On-Campus

The remote lab allows distance learning students access to the physical experimental system through the internet.

The development of a remote controlled laboratory presented a number of challenges. To replicate the physical apparatus a number of sub-system requirements, critical to the functionality of the experiment, were identified, including:- • Building a light source which could be remotely controlled to

change the level of irradiance. • Designing a sub-system which allowed students to change PV

panels remotely. • Producing a sub-system to measure irradiance. • Creating a sub-system which measured and controlled the

temperature of the PV panels remotely. • Connecting and integrating the complete system to a

computer to allow the system to be accessed and controlled over the Internet by users.

Remote Laboratory

Introduction

The Renewable Energy Systems Technology MSc is available as a full-time and part-time distance learning programme. As part of the course students study photovoltaic (PV) devices that convert light energy to electrical energy for use in various applications. Therefore, it is important that the energy conversion characteristics of a specific PV device is fully understood for a range of operational conditions. One method for assessing PV performance is by measuring the "characteristic" (or IV) curve. An experiment that produces IV curves for different PV technologies under varying environmental conditions, is used in this programme. In this experiment, students analyse the IV curves of different PV technologies under varying light conditions, and also explore the effect of temperature on cell performance. A schematic of the experimental set-up of the optical bench is shown on the left. After completing this laboratory experiment, students are able to : • Measure and plot the characteristic curves for a range of PV cell types under

various irradiance and temperature conditions; • Quantify the maximum power point (MPPT), fill factor (FF) and conversion

efficiency for each technology; • Compare and contrast the performance characteristics of the different types of

photovoltaic samples.

In the on-campus version of the PV lab shown above students are able to manipulate the equipment and influence the outcome of the experiment. However, this is not feasible for distance learning students who complete the course remotely.

Distance Learning

A virtual simulation version of the PV lab as shown above is used by distance learning students to achieve the same objectives as the on-campus students. However as all the readings are pre-set students do not have the opportunity to deal with unexpected situations. They also do not have the same sensory experience as their full time counterparts.

Now

Future

The remote lab allows distance learning students to use a booking system to select a time to do the experiment. They can then log onto the experiment via a virtual instrument (Front Panel) developed in LabView. Through a web cam the students can see the physical apparatus of the experiment. Students can set and measure irradiance levels from an LED light source, control the temperature of the PV panels, change the PV panels on a turntable, and take IV curve readings for the open and closed circuit parameters under investigation. They can then download their results to critically analyse and discuss them in their laboratory report.

REMOTE PV CHARACTERISATION LAB

S.R. Williams*, R. Blanchard, A. Mohammed, M. Bliss, R. Pancholi, M. Clowes and M.Whale Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU, UK;

*Corresponding author: +44 1509 227127, s.r.williams@lboro.ac.uk

Student Interface – Front Panel PV Remote Laboratory rig