blade get the rotation from fan wind that applied. For hydro, the design on blade are basically to be capable of accommodating the pressure of water from the reservoir.To get the smooth and perfect rotation of the turbine, the design of blade has to be done. The design are depending on the pressure that will be applied to move the blade weight. 

 12V DC Hydroelectric Power Micro-hydro Generator

Features :

1. Unique hydropower separation technology, with unique dual clutch, magnetic circuit coupling volume is only about 4/5 of the normal micro hydroelectric generator, the output power is 2 to 3 times higher than the ordinary generator.

2. High efficiency, long life of waterway design and low flow loss, low water pressure, load short circuiting, also can start smoothly.

3. 4.2V/ 5V/ 12V/ 80V, total 4 models for option~

1). F50-80V : 0 to 80V DC output, generator without regulating circuit, peak voltage reach 80V, can be directly charging for 3-12V 10W LED lights or for small storage battery, the charging current is 220 ma, because when charging the battery in the same time it also being used in a timely manner, so the voltage automatically maintain at about 14V, so it can keep the right voltage for the storage battery charging.

2). F50-12V : 12V DC voltage output, can give the power or recharge for the radio with 12V working voltage, or for the LED.

3). F50-4.2V : 4.2V DC output, can recharge for the ordinary lithium battery etc.

4). F50-5V : 5V DC voltage output, can charging for the mobile phone, can also recharge for the ordinary lithium battery with management chip etc.


Specification :

1. Water inlet/outlet : 1/2"
2. Output Voltage : 4.2V/ 5V/ 12V/ 80V
3. Max power : 10W
4. Output Current : max 220mA
5. Outlet closed highest pressure : 0.6MP
6. Outlet opening the highest pressure : 1.2MP
7. Startup pressure 0.05 Mpa
8. Working Temperature Range : 5°C ~ 85°C

measurement of hydro power

the working principles of hydro turbines

Hydro turbines

Design of wind blade

Calculator to calculate expected wind power output.

week 9

Idea for developing this project

Base on the tittle for this project, the main element that use is the renewable energy of solar, wind and hydro. In order to create a prototype of renewable energy trainer. The suitable design are modified from the size and operation of each system. Therefore, the design of the trainer should fit the size of component and material that use to make the trainer. As for understanding, the project purpose is to give an comfortable, safe and easy to use for users. The aim of this project is to give an understandable procedure as the trainer target is for student and education purpose.

 In making the idea, the sources that use for this project had to be replaced by other sources that is available and can be use in indoor usage. spotlight, fan and water pump are the additional parts that is installed to replace the renewable energy.

week 8

Block Diagram

above is the block diagram of solar system.

 referring to above, the operation of solar system can be shown as in the block diagram of PV system. The input and output are determine.Solar module is used to generate electricity from sunlight. When electricity is generated, the control unit will take part. Its function is to switch the loads manually or automatically, protect the batteries and wiring, monitor the performance of the system and give warnings when faults happen in the system. Some simpler system may not have control unit. The rechargeable batteries are connected directly to the solar module.

The rechargeable batteries are used to store electricity for later use at night and during cloudy periods. Normally, twelve-volt (12V) Lead-acid batteries, similar to the ones in cars and trucks, are used.

The distribution of electricity is direct current (DC) 12-24V. It is much less dangerous than mains voltages, which is 100-240V. Besides, its wiring is less complicated. Finally, the generated electricity can be connected to the electrical appliances. These appliances normally work in DC. They may need adaptor and inverter if work in AC.

above is the block diagram of wind energy system

A hydro power station uses potential energy of water at high level for generating electrical energy.

This power station is generally located in hilly areas where dams can be built conveniently and large water reservoirs can be obtained. This kind of power station can be used to produce large amounts of electrical energy. In most countries these power stations are used as peak load power stations. This is because they can be started and stopped easily and fast.

