The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela’s researchers have come up with a groundbreaking patented low-cost technology that completely optimizes the power harvested from solar panels, and that too during variable weather conditions. The invention is expected to boost the working of solar panels, bringing them to efficiently respond to the changes occurring in sunlight and temperature and providing consistent energy output with reduced power fluctuations during varied environmental conditions.
The title of the patent is “Method and System For Voltage Sensor-based Maximum Power Point Tracking For Photovoltaic System,” and this was achieved under the Clean Energy Research Initiative (CERI), with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The Revolutionization of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
The solar panels convert the sunlight power into electrical energy, but the output may fluctuate because of changing temperatures and light intensities. Therefore, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is the technique that attains the most possible energy extraction. But most conventional methods for tracking the maximum power point face challenges such as wastage of energy, slow adaptation to changing weather, and using expensive current sensors, which all make them costly for micro and affordable solar installations.
As mentioned by NIT Rourkela’s Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering, Susovon Samanta, the new MPPT voltage sensor method would save the use of expensive current sensors and hence would be simpler and cheaper. Instead, the system uses a basic voltage sensor or a resistor divider circuit to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) more accurately so that the system’s performance would remain stable and efficient under varying sunlight conditions.
Advantages of the New MPPT Technology
- Cost Efficient: It is less costly as the removal of the costly current sensor in the system makes this system cheaper and hence available and more easily adapted for small-scale solar installations.
- Higher Efficiency: By making use of the voltage sensor in the MPPT techniques, the changes caused by sun and temperature were easily recognized to keep solar panel users’ peak performance assured within hours.
- Enhanced Energy Extraction: The system reduced power fluctuations, giving a more reliable and stable supply of energy.
- Simplified Design: Lesser system complexity eases the proposition of integrating various solar power systems, from dynamic large-scale installations to small consumer solar products.
Potential Applications and Impact
This proposed technology has a broad potential direct effect for the renewable energy sector, for making solar power cheaper and more affordable to the population at large. Such a system is perfect for low-cost, small-scale solar projects because it eliminates the costs associated with expensive sensors. Potential Applications Include:
- Solar-powered IoT devices, such as weather sensors and remote communication towers, where consistent energy output is crucial.
- Inexpensive consumer solar products, such as home lighting systems, portable solar chargers, and microgrid projects.
- Off-grid and rural electrification projects are intended to stabilize and provide efficient solar power sources for population segments with limited access to electricity.
Conclusion
In that respect, the NIT-Rourkela low-cost MPPT technology, which is patented, is a big leap in the efficiency of solar energy. The new innovation is poised to change the face of small-scale solar power production and allow better access to renewable energy solutions by providing simple and inexpensive alternatives to existing methods. From IoT devices to rural electrification, the innovation exemplifies India’s calling for affordable and sustainable clean-energy innovations.
