Laboratories
1. Electrical Machines Laboratory
The
Electrical Machines Laboratory is one of the
fundamental and practical pillars of the Electrical Engineering Technologies
Department. The laboratory aims to link the theoretical concepts studied by the
student with practical and applied reality, where students interact directly
with electrical machines and systems that form the backbone of the industry,
power generation, and transmission stations.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main objective of the laboratory is to provide undergraduate (and postgraduate,
when necessary) students with the technical skills required to operate, test,
and analyze the performance of various types of electrical machines (Direct
Current and Alternating Current). Through experiments, students learn how to
read symbolic schematic diagrams, connect electrical circuits, use measuring
instruments accurately, diagnose faults, and understand the operational
characteristics of each machine (torque, speed, efficiency, and voltage
regulation).
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory contains integrated workstations/test benches equipped with
protection and safety measures, as well as digital and analog measuring
instruments. The machines inside are divided into three main sections:
·
A. DC Machines:
o DC
Motors & Generators: These include Shunt, Series, and Compound configurations.
o Associated
Experiments:
Studying the load characteristics of generators, controlling motor speeds using
different methods (armature voltage control or field current control), and
calculating efficiency and losses.
·
B. AC Machines:
o 3-Phase
Induction Motors: Both types (Squirrel Cage and Slip Ring). These motors are
considered the most widely used in factories.
o Synchronous
Machines:
These include synchronous generators (Alternators) and synchronous motors.
o 1-Phase
Motors:
Such as the Capacitor-start motor and the Universal motor.
o Associated
Experiments:
Open-circuit and short-circuit tests of the synchronous generator,
synchronizing the alternator with the national grid, studying the torque-speed
curves of induction motors, and methods of starting (Star-Delta, Soft
Starters).
·
C. Electrical Transformers:
o 1-Phase
& 3-Phase Transformers.
o Associated
Experiments:
Open Circuit Test and Short Circuit Test to determine copper and iron losses,
calculate transformer efficiency, and analyze Voltage Regulation.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
successful completion of the practical experiments in this laboratory, the
student will be able to:
·
Safe Connection and Operation: Know how to read the
machine nameplate, connect power and control wires, and protect the machine
from high starting currents.
·
Graphical Analysis: Plot the relationship and
characteristic curves of the machines (such as the load current vs. speed
curve, or the excitation current vs. generated voltage curve).
·
Results Comparison and Troubleshooting: Compare practical results
and mathematical equations with real readings extracted from measuring devices,
interpreting the causes of variations (such as the presence of copper,
friction, iron, and air-gap losses).
·
Teamwork: Prepare periodic engineering reports and
engage in scientific discussions within a working group inside the lab.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Machines Lab
Since
the lab deals with high electrical voltages and currents (up to 380V AC and
220V DC) and rotating mechanical parts, strict safety rules apply:
·
Presence of Emergency Stop buttons to provide
immediate power disconnection on each workstation.
·
Obligating students to wear overalls (work
uniforms) and protective insulated safety shoes.
·
Ensuring that the frames of all electrical
machines are solidly grounded (Earthed).
·
Do not switch on or energize the board until
the circuit connections have been reviewed and inspected by the course
professor or lab engineer.
2. Transmission Lines & Distribution
Systems Laboratory
The
Transmission Lines & Distribution Systems Laboratory
is one of the vital specialized laboratories in the Electrical Engineering
Technologies Department. The laboratory aims to embody and analyze the
electrical phenomena that occur during the transmission of energy from power
generation stations to load and distribution centers, simulating real networks
on miniature test benches.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main objective of the laboratory is to enable undergraduate and postgraduate
students to understand and grasp the dynamic and electrical behavior of power
transmission and distribution networks. Through experiments, students learn how
to calculate losses, measure transmission efficiency, analyze Voltage Drop, and
test the impact of different loads (resistive, inductive, and capacitive), as well
as study grounding systems and network protection from sudden variations and
faults.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory contains Transmission Line Simulators and test benches equipped with
three-phase power sources and precise measuring devices (Power Analyzers). The
systems are divided into three main sections:
·
A. Transmission Line Models:
o Short,
Medium, & Long TL Models: Equivalent circuits containing resistors, inductors, and
capacitors representing the distributed constants of the line ($R, L, C$).
o Associated
Experiments:
Measuring voltage regulation, calculating transmission efficiency, and testing
the Ferranti Effect when operating long lines under no-load or light-load
conditions.
