Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering Lab is having hardware and software facilities in which the fundamental experiments to understand the basics of circuits, semiconductor concepts clearly. The hardware lab equipped with Dual Trace Analog Oscilloscopes, Multi output Power Supplies, DC Regulated Power Supplies; Function Generators to do the experiments practically for understanding the basic concepts related to electrical circuits, analog circuits and semiconductor devices. LTspice software is installed in the software laboratory for simulation studies.

Major Equipments:

• Scientific Make 30 MHz Dual Trace Analog Oscilloscope
• Scientific Make 30MHz Analog Power Scope
• Multi output Power Supply 0-30V/2 A,5V/2A-12V/1A Power Supply
• DC Regulated Power Supply 0-30V/2 A, Dual Power Supply
• Scientific SM 5072- Function Generator

Electrical Machines lab is equipped with all types of machines namely AC machines, DC Machines and Transformers for the students to understand basic concepts related to electrical machines.

Major Equipments:

• 100KVA, 200A -Three phase Stabilizer Panel
• Main Control panel for both AC and DC machines with separate two pole circuit breakers
• Variable dc output voltage (0-300V), 200A thyristor based Rectifier panel
• Three no’s of DC shunt Motor coupled with DC Shunt generator
• One set of DC shunt Motor coupled with DC Compound generator
• One set of DC Shunt Motor coupled with three phase squirrel cage induction motor
• Five no’s of DC shunt Motor coupled with three phase Alternator
• Three Phase Synchronous Motor
• Single phase induction motor
• Three phase slip ring induction motor
• Scott Connected Transformers
• Synchroscope
• Analog and digital tachometers
• Phase sequence indicator
• Ammeters, voltmeters and watt meters
• Megger
• Frequency meter
• Resistive, capacitive and inductive loads

• NI-Interfacing module for 3phase squirrel cage induction Motor
• NI-Interfacing module for DC Shunt Motor

The purpose of this lab is to provide a basic idea about analog measuring instruments, various transducers and bridges used for measurement of resistances, inductances and capacitances. The experiments designed for this lab includes transfer functions of dc machines and to study different controller techniques. Hardware is available for measurement, characterization and synthesis of Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Systems.

This lab is equipped with the following major equipments and software:

• Study of Non – Linear system with different controllers
• Quanser Cube Rotary Servo system
• Transducers
• LVDT
• Wheatstone Bridge
• Kelvin’s Double Bridge
• Maxwell S Inductance
• Anderson Bridge
• Schering Bridge
• Synchro Transmitter & Receiver Trainer
• NI Elvis Workstation kits
• Q net Mechatronics sensor trainer, VTOL trainer, DC motor control, Rotary inverted pendulum
• NI automatic data processing plug in cable
• Softwares- LabView 2011, Matlab 2012b

• Quanser Equipment Ball and Beam with SRV02 Rotary Unit
• Rotary Flexible Joint Module for SRV02
• Feedback Magnetic Levitation System
• Quanser Rotary Inverted Pendulum, academic accessories kit
• NI 4432 Automatic Data processing Plug-in Cable
• Q –Net Mechatronics Sensor academic accessories kit
• Q -Net VTOL Trainer academic accessories kit
• Q-Net DC Motor Control academic accessories kit
• NI -DAQ device USB 6008
• NI -DAQ device USB6009
• NI -MY RIO Board
• NI 8 in 1 Measurements Hardware – Analog Discovery NI Edition

•

The lab is equipped with Linux Operating system, MATLAB simulation package and LTSpice software. The Lab supports MATLAB products that include DSP System Toolbox, Fuzzy Logic Toolbox, Simscape, Simulink Control Design, Symbolic Math Toolbox, Neural Network Toolbox, Partial Differential Equation Toolbox, SimMechanics, SimEvents, Statistics Toolbox etc. The Lab also supports LTSpice software. LTspice is used for simulations of basic electrical and electronic circuits. The software packages are also extensively used by researchers for simulation studies.
Research experiments include modelling and simulation of different controllers for converter topologies suitable for various applications, design and simulation of FACTS devices like active filters, STATCOM, UPQC etc. and novel converter configurations for renewable energy applications are done using MATLAB. Various commercial and industrial application circuits based on power electronic converters and controllers are also modelled and simulated with MATLAB before final implementation.

