ELTRY 250
Electronics
Lab Elec 01
Please Print
Name:
Array Configurations
Introduction
In this experiment, you will learn how to connect modules in series, parallel and
series/parallel combination to construct an array. Please note that in some steps we
are exceeding the maximum system voltage. This is OK for the experiment but
not in an actual installation.
Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
10 Modules (5 W)
Digital Multi-meter (Fluke 87)
8 W incandescent light bulb
Banana plug jumpers
Procedure
1. Record the following data from the module’s nameplate
Description
Value
Unit
Model number
Rated maximum power (Pmax)
Power tolerance
Current at maximum power (Imp)
Voltage at maximum power (Vmp)
Short circuit current (Isc)
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
Weight
Size
Maximum system voltage
Standard Test Condition
Air-mass (AM)
Irradiance (E)
Cell Temperature (T)
2. Measure the VOC and ISC of one module, compare it to the above values and
describe any discrepancy.
Open circuit Voltage (VOC)
Short Circuit Current (ISC)
Describe any discrepancy
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ELTRY 250
Electronics
Lab Elec 01
Please Print
Name:
Array Configurations
3. Connect 4 modules in series and draw the schematic diagram.
Schematic Diagram
4. Measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc). Calculate the
open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and total power (PT). Compare
measured values to the calculated ones and describe any discrepancies. Do not
forget the units.
Measured
Voc
Isc
Voc
Calculated
Isc
PT
Describe any discrepancy
5. Connect an 8 W incandescent light bulb to the series connection and describe the
bulb brightness and why.
Describe the bulb brightness and why
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ELTRY 250
Electronics
Lab Elec 01
Please Print
Name:
Array Configurations
6. Connect 5 modules in parallel and draw the schematic diagram.
Schematic Diagram
7. Measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc). Calculate the
open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and total power (PT). Compare
measured values to the calculated ones and describe any discrepancies. Do not
forget the units.
Measured
Voc
Isc
Voc
Calculated
Isc
PT
Describe any discrepancy
8. Connect the Incandescent light bulb to the parallel connection and describe the
bulb brightness and why.
Describe the bulb brightness and why
C:\PCC\Eltry250/Lab\
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ELTRY 250
Electronics
Lab Elec 01
Please Print
Name:
Array Configurations
9. Connect 16 modules in 4 strings with 4 modules per string and draw the
schematic diagram.
Schematic Diagram
10. Measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc). Calculate the
open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and total power (PT). Compare
measured values to the calculated ones and describe any discrepancies. Do not
forget the units.
Measured
Voc
Isc
Voc
Calculated
Isc
PT
Describe any discrepancy
11. Connect the Incandescent light bulb to the series connection and describe the bulb
brightness and why.
Describe the bulb brightness and why
C:\PCC\Eltry250/Lab\
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ELTRY 250
Electronics
Lab Elec 01
Please Print
Name:
Array Configurations
12. Design an array with minimum open circuit voltage of 45V and short circuit
current of 0.8A. Draw the schematic diagram for this array.
Schematic Diagram
13. Construct the array and measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit
current (Isc). Calculate the open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and
total power (PT). Compare measured values to the calculated ones and describe
any discrepancies. Do not forget the units.
Measured
Voc
Isc
Voc
Calculated
Isc
PT
Describe any discrepancy
14. Connect the Incandescent light bulb to the series connection and describe the bulb
brightness and why.
Describe the bulb brightness and why
Conclusion
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