Alternative Energy

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AE 101 Solar Energy Trainer – Photovoltaic Experiments

A collection of photovoltaic cells, circuit modules, and instrumentation with an experimental platform suitable for

classroom demonstrations and student experiments. All components are fitted in a custom carrying case for convenient

storage and easy transport. The AE 101 can be combined with the AE 102 Hydrogen Fuel Cell for solar experiments

with a electrolyzer. Add the AE 103 Wind Energy Trainer to setup a hybrid wind/solar system with electrolyser.

Experiments:

  • Measuring irradiance of different light sources
  • Solar cell as a energy converter
  • Solar cell as a energy converter and diode function
  • Open circuit voltage of a solar cell at different shadowing conditions
  • Short circuit current of a solar cell at different shadowing conditions
  • Open circuit voltage and short circuit current of a solar cell at different levels of irradiance
  • Short circuit current of a solar cell at multiple angles of incidence
  • Series connection of solar cells / different shadowing condition
  • Parallel connection of solar cells / different shadowing conditions
  • Characteristic curve of a solar cell (I/U) / different levels of irradiance
  • Characteristic curve of a solar cell (U/P), MPP, determination of efficiency
  • Simulation: Short circuit current of a solar cell based on position of the sun (sunrise to sunset)
  • Charging a GoldCap (energy storage) / accumulator with solar cells
  • Discharging a GoldCap (energy storage) / accumulator with electric motor and light bulb

Equipment:

  • Custom yellow suitcase with protective foam cutouts
  • Base board with inserts for circuit modules & multi-meters
  • Low voltage (12 V ) halogen lamp
  • Power supply with dimmer switch and power cable
  • Solar module with 4 single cells and angle adjustment
  • 2 multimeters with connectors
  • Sensor box for measuring irradiance
  • Load box with electric motor and light bulb
  • Storage box with NC accumulator with GoldCap and blocking diode
  • Measuring box with variable resistor
  • Flexible connecting cords; brass contacts / hard copper gold plated
  • Experiments manual

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AE 102 Hydrogen – Fuel Cell Trainer

Perform classroom demonstrations and oversee student experiments using an electrolyser and fuel cell. All required electronics and metering are included together with a rugged base plate. All parts are stored in a custom travel case. The supplied electrolyzer can be operated with either the AE 101 Solar Energy Trainer or AE 103 Wind Energy Trainer; or use both to demonstrate a hybrid alternative energy system.

Experiments:

  • Measuring volume ratios of generated gases
  • Measuring volumes of gases per unit of time at different electrical currents
  • Determination of power efficiency and Farady efficiency of the electrolyzer
  • Determination of electrolyzer characteristics (U/I)
  • Determination of power efficiency and Farady efficiency of the fuel cell
  • Determination of fuel cell characteristics (U/I)
  • Operation of electrolyser with solar cells (Requires AE 101 Solar Energy Trainer)
  • Operation of electrolyser with wind energy (Requires AE 103 Wind Energy Trainer)
  • Operation of electrolyser with solar cells and wind energy as a hybrid system (Requires AE 101 and AE 103)

Equipment:

  • Red carrying case with foam cutouts to store and protect components
  • Experiment platform constructed to hold components & meters
  • Electrolyzer
  • Power supply
  • Current control box
  • Gas storage
  • Fuel cell
  • 2 multimeters with connectors

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AE 103 Wind Energy Trainer

Demonstrate on a tabletop scale the conversion of energy from wind to electricity. The wind power plant generator (turbine) can be setup with different blade configurations, and the source of airflow is adjustable. All required circuit modules and measuring instruments are included. Use the wind generator as an electrical supply to the AE 102 electrolyser, and add the AE 101 photovoltaic cells to demonstrate hybrid power plants. A custom formed carrying case is included.

Experiments:

  • Measuring wind force outdoors
  • Measuring wind force on the experiment platform
  • Power output of the generator with different blade shapes
  • Power output of the generator with different numbers of blades (2,3,4)
  • Power output of the generator with different blade angles
  • Characteristic curve of a generator ( U/I ) at constant speed
  • Characteristic curve of a generator ( U/I ) at varying speeds
  • Measuring the resistance-and buoyancy rotor at constant wind force
  • Power output of the generator at different wind speeds
  • Charging an accumulator/Gold Cap with the generator
  • Discharging the accumulator/Gold Cap with different loads

Equipment:

  • White suitcase with foam cutouts to store and protect equipment
  • Experiment platform with mounting for modules and multimeters
  • Wind source with variable power output
  • Wind power plant with with axial rotor, generator without gear, tacho-generator, hub for mounting 2 / 3 / 4 blades, and adjustable blade angles
  • 4 even blades, 4 curved blades
  • Protective cover, wind shield, assembly tool
  • 2 multimeters with connectors
  • Anemometer
  • Load box with electric motor and light bulb
  • Storage box with NC accumulator, GoldCap and blocking diode
  • Measuring box with variable resistor
  • Experiments manual