This paper presents a new photovoltaic (PV) power systems laboratory module that was developed to experimentally reinforce students' understanding of design principles, operation, and control of photovoltaic power conversion systems. The laboratory module is project-based and is designed to support a renewable energy course. By using MATLAB real-time software tools in combination with digital signal processor (DSP) hardware tools, the module enables students to: 1) design and build dc–dc and dc–ac power converters; 2) design and implement control algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage and current regulation; and 3) design and fabricate a printed circuit board for voltage and current sensing, isolation, and gate driving. In these hands-on experiments, by designing and building their hardware and software integrated systems themselves, students learn by doing and experience the engineering transformative process of building a product out of an idea. This paper is motivated by the dearth of literature on the application of project-based learning methodology to PV systems. The module description, the pedagogical and evaluation methodologies adopted, and reflections on the implementations are discussed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	dc–dc power conversion, digital signal processors, energy conversion, photovoltaic power systems
Research Division:	Engineering
Research Group:	Electrical engineering
Research Field:	Electrical energy generation (incl. renewables, excl. photovoltaics)
Objective Division:	Energy
Objective Group:	Energy storage, distribution and supply
Objective Field:	Energy services and utilities
UTAS Author:	Muoka, PI (Mr Polycarp Muoka)
UTAS Author:	Haque, ME (Dr Md Enamul Haque)
UTAS Author:	Gargoom, A (Dr Ameen Gargoom)
UTAS Author:	Negnevitsky, M (Professor Michael Negnevitsky)
ID Code:	105744
Year Published:	2015
Web of Science® Times Cited:	21
Deposited By:	Engineering
Deposited On:	2016-01-13
Last Modified:	2017-11-06
Downloads:	0