Abstract

A solar simulator (also artificial sun) is a device that provides illumination approximating natural sunlight. The purpose of the solar simulator is to provide a controllable indoor test facility under laboratory conditions, used for the testing of solar cells, sun screen, plastics, and other materials and devices. (1) This project is an alternative way to test the solar panel indoors. Instead of using the direct sunlight, now it will use an artificial sunlight which will be produce by the xenon lamp. The PV-TE performance will be monitored using software called LabVIEW where the voltage (volt), current (ampere) and power (watt) is measured and observed.

A photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar collector (short: PV/T collector) is a combination of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (T) components/systems which produce both electricity and heat from one integrated component. PV systems turn on average less than 20% of the sunlight into electricity. The remainder is turned into heat. As the thermoelectric module at the bottom of it will remove the heat from the sun while the sun’s heats convert into electricity. Utilising this untapped energy is the general concept for hybrid systems.  Through the application of systems that can provide both (thermal and electrical), the energy yield per area unit of roof or façade can be substantially increased. Further advantages are using heat transfer from PV-module, improvement of conversion efficiency of solar cells, increase of electric output and an aesthetically appealing more uniform look.

            This renewable energy will helped in producing sufficient energy for the usage of daily life. In order to have the most efficient current and voltage produce, the hybrid system should be used. This research study will conclude with recommendation on the output voltage by combining two sources.