1

Solar Photovoltaic
Training Kit

Experiment Manual

Includes 9 experiments with step-by-step guidance

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

2
Develop an in-depth understanding of a Solar PV plant
through a real-life hands on experience.

Compact Solar 
Photovoltaic Module Stand

It consists of two faced Photovoltaic

panel, which can be folded and
reassembled at use. The module also
contains a uniquely designed support
stand with adjustable gears for microtilting the PV panel for accurate
experiments and readings.
This module also carries two lamps which
can be regulated for variable radiation.
Adustable PV Panel

Main Controller

This has been designed keeping in view

the user interactivity while connecting
the terminals and simultaneously taking
the corresponding readings. The main
load indicator has been kept at the
bottom to avoid the glare in the eye
while conducting the experiments.
Concealed meters
Protective shield

Regulated lamps

A
Collapsible stand

B
DC load indicator

AC load indicator

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment Introduction

Insight Solar

Introduction
This experimental manual is prepared
specifically for the users of Insight Solar
PV training kit. This manual covers the
fundamentals of solar PV system which would
be helpful to the engineering students of
both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The manual is divided in two parts: Part I
focus on the characteristics of PV module at
different conditions and Part II focuses on the
characteristics of PV system and power flow
analysis. All the experiments can be done with
the help of digital display meters but some of
these can also be performed with logger/plotter
system which comes along with the kit.
Part I comprises 5 experiments. Experiment 1
helps to evaluate current-voltage characteristics
of single PV module while Experiment 2 focuses
on evaluating current voltage characteristics of
combination of two PV modules in series and
parallel. These two experiments also help to
evaluate fill factor of PV module. Experiment
3 explains how incident radiation and power
output of module gets changed with change
in tilt angle of PV module. Experiment 4 shows
the effect of shading of cells of PV module.
This experiment uses some shading blades for
shading the solar cells. Experiment 5 helps to
explain the working of diode as blocking and
bypass diode.
Part II consists of 5 experiments. Experiment 1
demonstrates and explains the power flow of PV
system when DC load connected to it.

Similarly, Experiment 2 does the same when

AC load is connected. These two experiments
explain the working of stand-alone PV system
with either DC or AC load. Experiment 3
explores the complete stand alone PV system
with both DC and AC load. Experiment 4
focuses on the charging and discharging
characteristics of battery. This experiment
is about voltage and current variation with
charging and discharging.
DOs
Always perform the
experiment with at
least two students.
Always start the
experiment with PV
module cleaning.
Make sure all
connections are tight.
Note all readings
of different meters
simultaneously.
Conduct one set of
each experiment
within 2-3 minutes.
Follow all the
precautions given at
the end of experiment.

DONTs
Dont expose the
controller unit in
water.
Dont short the
battery terminals
or any other source
terminals.
Dont move the
halogen or PV module
while the experiment
is going on.
Dont connect the
module o/p to the
charge controller
before connecting the
battery with charge
controller.
Dont allow the
module temperature
above 700C.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 1
Objective

Characteristic curves
of solar cell

To demonstrate the I-V and P-V

characteristics of PV module with varying
radiation and temperature level.

In I-V characteristic maximum current at

zero voltage is the short circuit current (Isc)
which can be measured by shorting the
PV module and maximum voltage at zero
current is the open circuit voltage (Voc). In
P-V curve the maximum power is achieved
only at a single point which is called MPP
(maximum power point) and the voltage
and current corresponding to this point
are referred as Vmp and Imp. On increasing
the temperature, Voc of module decreases
as shown in Fig. 1.2, while Isc remains the
same which in turn reduces the power. For
most crystalline silicon solar cells modules
the reduction is about 0.50%/C.

