Solar panel cooling system using peltier effect

Summary

This project demonstrates a solar panel system optimized for temperature regulation to prevent voltage loss. By employing the Peltier effect, the system cools the panel as temperatures rise, improving efficiency. A microcontroller monitors the panel's voltage and temperature, displaying the data on an LCD screen. If the temperature exceeds 45°C, an alert is triggered, activating the cooling system. The solar panel charges a battery, with the option to switch to AC charging when sunlight is insufficient. The project showcases how cooling the solar panel boosts its voltage, ensuring optimal performance even in high-temperature conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The system is designed to optimize the voltage output of a 12V, 10W solar panel by managing temperature-induced voltage losses.
• 😀 Peltier plates are used to cool the solar panel by utilizing the Peltier effect, reducing temperature-related losses in voltage generation.
• 😀 The system provides audible alerts when the temperature of the solar panel exceeds a set threshold, allowing users to manage the temperature.
• 😀 A microcontroller measures the voltage generated by the solar panel and adjusts it to a readable value using a potential divider circuit.
• 😀 The voltage sensor allows the system to handle solar panel voltages up to 18V, while the microcontroller displays the adjusted voltage on an LCD screen.
• 😀 A DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor measures the solar panel's temperature, which is also displayed on the LCD screen.
• 😀 The system activates a buzzer when the temperature exceeds 45°C to alert users about excessive heat.
• 😀 The system can charge the battery using the solar panel or, if sunlight is insufficient, through an external AC transformer.
• 😀 The LM2596 voltage regulator steps down the battery voltage to 5V to power the microcontroller and other system components.
• 😀 The system features six 4V, 1A batteries configured in series and parallel to provide a 12V, 2A DC output, which is used to power the system.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the cooling system in this solar panel setup?

The cooling system, using a Peltier effect, is designed to regulate the temperature of the solar panel. By cooling the panel when it heats up, the system minimizes voltage losses that occur at higher temperatures, ensuring better performance of the solar panel.

How does the system measure and control the voltage generated by the solar panel?

The system uses a microcontroller that measures the voltage through an LDR sensor. The voltage is divided using a potential divider circuit (10:1 ratio) to ensure it falls within the microcontroller’s input range. The measured voltage is then displayed on an LCD screen.

What type of temperature sensor is used in the setup and why?

The setup uses a DS18B20 temperature sensor because it is both dustproof and waterproof, making it suitable for use in outdoor conditions where the solar panel is located.

What happens when the temperature of the solar panel exceeds 45°C?

When the temperature exceeds 45°C, the system triggers an audible alert through a buzzer and activates the Peltier plates to cool the panel, helping to maintain efficient solar panel performance.

What is the role of the LM2596 voltage regulator in this setup?

The LM2596 voltage regulator is used to convert 12V DC, which is supplied by the solar panel or battery, to a stable 5V DC output. This 5V output powers the microcontroller, sensors, and other components of the system.

How does the system handle battery charging when there is no sunlight?

When there is no sunlight, the system can charge the battery using a transformer that converts AC power to 12V DC, providing a backup charging method to ensure the system remains operational.

What kind of battery configuration is used in this system?

The system uses six batteries. Three batteries are connected in series to form a 12V configuration, and these are then connected in parallel with another set of three batteries, providing a 12V, 2A DC output for the system.

How does the potential divider circuit work in this system?

The potential divider circuit divides the voltage generated by the solar panel (up to 18V) so that it is reduced to a level (1.8V) that the microcontroller can safely measure. This allows the microcontroller to process and display the voltage accurately.

How can the user demonstrate the effectiveness of the cooling system?

The user can demonstrate the effectiveness by placing the solar panel under direct sunlight, noting the voltage at normal temperatures, and then applying heat to increase the temperature. After activating the cooling system, the voltage should increase, indicating improved performance due to the cooling effect.

What is the role of the buzzer in the system?

The buzzer serves as an alert mechanism. It is triggered when the temperature exceeds 45°C, warning the user that the solar panel is overheating, and action should be taken to activate the cooling system.