A small (12V Nominal) solar panel with nominal 10W output is connected to a battery charge control system. The charge controller is also connected to a small (500mm diameter) wind turbine. The charge controller can be connected to the supplied deep cycle lead acid battery.
The solar panel is supplied with a 400W solar simulator that allows the panel to be irradiated and generate power within the laboratory. This allows students to investigate the relative magnitude of incoming solar radiation, relative to power generated.
To allow investigation of the wind generator inside the laboratory a small but powerful axial fan is supplied that will allow the generator to be run up to a realistic speed. The 500mm diameter wind turbine can generate up to 25W at 19 knots (approximately 10 m/s). A handheld digital voltmeter is supplied as standard.
To investigate the detailed performance of both wind and solar components and to investigate the use of DC power for practical applications. Both the solar panel and wind generator connect to a digital combined charge controller that allows the output power from both the solar panel and the wind generator to be investigated.
Optional instrumentation and accessories (which can alternatively be locally sourced) are available.