Theory
PV module is characterized by its I-V and
P-V characteristics. At a particular solar
insolation and temperature, module
characteristic curves are shown in Fig.
1.1(a) and 1.1(b) respectively.
2,500

Current( A)

2,000
1,500
1,000
0,500
0,000
00 .050

.1 0.15

0.20 .250

.3 0.35

0.40 0.45

.5 0.55

0.6

4.0

Voltage (V)

3.5

Fig. 1.1(a). I-V characteristic of PV module

3.0
Current( A)

1,200

Power (W)

1,000
0,800
0,600

2.5
2.0

450C

1.5
1.0

0,400

250C

T = 60 C

0.5

0,200

0.0

0,000
00 .050

.1 0.15

0.20 .250

.3 0.35

0.40 0.45

.5 0.55

0.6

Voltage (V)

Fig. 1.1(b). P-V characteristic of PV module

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

00

.1

0.20

.3

0.40

.5

0.60

.7

Voltage (V)

Fig. 1.2. Variation in Voc with change in temperature

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1

On changing the solar insolation Isc of the

module increases while the Voc increases
very slightly as shown in Fig. 1.3.
1000W /m

I
PT

ISC
IMP
PMAX

Current in A

MP

600 W/m

200 W/m2

,1

0,20

,3

Experimental set-up
0,40

,5

Voltage in V

Fig. 1.3. Variation in I-V characteristic

with insolation

Fill factor: The Fill Factor (FF) is essentially

a measure of quality of the solar cell. It
is the ratio of the actual achievable
maximum power to the theoretical
maximum power (PT) that would be
achieved with open circuit voltage and
short circuit current together. FF can
also be interpreted graphically as the
ratio of the rectangular areas depicted
in Fig.1.4. A larger fill factor is desirable,
and corresponds to an I-V sweep that is
more square-like. Typical fill factors range
from 0.5 to 0.82. Fill factor is also often
represented as a percentage.

P
FF = MAX
PT

OC

Fig. 1.4. Graphical interpretation

of the Fill factor (FF)

000

IMP VMP
ISC VOC

The circuit diagram to evaluate I-V and P-V

characteristics of a module is shown in
Fig.1.5. Form a PV system which includes
PV module and a variable resistor (pot
meter) with ammeter and voltmeter for
measurement. Pot meter in this circuit
works as a variable load for the module.
When load on the module is varied
by pot meter the current and voltage
of the module gets changed which
shift the operating point on I-V and P-V
characteristics.
A

Pot meter

Fig. 1.5. Circuit diagram for evaluation

of I-V and P-V characteristics

PV characteristics evaluation can be

achieved by following connections in
control board (as shown in Fig.1.6).

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1

Controller connections

One can also take I -V and P-V data from

Logger and Plotter by connecting the
Logger Plotter Box with module output.

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Values of current and voltages can be taken

from the data logger and then I-V curve
can be plotted at different radiation and
temperature levels.
One can also use Real time plotter which
will plot the curve of I-V and P-V

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Fig. 1.7. Logger plotter box with power supply

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Observations:

Fig. 1.6. Control board connections to get I-V

and P-V characteristics

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV

module :

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 1

characteristics at different radiation

and temperatures levels (by using
digital meters and data logger
separately).
3. Calculate the fill factor for the given
module (by using digital meters and
data logger separately).
4. Also get all above mentioned curves
from the Real time plotter.
These 4 sets are for different radiation
and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.

Results:
1. Draw the I-V curves of all the sets
on a single graph and show the
characteristics at different radiation
and temperatures levels (by using
digital meters and data logger
separately).

Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be
taken within 1-2 minutes (for indoor
experiment) otherwise temperature
of the module may vary as radiation
source used is halogen lamp.
2. Halogen lamp position should not be
changed during one set otherwise
radiation on modules will change.
3. Connections should be tight.

