TECH 3399Alternative Energy

Charles R. Colen, Jr., Ph.D.Seyed E. Taghavi, Ph.D.

University of Arkansas Pine BluffASSET II Annual Meeting, August 13-14, 2012

During the first part of spring semester, the alternative energy class will be lecture combined experiences that will engage students in understanding the concept of converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic cells (PV). The current-voltage characteristics curve of PV measured and plotted at differing light intensities, distances and angles between the light source and solar cell.

New Course DescriptionAlternative Energy – TECH 3399

After the spring break:Students will conduct experiment and

learn how to collect and measure solar energy from PV cell by using the Pico complete Renewable energy kit.

Students will provide a report on solar energy

New Course DescriptionAlternative Energy – TECH 3399

State the safety rules of the Alternative Energy Laboratory

Acquaint students with basic physical principles in Photovoltaic Energy

Explain how a solar cell converts sun light into electricity

Determine series and parallel circuit in electronic

Determine series and parallel PV array arrangement

Describe circuit theorems used to simplify the electronic circuits

Describe basic mathematical techniques used in the analysis of Electronics/Solar Energy .

Determine voltage and current drop between components.

Course Objectives

Study current-voltage characteristics curves under different operating conditions for PV:

a. Hot Environment with a blowerb. Cold Environment with a blowerc. Effects of distance from light sourced. Effects of angles upon the light sourcee. Effects of color upon the light source

Give students the opportunity to do a project in a team environment and to make a presentation

Course Objectives

An understanding of Solar EnergyAn understanding that Renewable energies are

importantAn ability to perform laboratory activities and

record data using solar cell

Course Outcomes

General overview of alternative energyReview of concepts in circuit analysisSolar cell (PV) structure and operationSolar cell I-V characteristics curveBasic solar power systemSolar power batteries connectionGrid system Pico renewable energy kit

Topics to Cover

Laboratory Activity--

Construct basics -Series/parallel circuits

Demonstrate the performance of the

oscilloscope and set up the oscilloscope to display

the I-V curve

Construct PV circuit and measure simulated

solar energy using Bright light bulb

--Laboratory Activity

Construct PV circuit and measure simulated

solar energy for current and voltage using

Red light

Blue light

Purple light

--Laboratory Activity Orange lightViolet light

Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different angles

Zero DegreeThirty DegreeSixty DegreeNinety Degree

--Laboratory Activity

Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different temperature

Cool room temperature Full sunlight—warm condition

Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different distances between the solar cell and light source

Pico Renewable Energy Kit Exercises and practicum of the kit

--Laboratory Activity

•Discussions

•Questions

•comments