Charge Controller Research Articles

Prototipe Pembangkit Tenaga Surya Kapasitas 20 Watt Peak Sebagai Sumber Utama Tenaga Listrik Autonomous Buoy

This research aims to examine the use of 20 Watt Peak photovoltaic energy as the main power supply of the prototype on the autonomous buoy because it is able to absorb energy from direct sunlight. Experimental research methods are used to measure voltage, current, and electrical power on components such as photovoltaic, solar charger controller, battery, and electric motor. Tests were conducted by varying the motor speed to analyze the power usage and the time taken to recharge the battery in a span of 10 minutes, to identify factors affecting the performance of the autonomous float. The test results show that at 0% motor speed, no power is used as the motor is not rotating. However, at 25% motor speed, the motor started to use 50.93 watts of power. When the motor speed was 100%, there was a considerable increase in power consumption, where the power consumption increased to 112.86 watts. Thus, these results show that the higher the motor speed, the more power is required. The test shows the change in buoy voltage when not working or when charging for 10 minutes. At 0% motor speed, the initial voltage remains 12 Volts. When charged, the voltage remains 12 Volts because it is not being used. At 25-50% motor speed, the voltage drops from 10 Volts when charging to 12 Volts. At 75-100% motor speed, the initial voltage of 9-10 Volts rises to 10-11 Volts when charging. This shows an increase in voltage when the buoy is charging autonomously or when it is not working. The conclusion of this research is that an understanding of the energy usage performance of autonomous buoys is necessary to optimize the energy usage of 20 Watt peak photovoltaic as a renewable energy source.

Analytic Design of an EV Charger Controller for Weak Grid Connection

Analytic Design of an EV Charger Controller for Weak Grid Connection

Real-time control for EV charging and discharging using bi-layer fuzzy inference mechanism

Due to the randomness of electric vehicle (EV) travel patterns, charging schedules rely on real-time information transmission and updates, which are difficult to achieve in the absence of communication conditions. While the autonomous optimization algorithm can overcome these limitations, requiring only the most basic information of EVs, while not aggregating or exchanging any private information of each EV. This study proposes an autonomous EV charging and discharging control method based on a real-time bi-layer fuzzy inference mechanism. Considering the jitter phenomenon in the output of normal fuzzy inference, a willingness dead zone is added between the two layers of the fuzzy inference structure. The simulation results show that the proposed method can improve load performance and reduce charging costs, meanwhile the introduce of dead zone can mitigate the adverse effect.

A comprehensive approach of design and analysis of hybrid solar and pedal assisted electric three-wheeler

Electric three-wheelers consume a great deal of power causing load shedding in industrial and residential areas. This research investigates the feasibility of a solar-assisted electric three-wheeler for deployment in Bangladesh, integrating solar photovoltaic system and pedaling generator. This research focused on enhancing the energy efficiency and sustainability of electric three-wheelers using renewable energy reducing dependency on the national grid. The rooftop space of the vehicle is insufficient for the solar PV system, necessitating the whole surface area of the vehicle with a 600 W solar panel. Simulations for Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, and Rangpur assessed the solar energy potential across Bangladesh. A 48 V solar PV array and a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller were designed to optimize battery charging, achieving converter efficiencies between 97%–99.2%. Partial shading significantly impacted performance, while tilt angle optimization suggested a 0∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ ^{\\circ }$$\\end{document} tilt for moving vehicles and a 23∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ ^{\\circ }$$\\end{document} tilt during idle periods from October to March for optimal energy capture. A pedaling DC generator was introduced to charge the battery during idle times without grid reliance. The simulations for energy harvesting estimated an annual energy production of approximately 820 kWh. The integration of these systems increased drag, reducing maximum speed and requiring additional power. 172.28 kWh annual additional energy consumption was calculated for the solar PV system and 200.75 kWh for the pedaling charger. The study found the solar-assisted system with enhanced efficiency and sustainability but the limited economic viability of the pedaling generator. In future, the system can be developed for other countries with different vehicles.

Dual MPPT Algorithm Implementation in Solar Charge Controller

The implementation of a Dual Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm in a solar charge controller is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of solar energy utilization. This algorithm optimizes power extraction from solar panels by dynamically adjusting the operating point to track the maximum power output under varying environmental conditions. By utilizing two MPPT trackers, the controller can efficiently handle scenarios with multiple peaks in the power-voltage curve, common in partially shaded or non-uniformly illuminated panels. This implementation involves real-time monitoring of panel voltages and currents, coupled with intelligent algorithms to swiftly respond to changes in irradiance levels. Through advanced control strategies, such as Perturbation and Observation (P&O) or Incremental Gradient (Incgrad), the system maximizes energy harvest, improving overall system performance and reliability.

