SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

EKC 377 - RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES

SEM II – 2015/2016
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT
GROUP NUMBER: 9
GROUP MEMBERS:
1. Name : Jasvinderjit Singh
Matrix number : 129072
2. Name : Danny Hartanto Djarum
Matrix number : 127320
3. Name : Kesavan a/l Mutayah
Matrix number : 129077
4. Name : Kalai Yoogan a/l Visava Nathan
Matrix number : 129075
5.Name:Sivasangary a/p Ragupathy
Matrix number: 131169

Lecturer : Prof. Madya Tye Ching

TABLE OF Content Page
CONTENT
S: No.
1 Title page I
2 Table of content Ⅱ
3 Objective 1
4 Goals 1
5 Introduction 1
6 Project History 1
7 Design Description 2
8 Preliminary Design 3
9 Final Design 3-4
10 Product Performance 4-7
11 Conclusion 7
12 Acknowledgement 7
13 Appendix Ⅲ, Ⅳ
14 References Ⅴ
 OBJECTIVES

 To harvest solar energy as a source of renewable energy.

 To convert the energy from sunlight to useful work output in the form of
electrical energy.
GOALS

 To reduce carbon emissions and footprint.

 To fight climate change by harnessing renewable energy resources.
 To substitute fossil fuels as the primary source of energy with cleaner renewable
energy sources.
 To assist the charging of power bank by providing power generated from solar panel.
Solar panel was utilised to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy can be considered as a form of energy derived from the source that would
not deplete, at least not anytime soon. Solar, winds, hydropower, geothermal are just a few examples
of them. Solar energy is an alternative energy and effective because of its availability and the energy
comes from the sun provides consistent and steady source of solar power throughout the year and is
totally a renewable source. it does not require any huge set up like in case of wind or geothermal
power.
People are increasingly investing in solar energy to save on out-of-pocket costs and get rid of
dangerous and expensive power lines. Harnessing solar energy does generally not cause pollution.
However, there are emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of
solar power systems – almost nothing compared to most conventional energy sources. It is clear that
solar energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This is an important step in
fighting the climate crisis.
Despite its many uses, this energy, the solar power, is currently in the focus of being
converted into electricity efficiently, either directly using photovoltaic (PV) cells, or indirectly using
concentrated solar power (CSP) with the help of lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus. PV
electricity is one of the best options for sustainable future energy requirements of the world. Several
methods have been offered to increase the power conversion efficiency of solar cells, including
tandem cells, impurity-band and intermediate-band devices, hot-electron extraction, and carrier
multiplication, the so-called “third-generation” PV.
PROJECT HISTORY
As a requirement of EKC 377 (Renewable and Alternative Energy), we were required to build
a model that could collect, store, transport, convert and utilize renewable energy. After discussion and
brainstorming, our group agreed to do a project on solar energy. We decided to utilize solar energy to
generate electricity to assist the charging of a power bank. Solar energy provides consistent and
steady source of solar power and effective because of its availability. Then, we could build the model
without any difficulties with only a solar panel. They are also affordable and environment friendly.
We rejected our first model because of several constraints that will be discussed. The devices needed
to measure the parameters like the light intensity using the lux meter and multimeter to measure
current and voltage are available in our school’s unit operation lab.
 DESIGN DESCRIPTION
Our initial design was the CD solar panel used to light up the LED but then due to some
reason , we change our design to the solar panel powerbank. Our system model consists of one solar
panel , wires and a small powerbank. The solar panel was soldered and connected with a wire. As a
solar unit, this solar panel was connected to the powerbank with another wire soldered. For this
system, solar panel was used to capture solar energy and convert it to useable electrical energy to
charge the powerbank. At the very beginning of the experiment , we thought that only one solar panel
was not enough to charge the powerbank but later as we carried out the experiment , we found that
one solar panel was enough to charge the powerbank. The power generated to charge the powerbank
was very small as it produces a small amount of current. But then , we are satisfied with it as we just
carried out in a laboratory scale and not in industrial scale.
Table 1 : Design specification of CD solar panel

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
CD diameter of 120 mm & 700 MiB of data
LED 1 mm2
Copper wires Single copper core

