Projects - User contributions [en]

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T10:06:18Z

A1704508: /* STM32 Microcontroller */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:
* A Microcontroller was chosen, specifically one that contained the HRTIM (High Resolution Timer) peripheral. This was integral to our project as we operated at high frequency (~1MHz). Our chosen device was the STM32G474RE-NUCLEO board for development.
* A language was chosen for development. The language chosen was C, as C is good for 'bare metal' programming in embedded systems.
* Hardware Abstraction Layer programming was used for the implementation of the Voltage and Current sensing, HRTIM implementation and GPIO configuration.
* The MPPT algorithm was programmed.
* Each of these were tested as modules then finally as a full system.
* The completed code was integrated with the rest of the control circuit, followed by integration testing with the power circuit.

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This method is used iteratively to find the point at which the most power can be extracted from the solar panel, or the Maximum Power Point (MPP).

Also seen below is an image of the real-world testing setup for the control circuit. For this, we connected the STM32G474RE-NUCLEO board to the signal conditioning boards discussed in the next section. The solar panel was connected on the other side of one of these boards. This stepped the voltage and current values to a level where they were readable by the system. The read values were spot on when compared to the reading on the electronic load which was used to simulate a battery in our circuit.
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|left|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 

==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T10:02:48Z

A1704508: /* STM32 Microcontroller */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:
* A Microcontroller was chosen, specifically one that contained the HRTIM (High Resolution Timer) peripheral. This was integral to our project as we operated at high frequency (~1MHz). Our chosen device was the STM32G474RE-NUCLEO board for development.
* A language was chosen for development. The language chosen was C, as C is good for 'bare metal' programming in embedded systems.
* Hardware Abstraction Layer programming was used for the implementation of the Voltage and Current sensing, HRTIM implementation and GPIO configuration.
* The MPPT algorithm was programmed.
* Each of these were tested as modules then finally as a full system.
* The completed code was integrated with the rest of the control circuit, followed by integration testing with the power circuit.

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This method is used iteratively to find the point at which the most power can be extracted from the solar panel, or the Maximum Power Point (MPP).
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|left|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 

==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T10:02:05Z

A1704508: /* STM32 Microcontroller */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:
* A Microcontroller was chosen, specifically one that contained the HRTIM (High Resolution Timer) peripheral. This was integral to our project as we operated at high frequency (~1MHz). Our chosen device was the STM32G474RE-NUCLEO board for development.
* A language was chosen for development. The language chosen was C, as C is good for 'bare metal' programming in embedded systems.
* Hardware Abstraction Layer programming was used for the implementation of the Voltage and Current sensing, HRTIM implementation and GPIO configuration.
* The MPPT algorithm was programmed.
* Each of these were tested as modules then finally as a full system.
* The completed code was integrated with the rest of the control circuit, followed by integration testing with the power circuit.

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This method is used iteratively to find the point at which the most power can be extracted from the solar panel, or the Maximum Power Point (MPP).
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 

==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T10:01:03Z

A1704508: /* STM32 Microcontroller */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:
1. A Microcontroller was chosen, specifically one that contained the HRTIM (High Resolution Timer) peripheral. This was integral to our project as we operated at high frequency (~1MHz). Our chosen device was the STM32G474RE-NUCLEO board for development.
2. A language was chosen for development. The language chosen was C, as C is good for 'bare metal' programming in embedded systems.
3. Hardware Abstraction Layer programming was used for the implementation of the Voltage and Current sensing, HRTIM implementation and GPIO configuration.
4. The MPPT algorithm was programmed.
5. Each of these were tested as modules then finally as a full system.
6. The completed code was integrated with the rest of the control circuit, followed by integration testing with the power circuit.