2. Draw the P-V curves of all sets

on a single graph and show the

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 2
Objective

Pmax

Fig. 2.1(b). I-V

characteristic
of parallel
connected
modules

To demonstrate the I-V and P-V

characteristics of series and parallel
combination of PV modules.
I(A)

Theory

Pmax

PV module is characterized by its I-V and

P-V characteristics. At a particular level of
solar insolation and temperature it will
show a unique I-V and P-V characteristics.
These characteristics can be altered as per
requirement by connecting both modules
in series or parallel to get higher voltage or
higher current as shown in Fig. 2.1(a) and
2.1(b) respectively.
Pmax

Pmax

I(A)

Voc

Voc

Voc
Voltage(v)

Therefore, if modules are connected in

series then power reduction is twice
when connected in parallel.
On changing the solar insolation, Isc of the
module increases while the Voc increases
very slightly, therefore there is overall
power increase. In parallel connection
power increment is twice than when
connected in series.

Voltage(v)

Fig. 2.1(a). I-V characteristic of series connected

modules

On increasing the temperature, Voc of

modules decrease while Isc remains
same which in turn reduces the power.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Experimental set-up
The circuit diagram to evaluate I-V and P-V
characteristics of modules connected in
series and parallel are shown in Fig. 2.2(a)
and 2.2(b) respectively.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2

Form a PV system with modules in either

series or parallel and a variable resistor
(Pot meter) with ammeter and voltmeter
for measurement. Modules in series or
parallel are connected to variable load
(pot meter). The effect of load change on
output voltage and current of the modules
connected in series or parallel can be seen
by varying load resistance (pot meter).
A

Series connected modules

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Pot meter
Solar Charge Controller
DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Fig. 2.2(a). Circuit diagram for evaluation of

I-V and P-V characteristics of series connected
modules
A

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Pot meter

Fig. 2.2(b). Circuit diagram for evaluation of I-V

and P-V characteristics of parallel connected
modules

I-V and P-V characteristics of the modules

connected in series or parallel can be
achieved by connections shown in Fig.
2.3(a) and (b) respectively.

Fig. 2.3(a). Control board connections for

modules connected in series

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

10

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2

Parallel connected modules

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

One can also take I -V and P-V data from

Logger and Plotter by connecting the
Logger Plotter Box with module output.
Values of current and voltages can be
taken from the data logger and then I-V
curve can be plotted at different radiation
and temperature levels.
One can also use Real time plotter which
will plot the curve of I-V and P-V.

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Fig. 2.4. Logger plotter box with power supply

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 2.3(b). Control board connections for parallel

connected modules

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Observations:
Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV
modules in series:

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 2

Results:

These 3 sets are for different radiation

and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.
Table for I-V and P-V characteristics of PV
modules in parallel:

1. Draw the I-V curves of all the 3 sets

on a single graph for series and
parallel connected modules and
show the characteristics at different
radiation and temperatures level (by
using digital meters and data logger
separately).
2. Draw the P-V curves of all the 3 sets
on a single graph for series and
parallel connected modules and
show the characteristics at different
radiation and temperatures level (by
using digital meters and data logger
separately).
3. Also get all above mentioned curves
from the Real time plotter.

Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be taken
within 1-2 minutes (for indoor exp.)
otherwise temperature of the module
may change as radiation source used is
halogen lamp.
2. Halogen lamp position should not be
changed during one set otherwise
radiation on modules will change.
These 3 sets are for different radiation
and temperature levels but in one set the
values of radiation and temperature will be
constant.

3. Connections should be tight.

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

11

12

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 3
Objective
To show the effect of variation in tilt angle
on PV module power.

Spring & Fall

Tilt angle is set
at latitude

Theory
Tilt is the angle between the plane
surface under consideration and the
horizontal plane. It varies between 0-900.
PV arrays work best when the suns rays
shine perpendicular to the cells. When
the cells are directly facing the sun in
both azimuth and altitude, the angle of
incidence is normal. Therefore, tilt angle
should be such that it faces the sun rays
normally for maximum number of hours.

