A novel low cost automation of transfer switch control for a hybrid solar power system with simulation

• Main Authors: Venancio, Leonardo A., Chua, Alvin Y.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2020
• Subjects: Solar energy—Hybrid systems; Switching power supplies; Programmable controllers; Mechanical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2063
• Institution: De La Salle University

This paper presents a new automation solution to hybrid solar power system originally installed in manual transfer but soon required automated transfer, whereas charge indicator is not available. While the solution is originally intended to resolve a particular problem in a facility in Laguna, the methodology of this paper is also applicable to setups with similar condition. The automation solution provides control over the transfer switch mechanism from grid to solar and vis-a-vis. The automation system incorporated the approximate linear relations between the state of charge and the terminal voltage. Charge analysis was conducted to the lead-acid battery bank of the setup and data were utilized to determine the sustainable maintaining percentage requirement of the bank before switching. The automation setup was realized through the ladder logic circuit created. Another automation solution was presented for a scenario of adding a third source of electricity-from an on-shore roof wind turbines. All logic circuits were simulated and proven working. Economic analysis of the proposed system was also conducted. Result shows that the automation solution is 30% cheaper than the commercial setup, while return of investment is at 88% in just one year. © 2020 Int. J. Mech. Eng. Rob. Res.