Optimization of photovoltaic energy by a microcontroller: Arduino Solar Tracker

International audienceOne of the major challenges of all nations today is to find new energy sources to meet the needs for continued growth in Energy Term. The conversion of sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic solar cells is becoming a necessity in particular through the observation of a global evolution in clean energy that respects the environment. The main challenge is to optimize as much as possible the cost / energy ($/watt) ratio thus boosting both energy performance and at the same time take full advantage of the sun's rays throughout the day.In this context the sun trackers are such devices for efficiency improvemen

Une ressource pédagogique pour l'enseignement par simulation : cas des panneaux photovoltaïques

International audienceThe aim of this paper is to present an educational approach in order to teach photovoltaic (PV) panels at different levels of education (high school, bac + 2, bac + 3, bac + 5), that for institutions that have a problem of didactic benches unavailability or who cannot afford to buy them, this using low cost prototyping and modeling / simulation tool (PSIM and MATLAB / SIMULINK). In addition, this paper shows how to use these tools in order to approximate the purpose of the training for each level. This work could also be a tutorial on which young researchers in the field of PV panels can rely to simulate a PV panel in different ways.L'objectif de cet article est de présenter une approche pédagogique dédiée à l'enseignement des panneaux photovoltaïques (PV) aux différents niveaux d'études (lycée, bac+2, bac+3, bac+5), ça pour les écoles qui ont un problème de manque de matériels ou qui n'ont pas les moyens pour les acheter, ceci en utilisant des logiciels de prototypage et de modélisation/simulation à coût réduit (PSIM et MATLAB/SIMULINK), en plus cet article montre aussi comment utiliser ces logiciels afin d'atteindre approximativement l'objectif de la formation pour chaque niveau d'étude. Cet article pourra être aussi un tutorial sur lequel les chercheurs débutants dans le domaine des panneaux photovoltaïques peuvent se baser pour simuler un panneau PV avec différentes façons. Mots-clés—Approche pédagogique; tutoriel; Panneaux PV; Psim; Matlab/Simulin

Photovoltaic system with quantitative comparative between an improved MPPT and existing INC and P&O methods under fast varying of solar irradiation

This work aims firstly to extract parameters lacked in the manufacturers’ datasheet by using a simple tool provided by PSIM and then model the PV panel. This model is validated using experimental data. In addition, this work presents the effect of solar irradiation and temperature on the performance of the PV panel. Next, this work will demonstrate that existing algorithms such as perturb and observe and incremental conductance respond inaccurately when solar irradiation is increased. For that a modified incremental conductance algorithm is presented, the latter can respond accurately when solar irradiation is increased and reduce the steady-state oscillations. Finally, ‘software-in-the-loop’ simulation for the conventional and the modified algorithms is made. Thus a quantitative analysis on the amount of energy loss for rapid change of environmental conditions in the modified method with existing INC and P&O methods is done. The results show that the modified algorithm makes an accurate response once the solar irradiation is increased with fast response and high efficiency. Hence, the loss of energy is minimized. Keywords: Modeling, PV panel, Perturb and observe, Incremental conductance, Modified incremental conductance, Sudden increasing of solar irradiatio

Open hardware/software test bench for solar tracker with virtual instrumentation

International audienceThis work develops an open hardware/Software Test bench for solar tracker. The proposed prototype is based on a dual axis solar tracker controlled with Arduino Uno which is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. The solar tracker can be controlled automatically with the help of Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors or manually using a potentiometer. Moreover, this test bench provides a virtual instrumentation based on Excel in which its solar tracker data can be recorded and presented. The hardware used has been chosen to be inexpensive, compact and versatile. The proposed test bench enables largescale solar tracker research, innovative new curriculum, and solar tracker outreach to younger students. A test of all its functionalities is done, the results show that it is flexible, easy to use. For instance, it can be used indoors using a lamp

Ultrasonic waves for characterisation of clay membranes

International audienc

Contribution to the Improvement of the Performances of Doubly Fed Induction Machine Functioning in Motor Mode By the DTC Control

In this article, we are interested in the improvement of the performances of Doubly Fed Induction Machine (DFIM) operating in motor mode by the use of the direct torque control (DTC). Firstly, we focused on the modeling of the DFIM and the study of the principle of functioning of the DTC control. Then, we implement this control on the Matlab/Simulink environment. Secondly, we present the simulation results of the proposed control. The analysis of these results shows clearly that the system based on the DFIM studied follows perfectly the set points, what allowed us to justify the efficiency of the elaborate control