Summer

Tilt angle is set

at latitude minus
15 degrees

Fig. 3.1. Tilt angle settings for different seasons

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Winter

Tilt angle is set

at latitude plus
15 degrees

The tilt angle settings for different seasons

are shown in Fig. 3.1. PV systems that are
designed to perform best in the winter,
array should be tilted at an angle of equal
to latitude +15. If the array is designed
to perform best in the summer, then the
array needs to be tilted at an angle of
equal to latitude15. In this way the array
surface becomes perpendicular of the sun
rays. For best performance throughout
the year, tilt should be equal to the
latitude angle.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3

Experimental set-up
The tilt angle of the module can be
changed by rotating the lever below the
module. Lit the halogen lamp and change
the tilt of the module by rotating the
lever.

Controller connections

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 3.2. Arrangement to vary tilt of the module

To evaluate effect of tilt on power output

of the module, following connections are
to be done in the control board as shown
in Fig. 3.3. The pot meter in this case has
to be fixed at constant position so that the
effect of tilt can be seen.

Fig. 3.3. Control board connections

to evaluate effect of tilt

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

13

14

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 3

One can also take I -V and P-V data from

Logger and Plotter by connecting the
Logger Plotter Box with module output.
Values of current and voltages can be taken
from the data logger and then the curve
between tilt and power can be plotted at
different radiation levels. For each tilt angle,
one has to keep constant resistance value
One can also use Real time plotter which
will plot the curve of I-V and P-V (at each tilt
value). Here, for each tilt angle, one has to
change the resistance from maximum to
minimum value.

Fig. 3.4. Logger plotter box with power supply

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Observations:
Tables for evaluating effect of tilt: Each set
is for the different positions of pot-meter
but during one set its position will be fixed.
Radiation on module will be calculated
by taking an average of the radiations
recorded at three difference locations on
the module (viz. upper end, middle and
lower end).

15
Results
1. Draw the graph between tilt (as x-axis)
and Radiation and Power (on left
and right y-axis). Relation between
radiation and power o/p will be linear.
2. Get the I-V and P-V curve, at each
tilt angle, with the help of Real time
plotter.

2. Observations for tilt angle should be

taken as correct as possible.
3. Always take radiation reading after
module current and voltage readings.
4. Connections should be tight.
5. Perform the experiment in sunlight for
better results

Precautions:
1. Readings for one set should be taken
within 1-2 minutes (for indoor exp.)
otherwise temperature of the module
may vary as radiation source used is
halogen lamp.

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

16

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 4

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 4
Objective

Experimental set-up

To demonstrate the effect of shading on

module output power.

There are shading elements of different

sizes (single cell, two cells, four cells and
9 cells of module) for covering the solar
cell (or cells) of module completely. For
executing this experiment, put one of
these shading elements on the solar
cell(s). After making the cells shaded by
different sizes of shading elements, note
down the readings of current and voltage.
Connections for this experiment will be
as follows:

Theory
There are 36 solar cells in a module. These
36 solar cells are in series as shown in Fig.
4.1 which makes the module as series
connected solar cells.

Fig. 4.1. Internal structure of the module

These cells are in series without bypass

diode so shading of one cell will be
sufficient to reduce the power to zero.
This arrangement gives zero power if the
entire row of cells gets shaded.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

17

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 4

Controller connections

One can also take I -V and P-V data from

Logger and Plotter by connecting the
Logger Plotter Box with module output.
Values of current and voltages can be
taken from the data logger for each
shading type.

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Module Current
Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

One can also use Real time plotter which

will plot the curve of I-V and P-V (at each
shading type). Here, for each shading
type, one has to change the resistance
from maximum to minimum value.

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Fig. 4.3. Logger plotter box with power supply

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Observations:
Table for evaluating the effect of shading
on cells:
S.No.

Fig. 4.2. Control board connections

1
2
3
4
5

Type of shading
V
element
(Volts)
No cell is shaded
Single cell
Two cells
Four cells
Nine cells

I
(Ampere)

P
(Watt)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

18
Results:

Precautions:

1. Demonstrate the power level for

different sizes of shading elements (by
using digital meters and data logger
separately)

1. Shading of string should be exactly on

that string only.

