Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Off-Grid Photovoltaic Generator with Energy Monitoring System |
Jack Shea Robert Parkinson Ruben Chairez Jr |
Zhen Qin | design_document0.pdf design_document0.docx final_paper0.pdf other0.docx proposal0.pdf |
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| This project proposal is for a semi-portable off-grid PV/battery system (200-400 Watt array with 100-200amp hours storage depending on budget) for use as a temporary or permanent solution for remote power (Heat/fans in a dog house… light & power for a shed… power for a trailer… Emergency power for a freezer... etc). This project would include the main power circuit: Solar array (2 to 4 100W panels) with 1 or 2 deep cycle lead-acid batteries, charge controller & 12/24VDC to 120VAC Inverter. It also will feature a real time, wi-fi and/or Bluetooth compatible, energy monitoring & control system. The monitoring/control circuit will include several DC & AC current/voltage sensor circuits, wi-fi and/or Bluetooth modules, LCD screen, relays & other various electronic components. A micro processing unit will take data from the sensors & manipulate it to form useful information such as real time energy production from solar panels, battery charge, power drawn from load, & estimated time that load/s can continue to run. This data will be displayed both on a LCD screen attached to the unit as well as on a webserver where the data will be accessible anywhere with an internet connection. The microprocessor will also be able to control the circuit allowing the user to turn off certain loads remotely. It will also perform load optimization which will ensure that the highest priority loads (user selected) will receive power for as long as possible. This project is similar to solar generators on the market now, however, an important/unique aspect of our project is the real time energy monitoring & control system which will send data through Bluetooth/wi-fi to a web server & optimize the power output. Having this real time data & control can be very important for an energy circuit when it is being used for crucial devices such as a heater in a doghouse, a ventilation system in a workshop, or a fridge/freezer in a power outage. This project will be semi-portable as it will be small enough to easily pack up, move, and set up but too heavy/clunky to be desirable to move very often. The reason for the weight/clunkiness is that the battery & solar array have to be large enough to power appliances for a significant period of time. This project could serve as a great stepping stone for anyone debating on installing solar power for their home as it is a fairly affordable method to see what kind of reliability/functionality a solar power circuit can provide. At least one member of this group has experience with PV, power systems & batteries. At least one member of this group has experience with sensors, board layout & circuit design. At least one member of this group has experience with WiFi/Bluetooth modules & conversion of "Arduino" to PCB style board with micro processing chip. We understand that because we are using a battery we will need additional safety training. |
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