alternative and renewable energy systems - lab volt systems

Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems

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Known as the standard for technical

training systems in use across virtually

every industry and around the globe,

Lab-Volt is now using its expertise to

provide hands-on training solutions in

Alternative and Renewable Energy Sys-

tems for Secondary, Career and Tech-

nical, Post-Secondary, and Workforce

Development educational institutions.

Alternative Energy is a natural progres-

sion for Lab-Volt. Since the postwar

technology boom of the 1950’s, the

company has been helping to train the

minds and hands of the specialists and

technicians who make the possible prac-

tical. Lab-Volt has maintained its leader-

ship by combining expertise in virtually

all scientific, technological and industrial

disciplines with the ability to envision

the most efficient and effective means

to educate within the training center and

classroom environments.

Alternative and renewable energy

sources are steadily climbing the lad-

der of environmental and commercial

importance as scarcity and expense re-

strict the supply of non-renewable fuels.

Lab-Volt recognizes the special nature

of Alternative and Renewable Energy,

an industry that combines factors more

unique and specialized and having more

complicated relationships than most tra-

ditional power generation and distribu-

tion fields.

Lab-Volt’s new alternative energy train-

ing systems cover foundational, interme-

diate, and advanced alternative energy

technologies, including wind, solar, and

solar thermal technologies. This training

focuses on the electrical and electronic

components at the core of many green

energy technologies and covers not only

the production of alternative energy, but

how that energy translates into common

usage.

While most power generation requires the

creation, management, and conversion

of heat energy into motion—with most

variations simply involving the way heat

is produced—alternative and renewable

sources are far more varied. Many take

advantage of the motion already found in

nature; others harness nature’s own re-

newable forms of heat and energy. Cap-

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turing and converting that motion or energy often

requires very non-traditional methods.

Accordingly, development of the Lab-Volt Alterna-

tive and Renewable Energy Systems required re-

thinking the traditional approaches to training, from

the need to understand the base science to how,

for example, location and environmental issues af-

fect an alternative/renewable energy source’s abil-

ity to work efficiently or even acceptably.

Lab-Volt training systems are proven and trusted

worldwide by educators operating in all sectors,

including schools and universities, vocational

training, government and the military, commerce

and industry, and more.

Lab-Volt supports all of its products with state-of-

the-art service centers in the United States and

Canada, and a comprehensive network of product

technicians standing by worldwide.

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Alternative Energy Training Programs

*Some of the programs outlined in this brochure are in development and subject to change.

Lab-Volt’s Alternative Energy Training Program was developed as a three-tiered program. It begins at the secondary education level with 40 hours of Graymark’s GREENtech program and continues with hands-on training on our com-prehensive Solar/Wind Energy Training System, Model 46120 and Solar Thermal Energy Training System, Model 46121.

These secondary education programs focus on installation and operation, including electrical skills, maintenance and support, and an under-standing of the set-up and use of stand-alone (a small renewable energy system that is not con-nected to the electricity grid) and grid-tied (a small renewable energy system that is connected to the electricity grid) renewable energy systems.

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Alternative Energy Training Programs

The college and university two-year program is based on Lab-Volt’s Electromechanical Systems trainer and focuses on power generation, trans-mission, and distribution and voltage/frequency power synchronization, as well as control of the many different types of generators used in wind and hydro power. Also included in this program are the power electronics behind alternative and

renewable energy systems, battery chargers and small electric vehicles, and energy storage.

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• Reversible Fuel Cell• Wind Turbine with different blade sizes• 1-w Solar Panel• Data Acquisition Board• Graphic Software• Hydro Car• DC Motor with propeller• 2 AA Battery Holder• Student Theory and Lab Manual• Student Accessories• Student Tools

• Introduction to the Trainer• Energy Overview• Solar Energy• Wind Energy• Fuel Cell Energy• Electrical Energy Distribution• Career Opportunities• Introduction to Electricity• Electrical Circuits• Solar Panels• Fuel Cell Computer Interface• Fuel Cells and Zero Emissions Car• Wind Turbines

Graymark® GREENtechSecondary Education Programs

GREENtech is a low-cost turnkey Energy Effi ciency & Renewable Energy Training Lab that includes all the courseware, hardware, software, tools and accessories needed to provide the basic knowledge and the hands-on skills required to enter the green collar job market.