·
B. Neutral Grounding Systems:
o Grounding
System Test Panels: Models that simulate different methods of connecting the
neutral point to the ground.
o Associated
Experiments:
Studying solid grounding, resistance grounding, and resonant grounding using a
Peterson Coil to counteract capacitive currents during a line-to-ground fault.
·
C. Distribution Networks & Distributors:
o AC
Distributors Simulators: Models representing AC distributors fed from one end or both
ends, with uniformly distributed or concentrated loads.
o Associated
Experiments:
Measuring the maximum voltage drop in the distributor, and studying the effect
of the load Power Factor on the voltage drop in AC distribution networks.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
successful completion of the practical experiments in this laboratory, the
student will be able to:
·
Connection and Simulation: Represent long and short
transmission lines practically using equivalent circuits (such as the $\pi$-model or T-model) and
connect them to loads safely.
·
Graphical Analysis and Power Calculations: Use Power Analyzers to measure
and map voltage drops in relation to phase angle and power factor, and plot
transmission line efficiency curves.
·
Results Comparison and Fault Diagnosis: Compare theoretical
mathematical values with measured real-world outcomes, and understand network
behavior during Short Circuits and Open Circuits.
·
Teamwork: Prepare comprehensive engineering reports
proposing solutions to improve the power factor and reduce losses in power
transmission lines.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Transmission & Distribution Lab
Since
the lab represents real power grids and deals with high three-phase voltages
and large inductive and capacitive loads that store energy, safety rules
include:
·
Presence of fast circuit breakers for
personal and equipment protection (ELCB / RCCB) along with Emergency Stop
buttons to cut power immediately.
·
Ensuring that devices and panels are
connected to a solid and strong grounding system to protect students from Touch
and Step Voltages.
·
Refraining from operating or energizing the
simulation panels until the connection is audited and confirmed by the
supervisor professor or the responsible lab engineer.
3. Computer Laboratory 1
The
Computer Laboratory 1 (also known as the Computer Software Applications Lab) is one of the
fundamental general and applied laboratories in the Electrical Engineering
Technologies Department. The laboratory aims to provide students with essential
digital and programming skills that represent the cornerstone for any modern
engineer, enabling them to use the computer as a tool for solving mathematical
problems, organizing data, and simulating simple electrical circuits.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main objective of the laboratory is to cultivate programming and digital
engineering literacy for undergraduate students, building skills in dealing
with operating systems, office software, the basics of programming, and writing
algorithms. Through experiments, students learn sequential logical thinking and
how to deploy software to serve electrical engineering applications, such as
calculating resistance values, circuit currents, data representation, and
writing technical reports professionally.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory contains a network of 50 modern personal computers (PCs) connected
to a central server and an interactive display screen (Data Show). The software
packages and experiments are distributed across three main sections:
·
A. Office Productivity Tools for Engineers:
o Spreadsheet
and Data Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Focusing on writing mathematical formulas
and utilizing functions to calculate currents and power, as well as plotting
voltage and current graphs.
o Technical
Report Preparation (e.g., Microsoft Word & PowerPoint): Training students on
writing engineering reports, formulating complex mathematical equations, and
presenting projects orally.
·
B. Programming Fundamentals:
o Basics
of Programming Languages (e.g., C++ or Python): Introducing data types,
conditional statements (If-Statements), loops, and arrays.
o Associated
Experiments:
Writing simple programs to automatically calculate the equivalent resistance of
resistors connected in series or parallel, or computing Ohm’s law.
·
C. Introduction to Simulation Software:
o Simulation
Environments (e.g., Basic MATLAB or Multisim): Familiarizing students
with the software interface, entering mathematical matrices, and drawing and
testing simple DC electrical circuits computationally.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
successful completion of the practical experiments in this laboratory, the
student will be able to:
·
Logical and Programmatic Thinking: Ability to formulate any
engineering problem into a flowchart and then translate it into bug-free source
code.
·
Digital and Graphical Analysis: Efficiently use
electronic spreadsheets to analyze laboratory data collected from other labs
(such as Circuit Basics or Machines labs) and convert them into clear charts.
·
Debugging: Develop the skill to trace code, diagnose
syntax or logical errors, and fix them.
