Abstract
To quantify the potential for performance improvement of a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system, a test facility has been installed. This paper describes this development of a prototype standalone PV system. Essentially this entire system involves the integration of a personal computer (PC), data acquisition (DAQ), a battery array and a solar array simulator (SAS) to create a standalone PV system and to test and simulate the system. This new system boasts of high accuracy measurements coupled with the commercial viability of low cost. The basic idea of this facility is that the SAS simulates solar power which is utilized to charge batteries. The information obtained by monitoring parameters, such as average battery's temperature, voltage and current is fed to the PC via the DAQ for analysis. This customized control interface has been developed by utilizing LabVIEW software, which forms the programming backbone of inter-instrument communication via IEEE-GPIB bus. The software created for this system is highly generic and can be used for other instances where different hardware is used. This paper also discussed further research plan, in utilizing this standalone PV system to perform load analysis and batteries charging or discharging with the inputs to the SAS with actual meteorological data obtained from the Malaysian meteorological department.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
