Elstatik-Stiftung visits | Prof. Mathias Rudolph and his team from Industrial Metrology present research results on the optimisation of solar modules
On 23 September 2021, Wolfgang Schubert, Chairman of the Elstatik Foundation, visited the Faculty of Engineering to find out about the results of the "Solar Web Optimisation" research project funded by the foundation.
For the "Solar Web Optimisation" project, young scientist Florian Senft developed a laboratory test stand with a solar simulator and mini photovoltaic modules that can be variably connected to two strings, which enables the simulation of shading and heating effects of roof-based photovoltaic systems, among other things.
The "Solar Web Optimisation" project builds on the preliminary work of the previous "Switch-based optimisation of photovoltaic systems" project. The existing demonstration system for the interconnection of solar modules, consisting of two strings and a total of eight mini solar modules, was expanded to include a controllable modular scalable light source as a solar simulator. A web server was also implemented, which enables HTWK-wide access to the user interface of the trainer.
With the realised trainer, individual variation of the individual module outputs can be achieved by changing the illuminance of the LED lamps. For example, individual module interconnections can be simulated. Furthermore, it is possible to simulate real daily variations in the irradiance of a roof-based solar system for different days and sky conditions, taking into account the influence of the angle of inclination and the orientation of the solar system.
In order to enable web-based remote access, suitable radio electronics were integrated into the control circuit. Wireless control of the trainer was realised in conjunction with a web server, which was also implemented. The lighting can be controlled from any end device using a browser-based user interface. The only requirements are access to the HTWK network and the availability of a web browser.
The results of the project were published in the specialist journal "photovoltaik" (06/2021).
Professor Mathias Rudolph and his team presented the results of the "Solar Web Optimisation" project (setting up a laboratory test for the switching-based optimisation of photovoltaic systems), including a live demonstration of the test rig.
The Elstatik Foundation
The Elstatik Foundation was founded by Sylvia and Günter Lüttgens and promotes research and science in the field of static electricity and electrical energy efficiency. Around 35,000 euros are awarded annually for this purpose.
In addition to the "Solar Web Optimisation" project of the Industrial Measurement Technology project group, the Elstatik Foundation previously funded the projects "Energy Harvesting in Practical Application" and "Switch-based Optimisation of Photovoltaic Systems".