Picture 1 : CD solar panel

Table 2 : Design specification of solar panel powerbank

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
Solar panel Rectangular (120mm x 74mm) , 1W 12V
Powerbank 3.7V , 10000mAh , 37Wh
IN(5V,2A) , OUT (5V,1A)(5V,2.1A)
Wires Single core , half-cut USB wire

Picture 2 : Back view of solar panel Picture 3 : Front view of solar panel Picture 4 : The small
powerbank
 PRELIMINARY DESIGN
The above figure shows our initial design, which is CD Solar Panel. For that design, we
needed flat CD, copper wire, zener diodes, connecting wires, solder, hot glue gun and multimeter.
First we stick the copper wire in the shiny surface of the CD with hot glue gun. Then we soldered the
copper wires with zener diodes in series using solder to allow the current to flow. We then connected
the circuit with multimeter to take voltage reading. After that, we let the setup under the hot sun for
about 10 minutes. Based on the figure, we obtained 173.9 mV. The voltage shown in multimeter is
relatively low compared to the daily usage of appliances that need at least 10V. Diodes here are used
in circuits that convert AC voltages to DC voltages, and also as voltage regulators, clamps, and
multipliers. So basically, we generated voltage from diodes and sunlight. We replaced the CD with
solar panel due to some reasons. First, the voltage output to the multimeter is very low and not
practical to everyday use. Besides that, the capacity of the zener diodes to absorb very minimal light
energy also the drawbacks of the CD Solar Panel. Thus, we replaced the CD with solar panel. This
proved to be the gamechanger as the solar panel outputs larger voltage due to the presence of
photovoltaic cell in solar panel.

Figure 1 shows Initial design ( CD Solar Panel)

FINAL DESIGN
Shown below is the picture of our model after a few modifications. Instead of using CD to
capture solar energy, we opted for solar panel (1W, 12 V) and introduced voltage regulator to our
existing model. This modification was done because our solar cell made from CD did not produce
enough current to supply our power bank. When we exposed the CD to high light intensity with the
help of the afternoon sun for 10 minutes, the multimeter showed a very low voltage reading which
was only 173.9mV .This amount of voltage is not practical for an everyday use as the current
produced is very low and it takes a very long time to charge.
Hence, after some research we thought it would be better for us to invest in a solar panel and a voltage
regulator. Even though, solar panel is a little more expensive than the CD, it showed a better
performance. This is proved when we measured its voltage which read 13V.We introduced voltage
regulator to regulate the voltage level of our model. Besides, it also acts as a buffer, protecting
components from damage. Adding both solar panel and voltage regulator to our model, made it more
practical for a daily use. However, we found out that 1 watt is still not enough to power full scale
appliances. Despite having its constraints, this design is an easy to build model and is considerably
cheap. Thus, proving it to be a realistic design to be invested in future research.
 Figure 2 shows final design Solar Panel Powerbank Modified (Addition of Solar panel and
Voltage Regulator)

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

Initially, we did an experiment that involved CD and zener diodes which was unsuccessful as it
produced decent amount of voltage at around 174mV average but the current produced is so small that
this set up is unusable in real life. So due to the negligible power output we decided to shift towards a
more conventional Solar Panel setup with a standard 12 volts and 1-watt solar panel.

Table 1
The total cost of the Solar panel set up shown below:

Component Price (RM)

Solar panel 30
Wire 3
Voltage Regulator 6
Power Bank Reused Item, Readily available if you have electronic devices
Total 39

Table 2
Total cost of the Solar panel if everything to be bought separately shown below:

Component Price (RM)

Solar panel 30
Wire 3
Voltage Regulator 6
Power Bank 30
Total 69

In this experiment, we initially test out the solar panel by connecting it to a 5V voltage regulator
(to limit the voltage output in order to prevent too much voltage) and connect it to 4 small 1.85 volts
LEDs and successfully powered all of them with full intensity. Initially, we connected it to a Multi-
meter to measure the voltage output without any shading and then proceed with ¼ shading, ½
shading, ¾ shading and full shading respectively. We also did a direct connection to the the USB
power bank through the multi-meter to measure the current flow with the same ¼ shading, ½ shading,
¾ shading and full shading respectively.