·
Digital Teamwork: Ability to share files,
software, and reports across the department’s internal networks and prepare
joint technical reports.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in Computer Lab 1
Although
this lab does not deal directly with high power voltages, strict digital and
physical safety rules apply:
·
Protection of the Lab’s Electrical System: Equipping all computers
with Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to protect equipment and student
projects from sudden power outages.
·
Occupational and Physical Safety: Training students on the
correct healthy posture in front of screens (Ergonomics) to avoid eye strain
and back strain while programming.
·
Data Protection: Restricting the use of
un-scanned external storage media (Flash Drives) to prevent the spread of
malware that could corrupt simulation programs.
·
Lab Environment Organization: Keeping connection cables
(Power & LAN Cables) organized and concealed under desks to prevent tripping
or short circuits.
4. Computer Laboratory 2
The
Computer Laboratory 2—often referred to as the Advanced Engineering Simulation and Programming Lab—is
the direct applied extension of Computer Lab 1. It primarily aims to transition
students from general and office programming to the stage of digital modeling and smart simulation of complex electrical
systems. It serves as the primary tool for third-year, fourth-year,
and postgraduate students to analyze networks and design engineering projects.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main objective of the laboratory is to enable students to construct and design
Virtual Prototypes of electrical systems and grids and test their behavior
dynamically prior to physical or industrial implementation. Through this lab,
the student learns how to use digital processing techniques, conduct Power Flow
Analysis, simulate network faults, control motors automatically, and process
electrical signals digitally to eliminate noise and harmonics.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory contains a network of 50 high-performance personal computers (PCs)
connected to a central server and a Data Show. The specialized engineering
software packages are organized into three main sections:
·
A. Advanced MATLAB & Simulink Environment:
o MATLAB/Simulink
Software:
Constructing block diagrams to represent circuits and control systems.
o Associated
Experiments:
Modeling the performance of induction and synchronous motors, simulating power
electronics circuits (such as inverters and choppers), and analyzing the
transient response of Closed-Loop Control Systems.
·
B. Power System Analysis Software:
o Specialized
Software (e.g., ETAP): These are the standard industrial software tools utilized in
engineering firms and ministries of electricity.
o Associated
Experiments:
Designing an integrated power grid (generation, transmission, distribution),
conducting Load Flow calculations, performing Short Circuit Analysis, and
configuring Relay Coordination.
·
C. Engineering Design & CAD Software:
o Drafting
and Design Software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical): Training students on
drawing schematic/executive blueprints for internal distribution networks,
industrial control panels, and applying international standard electrical
symbols (IEC/IEEE).
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
successful completion of the curriculum in this laboratory, the student will be
able to:
·
Digital Modeling and Analysis: Convert any physical
electrical system (motor, transmission line, inverter) into a mathematical
computer model and investigate its behavior under various operating conditions.
·
Industrial Software Mastery: Attain full readiness to
work in consulting bureaus and industrial firms due to proficiency in
industry-standard software like ETAP and AutoCAD.
·
Engineering Decision Making and Data
Interpretation: Extract technical reports from software (such as voltage drop
or protection reports) and interpret the data to propose appropriate solutions
(like adding capacitors for power factor correction).
·
Execution of Graduation Projects and Research: Possess the necessary
research tools to simulate graduation graduation projects for undergraduate
students and research for postgraduate studies (Master’s and Ph.D.).
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in Computer Lab 2
Safety
procedures here focus on data integrity, high-performance equipment protection,
and occupational ergonomics:
·
Power Continuity and Safety: Connecting computers to a
central Online UPS system to safeguard high-end processors and large simulation
files against corruption during sudden power failures.
·
Software Protection and Cybersecurity: Activating robust firewalls
and updated anti-virus systems to prevent corruption of sensitive engineering
tools, while implementing User Privilege Control to restrict unauthorized
modifications to system files.
·
Ergonomics: Equipping the lab with Eye-Care Screens and
ergonomic medical chairs, given that advanced simulation tasks require students
to remain seated for long concentrated periods.
·
Ventilation and Central Cooling: Maintaining a low, stable
ambient temperature via air conditioning to protect high-end processors (CPUs/GPUs)
from overheating during intensive simulation rendering.