The lab primarily provides hands on training in power electronics based systems for UG and PG programs offered by the school. The laboratory has well equipped instruments like multi-channel oscilloscope, High voltage & High current measurement set-ups, Power Quality analyzer and Spectrum Analyzer. The facilities can further be extended to apply advanced controllers like DSP/FPGA for Power Electronics and Drives applications. Availability of Simulation packages like MatLab, PSIM, VisSIM, supports the research and development of advanced power converter based systems.

Major Equipments:

● Tektronix 4 Channel Isolated DSO (TPS 2024B)
● Tektronix Mixed Domain Oscilloscope (MDO 4104C)
● Agilent 7000 series Mixed Storage Oscilloscope
● High Voltage differential probes up to 7kV measurement capability
● Fluke Power Analyser
● IGBT/MOSFET based converter modules
● VPE Spartan 3A/3A DSP FPGA Controller
● Spartan 6 FPGA
● TMS320F28335 Based DSP Controller
● Multilevel Inverter Modules
● Programmable DC Power Supplies up to 5kW

This state of art lab provides an opportunity to students, faculty and researchers to work on applications of embedded systems. The experiments designed for this lab include simulation and hardware interfacing of various processors like 8051 Microcontroller, PIC and ARM. The lab is facilitated with FPGA and DSP Processors which can be used for various control applications.

This lab is equipped with the following major equipments and software:

• Single chip trainer MCU based on 89C51ED2 with USB communication
• PICI16F877 based microcontroller trainer with USB communication
• PIC kit 3 Debug express
• TMS320C2000 TM DSP Platform Code Composer Studio TM DSK v3.1 IDE
• Intelligent universal programmer (both USB & Parallel ports)
• 8 Channel 12 bit ADC Interface with MUX and user manual
• DAC for ADC & temperature sensor interface
• Stepper motor interface
• DSO 200 MHz 2GS/s
• Microcontroller development board for implementing PID based temperature controller digital controller trainer
• Temperature control system (slow process)
• Microcontroller development board for implementing power factor measurement
• Texas Instruments C2000 DSP based starter kits TMS320F2812
• FPGA Kit Altera cyclone III series development board
• Matlab R2012a
• Xilinx Plan ahead 14.1
• Keil uvision3
• Mplab IDE, V8.84

This lab is equipped with major protection equipments which are used in real time power system network. These equipments are helpful for understand the concepts of the power system protection devices and its operation in the field. The major equipments are

This lab is equipped with the following major equipments and software:

• Transmission Line Simulator
• Transmission Line Fault simulator
• Over Voltage and Under Voltage Relay
• Non directional Over Current Relay
• Directional Over Current Relay
• Earth Fault Relay
• Differential relay
• Numerical impedance relay
• Cable Fault Locator
• Evaluation of positive, negative and zero sequence impedance of the synchronous generator
• Break down test of the transformer oil
• CT/PT
• Power Quality analyzer (Fluke make)

The highlights of the transmission line simulator/fault simulator are given below:

• 415V, 3 Phase station model
• Energy meter in both station and load models to measure the voltage, current, power, power factor, etc
• Transmission line model as 12 pi circuits, consisting of series inductor, series resistor and shunt capacitor (Values can be varied as per the experiment)
• Series capacitor model to vary the series compensation from 10% to 50%
• SCADA for voltage control in the loading section
• Inductive and resistive load.
• Capacitor bank to improve on the power factor.
• Upto 200Km transmission line length can be achieved using the simulator.
• The fault simulator is equipped with the numerical impedance relay.
• The fault in the transmission line can be created at any place manually.
• The fault location can be identified and displayed with the use of impedance relay.

