Renewable energy/mains power integration controller and switching module

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Electrical Engineering
Degree name
Master of Engineering
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Electrical and Computer Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2011
Authors
Wen, Yi-Han (Jennifer)
Abstract

This Masters research proposes a new system which deals with the management of renewable energy sources in a domestic/commercial small scale environment. The aim of the project is to develop an intelligent system which will monitor current in individual circuit loads in a domestic/commercial environment and establish whether the load can be powered from mains supply or be switched to an alternative energy supply in a dynamic way. The alternative energy can be solar energy from photovoltaic panels, wind generators or hydro generation. The switching between supplies is decided by monitoring load currents using a microcontroller and the switching action is taken only at specic allowed instants. The CAN (Controller Area Network)communication system is a two-wire differential serial bus system, developed by Bosch for automotive applications in the early 1980s. Its reliability and robustness in communication between nodes within the control system are the reasons for its popularity. The CAN system is implemented in the Eco Energy Controller. The prototype of the Eco Energy Controller is operational and has been tested with 6 resistive load, 24mH inductive load, and three 25W incandescent light bulbs. Experimental measurements and waveforms indicate that the prototype is successful in switching between two supplies to each of the loads without causing high current peaks during turn on.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Renewable energy, mains power integration controller, switching module
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright Yi-Han (Jennifer) Wen