Loughborough University To Launch Advanced Remote Lab For PV
Loughborough University is about to launch the world's most advanced Photovoltaic (PV) Remote Lab for distance learning students.
It is important for students to understand how different types of solar panels perform.
However, characterising solar panels is a complex activity with up to four variables influencing its performance at any one time.
This ground-breaking new laboratory enables students to remotely control and investigate all of these variables and so analyse different PV device performance.
The laboratory takes advantage of recent developments in LED technology, and with a power density of up to 1000 W/m2 students can harness the power of the sun on their desktop.
Students are able to conduct the experiment from their computer, and by manoeuvring and changing the PV panel, temperature and irradiance intensity they can see the effects in real time via the laboratory webcam for themselves. The scientific data produced can then be downloaded for their report
The PV lab has been a labour of love for the two people who came up with the idea and drove the project "“ academic Dr Richard Blanchard and Dr Sheryl Williams, Flexible and Distance Learning Manager in the School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.
"This innovative technology is the latest addition to our continually evolving distance student experience," said Dr Williams.
"October's intake on the Distance Learning version of the Masters course in Renewable Energy will be the first to take advantage of it. However, early feedback from existing students who have tested the facility has been extremely positive."
The project was funded by the University's Distance Learning Development Fund, and was built by an enthusiastic team of academics, technicians and students, many of whom dedicated their free time.
Dr Blanchard said: "We see this as a fantastic addition to the MSc and it enables our students to achieve the same learning experience as their counterparts on campus but with the flexibility of doing this at a time and place to suit them."