2. Get the I-V and P-V curves of module

for different shading types with the
help of plotter.

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

2. Connections should be tight.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 5
Objective
To demonstrate the working of diode as
Bypass diode and blocking diode.

Theory
Diode is very important element in the
PV system. This element can work as a
blocking diode or as a bypass diode. Diodes
connected in series with cells or modules
are called blocking diodes and diodes
connected across cells or modules are called
bypass diodes. There are two situations
where these diodes can help.

Bypass action of diode

If two modules are in series then the current
in circuit will be decided by the module
which is generating less current. Hence if
one module is completely shaded then the
current in the circuit will be zero. If there is
a diode in parallel with the shaded module
then power output of non-shaded module
gets bypassed by diode and will be available
at load terminals.
Blocking reverse flow of current from
the battery through the module at
night.
In battery charging systems, the module
potential drops to zero at night when

sunlight is not available. The battery

could discharge at night time by
flowing current backwards through the
module. This would not be harmful to
the module, but would result in loss of
precious energy from the battery bank.
To prevent the current flow from the
battery to the module at night time
blocking diode is placed in the circuit
between the module and the battery.
Circuits with and without diodes are
shown in following figures.

Fig. 5.1. Diode in blocking mode in series

connected modules

Blocking reverse flow down through

damaged module from parallel
connected modules during the day.
Blocking diodes placed at the head of
separate series wired strings in high
voltage systems can perform yet another

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

19

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

function during daylight conditions. If

one string becomes severely shaded,
or if there is a short circuit in one of the
modules, the blocking diode prevents
the other strings from loosing current
backwards down the shaded or damaged
string. The shaded or damaged string
is isolated from the others, and more
current is sent on to the load. In this
configuration, the blocking diodes are
sometimes called isolation diodes.
A

20

Shaded diode

Fig. 5.2. Diode in blocking mode in parallel

connected modules

Experimental set-up
There are two diodes which can be used
as a blocking diode as well as bypass
diode.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

a) Diode in bypass mode in series

connected modules
Shade one module completely and
connect the diode in parallel with shaded
module terminals (as shown in Fig. 5.3.).
b) Diode in blocking mode in series
connected modules with batteries
In blocking action of series connected
modules a diode is connected in series
with series connected modules. This
protects the module from reverse current
flow from battery. Connections as shown
in Fig. 5.4.
c) Diode in blocking mode in parallel
connected modules
In parallel connected modules the
diode is connected in series with the
shaded module and this protects the
shaded module from reverse current
flow (generated by other module).
Connections as shown in Fig. 5.5.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

Controller connections

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 5.3a. Series connected modules without

bypass diode

Fig. 5.3b. Series connected modules with bypass

diode

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

21

22

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

Controller connections

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 5.4a. Series connected modules with

batteries and without blocking diode

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig. 5.4b. Series connected modules with

batteries and with blocking diode

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

Controller connections

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 5.5a. Parallel connected modules without

blocking diode

Fig. 5.5b. Parallel connected modules with

blocking diode

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

23

24

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 5

Observations:
1. Power output of series connected
modules before using bypass diode
with shaded module will be close
to zero. After using bypass diode
with shaded module, power output
of series connected modules gets
increased from nearly zero to higher
value.

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

2. Connections with two configurations

of blocking mode without using
diode, LED will glow in these two cases
showing reverse current flow.
3. Connections with two configurations
of blocking mode using diode, LED will
not glow in these two cases.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 6
Objective
Workout power flow calculations of standalone PV system of DC load with battery.

Theory
Stand alone PV system (Fig. 6.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also, but these systems
perform best with battery bank. These
systems are best suited for the locations

where grid connectivity is not present

and these systems fulfill the requirements
of these locations.
Stand alone PV system of DC type is
used when local loads consist of DC
equipments and battery storage only.
This system consists of PV module, charge
controller, battery and DC load.
Charge controller regulates the module
voltage at 12V or any other value of
voltage, required by the battery bank or
load and then powered the load. In this
system there is no need of Inverter so
efficiency of system is high because
DC to AC conversion stage is absent.

Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with only DC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module
(Fig.6.2a,b,c)
Fig. 6.1. Stand alone PV system

b) Using modules in parallel

(Fig.6.3a,b,c)
c) Using modules in series (Fig.6.4a,b,c)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

25

26

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6

Controller connections
Demonstration of DC load with single
module (12 V system)

Module Temperature

Module Temperature

LED

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.2 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.2 (b) DC load connections (Step II)

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6

Controller connections
Demonstration of DC load with parallel
connected modules (12 V system)

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.2 (c) Module connections (Step III)

Fig.6.3 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

27

28

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.3 (b) DC load connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig.6.3(c) Module connections (Step III)

29
Controller connections
Demonstration of DC load with series
connected modules (24 V system)

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.4 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Fig.6.4 (b) DC load connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

30

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.6.4 (c) Module connections (Step III)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

31

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 6

Observations
The parameters to be observed are DC load current, DC load voltage, battery current and
battery voltage with different series/parallel combinations of modules.
Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:
S.No.

1
2

Module
Configuration

Array
Array
Current Voltage
(Ampere) (Volt)

Array
Power
(Watt)

Load
Load
Current Voltage
(Ampere) (Volt)

Load
Power
(Watt)

Battery
Current
(Ampere)

Battery
Voltage
(Volt)

Battery
Power
(Watt)

Single
module
Parallel
connected
modules
Series
connected
modules

Results

Precautions

Show the power balance by following

formula:

1. Readings should be taken carefully.

Array power = load power + battery

power + Power loss by charge controller

Note: Battery power will be with ve sign if

battery is discharging through load. Current
consumption of Charge controller is 4mA.

2. Always plug-in the module power lead

at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

32

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 7
Objective
Workout power flow calculations of standalone PV system of AC load with battery.

Theory
Stand alone PV system (Fig. 7.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also, but these systems
perform best with battery bank. These

systems are best suited for the locations

where grid connectivity is not present and
these systems fulfill the requirements of
these locations.
Stand alone PV system of AC type requires
inverter to convert DC voltage available at
the charge controller output to controlled
AC voltage of required magnitude to
supply AC type of load.
This system consists of Modules, charge
controller, battery and inverter. Charge
controller regulates the module voltage to
12 volt and charge the battery and then
this regulated DC power is converted to AC
by means of inverter. Inverter efficiency is
approximately 95%.

Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with only AC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module
(Fig.7.2a,b,c,d)
Fig. 7.1. Stand alone PV system

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

b) Using modules in parallel

(Fig.7.3a,b,c,d)

33

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7

Controller connections
Demonstration of AC load with single
module

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig7.2 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Fig 7.2(b) Inverter connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

34

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.7.2 (c) AC load connections (StepIII)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig.7.2 (d) Module connections (Step IV)

35
Controller connections
Demonstration of AC load with parallel
connected modules

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig7.3 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Fig.7.3 (b) Inverter connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

36

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.7.3 (c) AC load connections (Step III)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig.7.3 (d) Module connections (Step IV)

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 7

Observations
The quantities to be observed are AC load current, AC load voltage, inverter input voltage,
current, battery current and battery voltage with different parallel combinations of modules.
Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:
S.No.

Module
Configuration

Array
Array
Array Inverter
Current Voltage Power
I/P
Current
(A)
(V)
(W)
(A)

Inverter
I/P
Voltage
(V)

Inverter
I/P
Power
(W)

Battery
Current

Battery
Voltage

Battery
Power

(A)

(V)

(W)

Single
module
Parallel
connected
modules

1
2

Table for inverter efficiency:

S.No.

