Initial thoughts and ideas

So, currently we are thinking of using three different types of renewable sources for our grid: solar, wind and hydro. These will all be a miniature version obviously! However, at this stage we think that trying to manage a water flow for a small hydro powered system might be a bit more challenging.

Sam was also kind to lend me one of this PV(photo-voltaic) array (1Watts) and water turbine to be used in a project. I will be using those to get ideas about the maximum power that can be generated.

Regarding the configuration, we have decided as following:

Full system configuration (with arrows representing switches)

The job of the regulator is to maintain a fixed output voltage (grid voltage) which we have decided to have as 12V. Its input can have a range of voltage depending upon the sources’ “ability”.

One point to note is that the battery shown in figure only charges, if there is more power available from the source after supplying the loads (the ones that are turned ON). It also discharges/supply the power to the loads if there is no/less power from the sources.

The further decision on the type of linear regulator and the battery, will be decided upon testing the power generation from the sources.

We will also be ordering components gradually to test our design and will update the further developments later in this blog.