PROJECT HELIOS:A PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANEL STUDY

ForELEC5036 and COMM3057

Professor Volkening and Professor BuckleFanshawe College

Project Helios Group Presentation

• Introduction • Project Status• Scope and deliverables • Technical Problem and Solution• Project Scheduling• Project Budget• Conclusion

Agenda

Project Status

• Project Completed• Report Submitted• Completed on time• Completed on budget• More later…

Technical Problem and Solution

• To study how a PV panel responds to sunshine by developing a test platform and a testing procedure to collect data.

• To analyze and prepared in a report presenting the results of testing. Specifically, the V-I vs. light intensity characteristics.

A frame to hold the PV Panel. Hold panel securely at any angle. Mount meters for ease of use. Hold light meter inline with PV Panel. Procedure to safely test the panel and acquire data.

Requirements

Problem Scope

Design and Building a Prototype• Heavy enough hold testing stand stable.

• High enough for ease of use

• Needs to swivel to face the sun

• Fabricated from steel for strength

• Sized to hold panel , all meters and rheostat.

Design and Building a Prototype

• Safely test the Open Circuit voltage

• Safely test the Short Circuit current

• Test voltage and current across a variable resistive load

Preparation For TestingTesting Procedure1. Panel will be covered with a piece of cardboard prior to any

disconnect or reconnection of wires and or meters.2. Panel will be oriented for maximum power and solar output

reading will be taken.3. Panel will be uncovered, and voltage and current

measurements will be taken.4. Variable resistor will be adjusted 10 times to yield ten

values.5. Panel will be recovered with the cardboard until the next

testing round.6. Panel will be moved to alter the solar output value lower

and step 3 and 4 will be repeated.7. Testing is complete after 10 levels of solar output are achieved.

Preparation For Testing•Testing dates: Oct 29th & Nov 1st

• Two person operation: 1 - monitor/adjust for intensity 1 - take voltage/current readings

• Measurement of 12 intensities with at least 10 readings per intensity.

Data and Analysis•Testing PV Panel in twelve Light Intensities•Find open circuit voltage and short circuit current.•Examine PV Panel performance under resistive load.

Testing Highlights:Maximum intensity : 1kW/m2

Max. Short Circuit current: 560 mAMax. Open voltage 24.7 VoltsOptimum Output range: 15-18 VMax. Current @12 V: 400 mA

Data and Analysis• Output power is calculated as Current x Voltage

• Output at 1kW/m2: 5.86 W

• Input at 1kW/m2 on 0.19 m2

panel: 186.05 W

•Efficiency= 3.2%

Technical Conclusion• Testing demonstrated that the panel did not deliver stated power output . (15 Watt PV panel output only 5.86 Watts)

• Product reviews on the Canadian Tire website indicate others have had problems getting stated power output, symptoms being low output current.

• Manufacturer states that any panel generating over 24 volts open circuit voltage is operating properly, regardless of current output.

• Panel response to varying light intensities was good, response was linear up to 18 volts. Maximum output power was between 15-18 volts all ranges.

• This panel is not recommended for powering a direct load, and may be suitable for 12 volt battery trickle charging.

Risk Management

• Risks primarily addressed by adding extra time in scheduling

Project Timeline• 13 week project

• Duties split 50/50

• Planning, Execution and Termination Phases

• 4 status reports

Project Timeline

• Specific tasks completed early / under budget. (Task 6)• Task 15 (Fabrication) took extra time to complete.• Task 17 (Testing) was delayed one day, but completed in less time.• Task 26 (Status Reports) Memo report required extra time to

complete.

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Project Helios CPI/SPI

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Project Budget• Original estimate was incorrect due to spreadsheet calculation issues.

• Savings from tasks completed early funded any tasks that required extra time.

• Enough savings across the project allowed original estimate to stand.

• Project over budget by 10 cents.

• Reserve funds used to complete status report.

Lessons Learned

• Risk Management: give tasks extra time for unexpected issues/delays.

• Fabrication: Keep proper inventory list, allow for greater tilt adjustments in future.

• Budget: Triple check calculations, and calculate a little extra in

case of overruns.• Testing: Don’t always believe what the packaging states.• Computer skills: more experience with PM tools

In Conclusion

• Kept budget, met the targets.• Kept schedule, with only one delay.• Designed and built a rugged prototype.• Completed testing and data analysis.• Recommendations for panel tested• Questions?

Thank you for your participation!

Dave Mason and Todd Jenney wish to thank:

Professor Ke Liu, Technical AdvisorProfessor Martin Volkening, PM AdvisorProfessor Dianna Buckle, Comm Advisor

Fanshawe College