Topic coverage includes: Training Lab Components

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Secondary Education Programs

Lab-Volt Systems, Inc. is proud to lead the way in offering new hands-on training systems in Alterna-tive, Renewable, and Sustainable Energy Technol-ogy. The Solar/Wind Energy Trainer is our initial offering in this series and includes state-of-the-art components and curriculum. Lab-Volt’s Alternative Energy training programs are not only for those who can make a difference today, but also for those who will shape the future of these technologies.The Solar/Wind Energy Trainer forms a complete hybrid energy training system. This program dem-onstrates how wind turbines and solar cells are be-ing used in the consumer and industrial markets to supplement the world’s power needs. The program explores solar and wind as energy sources that can be used to help reduce dependence on non-renew-able fuel sources. Students gain a global perspective when they understand the economics, effi ciency, and low environmental impact of producing energy from non-polluting, renewable sources.

Solar/Wind Energy Training SystemModel 46120-00

Topic Coverage

• Energy Fundamentals• Trainer Familiarization and Safety• Solar Module• Wind Turbine• Solar/Wind Systems• Going Green

Shown with AC Flood Lamp (Sun Simulator)

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Grid-Tied Systems Simulation SoftwareModel 46120-A0

Lab-Volt’s comprehensive Grid-Tied Systems Simulation Software is an add-on to our Solar/Wind Energy Train-ing System, Model 46120. The software expands on the acquired Solar/Wind Energy knowledge and enables stu-dents to simulate the connection of the converted energy to the public utility grid. Grid-tied systems generate electricity and send this en-ergy back to the utility company’s power grid. The energy produced counts against the energy your home or busi-

ness uses, thereby offsetting your utility usage.Lab-Volt’s Grid-Tied Systems uses computer soft-ware to simulate the installation and operation of a utility-interactive photovoltaic (PV) solar en-ergy system in a residential home. The software is comprised of an Electrical Wiring Simulator and a Home Energy Simulator and includes Student and Instructor Manuals.

• Commercial String Inverters• Installing a Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Solar Power System• Wiring and Confi guring Alternative Energy Systems• Smart-Grid Technology• Remote Data Acquisition• Power Management Techniques• The NEC Code as it Applies to Alternative Energy

Installation in the U.S.• Installation Requirements for Solar and Wind

Power Systems in the Continental U.S. and its Ter-ritories

Topic Coverage


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Solar Thermal Energy Training SystemModel 46121The Lab-Volt 46121 Solar Thermal Energy Train-ing System* is a solar hot water heating system. The trainer includes a solar collector, circulation pumps, storage tank, heat exchanger, air separator, air handler, solar heating coil, automatic air vent, thermostat, and controller system with sensors. Students will be able to install system components and observe pressures, temperatures and fl ow rates. Students will setup various realistic operat-ing environments such as radiant fl oor heating, passive and active solar water heating, space heat-ing system, and hot water heat exchanger.

Topic Coverage

• Introduction to Domestic Solar Hot Water• Solar Collectors• Hot Water Storage and Installation Bases• Preparing to Install a Solar Hot Water System• Fitting of Solar Collectors• Regulations Covering Unvented Hot Water

System• Unvented Hot Water Systems• Plumbing Layout• Control and Power Requirements• System Commissioning • Applications

*Prototype model shown. Subject to change.

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Lead-Acid Batteries, Model 8801, consists of two valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) batteries enclosed in a half-size EMS module and is used to study lead-acid battery characteristics as well as the storage

of electrical energy produced using solar power. The batteries can be connected in series or parallel. Normal connection to the batteries is through 4-mm safety banana jacks mounted on the front panel of the module. These jacks are used when large amounts of power are supplied to the batteries or drawn from the batteries. A pair of miniature (2 mm) banana jacks mounted on the front panel of the module provides access to one of the two batteries via an auto-reset fuse. These min-iature jacks are used when connecting the battery to either the

Solar Panel Test Bench, Model 8805, or the Solar Panel, Model 8806 Topic coverage includes:• State of Charge, Voltage Regulation, Discharge Characteristic Curve, and Cycle Life• Battery Capacity vs. Discharge Rate• Battery Charging Fundamentals• Battery Charging Methods

