Manufacturing of PVTD-02 (Solar cell characterization and I-V curve tracer )
This project aims at developing a solar cell characterization facility PVTD-02 (PhotoVoltaic Testing Device). It is used to find the electrical characteristics and to analyze the health of PV modules while performing Real Power Test. Capacitor charging method is employed to trace the I-V curve at ST
2025-06-28 16:34:04 - Adil Khan
Manufacturing of PVTD-02 (Solar cell characterization and I-V curve tracer )
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummaryThis project aims at developing a solar cell characterization facility PVTD-02 (PhotoVoltaic Testing Device). It is used to find the electrical characteristics and to analyze the health of PV modules while performing Real Power Test. Capacitor charging method is employed to trace the I-V curve at STC. Capacitor is charged by PV module and discharged by switching device(relays/IGBTs). A microcontroller, MyRio, acts as a sensing device. It takes values of current and voltage from capacitor, temperature from temperature sensor and irradiance from photodiode or reference cell and sends the data to LabVIEW. LabVIEW then simulates the acquired data and plots a graph between voltage and current. From graphical interpretation, different parameters of PV module are measured and calculated like fill factor, efficiency, maximum power point etc. The performance of the I-V curve tracer is evaluated by comparing it with the standard curve of reference PV module.
Project ObjectivesObjectives;
- To get I-V curve traced within a short span of time without any kind of error.
- To sense and measure current, voltage, irradiance and temperature efficiently and store values of data for future estimation.
- To interpret and compare graphical results accurately.
- To ensure the quality and working of newly manufactured PV modules, we intend to design a product which is efficient, cost-effective and portable.
- To reduce burden on economy by reducing import of testing machines.
- To promote Solar energy as it is cheap, clean and sustainable source of energy.
We started off by doing some research, read research papers, did literature review and attended an exhibition regarding solar energy.
Our project will be implemented through software and hardware integration following IEC Standard code 60904-1.
In hardware, we are designing a movable stand with supports to hold PV module and move the PV module in any direction. We will mount a halogen lamp on it which will project light of 1000W/m2 irradiance on our PV module at an angle of 42 degree(1.5 AM). Temperature sensor will also be attached to the structure to check if it is 25 degree celcius.
When light falls evenly on PV module it generates current and this current will charge the capacitor and will be detected by current sensor. During capacitor charging, we take 80 to 100 values of current and voltage. The voltage will be measured by Voltage divider circuit. Both values are then fed into MyRio and I-V curve is traced after software simulations of LabVIEW. A GUI has been developed too using LabVIEW which provides control of the simulations and gives results which evaluate the health of PV modules
Energy generation is heavily dependent on fossil fuels in Pakistan. Due to huge population growth and scarce resources it is not possible to fulfil the energy demand of the country. Use of Fossil fuels for energy generation has adverse effects on climate and it is economically not feasible to use them to electrify remote areas. Therefore, we must utilize natural, sustainable, free and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
Solar power is the key to a clean energy future. Every day, the sun provides more than enough energy to meet the whole world’s energy needs, and unlike fossil fuels, it won’t run out anytime soon. As a renewable energy source, the only limitation of solar power is our ability to turn it into electricity in an efficient and cost-effective way. No greenhouse gas emissions are released into the atmosphere when you use solar panels to create electricity.
As Pakistan is facing energy crisis, economic downfall and adverse effects of climate change and is far behind other countries in manufacturing of PV modules and their testing devices. Manufacturing of PVTD-02 will promote renewable energy by manufacturing of the PV module testing machine in Pakistan. It will reduce the import of testing devices or machines and will lower the burden on economy.
A large-scale PV array represents a major investment of capital and energy. As an installer, if your array has performance problems, you want to know about them during system construction, when fixing them is least costly. You also want test equipment that measures performance comprehensively and quickly, reduces the amount of manual record keeping, and makes troubleshooting more efficient. Therefore it is wise to manufacture PVTD.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableTechnical Detail
- STC conditions are applied as per code ICS 60904-1, these conditions are
- 1000W/m^2
- 25 degree celcius
- 1.5 Air Mass ratio
- Halogen Lamp is set at 1.5 AM and at 1000w/m^2
- Temperature is maintain 25 degree using Air conditioner
- 7x 1000uF capacitor are use to increase charge time and resuce effect of Current on each Capacitor
- Relay/IGBTare use for switching for capacitor charging and discharging
- Microcontroller is use to sensing values and sending them to Labview
- GUI is Developed on Labview
- ACS 712 5A is use for current sensing from photodiode to measure irradiance
- ACS 712 20A is use to measure current from Solar Pannel using microcntroller
- Voltage divider circuit si use to measure voltage
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 79220 | |||
| Solar plate | Equipment | 1 | 400 | 400 |
| Photodiode | Equipment | 4 | 100 | 400 |
| LM-35 Temperature Sensor | Equipment | 4 | 130 | 520 |
| Resistor Lab Gradient | Equipment | 10 | 5 | 50 |
| ACS712 | Equipment | 5 | 250 | 1250 |
| Jumper Wires | Equipment | 5 | 150 | 750 |
| relay | Equipment | 5 | 250 | 1250 |
| Motor Driver | Equipment | 2 | 200 | 400 |
| Arduino UNO | Equipment | 1 | 700 | 700 |
| Metallic Structure | Equipment | 1 | 30000 | 30000 |
| Halogen Lamp | Equipment | 1 | 20000 | 20000 |
| Steel Slotted Angles | Miscellaneous | 1 | 5500 | 5500 |
| Photocopy | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Stationary | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| capacitor | Equipment | 7 | 1000 | 7000 |
| solar pannel | Equipment | 1 | 7000 | 7000 |