Power System Simulation lab aimed at providing hands on experience with industry standard simulation software used for power system studies. PSCAD, MiPower and MATLAB /Simulink are the software available to conduct power system studies such as power flow, fault analysis, relaying schemes, operation and control of power system with renewable energy sources. Forty computers provided with state of art software are effectively used by the students for their course on Power System Engineering. The lab is also utilized by the students to carry out various projects on power system operation, control and protection studies.

This lab is equipped with test benches for PLC based 3 kW AC and DC drives system. Each bench consists of an ac drive, dc drive and a servo drive and the drive is controlled by PLCs. The lab supports a real industry set up of various speed control methods of electrical machines. It is also equipped with experimental set up for special electrical machines such as BLDC, PMSM and SRM drive. The advanced DSP and FPGA controllers are used for motor control applications. dSPACE1103 controllers are available for academic and research purposes. Faculty and research scholars are utilizing the controllers for control signal generation for converters, choppers and inverters. It is also used for real time closed loop drives and converters applications. FLIR – E75 with 240 lens thermal imager is available to study the temperature analysis of electrical machines and power electronics converters. USB torque sensor (Capacity 0-200Nm, Speed -15000 rpm) is available to determine the torque of all types of electrical machines. NI9227, NI9225 and NI9401 DAQ devices are available for current, voltage and speed measurements with electrical drives experimental set up. Matrix converter, multilevel inverter, 3-phase inverter and 5-phase inverter experimental set up are available for academic and research purposes. ANSYS, MAGNET, MAXWELL and Motor Solve software tools are available for design of dc machine, induction machine and special electrical machines. MATLAB is used for simulation of converter and chopper fed dc motor drives, inverter fed induction motor drive and PMSM and BLDC motor drives in open loop and closed loop conditions.
Major Equipments:
PLC Controlled AC Drive
PLC Controlled DC Drive
PLC Controlled Servo Drive
MA8860AL91 –STCC-01 Static Converter System with Control Panels
W8860AL9L –SYS- Units for ICAN Systems
DSP based Speed Control of BLDC Motor
Linear Induction Motor Drive
3-Phase to 9 Phase Matrix Converter
3-Phase 9 Level Inverter
200 MHz Analog Channel 10M Records Spectrum Analyser
100 MHz Teck VPI Differential High Voltage Probe
DSPACE1103 Controller
FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera
USB Torque Sensor

3-phase Isolation Transformer

Smart Grid Lab is being established with the micro sources of 5KW solar power generation system and 2KW wind generation system. The energy sources are connected to the grid through inverters. Further, the prototype model for the power grid is under development. This will serve as a benchmark for research and development activities on smart grid technologies, photovoltaic applications, wind generation systems, storage and power system studies.
Real time digital simulator from OPAL RT is used for the hardware in loop simulations in power systems, power electronics and drives applications. High performance workstations act as user interface to the server. The real time digital simulator is OP4500 had 4 cores of 3.3 GHz Intel i7 processors with Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA Co-processor. It can simulate up to 8-µs model loop time for subsystem executed on the Intel CPU and less than 250 ns for subsystems executed on the FPGA chips. It is compatible with RT-LAB, MATLAB, Simulink, RTW, Xilinx System Generator and Lab VIEW.

Major Equipments:

• 5 kW Photovoltaic System: Roof Top Installation with grid tied inverter
• Real Time Digital Simulator: OP4500 eminisim unit
• 2 kW Wind Generation System: Generator, Wind Mill along with Roof Top Lattice Tower and Grid Tied Inverter
• Mixed Domain Oscilloscope
• DC Power Supply: 6 kW, 125 V, 48 A
• 1 kVA 3phase alternator with prime mover drive and necessary meters
• 3 kVA solar power synchronizing panel setup with dc-dc converter, inverter and meters
• 2 kW wind power synchronizing panel setup with 720 Ah battery bank, dc-dc converter, inverter and meters
• Transmission Line model with CT and PT

Following are the software packages available in the school of Electrical Engineering for the academic and research activities:
• MATLAB
• LTspice
• LabVIEW
• Mi-Power
• Auto CAD Electrical
• PSIM
• MagNet
• ViSIM
• Xilinx
• Keil µvision, Hi-Tech C compiler
• RT-Lab (OPALRT)
• PSCAD
• Maxwell (Ansys)
• PLC
• SCADA
• Solid Work
• Motor Solve