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This method is used iteratively to find the point at which the most power can be extracted from the solar panel, or the Maximum Power Point (MPP).
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 

==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:55:55Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking. This method is used iteratively to find the point at which the most power can be extracted from the solar panel, or the Maximum Power Point (MPP).
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:52:44Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
* insert some words here

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:52:08Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
* insert some words here

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:50:57Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
* insert some words here

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:48:46Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking
 

[[File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
* insert some words here

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-10-24T09:47:37Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
A solar battery charger design that is more efficient, compact, higher temperature-tolerant, and cost-effective than the market standard is sought after by REDARC. A solar charge controller is imperative for charging a battery with a photovoltaic (PV) panel, as PV panels typically produce a voltage that is too high for a 12V automotive battery to be able to handle without sufficient control and regulation. Most standard solar charge controllers are driven by pulse-width modulation (PWM).<ref>A. Ilyas and M. R. Khan, “Modelling and Study of SPV Module under Partial Shading Condition with Simulation and Experimental Results,” 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2020.</ref> These are subject to high losses and are unable to quickly and efficiently adapt to dynamics of the PV power source throughout changing conditions in the day. This project proposes a solar charge controller design that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). An MPPT controller finds the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV panel and delivers it safely to the battery with minimal loss.<ref>B. Becker, “Wide Bandgap Technology Enables Future Solar Power Solutions,” 7 February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/.</ref> To allow for higher efficiency and a compact converter package, Wide Bandgap (WBG) switching devices are used in this project's design. These replace the standard Silicon (Si) transistors found in usual solar regulators with a different material transistor such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Silicon Carbide (SiC). WBG devices have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation).<ref>M. Parvez, N. Ertugrul, A. Pereira, N. H. E. Weste, D. Abbott and S. Al-Sarawi, “Wide Bandgap DC–DC Converter Topologies for Power Applications,” IEEE, 2021.</ref> For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower RDS(on).<ref>A. Yoshikawa, “Development and Applications of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors,” Springer. p. 2. ISBN 978-3-540-47235-3, 2007.</ref>

== Introduction ==
[[File:System Overview UG13009.png|700px|frameless|right|System Overview]]
In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The project is broken up into two major components: the design and development of the power circuit, including the investigation and evaluation of wide bandgap devices, and the design and development of the control circuit, including the integration of established MPPT software and signal control. The image on the right demonstrates the scope of this project. The solar charge controller is the device that interfaces between the photovoltaic (PV) panel power source and the 12V battery (load).

The desirable interfacing characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Higher voltage PV panels (20 ~ 60V).
* Current rating: 20 ~ 40A.
* Regulated output voltage: 12 ~ 16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Maximum Power Point Tracking ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.13.44 pm.png|300px|frameless|right|MPPT]]
Solar panels are not very smart and will not output their maximum power without some active assistance. The figure on the left shows the Voltage- Current curve of a solar panel (red line) and the resultant power curve (blue line) by adjusting the voltage of the solar panel, the maximum power point (MPP) can be found. The method used to find this point is called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). A simple method for finding the MPP is called Perturb and Observe. This method calculates the power output of the panel, changes the voltage slightly (by adjusting the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter) and recalculates the power output. If power has increased, keep adjusting the voltage in the same direction and vice-versa.

==== STM32 Microcontroller ====
the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

the development of the MPPT control system using STM32 was executed as follows:

A block diagram of the control circuit can be seen below.

The system uses the voltage and current sensed at the input to inform the calculation of the required duty cycle to acheive the desired output voltage. The microcontroller then applies the calculated duty cycle to the High-Resolution timer peripheral's PWM.

The HRTIM peripheral operates at 5.44GHz. If we desire a 1us period, that corresponds to a pulse frequency of 1MHz. This gives us 5440 descrete points each pulse which corresponds to a precision of 0.018% for our duty cycle. This is an excellent level of precision and allows very accurate control of the PWM in our circuit.

This PWM signal is then applied to the gate drivers for the FETs. Gate drivers are needed as the output from the microcontroller can be quite noisy. This happens due to crosstalk, which is much more significant an issue when operating at high frequency. The gate driver both smooth out this signal, and ensure that the correct voltage can be applied to the gate for it to switch quickly and efficiently.