Simulation and Optimization of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/Li-Ion Battery System

The coupling of solar cells and Li-ion batteries is an efficient method of energy storage, but solar power suffers from the disadvantages of randomness, intermittency and fluctuation, which cause the low conversion efficiency from solar energy into electric energy. In this paper, a circuit model for the coupling system with PV cells and a charge controller for a Li-ion battery is presented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A new three-stage charging strategy is proposed to explore the changing performance of the Li-ion battery, comprising constant-current charging, maximum power point tracker (MPPT) charging and constant-voltage charging stages, among which the MPPT charging stage can achieve the fastest maximum power point (MPP) capture and, therefore, improve battery charging efficiency. Furthermore, the charge controller can improve the lifetime of the battery through the constant-current and constant-voltage charging scheme. The simulation results indicate that the three-stage charging strategy can achieve an improvement in the maximum power tracking efficiency of 99.9%, and the average charge controller efficiency can reach 96.25%, which is higher than that of commercial chargers. This work efficiently matches PV cells and Li-ion batteries to enhance solar energy storages, and provides a new optimization idea for hybrid PV/Li-ion systems.

Improved binary quantum-based Elk Herd optimizer for optimal location and sizing of hybrid system in micro grid with electric vehicle charging station

In recent times, there has been increasing interest in renewable power generation and electric vehicles within the domain of smart grids. The integration of electric vehicles with hybrid systems presents several critical challenges, including increased power loss, power quality issues, and voltage deviations. To tackle these challenges, researchers have proposed various techniques. Effective management of energy systems is essential for maximizing the benefits of integrating a hybrid system with a microgrid at an electric vehicle charging station. This research specifically aims to optimize the location and sizing of such a hybrid system within the microgrid. Additionally, an improved binary quantum-based Elk Herd optimizer approach is proposed. This approach addresses for optimally managing renewable energy sources and load uncertainty. The proposed system also considers the stochastic nature of electric vehicles and operational restrictions, encompassing diverse charging control modes. The proposed technique performance is implemented in MATLAB platform and compared against existing approaches. The analysis demonstrates the effectiveness in achieving optimal location and sizing for a hybrid system with an electric vehicle charging station. Additionally, the proposed approach contributes to minimizing power loss, electricity costs, and average waiting time. Furthermore, the proposed approach reduces computing time, net present cost, and emissions are 12.5 s, 1.1×106 dollar, 2.21×108 g year−1, respectively.

Electric Bicycle Battery Charging System Design Using Solar Panel

This solar-powered electric bicycle charging system design and development uses solar panels as a renewable energy source to charge the battery, which drives the electric motor. The system consists of four main components: solar panel, solar charge controller, battery, and electric motor. The solar panels are connected in parallel to generate 36V, which is then stored in the battery. The system is designed to optimize energy harvesting and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Testing was conducted with research stages, including system design, hardware implementation, and testing. The results show that the system can charge the battery efficiently, with a charging time of 3 hours. The system was also tested under different conditions, including morning, afternoon, and night, to evaluate its performance. It can be concluded that the solar-powered electric bicycle charging system is a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. The system is environmentally friendly, reduces energy dependence, and provides a sustainable solution for transportation. The results of this research can be used to develop a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.

Design of 30 A PWM Type Solar Charge Controller Module for 100 Watt Lamp Load

The electrical energy produced by solar panels has been used as a renewable energy solution to support human life. In reality, this alternative energy has not been widely used due to the constraints of expensive initial investment, so it is necessary to design solar power generation components, one of which is a reliable, optimal, efficient and economical solar charge controller. The controller is made using the switching method. The switching process can occur by setting the duty cycle through the embedded controller in the solar charge controller circuit. Based on the test results, a duty cycle value of 1% to 100% can occur the switching process. The duty cycle that has been set on the solar charge controller is 90%. The duty cycle is a duty cycle where the output voltage approaches the setpoint of the minimum charger voltage. The input voltage from the solar panel when connected to the battery of ±16 volts can be regulated to ±14 volts by the solar charge controller. Based on the battery charging specifications, the controller output can be used to charge a 12 volt battery.