Renewable Energy Training Program

DC Power CircuitsDC Power Circuits features computer-controlled four-quadrant me-chanical load capabilities. It reproduces the torque and speed char-acteristics of various energy systems, such as wind turbine or wave energy. The module is also used as a four-quadrant power supply required in power electronic experiments. Topic coverage includes:• Voltage, Current, and Ohm’s Law• Equivalent Resistance• Power in DC Circuits• Series and Parallel Circuits

College and University Programs

Renewable Energy Basic Training SystemThis foundational training system, which covers the topics on these two pages, introduces students to both wind power and solar power, two popular sources of renewable energy with zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and requires only a basic knowledge of electricity principles. This course also introduces lead-acid batteries which are used to store electrical energy produced from wind power or solar power.

Lead-Acid Batteries

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Lead-Acid BatteriesMonocrystalline Silicon

Solar Panel (front and back)Solar Panel Test Bench (with

Solar Panel installed)Monocrystalline SiliconSolar Panel Test Bench (with

Solar Power System with Components

The Solar Power Technology Training Sys-tem, Model 8805, is designed to introduce students to the production of electrical energy from solar power, with emphasis on the use and operation of photovoltaic (PV) panels (solar panels). The Solar Power Technology Training Sys-tem mainly consists of the Solar Panel Test

Bench, Model 8805, and the Solar Panel, Model 8806. By installing the Solar Panel on the Solar Panel Work Bench, students can conduct several indoor experiments on solar panel operation and perfor-mance using the artifi cial light source of the test bench. The Solar Panel can also be installed on a tripod (purchased separately) to perform extra optional outdoor experiments using sunlight.

Topic coverage includes:• The Diode• The Solar Panel (Photovoltaic Panel)• Effect of Temperature on Solar Panel Perfor-

mance• Storing Energy from Solar Panels into Batteries• Effect of Shading on Solar Panel Operation• Solar Panel Orientation (optional outdoor

exercise)• Solar Panel Performance versus Insolation (op-

tional outdoor exercise)

Renewable Energy Training ProgramCollege and University Programs

Solar Power (Photovoltaic)

Wind Power (Small)Wind Power (Small) introduces students to the characteristics of wind power generation and how to store electrical energy produced by a wind turbine.Topic coverage includes:• Voltage-vs.-Speed Characteristic of a Wind

Turbine Generator• Torque-vs.-Current Characteristic of a Wind

Turbine Generator• Power vs. Wind Speed• Storing Energy from a Wind Turbine into Batteries

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CHARGER AC/DC

CHARGER AC/DC

AC/DCConversion

AC/ACConversion

Batteries

Batteries

Batteries

Socket

UtilityPower

AC (60 Hz)

On-Board AC

Conductively Coupled (Direct coupled AC)

Conductively Coupled (Direct coupled DC)

Inductively Coupled

Socket

UtilityPower

DC

Off-Board DC

UtilityPower

High FrequencyAC

Vehicle Inductor(Receptor)

Inductor Source(Coupler)

Battery Chargers and Small Electric VehiclesThe Battery Chargers and Small Electric Vehicles course is an add-on to DC Power Electronics and introduces students to battery chargers and small electric vehicles (electric bikes and golf carts), two applications that are closely related to renewable energy.

Ni-MH Batteries is an add-on to the Renewable Energy Basic Training System and introduces students to Ni-MH batteries. Today, these batteries are used extensively in a growing array of applications as they offer better performance than conventional lead-acid batteries. However, they are more expen-sive than lead-acid batteries.Topic coverage includes:• State of Charge, Voltage Regulation, Discharge Characteristic

Curve, and Cycle Life• Battery Capacity vs. Discharge Rate• Battery Charging Fundamentals• Battery Charging Methods

Ni-MH Batteries

DC Power Electronics: Diodes, IGBTs, and ChoppersDC Power Electronics is an add-on to the Renewable Energy Basic Training System. This course allows students to study DC power electronics, which are used extensively to manage DC power obtained from wind power and solar power sources or stored in batteries.Topic coverage includes:• Familiarization with the LVDAM EMS System• Familiarization with the Chopper Control Software• Familiarization with the IGBT Module (Chopper Imple-

mentation)• Introduction to High-Speed Power Switching• The Buck Chopper• The Boost Chopper• The Buck/Boost Chopper• The Four-Quadrant Chopper