 

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.05 pm.png|500px|frameless|left|Control Circuit Design - Block Diagram ]]

 

We then slightly adjust the PWM frequency and check whether the total power recieved from the solar panel has increased. If it has, we keep adjusting in the same direction. This can be seen in the image below. This image is an example of a simple "Perturb and Observe" MPPT algorithm. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking
 

[[File:Https://projectswiki.eleceng.adelaide.edu.au/projects/index.php/File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png|thumb|A Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm]]

[[File:Solar panel test setup.png|600px|frameless|right|UG13009 Solar panel test setup]]
 
 

[[File:Signal conditioner.png|400px|frameless|left|UG13009 Signal Conditioning Board Design]]
 
==== Signal Conditioning ====
The control circuit uses an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to read the voltage and current. The microcontroller has 2 limitations however,
* it can only read voltages
* maximum voltage it can read is the voltage the microcontroller is powered by (3.3V - 5V).
To read voltages in the 12-30V range, which is well beyond the capacity of our microcontroller, we have designed a custom signal conditioning circuit as shown in image (left).
Voltage Sensing: Using a voltage divider at the input and output terminals to the regulator, we step down the voltage which is then applied a fixed gain by the operational amplifier (op-amp).
Current Sensing: The current is read using a shunt resistor which operates at a fixed resistance (200μΩ). This produces a small voltage drop (mV) that can then be applied a large gain to a suitable voltage for the microcontroller to process. This is converted back to current reading through a pre-determined coefficient.

 

== Power Circuit and Wide Bandgap Devices ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.17.34 pm.png|500px|frameless|right|4 switch buck boost (google)]]
Many DC-DC converter topologies were studied for their suitability for this project. The topology that was decided upon was the 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter, shown in image to the right. The key advantages of using a buck-boost converter topology over a synchronous buck DC-DC converter or otherwise are the ability to regulate the voltage output at all times, even if the PV system is outputting less than the nominal operating voltage used in the “buck” configuration, and catering for both the series and parallel PV panel system configurations.
Given a PWM signal from a MPPT control system, the power circuit output must hold one of either voltage or current constant and regulate the other. Hence, as the proposed DC-DC converter must hold the voltage constant, the current must be regulated.
 
Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors are expected to provide the following benefits to consumer electronics:
* Lower RDS(on) -> Lower Conduction Losses
* Comparable RDS(on) at smaller die size -> Lower Capacitance (C) and lower gate charge (Qc) -> lower switching losses -> faster switching frequency -> smaller passive circuit elements

[[File:EPC GAN simulation model.png|500px|frameless|left|Synchronous Buck Simulation - WBG devices in LTPSPICE]]

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.43 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Overview of Switching Losses WBG devices]]

 

== Results ==
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.07 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|GaN SiC and Si efficiency vs load currents]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.55.55 pm.png|800px|frameless|left|Overview of switching performance - GaN vs Si tested]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.53.26 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Efficiency vs input voltage results]]
 

== Conclusion ==
* insert some words here

[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 6.07.31 pm.png|800px|frameless|right|Proposed Solar Charger System Design Schematic]]
The final test-bench and prototype solar charge controller used a combination of the Infineon GaN power circuit, STM32 microcontroller board and signal conditioning/sense boards designed by us. However, a prototype design was created (shown to the right) that combined all of the PCB and circuit design techniques learned as part of this project. This design was not furthered to PCB production but demonstrates the need for safety, filtering and other critical design aspects for DC-DC converters.
 

== Gantt Chart ==
Below demonstrates some of the planning that allowed for the successful execution of the project.
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.09 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 1]]
 
[[File:Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.43.17 pm.png|600px|frameless|left|Gantt Chart UG13009 - Page 2]]
 