Implementation of Solar PV Protection System in Indonesia: A Review

Conventional energy sources will run out if used continuously and damage the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop other energy sources that are safe, environmentally friendly, and inexhaustible known as renewable energy sources to meet energy needs in Indonesia. This article presents a review that discusses the protection of solar panels and PLTS. Solar panels are vulnerable to lightning strikes and other electrical disturbances, so an effective protection system is needed. This study uses a qualitative method through a literature study, reviewing various protection methods such as conventional and electrostatic lightning rods, good grounding systems, and overcurrent detection devices such as Solar Charge Controller (SCC) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). In addition, battery protection with Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and Low Voltage Disconnected (LVD) is also discussed. Using Arduino Uno, ESP 32, and PLC, automation approaches offer real-time monitoring and control solutions for solar power plant performance. Innovations in the lightning protection zone concept and minimal quantity measurement schemes enable more cost-effective design of protection systems without reducing the level of protection. The results show that these various protection methods can provide effective and efficient protection for solar power plants, enabling optimization of system function and safety. In conclusion, the protection systems reviewed in this study offer a sustainable solution to Indonesia's energy challenges by utilizing the maximum potential of solar energy. The potential for further research is presented in this article to develop more efficient and effective protection methods.

Aging Retardation of Lead-Acid Batteries by Adjusting Charge Controller Threshold Values in Off-grid Photovoltaic System

Hybrid systems or coupled power plants with energy storage are becoming more and more popular due to the rising need for energy. Researchers have been conducting several experiments to assure longer-lasting battery use due to the increasing widespread use of energy storage and the depletion of resources such as silicon and precious metals. In this study, a simulation study is carried out in PVSyst software on lead-acid batteries, which have a low cycle and a very traditional electrochemical structure. The simulation is realized by scaling Spain’s consumption curve in 2023, taken from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), together with lead acid batteries and off-grid photovoltaic (PV) modules. After the off-grid system design is created and consumption data is imported, it is aimed to extend battery life by changing the charge-discharge threshold values of the charge controllers. Threshold values are in two categories, high and low, and seventeen different cases are simulated. According to the results of the simulation, the state of charge (SOC) levels of the batteries decreases significantly due to radiation and cloudiness in the winter months and remain high in the spring and summer months. When charge controllers are set to high thresholds levels, they cause gassing currents that rise to an average of 20 amps, while battery life extends up to 5.3 years. When low threshold values are used, negligible levels of oxygen and hydrogen gasses are formed in the battery, but battery life decreases to 4.1 years.

Solar Power Plant Optimization using Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)

The automatic system model uses a Solar Charge Controller (SCC) to turn off the solar panel system at the minimum battery point so that the battery is safe and durable and an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) to automatically transfer the electricity network from State Electricity Company or Grid or solar panels. In this study, Solar Panel Priority Grid electricity is used if the solar panel is insufficient and hybrid system with solar panel priority with 2 cut out battery usage. The results of this study are 450WP Solar Panel, 100A SCC MPPT, 12V/100Ah Battery, and 3000 Watt Modified Sine Wave Inverter, Miniature Circuit Breaker, Contactor, Relay Switch, Time Delay Relay and Indicators. The results of the switching process test between the Solar Power Plant source and grid with ATS control can run automatically in Grid Priority Mode, meaning Solar Power Plant as a backup, or Solar Power Plant Priority Mode where the grid source is used as a power backup system. In the Battery Capacity Optimization System, Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Protection can work well, namely it can cut off the voltage from the inverter if the battery is in a low voltage state at a rating below 10.8 Volts, Auto Cut Charging Protection testing can charge the battery up to 13.8 Volts and Cycle Use, namely the process of this system can work to store energy while releasing energy to run the load. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the best choice of the most efficient Solar Power Plant system.