Renewable Energy Training Program

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Our Renewable Energy training curriculum delivers a prac-tical training experience designed to help trainees under-stand the core concepts required to operate and maintain various renewable energy systems. The course begins with electrical systems and AC/DC Motors and Drives. Students

then advance to the functions and inter-actions of mechanical and fluid power systems, and end the course with a com-prehensive understanding of the method-ology of renewable energy systems.

A Wind Farm is a set of Wind Turbines, located near each other, sharing a common point of connec-tion to the electrical distribution grid called a Common Connection Point. Generally, a Wind Farm has a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system used to control individual wind turbines and monitor the entire wind farm. The Wind Farm Simulation Software is a software-only so-lution: no special hardware is required, only a PC with adequate performance capabilities. The HMI (Human Machine Interface) is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It presents every parameter as well as the values of the signals, both internal to the wind turbine and published to the SCADA system.

• Safety• Mobile Hydraulics• Mobile Electrical• PLC Fundamentals• AC/DC Motors and Drives• Mechanical

• Wind Turbine Block Diagram• Structure of the Simulator• Initial Start-Up• Simulators used in the Program

Topic coverage includes:


Wind Farm Simulation Software


ITZ Renewable Energy Online Training ProgramModel 47919

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Developed specifically for low-power (0.2-kW) educational equipment, the 8052 system enables stu-dents to understand and safely operate industrial-type equipment. Careful attention to engineering detail ensures easy-to-understand laboratory results, easily-observed data values, and data which, when applied to governing formulas, provides results that verify electrical laws rather than deny them on the

basis of large, operational-tolerance errors.This highly-modular training system is based on time-proven technologies. Modular-program course materials provide instructors with complete versatility in selecting and adapting lessons and experiments to fit specific stu-dent needs and teaching objectives. Multi-use modules are applicable to other electrical topics, such as transmis-sion lines, protective relaying, industrial motors, motor controls, power electronics, etc., offering a great oppor-tunity for lower-cost future expansions.

The Lab-Volt Computer-Assisted 0.2-kW Wind Power Technology Training System, Model 8052-00 Wind Power Technology: Power Systems, covers electrical basics, from Ohm’s law and complex impedance through single- and three-phase transformers and forms a modern modular program that, with the integration of data acquisition, provides new opportunities for laboratory observa-tions in the study of electric power technol-ogy.Model 8052-10 Wind Power Technology: Asynchronous and Doubly-Fed Generators, is an add-on to Model 8052-00 and covers typical wind power asynchronous genera-tor principles and synchronization, as well as doubly-fed induction generators and the associated power electronic converters. Lab-Volt also offers trainers that cover additional wind power topics such as mechanical, hydraulics, programmable logic controllers, wind turbine and other PLC applications, etc.

Electromechanical Training System 0.2 kWModels 8052-00 and 8052-10

Computer-Assisted Wind Power Technology

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Image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent actual equipment.

Computer-Assisted Wind Power TechnologyModel 8052-00

• Fundamentals for Electrical Power Technology • Alternating Current• Capacitors in AC Circuits• Inductors in AC Circuits• Power, Phasors, and Impedance in AC Circuits• Three-Phase Circuits• Single-Phase Transformers• Special Transformer Connections• Three-Phase Transformer


Model 8052-10

• Fundamentals for Rotating Machines • AC Induction Motors• Power Electronics Fundamentals• Wound-Rotor Doubly Fed Induction Ma-

chines


Lab-Volt Systems, Inc.Farmingdale, NJ 07727

USAPhone: 732-938-2000

Toll Free: 800-LAB-VOLTFax: 732-774-8573

E-mail: [email protected]

Lab-Volt Ltée/Ltd.Québec (Québec) G2N2K7

CANADAPhone: 418-849-1000

Toll Free: 800-LAB-VOLTFax: 418-849-1666

E-mail: [email protected]

86431-00 Rev. A

alternative and renewable energy systems - lab volt systems

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