1
2

Module Configuration

Inverter I/P Inverter I/P Inverter

Current
Voltage
I/P Power
(A)
(V)
(W)

Ac Load
Current
(A)

Ac Load
Voltage
(V)

Ac Load
Power
(VA)

Single
module
Parallel connected
modules

Results

Precautions

Show the power balance in both the sets

by following formulae:

1. Readings should be taken carefully.

1. Array power = Inverter i/p power +

battery power + loss due to charge
controller
2. Inverter efficiency = AC load
power*100/Inverter input power (DC)

2. Always plug-in the module power lead

at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.

Note: Battery power will be with ve sign if

battery is discharging through load. Current
consumption of Charge controller is 4mA.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

37

38

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 8
Objective
Workout power flow calculations of standalone PV system of DC and AC load with
battery.

Theory
Stand alone system (Fig. 8.1) is the one
which can be used for both AC and DC
loads and installed near the location of
load. These systems are easy to install and
understand. These systems can be used
without batteries also but these systems

perform best with battery bank. These

systems are best suited for the locations
where grid connectivity is not present and
these systems fulfill the requirements of
these locations.
This system use DC power to charge the
battery and run the DC load but, use
AC power to run the AC load. There are
modules, charge controller, batteries, DC
load, inverter and AC load in this system.
This system runs the AC and DC load
simultaneously and can fulfill the demand
of the both types of loads.

Experimental set-up
The demonstration of stand alone PV
system with AC & DC load can be done in
the following ways:
a) Using only single module
(Fig.8.2a,b,c,d,e)
b) Using modules in parallel
(Fig.8.3a,b,c,d,e)

Fig. 8.1. Stand alone PV system

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8

Controller connections
Demonstration of AC & DC load with
single module

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.8.2 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Fig.8.2 (b) Inverter connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

39

40

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.8.2 (c) AC load connections (Step III)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig.8.2 (d) DC load connections (Step IV)

41
Controller connections
Demonstration of AC & DC load with
parallel connected modules

Module Temperature

Module Temperature

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC I/P

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.8.2 (e) Module connections (Step V)

Fig.8.3 (a) Battery connections (Step I)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

42

Module Temperature

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

AC Load

DC I/P

Module Output 1

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.8.3 (b) Inverter connections (Step II)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig.8.3 (c) AC load connections (Step III)

43

Module Temperature

Module Temperature

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Voltage

Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC I/P

DC Load

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig.8.3 (d) DC load connections (Step IV)

Fig.8.3 (e) Module connections (Step V)

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 8

Observations

(A)

(W)

(A)

Battery Power

(V)

Battery Voltage

Battery Current

(W)

Inverter I/P Power

(V)

Inverter I/P Voltage

(A)

Inverter I/P Current

(W)

DC Load Power

(V)

DC Load Voltage

Parallel connected modules

(A)

DC Load Current

Array Power

Single module

Array Voltage

Array Current

Module Configuration

Tables for Stand-alone PV system calculation:

S.No.

44

(V)

(W)

Table for inverter efficiency:

S.No.

Module Configuration

Single module

Parallel connected modules

Inverter I/P
Current

Inverter I/P
Voltage

Inverter I/P
Power

AC Load
Current

AC Load
Voltage

(A)

(V)

(W)

(A)

(V)

ACLoad
Power
(W)

Results

Precautions

Show the power balance in both the sets

by following formulae:

1. Readings should be taken carefully.

1. Array power = DC load power +AC

load power + battery power+ loss due
to charge controller.
2. Inverter efficiency = AC load
power*100/Inverter input power
Note: Battery power will be with ve sign if
battery is discharging through load. Current
consumption of Charge controller is 4mA.

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

2. Always plug-in the module power lead

at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight.

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9

Insight Solar

Experiment no. 9
Objective
To draw the charging and discharging
characteristics of battery.

Theory

of discharging voltage variation becomes

less steeper and battery discharge up to
somewhat higher voltage. The typical
12V, 3Ah battery discharge characteristic is
shown in Fig. 9.1.