Design Development and Performance Evaluation of Solar Operated Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Pruner

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is a vital grain legume known for its contribution to food security and soil fertility. However, pruning, which enhances plant architecture and yield, remains a significant challenge in its cultivation, especially in large-scale operations. Manual pruning is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, which has led to the need for mechanized alternatives, a solar-operated pruner was developed at IGKV, Raipur, to reduce labour, time, and costs. This study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a solar-operated pruner tailored specifically for pigeon pea. The pruner integrates key components such as a cutting blade, DC motor, solar panel, battery, and charge controller. A 12 V DC motor, generating 10.53 N of force and operating at 8500 RPM, ensures efficient pruning. The motor is powered by a 7.2 Ah battery, which can be charged in 4 hours using an AC adaptor or 8 hours via a 10 W solar panel. The battery allows for 4-6 hours of continuous operation. The pruner's lightweight PVC frame makes it portable and user-friendly, while the protective blade guard ensures operator safety. Performance evaluation of the pruner indicated a field efficiency of 81% and pruning efficiency of 76%. The actual field capacity was measured at 0.097 ha/h, with a walking speed of 1.2 km/h. Losses due to half-cut stems were calculated at 9.04%. The pruner demonstrated its ability to reduce labor costs, improve pruning efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture through its solar-powered operation. This study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of adopting solar-operated pruners for pigeon pea cultivation.

Comparative analysis of direct coupling and MPPT control in standalone PV systems for solar energy optimization to meet sustainable building energy demands

Solar energy, a prominent renewable source, has reached an installed capacity of 71.78 GW in India. This research explored the load demands of the computer center at an engineering college in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, India. The computer center at the engineering college has an annual energy requirement of 260,552 kWh/Year. Consequently, the research focused on the planning and implementation of a standalone photovoltaic (SAPV) system, assessing it against the institution's total annual energy consumption. The performance ratio and losses of the SAPV system with both direct coupling and an MPPT charge controller was compared. This comparative analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two solar photovoltaic control methods—SAPV direct coupling and Maximum Power Point Tracking control—in optimizing energy harvesting from solar panels.

Transforming Hydroponics with IoT for Sustainable Water Management

General Background: Urbanization is reducing agricultural land, necessitating innovative cultivation techniques like hydroponics to thrive in limited spaces. Specific Background: The study investigates the use of IoT technology in hydroponic systems, specifically focusing on remote monitoring and control of water pumps for efficient resource management. Knowledge Gap: Limited research has explored the use of IoT in optimizing water pump operations in hydroponic systems, focusing on energy management and remote accessibility. Aims: The research aims to create an IoT-based automated water pump control system for hydroponics, enabling remote monitoring and evaluating its energy efficiency and operational effectiveness. Results: The experimental setup, including an ESP32 microcontroller, ADS1115 module, solar charger controller, and submersible pump, demonstrated optimal performance with a time-based control strategy, achieving 96.7% current and 97% voltage accuracy. Novelty: The study showcases a successful model for integrating IoT in hydroponic systems, thereby enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency. Implications: The study underscores the potential of IoT technologies in enhancing water management in hydroponics, thereby providing a feasible solution to contemporary agricultural challenges in space-constrained environments. Highlights: IoT Integration: Remote control enhances hydroponic system monitoring and efficiency. Energy Optimization: Effective solar charging improves automated water pump performance. Real-time Monitoring: Enables accessible tracking from significant distances via smartphones. Keywords: Hydroponics, IoT, Water Management, ESP32, Energy Efficiency

Optimization of a Smart Greenhouse with a Solar Energy System for Floating Raft Hydroponic Cultivation: Implementation and Performance Evaluation

Abstract The rapid growth of the global population has increased food demand, posing challenges for traditional agriculture due to limited natural resources. Hydroponic systems offer a sustainable solution by optimizing the growing environment. This study evaluates the performance of a floating-raft hydroponic smart greenhouse powered by solar energy. The system integrates advanced technologies and renewable energy sources, including three 120 Wp and 130 Wp solar panels arranged in a series-parallel configuration, a solar charge controller, two parallel 12V 65Ah and 12V 200Ah batteries, a microcontroller, DHT22 sensors, and actuators such as LED lights and a mist-type DC pump sprayer. These components effectively regulate humidity, temperature, lighting, and spraying, with data transmission to the Antares platform via a monitoring system utilizing NodeMCU ESP8266. The greenhouse maintained optimal environmental conditions, reducing the temperature from 38°C to 32°C within 30 minutes. The system’s daily electrical load was 1006.36 Wh, leaving an energy reserve of 68.35%. The plants cultivated in the greenhouse responded favorably to the system. This study highlights the potential of combining renewable energy with smart agricultural technologies to address the limitations of traditional farming practices and enhance sustainability.

