ECEA 5717 Closed-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory

2nd course in the Photovoltaic Power Electronics Specialization

Instructor: Robert Erickson,ÌýPhD, Professor

This is a 100% distance course in which students design, construct, and demonstrate a stand-alone solar power system at home.

Note:ÌýThis course requires purchase of a parts kit in order to complete assignments.ÌýPlease allow adequate time to receive the kit. It is highly suggested that you receive theÌýparts kit by the end of the first week of the session.

Prior knowledge needed:ÌýECEA 5700-5703 and ECEA 5716 (same as ECEA 5005).

Learning Outcomes

  • Focuses on analysis, modeling, design and testing of electrical energy processing systems in a practical laboratory setting.
  • Studies power electronics converters for efficient utilization of available energy sources, including solar panels and utility.
  • Experimental projects involve design, fabrication and testing of a solar power system.

Syllabus

Duration: 5Ìýhours

Duration: 4Ìýhours

Duration: 3Ìýhours

Grading

Experiment
Percentage of Grade
Experiment 1: Direct Energy Transfer System14%
Experiment 2: Software Tools and Pulse-Width Modulator5%
Experiment 3: Open-Loop DC-DC Converter18%
Experiment 4:ÌýConverter AC Modeling and Measurements16%
Experiment 5:ÌýDigital Voltage Regulator22%
Experiment 6:ÌýMaximum Power Point Tracking13%
Experiment 7: Battery Charge Management12%

Letter Grade Rubric

Letter GradeÌý
Minimum Percentage
A92%
A-90%
B+88%
B82%
B-80%
C+78%
C72%
C-70%
D+68%
D60%
F0%

Component List

ÌýÌýNote: The BOM includes a 12 V deep-discharge lead-acid battery (12 V, 6 Ah, sealed AGM). The department cannot ship this battery, so you will need to order it directly via the .

Component availability may vary, and functionally equivalent substitute parts may be used.

Hardware (Required)
  • (ECEE E-Store)
  • Basic tools:
    • Soldering iron and solder
    • Diagonal cutters
    • Needle-nose pliers
  • Test equipment:
    • Two-channel oscilloscope
    • DC power supply (0–30 V, 0–5 A, current limiting required)
    • Multimeters (at least 3)
    • Inductance meter or analyzer
    • Network analyzer (Bode plot magnitude and phase). Required in ECEA 5717.
Hardware (Recommended)
  • Digilent Analog Discovery 3 (AD3)
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Software
  • None
Course Syllabi