Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project aims to generate new knowledge and advanced technologies in the domain of power 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 PV panels 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 MPPT methods will be developed to track accurately the maximum power point regardless of weather conditions. In the BESS, a low-cost and optimal battery charger will be introduced to increase the charging efficiency and improve the battery lifetime by minimizing the battery pack impedance. The scalability of the overall system will be managed through a centralized database, where the status of all subsystems will be stored. The subsystems will access the database to update the overall system status by using a fast and reliable communication protocol developed by Alizeti, the industrial partner in this project. As a result, this project will contribute to provide a sustainable low-cost power source that can be used for powering solar electric-bike charging stations, schools and community centers in remote aboriginal areas and underdeveloped countries.