High gain super lift Luo converter for hybrid energy management systems

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the development of alternative energy supplies due to rising fossil fuel prices and issues about the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. Today's demand is the design of a hybrid electric power generation system that uses solar and wind energy for remote places. This paper presents the design of an optimized hybrid renewable energy system consisting of a photo voltaic wind turbine (savinous type) with a battery and a super lift LUO converter. A solar PV module with an intelligent inverter facilitates the tracking of the maximum power point and the implementation of a battery charge controller for greater battery lifespan as well as reliable performance. Higher power output and clean energy are available from the hybrid power generation system, which combines innovative techniques with solar and wind power.

Sensor Fusion-Based Pulsed Controller for Low Power Solar-Charged Batteries with Experimental Tests: NiMH Battery as a Case Study

Solar energy is considered the major source of clean and ubiquitous renewable energy available on various scales in electric grids. In addition, solar energy is harnessed in various electronic devices to charge the batteries and power electronic equipment. Due to its ubiquitous nature, the corresponding market for solar-charged small-scale batteries is growing fast. The most important part to make the technology feasible is a portable battery charger and the associated controllers to automate battery charging. The charger should consider the case of charging to be convenient for the user and minimize battery degradation. However, the issue of slow charging and premature battery life loss plagues current industry standards or innovative battery technologies. In this paper, a new pulse charging technique is proposed that obviates battery deterioration and minimizes the overall charging loss. The solar-powered battery charger is prototyped and executed as a practical, versatile, and compact photovoltaic charge controller at cut rates. With the aid of sensor fusion, the charge controller is disconnected and reconnects the battery during battery overcharging and deep discharging conditions using sensors with relays. The laboratory model is tested using a less expensive PV panel, battery, and digital signal processor (DSP) controller. The charging behavior of the solar-powered PWM charge controller is studied compared with that of the constant voltage–constant current (CV–CC) method. The proposed method is pertinent for minimizing energy issues in impoverished places at a reasonable price.

An improved takagi - sugeno variable step size perturb and observe MPPT algorithm based lead acid battery charge controller for photovoltaic system

The main objective of photovoltaic system controller is to reduce the price of the kWh compared to traditional fuel-based electricity. Thus, the improvement of simple and low – cost controllers is a major challenge. Perturb and Observe (P&O) is the commonly used algorithm in order to ensure the power maximization of the photovoltaic system, due to its simplicity and effectiveness. However, on the main drawbacks of that algorithm is the fixed step size of perturbation, due to working environmental changes, which require dynamic tuning of the controller parameter. In order to overcome the cited disadvantage, a new Takagi - Sugeno variable step P&O is proposed. Based on the real-time measurements of the solar radiation and temperature, the proposed fuzzy system schedules the appropriate step size based on human expertise. A zero order Takagi – Sugeno with singleton output is proposed. The fuzzification were carried out using triangular and trapezoidal membership functions. The centroid defuzzification method based 25 If -Then rules are adopted. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improved P&O, three scenarios were used. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed controller under shaded conditions and various temperatures.

A solar-powered multi-functional portable charging device (SPMFPCD) with internet-of-things (IoT)-based real-time monitoring—An innovative scheme towards energy access and management

In the absence of portable charging devices, sectors such as transportation, communication, and emergency services deal with various challenges towards electric power needs while compromising on (1) operational efficiency, (2) insufficient portable charging solutions, and (3) limited versatility. This highlights the critical need for reliable and multi-functional power solutions. To provide a portable charging solution across diverse sectors, this paper proposes an innovative development of a solar-powered multi-functional portable charging device (SPMFPCD) with internet- of-thing (IoT)-based monitoring capabilities. The proposed scheme introduces a comprehensive model integrating advanced technologies which include a highly efficient solar panel, charge controller, sensors, and IoT module. The proposed system facilitates versatile charging solutions for a wide range of power requirements with real-time monitoring and data analysis through the IoT platform. Moreover, the proposed work explores the applications of the SPMFPCD in (1) emergency medical scenarios, (2) outdoor adventures, (3) disaster management, and 4) public spaces. Performance evaluation was made by proposing case studies to validate the (1) economic viability, (2) power management, and (3) environmental impact of widespread deployment of SPMPFCD in public spaces. Furthermore, detailed analysis of battery energy storage system (BESS) and photovoltaic (PV) integration for load management, seasonal dynamics, and renewable energy integration (REI) contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the proposed solution.