 
====Initial Risk Assessment:====
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] A. Eltamaly and A. Abdelaziz, “Modern Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Energy Systems,” Green Energy and Technology, pp. 65-88, 2020.
[5] B. York, W. Yu and J. Lai, “An Integrated Boost Resonant Converter for Photovoltaic Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 28, no. 3, 2013.
[6] Texas Instruments, “Four-switch buck-boost controller delivers high power and efficiency,” Texas Instruments, 21 March 2015. [Online]. Available: https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/powerhouse/posts/four-switch-buck-boost-controller-delivers-high-power-and-efficiency. [Accessed 23 April 2021].
[7] B. V. Suresh, Solid State Devices and Technology, Peason, 2010.
[8]
[9] S. Perkins, A. Arvanitopoulos, K. Gyftakis and N. Lophitis, “On the Static Perfor- mance of Commercial GaN-on-Si Devices at Elevated Temperatures,” 1st Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Asia (WiPDA Asia), 2018.
[10] M. Trivedi and K. Shenai, “High Temperature performance of hybrid GaN/SiC high power diodes,” High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Con- ference (Cat. No.98EX132), pp. 117–122, 1998.
[11] P. Palmer, X. Zhang, E. Shelton, T. Zhang and J. Zhang, “An experimental compari- son of GaN, SiC and Si switching power devices,” IECON - 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pp. 780–785, 2017.
[12] GaNFast, “GaN Chargers,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ganfast.com/products-m/. [Accessed 1 June 2021].
[13] Infineon, “SPICE Model for GaN HEMT,” Infineon, 2016.
[14] J. Ligtao, C. Overstreet, R. Nericua, O. Gerasta and J. Hora, “Implementation of On-chip OVP, OCP and OTP Circuits for DC-DC Converter Design,” IEEE 10th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology,Communication and Control, Environment and Management (HNICEM) pp. 1-6, 2018.
[15] K. Wang, M. Abdullah, X. Li and D. Xing, “A Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Method with Ultra-Fast Detection for GaN based Gate Injection Transistors,” IEEE 7th Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications (WiPDA), pp. 43–46, 2019.
[16] L. Ding and Q. Feng, “A High Reliable Over-Current Protection Circuit with Low Power Consumption,” 5th International Conference on Intelligent Human- Machine Systems and Cybernetics, vol. 1, pp. 462–465, 2013.
[17] R. W. Erickson, EMI and Layout Fundamentals for Switched-Mode Circuits, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
[18] ACMA, “ACMA - mandated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards,” February 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.acma. gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/ACMA-mandated%20EMC%20standards.pdf.
[19] K. Armstrong, “Design and mitigation techniques for EMC for functional safety, pp. 501-506,” 2006.
[20] Texas Instruments, TI-PMLK Power Management Lab Kit Buck-Boost Experiment Book (SSQU009A), Texas Instruments.
[21] J. Xu, Y. Qiu, D. Chen, J. Lu, R. Hou and P. Di Maso, “An Experimental Comparison of GaN E-HEMTs versus SiC MOSFETs over Different Operating Temperatures,” GaN Systems Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2021.
[22] J. Gosden, “Automotive Solar Charge Controller, Utilising Wide Bandgap Technology to Enable an Efficient Non-Isolated Buck Converter,” The University of Adelaide, 2020.
[23] V. Wong, “Data Sheet Intricacies - Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Resistances,” December 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/ data-sheet-intricacies-absolute-maximum-ratings-and-thermal-resistances.html#.
[24] REDARC, “Solar Power FAQs,” REDARC, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-faqs#1/. [Accessed 31 May 2021].
[25] M. Kermadi, Z. Salam, J. Ahmed and E. M. Berkouk, An Active Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracker of Photovoltaic Arrays for Complex Partial Shading Conditions, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 66, pp. 6990, 2019.
[26] M. Bhatnagar and B. J. Baliga, “Comparison of 6H-SiC, 3C-SiC, and Si for Power Devices,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, March 1993.
[27] R. Madar, “Materials Science: Silicon Carbide in Contention,” Nature. 430 (7003): 974-975, August 2004.
[28] CUI, “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/emi-considerations-for-switching-power-supplies. [Accessed 1 June 2021].

File:C2000-Solar-MPPT-Perturb-and-Observe-Algorithm-Flow-Chart.png

2021-10-24T09:41:23Z

A1704508:

Simple P&O MPPT Algorithm
https://coder-tronics.com/c2000-solar-mppt-tutorial-pt3/

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T05:14:53Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices and ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) devices (GaN and SiC) have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation). For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower Ron.

== Introduction ==

In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The desirable characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Connected to higher voltage PV panels (approx. 60V).
* Wider operating voltage.
* Current rating: 40A.
* Operating voltage range: 12-16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T05:13:42Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices and ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) devices (GaN and SiC) have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation). For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower Ron.

