Solar Panel Power Simulator

By Oleksandr Kuzura and Karthik Krishna Jayaram

Abstract:
We created a power supply with the current and voltage characteristics of a
thin film solar panel for testing solar-powered devices in bad weather and
wintertime. The device is best implemented using a 100 W power supply but
will also work with a 10 W supply. It steps supply voltage down using an
Arduino-controlled power converter. The Arduino detects the device’s current
output, calculates the voltage a solar cell would output at that current, and
adjusts output voltage to match that voltage. This control occurs through a
servo loop. The sunless solar panel allows users to test solar-powered devices
regardless of weather conditions.

Report (pdf)

Poster (pdf)

Code