Summary of Create A Solar Cell IV Curve Tracer
This project builds an IV (current and voltage) tracer for teaching solar panel electrical characteristics, using an Arduino, op-amps, DAC, custom PCB, and a repurposed power supply enclosure; it includes drilling, mounting, soldering, and heatsink installation steps.
Parts used in the IV Tracer:
- Arduino Uno
- Op-amps (two)
- Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- PCB (custom circuit board)
- Heatsinks
- Thermal compound
- M3 PCB spacers
- M4 machine screws
- M4 washers
- PCB spacer nuts (nylon)
- Wires
- Banana jack test leads
- Power supply (repurposed enclosure)
Do not attempt this project if you are not comfortable working with line voltages! ***
This projects shows how to create an IV (Current and Voltage) Tracer that can be used to teach the electrical characteristics of a solar panel.
This project was created as part of an Electrical and Computer Engineering capstone project at The Ohio State University.
Step 1: What We Used for This Project
Tools:
- Drill
- Drill Bits
- Philips Screwdriver
- Soldering Iron
- Wire strippers
- Needle Nosed Pliers
- Banana Jack Test Leads
Parts:
See the parts list for a complete list as well as links for all the parts.
Step 2: Order Your Circuit Board.
We used Advanced Circuits for our circuit board, but you are welcome to use any PCB shop you like.
If you do not already have Eagle Cad installed on your computer, use the link below to install the free version.
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/?CMP=KNC-GUS-FUS-GEN-SUP-CAD-Eeagle-CAD
Step 3: Drill Holes for the Power Supply.
Using the bottom of the power supply as a templet, drill 4 holes large enough for the M4 machine screws though the bottom on the hefty shoe box.
Step 4: Mount the Arduino Uno.
Using a Philips head screw driver, remove the top honeycomb cover from the power supply. Mount 4 of the M3 PCB spacers on the honeycomb using M4 washers to prevent the nylon spacer nuts from slipping through the honeycomb. Then use another set of spacers to secure the Arduino to the power supply cover. Take care to ensure the Arduino is not contacting the metal cover as this may cause a short circuit.
Step 5: Solder the Components to the PCB.
- Using the included schematic as a guide, soldered the op-amps, resistors, capacitors, wires, and the DAC to the board.
- Coat the back of both op-amps with an even coverage of thermal compound taking care not to get the compound on the op-amp pins.
- Position the heatsinks behind both op-amp, and use some extra PCB spacers to secure the heatsinks to the op-amps.
- Solder the pins of the heatsinks to the board. Be patient as it will take a large amount of heat to bring the pins up to the right temperature for the solder to melt.
Read more: Create A Solar Cell IV Curve Tracer
- What is the purpose of this IV Tracer project?
To create an IV (current and voltage) tracer used to teach the electrical characteristics of a solar panel. - Can I order the circuit board from any PCB shop?
Yes, the project used Advanced Circuits but you are welcome to use any PCB shop; 4pcb is suggested as an option. - Do I need Eagle CAD to work with the PCB files?
The article suggests installing Eagle CAD if you do not already have it to work with the PCB files. - How are the op-amps mounted regarding thermal management?
Coat the back of both op-amps with thermal compound, position heatsinks behind them, secure with extra PCB spacers, and solder heatsink pins to the board. - What tools are required for this project?
Drill, drill bits, Phillips screwdriver, soldering iron, wire strippers, needle nosed pliers, and banana jack test leads are listed as tools used. - How is the Arduino Uno mounted in the enclosure?
Mount M3 PCB spacers on the power supply honeycomb cover using M4 washers, then secure the Arduino to the spacers, ensuring it does not contact the metal cover to avoid shorts. - Are special soldering considerations mentioned for the heatsinks?
Yes; soldering the heatsink pins requires patience and a large amount of heat to bring the pins to the right temperature for solder to melt. - What drilling is required for the power supply enclosure?
Drill four holes in the bottom of the enclosure large enough for M4 machine screws using the power supply bottom as a template.