5. Power Electronics Laboratory
The
Power Electronics Laboratory is an essential practical
cornerstone in the Electrical Engineering Technologies Department. The lab aims
to bridge the gap between theoretical principles and actual execution, allowing
students to deal directly with semiconductor devices and electronic circuits
that form the core of modern control systems, smart energy conversion, variable
speed drives, and renewable energy grids.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
primary objective of the laboratory is to equip undergraduate and postgraduate
students with the technical skills required to design, test, and analyze the
performance of various power electronics circuits. Through experiments,
students learn how to interpret circuit schematics, handle high-power
semiconductors, test Firing & Gate Control methods, and utilize advanced
instruments like the Oscilloscope to analyze waveforms and their Total Harmonic
Distortion (THD).
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory is equipped with complete workstations/test benches supplied with
controllable AC/DC Power Supplies, digital multimeters, and oscilloscopes. The
experiments and circuits are categorized into four major divisions:
·
A. Controlled and Uncontrolled Rectifiers:
o 1-Phase
& 3-Phase Rectifiers: Circuits utilizing uncontrolled diodes, as well as
fully-controlled and half-controlled topologies using Thyristors (SCRs).
o Associated
Experiments:
Studying the effect of various loads (Resistive $R$, Inductive $RL$, and Back-EMF $RLE$) on the voltage and current waveforms, and
calculating rectification efficiency and Power Factor.
·
B. DC-DC Choppers & AC Voltage
Controllers:
o DC-DC
Choppers:
Circuit topologies including Buck (step-down), Boost (step-up), and Buck-Boost
converters.
o AC
Voltage Controllers: Controlling the Root-Mean-Square (RMS) value of the AC voltage
without altering the frequency.
o Associated
Experiments:
Investigating Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques and regulating DC motor
speeds via choppers.
·
C. Inverters & Cycloconverters:
o DC-AC
Inverters:
Single-phase and three-phase configurations designed to produce an AC output
from a DC source.
o Associated
Experiments:
Studying Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM), evaluating the role of
inverters in Induction Motor speed control via Variable Frequency Drives (VFD),
and analyzing harmonics resulting from high-speed power switching.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
completing the practical tasks in this lab, the student will be able to:
·
Safe Connection and Operation: Select and read power
electronic device datasheets, connect control/gate circuits properly, and
isolate them safely from high-power circuits.
·
Waveform and Graphical Analysis: Utilize the Oscilloscope
efficiently to capture and display voltage and current waveforms at distinct
nodes of the circuit, calculating Average and RMS values practically.
·
Critical Thinking and Troubleshooting: Compare real-world
experimental data with theoretical mathematical equations, explaining variances
such as voltage drops across semiconductors and the effect of load inductance
on continuous conduction.
·
Teamwork: Draft periodic engineering reports and
participate in technical discussions within a group to design prototype
micro-control circuits.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Power Electronics Lab
Because
the laboratory involves fast-switching pulses, high voltages, and currents
capable of causing electrical shocks or destroying electronic devices, safety
measures include:
·
Installation of Emergency Stop buttons for
instantaneous power shutdown at every workstation.
·
Obligating students to use Isolated Probes
and isolation transformers when hooking up the oscilloscope to prevent short
circuits.
·
Ensuring that appropriate Heat Sinks are
securely mounted on power switches (SCR, MOSFET, IGBT) to prevent thermal
destruction.
·
Refraining from powering up any circuit until
the connection and firing signals have been verified and approved by the instructor
or lab engineer.
6. Electrical & Electronic Workshop
Laboratory
The
Electrical & Electronic Workshop Laboratory serves
as the practical gateway and foundation for first-year students in the
Electrical Engineering Technologies Department. The laboratory transitions
students from pure theory to an active hand-on environment, teaching them the
principles of residential and industrial electrical wiring, handling sensitive
electronic components, and mastering measurement and soldering skills safely.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main target of the workshop is to instill hands-on technical and craftsmanship skills
that are indispensable for a field engineer. Through practical exercises,
students learn how to read executive installation blueprints for buildings,
layout and connect illumination and power circuits, identify and test basic
electronic components, and practice technical soldering and printed circuit
board (PCB) assembly while understanding how to select proper wires, fuses, and
components for each application.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
workshop features specialized workbenches equipped with isolated power
supplies, comprehensive hand tool sets, and testing instruments. The layout is
divided into two primary wings:
·
A. Electrical Wing (Control and Illumination
Wiring):
o Wiring
Boards:
Wooden or metallic panels dedicated to routing wires and mounting switches.
o Equipment
and Devices:
Circuit Breakers, various switches (one-way, two-way, intermediate/staircase),
sockets, and timers.
o Associated
Applications:
Executing domestic lighting circuits, connecting energy meters, and basic
training on simple industrial control panels and Contactors.