We angled the solar panel in such away that it received maximum intensity of sunlight (it was
approximately at 30-degree angle). We also place the solar panel during full daylight condition to
make sure we received maximum sunlight during the day. And the way we applied the shading to the
solar panel was by using completely dark tape and tape it on the solar panel with accurate
measurement.

On the final setup, we connect the solar panel setup with 10,000 mAh battery power bank and
leave it to charge for 12 hours (from 6 am to 6 pm). Sunlight varies throughout the day, so we have to
take this into account during the discussions later.

Graph of Power vs Shading Condition

0.35
0.3
0.25
Power (Watt)

0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
Not covered 1/4 covered 1/2 covered 3/4 covered fully covered
Shading Condition

Fig 1: Power output with different shading condition.

From Fig 1, we could see that as the area of coverage of the solar panel surface increases the
power output decreases respectively. As the ¼ of the solar panel being covered we could observe that
there is a 22% reduction in the power out compared to the uncovered solar panel, 46.4% as ½ of the
solar panel is covered, 73.1 % reduction in power as ¾ of the solar panel is covered, and full 100%
reduction as the Solar panel is completely covered. What we could also observed from this
experiment is that current reduces more significantly compared to voltage (for example at ¾ coverage
current had reduced to approximately 38% of it’s original magnitude whereas voltage had reduced to
just approximately 70% of it’s original magnitude). This shows that voltage is less affected to the
change in sunlight intensity compared to current. We also observed that when the solar panel is fully
covered there is no current flow at all, thus no power is being generated.
 Graph of Efficiency vs Shading Condition
30

25

20
Efficiency (%)

15

10

0
Not covered 1/4 covered 1/2 covered 3/4 covered fully covered
Shading Condition

Fig 2: Efficiency with different shading condition.

From Fig 2, first we observed that as the coverage are of the solar panel surface increases the
efficiency of the solar panel decreases respectively. For the uncovered solar panel it has an efficiency
of 25% compared to the power input from the sunlight (Calculated sunlight power input = 1.332 watt)
this is relatively normal for conventional solar panel (For a more sophisticated solar panel like the one
used in satellites the efficiencies could be as high as 50%), as ¼ of the solar panel is covered the
efficiencies reduced to about 19.5%, 13.4% as ½ of the solar panel covered, 6.4% as ¾ of the solar
panel is covered and 0% as it is fully covered.

Graph of Battery Capacity vs Shading

Condition
300

250
Battery Capacity (mAh)

200

150

100

50

0
Not covered 1/4 covered Shading Condition 3/4 covered
1/2 covered fully covered
Fig 3: Battery Capacity with different shading condition (12 hours).
 First of all, before we discuss the fig 3, let us understand how battery capacity worn out overtime.
We used a 3 years old Power Bank for our experiment with a rated capacity of 10,000 mAh with and
actual usable capacity of 7,000 mAh, considering usage of 1,000 cycles every year thus total of
approximately 3,000 cycles after 3 years translates to 30% reduction in the battery capacity to about
5,000 mAh.

In fig 3, we could see that as the area of shading on the solar panel increases, the increase in battery
capacity reduces. for uncovered solar panel the battery capacity increased by 250 mAh, 200 mAh
increase for ¼ covered solar panel, 150 mAh increase for ½ covered solar panel, 100 mAh increase
for ¾ covered solar panel and 0 mAh for fully covered solar panel. If we convert that to battery
percentage it’s 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% and 0% respectively, all this value is about 1% (50 mAh) lower than
the theoretical values calculated, this could be caused by the varying sunlight throughout the day.

CONCLUSION

Based on the experiment that we did, we could see that shading on solar panel surface does hamper
its performance significantly. So in future application of solar panel, let it be small or large scale
taking into account the position and angle of the solar panel is extremely important. We could also
avoid shading by implementing tracking array and tracking sensor, they are able to detect sunlight and
the motor will adjust the array so that the solar panel is angled in such a way that it received
maximum sunlight with small to zero shading.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our greatest appreciation to those who has helped us to
complete this report. And we are grateful and thankful to Prof. Madya Tye Ching Thian for her
guidance and tips on the theoretical and practical knowledge for this experiment.
 APPENDIX A

To calculate the power input by sunlight:

𝐸𝑣(𝑙𝑥) × 𝐴(𝑚2 )
𝑃 (𝑊) =
𝑙𝑚
𝜂( )
𝑊
Where:
P = Power (Watt)
A = Area (m2)
𝜂 = Luminous Efficacy (lumens/watt)
𝐸𝑣 = Illuminance (Lux)

To calculate the power output:

𝑃 (𝑊) = 𝑉 × 𝐼
Where:
P = Power (Watt)
V = Voltage (Volts)
I = Current (Ampere)

Table A.1
Data collected and calculated for power output and efficiency
Condition Average Voltage Average Current Power (Watt) % Efficiency
(V) (A)
Not Covered 13.62 0.0244 0.332 25
¼ Covered 13.13 0.0197 0.259 19.5
½ Covered 10.23 0.0174 0.178 13.4
¾ Covered 9.54 0.0094 0.089 6.7
Fully Covered 5.80 0.0000 0 0

Table A.2
Data collected and calculated for Increase in battery capacity.
Condition Battery capacity increase after Battery capacity increase after
12 hours (%) 12 hours (mAh)
Not Covered 5 250
¼ Covered 4 200
½ Covered 3 150
¾ Covered 2 100
Fully Covered 0 0
Sample calculation of one of the data shown below:

Power input from sunlight:

𝟏𝟔𝟐𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟓 × 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐
𝑷 (𝑾) = = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟑𝟐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒕
𝟏𝟏𝟎

Where 110 (lm/W) is the average luminous efficacy of overcast daylight in Malaysia.
Power output from solar panel:
𝑷 (𝑾) = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟔𝟐 × 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟒𝟒 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒕
Efficiency calculated by:

𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟐
𝜼= × 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = 𝟐𝟓%
𝟏. 𝟑𝟑𝟐
Battery Capacity in mAh calculated by:
𝟓
𝒎𝑨𝒉 = × 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝒎𝑨𝒉
𝟏𝟎𝟎

Minute Meetings

Minutes of Meeting 1

Date & Time: 27th April 2016, 2.30pm-4.00pm

Attendance: All present
Topic: Selecting a project topic.
Understand the objectives and the definition of renewable energy. We decided to focus on 3 very
common energy sources which are solar, water and wind. The feasibility and viability of these 3 types
of renewable energy was discussed. Hence, we decided on doing CD solar panel to harvest the
renewable energy. We created a proposal and send it to our supervisor for approval.

Minutes of Meeting 2

Date & Time: 3rd May 2016; 3.30pm-4.30pm

Attendance: All present
Topic: Creating our own prototype.
We have finally received the approval from supervisor. We went to an electronic store and got some
copper wires, diodes and LED to be used in this project. We chose some items suitable for our system
in terms of size and cost.

Minutes of Meeting 3

Date & Time: 4th May 2016; 12.00pm - 1.00am

Attendance: All present
Topic: Conducting the experiment
We tried to test our prototype outside the unit operation lab. We found out that the CD solar panel is
not effective. Hence, we discussed and agreed to improvise using a solar panel to harvest energy. A
proposal was made for solar assisted power bank and the proposal was approved by our supervisor.
 Minutes of Meeting 4

Date & Time: 6th May 2016; 2.30pm-4.00pm

Attendance: All present
Topic: We tested our prototype and conducted the experiment. The system worked, as we speculated
the power increases with the light intensity. We took the readings with lux meter and multimeter
borrowed from the unit op. lab.

Minutes of Meeting 5

Date & Time: 12th May 2016; 3.00pm-5.00pm

Attendance: All present
Topic: Conducting the experiment.
We suggested to improve our model using a voltage regulator to get a consistent voltage The data was
collected and interpreted. Sections of the report were divided among members.

Minutes of Meeting 6

Date & Time: 20th May 2016; 3.00pm-5.00pm

Attendance: All present
Topic:
were discussed. Conclusion was drawn for this project.

REFERENCES
1. Aslila Abd Kadir, Lokman Hakim Ismail, Narimah Kasim. Optimizing of Daylighting System By
Using Light Pipe System in a Building. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.
2. Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project (BSEEP) Malaysia. 2013. Building Energy Efficiency
Technical Guideline for: Passive Design. Printmore Sdn. Bhd.