== Introduction ==

In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The desirable characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Connected to higher voltage PV panels (approx. 60V).
* Wider operating voltage.
* Current rating: 40A.
* Operating voltage range: 12-16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13152 Terahertz coherent tomography for inspection of leaf moisture content in-situ

2021-04-09T04:29:44Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021|106]]
Abstract here
== Introduction ==
The terahertz range is an electromagnetic spectrum between 0.1 and 10 THz. It locates at the transition between the electronics and photonics domains. Terahertz waves yield an exciting capability of non-destructive evaluation (NDE), since they can penetrate dry and non-metallic materials. In the past, terahertz waves have been used to monitor moisture content in leaves. However, most studies were conducted in transmission, not suitable for field testing. In this project, the students will conduct feasibility study on terahertz sensing of overlapping leaves in reflection. It will involve coherent tomography and Bessel beam forming. They will learn skills in optics, signal processing, and terahertz measurement.
For more information about the group: https://www.thz-el.org/

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Bryce Chunt
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Edmond Claridge Bell
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
==== Supervisors ====
* Withawat Withayachumnankul
[[File:Bryce.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Xiaolong You
[[File:Bryce.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
==== Advisors ====
* Vinay Pagay
[[File:Bryce.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
=== Objectives ===
Set of objectives

== Background ==
=== Topic 1 ===

== Method ==
Fail repeatedly until something works

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

File:Bryce.jpg

2021-04-09T04:29:18Z

A1704508:

Bryce Chung

Projects:2021s1-13152 Terahertz coherent tomography for inspection of leaf moisture content in-situ

2021-04-09T04:26:46Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021|106]]
Abstract here
== Introduction ==
The terahertz range is an electromagnetic spectrum between 0.1 and 10 THz. It locates at the transition between the electronics and photonics domains. Terahertz waves yield an exciting capability of non-destructive evaluation (NDE), since they can penetrate dry and non-metallic materials. In the past, terahertz waves have been used to monitor moisture content in leaves. However, most studies were conducted in transmission, not suitable for field testing. In this project, the students will conduct feasibility study on terahertz sensing of overlapping leaves in reflection. It will involve coherent tomography and Bessel beam forming. They will learn skills in optics, signal processing, and terahertz measurement.
For more information about the group: https://www.thz-el.org/

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Bryce Chunt
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Edmond Claridge Bell
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* Withawat Withayachumnankul
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Xiaolong You
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
==== Advisors ====
* Vinay Pagay
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
=== Objectives ===
Set of objectives

== Background ==
=== Topic 1 ===

== Method ==
Fail repeatedly until something works

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13152 Terahertz coherent tomography for inspection of leaf moisture content in-situ

2021-04-09T04:24:41Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021|106]]
Abstract here
== Introduction ==
The terahertz range is an electromagnetic spectrum between 0.1 and 10 THz. It locates at the transition between the electronics and photonics domains. Terahertz waves yield an exciting capability of non-destructive evaluation (NDE), since they can penetrate dry and non-metallic materials. In the past, terahertz waves have been used to monitor moisture content in leaves. However, most studies were conducted in transmission, not suitable for field testing. In this project, the students will conduct feasibility study on terahertz sensing of overlapping leaves in reflection. It will involve coherent tomography and Bessel beam forming. They will learn skills in optics, signal processing, and terahertz measurement.
For more information about the group: https://www.thz-el.org/

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Bryce Chung
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Edmond Claridge Bell
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
==== Supervisors ====
* Withawat Withayachumnankul
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Xiaolong You
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
==== Advisors ====
* Vinay Pagay
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
=== Objectives ===
Set of objectives

== Background ==
=== Topic 1 ===

== Method ==
Fail repeatedly until something works

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:21:36Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices and ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) devices (GaN and SiC) have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation). For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower Ron.

== Introduction ==

In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The desirable characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Connected to higher voltage PV panels (approx. 60V).
* Wider operating voltage.
* Current rating: 40A.
* Operating voltage range: 12-16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:20:47Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices and ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) devices (GaN and SiC) have recently emerged in response to the limitations of existing converters (limited power density, low and variable efficiency, and sensitivity to environmental conditions) and ever extending applications (renewable energy integration, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grid transformation). For example, WBG devices offer up to 10x faster switching speeds than traditional silicon devices, hence, offering miniaturization, can function at higher operating temperatures without active cooling, have lower breakdown voltage and lower Ron.

In this project, a solar charger will be designed and developed to utilize the distinct benefits of WBG devices. The desirable characteristic features of the charger/converter are:
* Connected to higher voltage PV panels (approx. 60V).
* Wider operating voltage.
* Current rating: 40A.
* Operating voltage range: 12-16.5V.
* Non-Isolated step up/down operating under current limited voltage control mode.
* Higher frequency switching.
* High efficiency in a wide power range.
* High power density.
* High operating temperature.