·
B. Electronic Wing (Soldering and Discrete
Components):
o Soldering
& Desoldering Stations: Temperature-controlled soldering irons, flux-core solder wires,
and desoldering pumps.
o Components
and Testing Devices: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, breadboards, and
digital multimeters.
o Associated
Applications:
Reading resistor color codes, verifying component integrity, and soldering
parts onto permanent Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
By
finishing the assignments in this workshop, the student will be able to:
·
Practical Implementation and Wiring: Read a schematic layout
for a building or control box and install it physically with neat wire paths
and correct connections.
·
Craftsmanship and Technical Precision: Acquire clean,
defect-free soldering skills (avoiding cold joints) and assemble simple operational
circuits such as rectifiers or amplifiers.
·
Instrument Utilization and Diagnostics: Operate a digital
multimeter efficiently to run Continuity Tests, locate open circuit breaks in
wires, and identify faulty components.
·
Operational Teamwork: Allocate tasks
effectively within a group to finish a wiring project or electronic assembly
within a specified deadline.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Workshop Lab
Safety
rules in this workshop are paramount since freshman students handle sharp
tools, hot soldering irons, and AC grid voltages for the first time:
·
Fitting all power boards with
high-sensitivity Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB/RCCB) to protect students
from immediate shock in case of accidental touch.
·
Mandating the use of Safety Goggles during
soldering or wire-cutting to protect the eyes, alongside wearing workshop
overalls and insulated footwear.
·
Provision of fume extraction systems at each
desk to eliminate toxic gases generated during the melting of solder flux and
lead.
·
Strict enforcement of safety rules regarding
hot soldering irons to prevent burns, ensuring irons are placed in their
dedicated stands when not actively used.
7. Control Systems Laboratory
The
Control Systems Laboratory is one of the advanced
specialized labs in the Electrical Engineering Technologies Department. The lab
introduces students to the methods of governing dynamic and electrical systems,
testing their stability and responses, and converting mathematical control
theories into physical closed-loop control applications that replicate modern
automated plants.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
core objective of the lab is to provide undergraduate and postgraduate students
with the technical expertise needed to design, analyze, and tune Open-Loop and
Closed-Loop control configurations. Through experiments, students learn how to
evaluate system stability, analyze transient and frequency responses, and
regulate process variables (such as speed, level, temperature, and position)
precisely to fit industrial automation criteria.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory features integrated Control Trainer Kits, computer stations loaded
with simulation packages, measuring equipment, and oscilloscopes. The assets
are divided into three major areas:
·
A. Classical Control Systems & Analog
Simulators:
o Analog
Control Panels: Modular boards containing Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps) to
model first-order and second-order systems.
o Associated
Applications:
Evaluating system behavior against standard inputs (Step, Ramp, Impulse) and
testing the impact of traditional Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID Controllers) on minimizing steady-state error.
·
B. Digital & Programmable Control:
o Programmable
Logic Controllers (PLC): Industry-standard PLCs (such as Siemens, Delta) that drive
assembly and production lines.
o Embedded
Controllers:
Microcontroller-based kits (such as Arduino) for localized smart control.
o Associated
Applications:
Writing control programs via Ladder Diagrams to handle traffic signals,
conveyor belt systems, or interlocking motor sequencing.
·
C. Process Control Systems:
o Process
Control Rigs:
Scale models integrated with pumps, motorized control valves, and sensors to
measure temperature, flow, pressure, and fluid levels.
o Associated
Applications:
Developing a closed-loop framework to control water levels in a tank or
regulate industrial furnace temperatures.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Upon
completing the training modules in this lab, the student will be able to:
·
Modeling and Practical Tuning: Find the Transfer
Function of a physical system and apply PID tuning rules to achieve the best
transient performance and system stability.
·
Industrial Automation Programming: Program industrial PLC
devices and interface them with sensors and actuators successfully, qualifying
them for positions in oil refineries and manufacturing plants.
·
Analysis and Troubleshooting: Deploy tools like
MATLAB/Simulink alongside hardware to investigate system stability and pinpoint
faults within feedback loops.
