2nd course in the Photovoltaic Power Electronics Specialization

Instructor: Robert Erickson, PhD, Professor

This is a 100% distance course in which students design, construct, and demonstrate a stand-alone solar power system at home.

Note: This course requires purchase of a parts kit in order to complete assignments. Please allow adequate time to receive the kit. It is highly suggested that you receive the parts kit by the end of the first week of the session.

Prior knowledge needed: ECEA 5700-5703 and ECEA 5716 (same as ECEA 5005).

Learning Outcomes

  • Focuses on analysis, modeling, design and testing of electrical energy processing systems in a practical laboratory setting.
  • Studies power electronics converters for efficient utilization of available energy sources, including solar panels and utility.
  • Experimental projects involve design, fabrication and testing of a solar power system.

Syllabus

Duration: 2 hours

Duration: 3 hours

Duration: 5 hours

Duration: 4 hours

Duration: 3 hours

Grading

Experiment
Percentage of Grade

Experiment 1: Direct Energy Transfer System

14%

Experiment 2: Software Tools and Pulse-Width Modulator

5%

Experiment 3: Open-Loop DC-DC Converter

18%
Experiment 4: Converter AC Modeling and Measurements 16%
Experiment 5: Digital Voltage Regulator 22%
Experiment 6: Maximum Power Point Tracking 13%
Experiment 7: Battery Charge Management 12%

Letter Grade Rubric

Letter Grade 
Minimum Percentage

A

92%

A-

90%

B+

88%

B

82%

B-

80%

C+

78%

C

72%

C-

70%

D+

68%

D

60%

F

0%

Component List

Students are required to purchase the following:

  • A parts kit, estimated at $130
  • A test equipment kit or otherwise gain access to equivalent equipment, including a basic oscilloscope, multimeter, power supply, and bench tools. The test equipment kit includes a Diligent Analog Discovery 2 that is used as a 50 MHz two-channel oscilloscope with voltage probes, and also is used as a network and impedance analyzer. The cost of the test equipment kit is estimated to be $500.
  • Download the Parts Kit and Lab Equipment List.xlsx
  • You will need a battery to complete this course. The battery must be: Lead Acid, at least 3Ah, at least 12V, deep discharge. Possible vendor: Northern Arizona Wind and Sun: https://www.solar-electric.com/upg-d5741-ub1250-agm-deep-cycle-battery.html#tab-label-product-documents.
  • If you would like to order the kit through us (ECEE department at CU Boulder), submit the order form to place the order then call us with the credit card information and we will ship the item to you.