Microcontroller

DESIGN OF A MICROCONTROLLER BASED SOLAR INVERTER

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Abstract
The growing global demand for renewable energy has driven significant advancements in solar energy technology, particularly in photovoltaic (PV) systems and inverters, which convert solargenerated DC into usable AC. Despite progress, traditional inverters face challenges such as inefficiency, high harmonic distortion, and limited adaptability to dynamic environmental conditions.This project aims to design a microcontroller-based solar inverter that integrates
advanced control algorithms like Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) to enhance efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. By leveraging modern microcontroller technology, the project seeks to improve energy conversion, reduce costs, and address the limitations of conventional designs, contributing to the broader adoption of solar energy systems. The process begins with modeling the photovoltaic (PV) array using Simulink’s Simscape Electrical library, incorporating real-world parameters such as irradiance and temperature to simulate I-V and P-V curves. The MPPT algorithm, specifically the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method, is implemented to optimize power extraction under varying conditions. PWM is generated using a PID controller to regulate the DC-DC boost converter, which steps up the PV voltage. An H-Bridge inverter, controlled by Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM), converts the boosted DC into a clean AC waveform. The complete system integrates the PV array, MPPT, boost converter, and inverter, with simulations conducted to validate performance under diverse environmental and load conditions. This project successfully designed and simulated a microcontroller-based solar inverter system. The PV array, modeled under varying irradiance and temperature conditions, consistently generated around 5300W, operating near its maximum power point. The boost converter efficiently stepped up the PV voltage to 275.1V with over 90% efficiency, while the H-bridge inverter produced a clean 220V AC output with minimal harmonic distortion. System integration demonstrated robust performance under diverse environmental and load conditions, achieving an overall efficiency exceeding 90%.
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co-supervisor

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A DIGITALLY PROGRAMMABLE TEMPERATURE / TIME - BASED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LABORATORY WATER BATH

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Abstract
The Digitally Programmable Temperature/Time-Based Control System puts forth a system which enables users to choose the preferred temperature for the water to be heated while the device is in the temperature mode. The design is built with the objective of implementing a digital temperature monitoring circuit that will collect the temperature of water and send the value, digitally to a microcontroller and to create an alerting mechanism that will be in the form of an audio alarm and a visual display to alert the operator that an operation is done. By also providing precise temperature regulation and accurate timing the water heater will turn on when the user sets the desired temperature via the input switches, and the screen will begin counting down from the chosen time to zero. A signal from the microcontroller will be sent to the transistor's base through the resistor when the water reaches the specified temperature, cutting off the power to the heater. In order to activate the relay, the transistor must become saturated. Given that the heater is linked to the relay's typically open contact, the water heater will be turned off. The flow chart were established, which helped with the proper circuit diagram design and simulations utilizing electrical simulation software like PROTEUS ISIS. The MIDE-written assembly language program was translated to machine code using OPWIN6, and then burnt into the microcontroller IC using a universal programmer. The 555 timer, which is connected in the
Astable mode, will be activated at the same moment by the microcontroller depending on the written program stored in its ROM. This will enable the buzzer to pulse and an alarm to sound with an LED flashing. The complete system operates on a 5 volts power supply which is obtained from the public mains. This design makes use of an efficient and low-cost technology
for controlling the appliances thus minimizing the power wastage. The results showed that the developed system provided accurate temperature control with a deviation of less than 1°C, and precise timing control with a deviation
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor