Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has successfully designed, supplied, and commissioned a comprehensive Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur). This advanced facility is tailored to deliver experiential learning, applied research, and hands-on training in the fields of solar and wind energy systems. The lab supports MMMUT’s mission of fostering industry-ready graduates for the rapidly evolving clean energy sector.
A Step Toward Sustainable and Skilled Energy Education
The Renewable Energy Laboratory at MMMUT integrates practical, modular, and research-ready platforms that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world renewable energy applications. The facility consists of three advanced training systems:
1. Solar Thermal Training System
2. Solar PV Training and Research System
3. Solar PV Grid-Tied Training System
1. Solar Thermal Training System
The Solar Thermal Training System is a scaled-down, laboratory-compatible model of a solar water heating setup. It enables students to conduct various heat transfer experiments and performance characterizations typically seen in field-scale systems.
Technical Highlights:
System Components:
• Main Collector Unit: A Flat Plate Collector (FPC) with integrated temperature and flow sensors.
• Measuring Unit: A digital instrumentation panel displaying live data (inlet/outlet temperatures, flow rates, pressures).
• Artificial Light Source: A halogen lamp panel providing uniform heat and light distribution for indoor experiments.
• Dual Operating Modes:
◦ Outdoor Mode: Utilizes direct sunlight for real-world environmental exposure.
◦ Indoor Mode: Uses the halogen lamp array, allowing controlled and weather-independent experiments.
Parameter Studies:
• Overall Heat Loss Coefficient (UL)
• Heat Removal Factor (FR)
• System Efficiency Calculations under varied flow rates, wind conditions, tilt angles, and irradiation levels.
Mobility:
The system’s modular and wheeled design facilitates easy repositioning within or outside the lab.
Data Acquisition:
Equipped with a data logger, the system records all experimental readings automatically for post-analysis and reporting.
This unit enables practical understanding of solar thermal engineering principles relevant to industrial and domestic solar water heating systems.
2. Solar PV Training and Research System
The Solar PV Standalone Training System by Ecosense offers a complete platform to understand solar photovoltaic energy conversion, system sizing, component functionality, and algorithmic optimization for maximum energy harvest.
Divided into Three Functional Domains:
A. Physics of Solar PV Panels
• Analysis of I-V and P-V characteristics
• Study of series/parallel configuration impacts
• Experiments on irradiation effects, shading, and temperature variation
• Investigation of tilt angle optimization for different geographic locations
B. Components and System Assembly
• Role of blocking and bypass diodes
• Comparison of PWM vs MPPT solar charge controllers
• Integration of off-grid inverters
• AC and DC load handling
• Study of battery charging/discharging behavior
• Full standalone system assembly and branch-wise energy flow calculation
C. MPPT Research and Development Module
• Enables custom MPPT algorithm design and testing
• Dual mode gate signal control: automatic and manual
• Open interface to connect third-party controllers
• Testing of algorithm robustness under dynamic irradiance and load profiles
This research-enabled system is ideal for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level investigations in photovoltaic systems.
3. Solar PV Grid-Tied Training System
The Solar PV Grid-Tied Training System is a fully integrated educational platform designed to simulate and demonstrate the real-time operation of grid-connected solar PV systems. It enables learners to study grid-feed principles, inverter synchronization, and power flow analysis without needing access to a live grid.
Key Components and Features:
• Solar PV Modules: Generate DC power from sunlight for system input.
• Grid-Tied Inverter: Converts DC power to grid-synchronized AC, simulating real-world utility feed-in.
• AC Loads: Simulated household/commercial loads are used to observe live power utilization.
• Switchgear and Safety Components: Includes MCBs, isolators, and fuses to ensure safe operation and protection.
• Educational Mounting Panel: All components are clearly labeled and mounted on ergonomically designed panels for enhanced student understanding and hands-on access.
• Virtual Grid Simulator: A standout feature that replicates the behavior of the utility grid, enabling:
◦ Inverter synchronization
◦ Power direction analysis
◦ Simulation of grid-feed conditions
◦ Safety training without needing grid permissions or exposure
Ecosense Supplied Renewable Energy Lab at MMMUT, Gorakhpur
Demonstration of Equipment Conducted
Ecosense also conducted a demonstration of equipment for training Professors and Scholars. This training program was focused on educating and training the professors, scholars, and technicians who will further train thousands of students and professionals to start their careers or business in this very field.