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:07:01Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|115px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:06:49Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|120px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|120px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:06:27Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|120px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|120px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:06:16Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|100px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|100px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:06:05Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|50px|frameless|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|50px|frameless|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:05:27Z

A1704508: /* Introduction */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:04:50Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:02:23Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:02:12Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:01:58Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:01:50Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:01:42Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:01:32Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:01:16Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:00:58Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|center]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|center]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:00:42Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|center]] 
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|center]] 

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T04:00:08Z

A1704508: /* Project students */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|frame|left]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|frame|left]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:59:30Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:59:15Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:58:54Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frame|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frame|left]] 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:58:21Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|500px|frameless|left]] 
[[File:Gantt 2.png|500px|frameless|left]] 

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:58:01Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|1000px|frameless|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|1000px|frameless|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:57:39Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|700px|frameless|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:57:21Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|10px|frameless|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:57:03Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|10px|frame|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:56:43Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1|10px|frame|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:55:45Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:54:09Z

A1704508: /* Gantt Chart */

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==
[[File:Gantt 1.png|100px|frame|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

Projects:2021s1-13009 Investigation and Development of a Solar Charger with Wide Bandgap Devices

2021-04-09T03:53:09Z

A1704508:

[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Final Year Projects]]
[[Category:2021s1|106]]
This project (UG13009)

== Introduction ==
=== Project team ===
==== Project students ====
* Jacob Tilley
[[File:Jake.jpg|thumb]]
* Duncan Black
[[File:Duncan.jpg|thumb]]

==== Supervisors ====
* A/Prof. Nesimi Ertugrul
* Dr. Said Al-Sawari
* Mr. Don Terrace (REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd)

== Background ==
* REDARC are interested in developing high performing solar charge controllers
* Opportunity to implement a MPPT-controlled DC-DC converter using established MPPT algorithm.

== Objectives ==
The Objectives of this project are:
* To develop a high-switching-frequency capable PWM DC-DC converter.
* To choose a Converter Topology for the converter.
* To model, test and decide on the wide-bandgap device to be used.

'''AND''' 

* Develop a MPPT solar regulator that fits the following requirements: 
** '''Input Interface (Solar Panel):'''
*** 24 – 60V range
*** PWM high-frequency switching (< 1 MHz)
*** Maximum input power controlled by REDARC MPPT algorithm
** '''Output Interface (12V Battery):'''
*** Regulated 14.5-16.5V
*** Regulated 40A
** '''Physical Requirements:'''
*** Size approx. that of A5 Diary (approx. 150x210mm)
** '''Component Requirements:'''
*** Must be able to withstand 60V and 40A whilst maintaining high switching frequency characteristics

== Method ==
====Identify Research Gap====
We hope to demonstrate that Wide Bandgap material can be used in commercial industry.
* Our project will contribute to the field of research demonstrating these devices’ potential for commercial applications and will further this by proposing a consumer product to REDARC; our prototype design.

====Planning====
Project Management
* Work Breakdown Structure created to define work packages
* Initial Risk Assessment completed
* Project timeline / Gantt Chart developed
Initial Risk Assessment:
* '''Safety as a Major Risk:'''
** COVID-19 Impact on Project
** Build and Test
*** ''Electric Shock (~580W maximum exposure)''
*** ''Mitigation: SOP to be written for planned task''
** Laboratory Hazards
*** ''Soldering Burns''
*** ''Electric Shock from Equipment''
* '''Schedule Risks to consider:'''
** Inadequate background knowledge and understanding of the context of research
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop research''
** Implementation failed to achieve goals due to poor design
*** ''Allow sufficient time to develop design and consider alternatives''
* '''Risks to Cost:'''
** Initial Projection: evaluation board, variety of Wide Bandgap Devices
*** ''Material costs can be covered by the University.''
** REDARC sponsorship allows us to use industry-leading production facilities.
*** ''Risk to budget is considered a minor risk.''

== Gantt Chart ==

[[File:Gantt 1.png|frame|left]]
[[File:Gantt 2.png|frame|left]]

== Results ==

== Conclusion ==

== References ==
[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...

File:Gantt 2.png

2021-04-09T03:52:58Z

A1704508:

Gantt Chart 2

File:Gantt 1.png

2021-04-09T03:52:19Z

A1704508:

Gantt Chart 1