Ecosense, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, has recently installed three advanced renewable energy training systems at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Amethi. These installations, which include a Solar Thermal Training System, Wind Energy Training System, and Solar PV Training and Research System, mark a significant step towards enhancing the institute's capabilities in renewable energy education and research.
1. Solar PV Training and Research System
Ecosense’s Solar PV Training and research system enables user to learn about Solar PV standalone technology. Using this system, a user gains knowledge in three fields of Solar PV Standalone system:
a.) Physics of Solar PV Panels — I-V and P-V characteristics, series, and parallel connection of solar panels effect of irradiation, effect of temperature, effect of shadow, effect of tilting of panels, effect of geographical location etc.
b.) Components and Assembly of standalone system — use of blocking diode, use of bypass diode, use of solar charge controller, use of solar inverter, difference between MPPT and PWM charge controllers, AC load, DC load, battery charging/ discharging characteristics, assembly of several components and power flow calculations in each branch.
c.) Research in PV systems — Ecosense separately provides a research unit along with standalone experimental system. User can initiate research in the area of maximum power point tracking using this unit. It has provision of providing automatic as well as manual gate signals to charge controller. User can use his/ her own MPPT algorithm with any of the controller to provide manual gate signals.
Ecosense installed Renewable Energy Lab at RGIPT, Amethi
2. Solar Thermal Training System
The Solar Thermal Training System is a small-scale model of a real-time water heating system designed for educational purposes. It enables the characterization and analysis of heat transfer, efficiency, overall heat loss coefficient, and heat removal factor. With the ability to perform experiments under varying conditions, such as different wind speeds, fluid temperatures, and flow rates, students can gain practical understanding of technical parameters in solar thermal systems. The system consists of a main collector system with a Flat Plate collector and sensors, a measuring unit with a display panel, and an artificial light unit using a Halogen lamp to provide consistent illumination in a lab setting. Its modular and scalable design allows easy movement in and out of the lab and offers the flexibility to conduct experiments with both artificial lights and actual sunlight. Inbuilt sensors and a datalogging device ensure accurate data recording and analysis for learning and research purposes. Overall, this training system enhances students' comprehension of solar thermal technology and its applications.
Ecosense installed Renewable Energy Lab at RGIPT, Amethi
3. Wind Energy Training System
The Wind Energy Training System is a downsized replica of a standalone wind turbine power plant, designed to offer students a practical and adjustable model of a wind turbine. It allows students to comprehend the various components and explore the consequences of altering operating points concerning wind speed and pitch angle. Fundamental concepts like I-V characteristics, cut-off speed, and cut-in speed can be studied using this system.
The system is designed to function within an enclosed laboratory, weatherproofed with an artificial wind generator. A large fan controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive simulates different wind speeds, allowing the wind turbine to convert wind energy into electrical energy and produce a three-phase electrical output. This output is transformed from AC to DC through a three-phase rectifier, connected to a charge controller and battery.
By facilitating hands-on exploration in a controlled setting, the Wind Energy Training System offers valuable insights into wind energy conversion and its applications, enabling users to access and utilize its capabilities independently of actual weather conditions.
Ecosense installed Renewable Energy Lab at RGIPT, Amethi
Demonstration and Training
After successful installation of system, Product Demonstration is conducted. The Product Demonstration was focused on how to efficiently utilize the system and explaining the different features of the system.
The Road Ahead
The faculty at RGIPT was overjoyed with the installation of the Lab and they are committed to make it even smarter with their ongoing research activities.