TECH 3399 Alternative Energy Charles R. Colen, Jr., Ph.D. Seyed E. Taghavi, Ph.D. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff ASSET II Annual Meeting, August 13-14, 2012

During the first part of spring semester, the alternative energy class will be lecture combined experiences that will engage students in understanding the concept of converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic cells (PV). The current-voltage characteristics curve of PV measured and plotted at differing light intensities, distances and angles between the light source and solar cell. New Course Description Alternative Energy – TECH 3399

After the spring break: Students will conduct experiment and learn how to collect and measure solar energy from PV cell by using the Pico complete Renewable energy kit. Students will provide a report on solar energy New Course Description Alternative Energy – TECH 3399

State the safety rules of the Alternative Energy Laboratory Acquaint students with basic physical principles in Photovoltaic Energy Explain how a solar cell converts sun light into electricity Determine series and parallel circuit in electronic Determine series and parallel PV array arrangement Describe circuit theorems used to simplify the electronic circuits Describe basic mathematical techniques used in the analysis of Electronics/Solar Energy. Determine voltage and current drop between components. Course Objectives

Study current-voltage characteristics curves under different operating conditions for PV: a. Hot Environment with a blower b. Cold Environment with a blower c. Effects of distance from light source d. Effects of angles upon the light source e. Effects of color upon the light source Give students the opportunity to do a project in a team environment and to make a presentation Course Objectives

An understanding of Solar Energy An understanding that Renewable energies are important An ability to perform laboratory activities and record data using solar cell Course Outcomes

General overview of alternative energy Review of concepts in circuit analysis Solar cell (PV) structure and operation Solar cell I-V characteristics curve Basic solar power system Solar power batteries connection Grid system Pico renewable energy kit Topics to Cover

Laboratory Activity-- Construct basics -Series/parallel circuits Demonstrate the performance of the oscilloscope and set up the oscilloscope to display the I-V curve Construct PV circuit and measure simulated solar energy using Bright light bulb

--Laboratory Activity Construct PV circuit and measure simulated solar energy for current and voltage using  Red light  Blue light  Purple light

--Laboratory Activity  Orange light  Violet light

Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different angles  Zero Degree  Thirty Degree  Sixty Degree  Ninety Degree --Laboratory Activity

Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different temperature  Cool room temperature  Full sunlight—warm condition Construct PV circuit and measure each light’s current and voltage at different distances between the solar cell and light source Pico Renewable Energy Kit  Exercises and practicum of the kit --Laboratory Activity

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