Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
3-2011
Primary Advisor
Ali O. Shaban
Abstract/Summary
This project uses the BP SX 150S solar panel to charge a 12 V battery. This battery powers an AIMS 400 W Modified Sine Wave Inverter to provide 120 V RMS AC power to a load of up to 40 W. Inverter efficiency was measured at different load conditions. A control circuit was implemented to prevent overcharging or over-discharging of the battery, by disconnecting it from the panel or the load, respectively. The control circuit turn-on and cutoff voltages were measured versus battery voltage, and the on-resistance of the MOSFET switches was measured for various load currents. A table of panel inclinations was calculated for different times of year, and these calculations were verified experimentally. The battery voltage was measured with respect to state of charge, and this data was plotted against the manufacturer's stated performance. Finally, the battery round trip efficiency was calculated to ensure it was within the requirements of the design.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/68