A Standalone MicroSolar Electrical Energy Production and Conversion System

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This project aims to generate new knowledge and advanced technologies in the domain ofpower electronics, optimization and control that can be used to develop an innovative standalone micro-solar energy conversion system with a power rating up to 1 kW, which consists of three main subsystems: a photovoltaic (PV) system, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and a power conversion system for powering loads. The expected results of the proposed project will provide several advanced features to the charging station including a maximum PV power-harvesting algorithm, an optimal battery charger to prolong battery lifetime, a cost-effective and scalable system design, a fault diagnosis and protection system, and an advanced anti-thief system. In order to maximize the harvest PV power, the PVpanels will track the maximum sun irradiation using an advanced mechatronics solar tracker system. In addition, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm combining linear and nonlinear MPPTmethods will be developed to track accurately the maximum power point regardless of weatherconditions. In the BESS, a low-cost and optimal battery charger will be introduced to increase thecharging efficiency and improve the battery lifetime by minimizing the battery pack impedance. Thescalability of the overall system will be managed through a centralized database, where the status of allsubsystems will be stored. The subsystems will access the database to update the overall systemstatus by using a fast and reliable communication protocol developed by Alizeti, the industrial partner inthis project. As a result, this project will contribute to provide a sustainable low-cost power source that can beused for powering solar electric-bike charging stations, schools and community centers in remote aboriginalareas and underdeveloped countries.