College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
Jason Poon, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Energy demands have been on the rise, as environmentally harmful power generation systems stay popular due to lower costs and compact designs compared to renewable energy infrastructure. We challenge this problem with a modular photovoltaic microgrid system for power generation in underutilized spaces. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller employed is low-cost and power efficient. This controller monitors energy generation and usage in real time, with data logging through an online user-friendly interface. With support for a variety of solar panel and battery configurations, this scalable system helps provide a cost and space efficient solution to clean energy generation in residential applications. This will help lower the barrier for entering green energy production, working to reduce usage of carbon producing power sources. Our final prototype supports input and output voltages up to 60 volts, current up to 5 amps, and a maximum continuous power output of 170W with active cooling. Configurable voltage, current, and temperature protections are implemented to protect the controller and connected equipment. During testing, this controller had a measured power efficiency of 95%, and saw temperatures around 50° C, which was within the recommended maximum temperature of 80° C.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/686
Project Software