The water from the dam is lead to the water turbine through the penstock. Here the hydraulic energy of water is converted to rotational mechanical energy by the turbine. The turbine is connected to the generator through the turbine shaft and hence mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by the generator.

above is the block diagramm of wind energy

When the wind strikes the rotor blades, blades start to rotating. Rotor is directly connected to high speed gearbox. Gearbox converts the rotor rotation into high

speed which rotates the electrical generator. An exciter is needed to give the required excitation to the coil so that it can generate required voltage. The exciter current is controlled by a turbine controller which senses the wind speed based on that it calculate the power what we can achieve at that particular wind speed.

Then output voltage of electrical generator is given to a rectifier and rectifier output is given to line Converter unit to stabilise the output ac that is feed to the grid by a high voltage transformer. An extra units is used to give the power to internal auxiliaries of wind turbine (like motor, battery etc.), this is called Internal Supply unit

week 7

Activity : Find main objectives of the project.

Objective : 
- To decide on objectives need to achieve

Method :
- Do some research on the internet.

Result : 

1. To develop a Renewable Energy Trainer 
2. To generate current and voltage from the hardware.
3. To see the result that produce using generator.

Week 6

Problem Statement 

Activity :

-identify and  Dealt with problem.

Objective : 
- To find any significant problem of the project.


Method :
- Gone through the common problem of both module.


Result : 

Based on the research i have done, In order to produce a voltage from a solar, wind and hydro trainer, it need to get resource from sunlight heat, wind and pressured water. But sometimes the process cant be stalled as the weather keep changing. To observe or monitor the result that produce, the trainer need to get an stable source. thus, in order to get a stable source, a spotlight lamp are used to shine the light to solar panel to replace the sunlight. For wind energy, fan is use to replace atmosphere wind. For hydro energy trainer, there is not much of existed design for turbine blade. to overcome this problem, a construction new blade size for suitable usage. Base on research, the design of renewable energy trainer, consists of two element in the prototype, for this project, the aim is to build a suitable trainer that can be use in indoor without using real renewable energy for study purpose. This is easy for student to develop their understanding by simulating their on lab experiment with this renewable trainer kit. Involving the three element of energy that is solar, wind and hydro in a trainer set.

Week 5

Research on project design

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

Design 6

Design 7

Design 8

Design 9

Design 10

Combined solar and wind energy trainer

Hydro Electric Trainer

-Above is the design that found in the research to get the exact size and component need for constructing a new model of renewable energy trainer.

Week 4

What is Hydro Energy?

• Hydropower (or hydroenergy) is a form of Renewable energy that uses the water stored in dams, as well as flowing in rivers to create electricity in hydropower plants. 
• hydropower uses a turbine to help generate electricity; using the energy of falling or flowing water to turn the blades
• The rotating blades spin a generator that converts the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine into electrical energy. The amount of electricity generated from each power plant depends on the quantity of the flowing water and the height from which it falls.
• The most common type of hydroelectric power plant uses a dam on a river to store water in a reservoir

Working Principles 

Week 3 : What is Renewable energy

Activity : Project research.

Objective :  
- Better understanding of the project.
- Better understanding on working principle of Solar, Wind and hydro energy.


Method :
- Do some research and comparison on the internet.


Result :

What is Renewable Energy?
-Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that is collected from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight,wind ,rain, tides, waves, water and geothermal heat.

-In this project, it involve of 3 element of renewable energy which is wind,sunlight and water.  

What is Solar Energy

-sun is probably the most important source of renewable energy available today.

-Two main types of solar energy systems are in use today: photovoltaics, and thermal systems

Solar photovoltaics

Photovoltaic systems convert solar radiation to electricity via a variety of methods. The most common approach is to use silicon panels, which generate an electrical current when light shines upon it. 

Solar thermal systems

Solar Thermal Systems seek to store heat from the sun that can be used for a variety of purposes. Many different approaches can be employed here, including active systems, such as solar hot water heaters, and passive systems

Working Principles

What is Wind Energy?

-is the use of air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for electricity. 

-Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity

-Wind turbines cannot work if there is no wind, or if the wind speed is so high it would damage them

-Wind turbines are usually sited on high hills and mountain ridges to take advantage of the prevailing winds. 

Working Principle

• http://www.buzzle.com/images/buzzle/how-does-wind-energy-work.jpg
• http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/energy/what