Abstract:
Renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, still require a
great deal of research and development in order to improve efficiency, reduce overall
manufacturing costs, and to become more sustainable in the future. Solar power production
using PV modules has increased and is currently one of the fastest growing energy
technologies worldwide, leading to speculation that it will be the main source of electrical
power in future. This on-going research and implementation of PV modules and systems
necessitates the effective training of technicians, technologists and engineers required to
install, maintain or interface with these systems. The Department for Electrical, Electronic
and Computer Engineering at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) in
South Africa has implemented a Higher Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies
(HCRET) in January 2014. The purpose of this article is to outline a practical innovative
jig that was used to stimulate awareness and understanding of the fundamental operating
principles of one specific sustainable technology, namely PV modules. Electronic
measurements from this innovative jig are obtained by using an ARDUINO UNO board
which interfaces with LabVIEW. Student perceptions of using this innovative jig are
further presented, which indicate that the practical experiments were satisfying,
challenging, relevant and applicable to PV module operation.