·
Engineering Teamwork: Collaborate to design and
execute an automated mini-project by integrating hardware and software
components with team members.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Control Lab
Since
the lab integrates fine programming with active mechanical, hydraulic, or
pneumatic hardware, safety practices include:
·
Installation of physical Emergency Stop
Switches on all training units to arrest motors or pumps immediately if a
system runs out of bounds.
·
Ensuring complete isolation between
low-voltage digital control loops (5V – 24V) and high-voltage power components
to protect processors and users.
·
Exercising extreme caution around
high-pressure or high-temperature process rigs, ensuring mechanical relief
valves are operational.
·
Prohibiting any code execution or motor
energization before a thorough check by the supervising instructor to verify
the feedback loop orientation, preventing violent system instability.
8. Renewable Energy Systems Laboratory
The
Renewable Energy Systems Laboratory is one of the most
modern and vital specialized facilities in the Electrical Engineering
Technologies Department. The laboratory is designed to keep pace with the
global transition toward clean energy, linking theoretical laws with field
applications to enable students to understand, design, operate, and maintain
sustainable power generation units and integrate them into electrical grids.
1.
Vision and Core Objective of the Lab
The
main intent of this laboratory is to provide undergraduate and postgraduate
students with the technical insights and skills needed to manage alternative
energy sources (principally solar photovoltaic and wind energy). Through
experiments, students learn how to analyze the performance characteristics of
solar arrays and wind turbines, calculate conversion efficiencies, design
storage systems, and understand the behavior of Smart Inverters when supplying
power to the national grid or operating in islanded mode.
2.
Core Laboratory Contents and Equipment
The
laboratory houses comprehensive Renewable Energy Trainer Kits, solar and wind
simulators, and high-end analytical equipment. The architecture is split into
three main divisions:
·
A. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems:
o PV
Panels & Sun Simulators: Assorted solar modules (Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline)
paired with controllable light arrays to mimic solar irradiance indoors.
o Associated
Experiments:
Tracing Current-Voltage ($I-V$) and
Power-Voltage ($P-V$)
characteristic curves, studying the impact of temperature and shading on solar
cell efficiency, and testing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms.
·
B. Wind Energy Systems:
o Wind
Turbine Trainers: Miniature turbine-generator sets mounted inside controlled Wind
Tunnels where wind velocity is manipulated via electric fans.
o Associated
Experiments:
Evaluating the relationship between wind speed and generated output power, and
understanding charge controller responses and blade pitch control.
·
C. Energy Storage, Inverters & Management
Systems:
o Batteries
& Hybrid Inverters: Battery banks (Lithium or Gel types), charge controllers, and
inverters configured for Off-Grid (standalone) or On-Grid (grid-tied)
operations.
o Associated
Experiments:
Evaluating battery charging/discharging efficiencies and checking inverter
Synchronization with the utility grid’s voltage and frequency, alongside
observing harmonic pollution.
3.
Lab Learning Outcomes
Following
the successful completion of the syllabus in this lab, the student will be able
to:
·
Field Design and Sizing: Design and size a
residential or commercial solar PV system (calculating required panel counts,
battery capacities, and inverter sizes) based on specific load curves.
·
Analysis and Efficiency Evaluation: Calculate and configure
the optimum Tilt Angles for solar panels using Pyranometers to maximize daily
yield.
·
Critical Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: Detect drops in
generation performance, identify micro-cracks or hot spots in PV modules using
thermal imaging cameras, and rectify instability in wind generation blocks.
·
Teamwork: Cooperate in a technical team to install,
wire, and commission an integrated renewable energy system feeding real-world
loads within the department.
4.
Safety and Security Procedures in the Renewable Energy Lab
The
lab handles high-voltage DC sources from series-connected solar strings and
battery banks capable of delivering high short-circuit currents. Safety
parameters stipulate:
·
Strict compliance with dedicated DC Circuit
Breakers, DC fuses, and Surge Protective Devices (SPD), as extinguishing a DC
arc is significantly more difficult than an AC arc.
·
Exercising extreme caution around battery
banks, avoiding dropping metallic tools across exposed terminals to eliminate
the risk of sparks, explosions, or fire.
·
Maintaining appropriate ventilation
structures in battery enclosures to disperse accumulated flammable gases (such
as hydrogen) produced by conventional batteries.
·
Avoiding any wiring modifications on solar
panels while they are exposed to light unless they are completely covered with
an opaque shroud or disconnected via the primary DC isolator to avoid
electrical shock.