Battery discharging

Battery charging

Battery discharging depends on

magnitude of current drawn and the
time for which this current is drawn.
Rate of charge flowing determined the
steepness of discharge characteristic.
At higher current i.e. at higher rate of
discharge, voltage variation becomes
more steeper and battery discharge up to
much low voltage. Similarly, at lower rate

Starting current of charging is much higher

because the voltage of the discharged
battery is low. Initially battery draws
almost constant charging current while
battery voltage increases rapidly, as soon
as battery voltage reaches rated voltage,
charging current start reducing rapidly
and battery voltage becomes constant.
After fully charging, the battery charging
current reduces to vary low value required
to trickle charge the battery. The typical
charge characteristic of 12V battery is
shown in Fig. 9.2.

Battery Current (A)

0.36

2. Page No-17 Observation Table in this first no cell is shaded than single cell and then
remain part.
3. Page No-25
a) Using only single module (Fig.6.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.6.3a)
c) Using modules in series (Fig.6.4a)
4. Page no-32
a) Using only single module (Fig.7.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.7.3a)
5. Page no-38
a) Using only single module (Fig.8.2a)
b) Using modules in parallel (Fig.8.3a)
6. Page No-45 we can also use below diagram for the charging characteristics(Please
Discuss with manhotra sir)

0.35
0.34
0.33
Battery Current (A)

0.32
0.31
0.3
0.29
0

10

20

30

40

Battery Discharging

Fig. 9.1. Battery discharging

Fig. 9.2. Battery charging

Battery Charging

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

45

46

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9

Experimental set-up

Controller connections

To demonstrate charge and discharge

characteristics of the battery connections,
do the connections in control board as
shown in Fig. 9.3(a) and 9.3(b).

Battery discharging

Battery charging
Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

Module Current

Module Temperature
LED

Diode 1

Diode 2

Module Voltage
DC Load

Module Current

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

Inverter I/P

Inverter O/P

DC I/P

AC Load

Module Output 1

DC Load
Module Voltage
DC Load

Battery 1

Solar Charge Controller

DC I/P

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

AC Load

POT Meter

Module Output 1

DC Load

Inv. Input Current

Battery / Inverter

Module Output 2

Inv. Input Voltage

POT Meter

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Inv. Input Current

Batt. Input Current

Batt. Input Voltage

Gen. AC Current

Gen. AC Voltage

DC Load Current

DC Load Voltage

Fig. 9.3 (a).

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Fig. 9.3 (b).

Insight Solar
Experiment no. 9

Observations

Results

Discharging experiment can be done

at different current values. This can be
achieved by changing the load.

1. Draw charging and discharging curves

by taking time (in hrs) on x-axis and
voltage and current on y-axis..

Table for discharging of battery:

Precautions

Time

Voltage

Current

1. Connections of battery should be

made carefully.
2. Always plug-in the module power lead
at the input of charge controller, after
connecting the battery terminals with
charge controller output terminals.
3. Connections should be tight

Table for charging of battery:

Time

Voltage

Current

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

47

48

Insight Solar
Notes

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Notes

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

49

50

Insight Solar
Notes

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

Insight Solar
Notes

Notes

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]

51

52
About Ecosense
Ecosense provides world class training solutions in
renewable energy and clean environment. As a group
of engineers, researchers and designers, Ecosense has
developed cutting edge products to create skilled human
resource for renewable energy sector. Founded by group
of IIT graduates, Ecosense is dedicated towards building
mechanisms that will develop highly skilled workforce that
enables the development of clean environment for human
race.

Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Correspondence Address: 
C-131, Flatted Factory Complex, Okhla Phase-III, New Delhi - 110020
Regd. Address: 124, Himgiri Apartment, Vikaspuri, New Delhi 110018
Phone: +91 11 46016794, +91 9910477840, +91 9910166999
Email: [email protected] Web: www.ecosenseworld.com

Insight Solar, 2012 Ecosense. [email protected]