MSME identified VIT as a NODAL center and approve CDCE to establish the Center for Industrial Automation equipped with industrial automation equipment. Subsequently, a MoU for a duration of three years is signed between CDCE Automation, (authorized training partner of MSME, GOI) and VIT on October 8, 2018 to establish the Center for Industrial Automation. Finally, Center for Industrial Automation is inaugurated on 13 March, 2019 at VIT, for certification course in the area of industrial automation in collaboration with MSME. The objectives and scopes of this center are as follows.

Objectives:

• To train young Engineers with new skill set of Industrial Automation towards Industry 4.0.
• To provide link between the Industries and the Institutes and to afford industry ready manpower for future automation especially in manufacturing plants of Automotive Applications, Industrial Machinery Applications and Engineering in various areas like Petrochemical, Fertilizers, Oil & Natural Gas and Cement Industries.

Scopes:

• To train the students in Industrial Automation and Robotics for a minimum duration of 80 Hrs.
• To conduct Faculty Development Programs, workshops and seminars.
• To provide In-house Internship Consultancy project to the students of VIT who underwent the training there by enhancing the Institute – Industry Interaction.
• To conduct Guest Lecture by Industry experts and to visit the Industry.

List of Major Equipment:

• Switch Gear Kit
• PLC and HMI Trainer Kit with Sensor and Controller
• Load Cell and LVDT
• VFD Trainer
• Servo Motor

VIT Chennai – Electro-Technical Calibration Laboratory

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai is proud to house a state-of-the-art Electro-Technical Calibration Laboratory. Accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, the lab exemplifies precision, reliability, and excellence in calibration services. With certificate number CC-4077, our accreditation is valid from 17/10/2024 to 16/10/2028, underscoring our commitment to maintaining global standards.

Laboratory Capabilities

Our calibration laboratory is equipped to perform a wide array of electro-technical calibration tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.

1. Precision Multi-Product Calibrator:

• • Model: Transmille 3041A
  • Offers up to 8 ppm accuracy.
  • Capable of calibrating 18 types of instruments, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, RLC meters, data loggers, and power meters.
  • Calibration ranges:
    • Voltage: 0-1000V (DC/AC)
    • Current: 0-30A (DC/AC)
    • Resistance: 0-1 GΩ
    • Capacitance: 1nF-10mF
    • Frequency: 1Hz-10MHz

Capabilities:

• Precision, multiproduct calibrator with up to 8 ppm accuracy.
• It offers the widest workload coverage of any multi-product calibrator, with the ability to ca
• librate 18 types of instrument.
• Calibrates: Multimeters, oscilloscopes, clamp meters, watt & power meters, RLC meters, AC bridges, power supplies, high resistance and data loggers.
• It has the power to drive older analogue instruments alongside the accuracy to calibrate modern digital instruments.
• Has UKAS calibration traceable to National standards.

1. 5 Digit Reference Multimeter

• • Model: Fluke 8508A.

• • Specification /Features:
    • Voltage DC – Range: 0 to ± 1050 V ± 3 ppm of reading
    • Voltage AC – 2 mV to 1050 V, 1 Hz to 1 MHz ± 65 ppm of reading
    • Current DC – 0 to ± 20 A ± 12 ppm of reading
    • Current AC – 2 μA to 20 A, 1 Hz to 100 kHz ± 250 ppm of reading
    • Resistance – 0 to 20 GΩ ± 7.5 ppm of reading
    • Temperature – -200 °C to 660 °C ± 2.5 m °C

Capabilities:

• Designed specifically with superior accuracy and stability over a wide range of measurements.
• Designed to serve as a versatile precision measurement tool for calibration laboratories that must meet increasingly stringent measurement uncertainty analysis requirements demanded by ISO 17025, as well as the need for increased productivity.
• 8508A features 8.5 digit resolution, exceptional linearity and extraordinarily low noise and stability, producing what is arguably the most accurate measurements.

NABL Accreditation Scope

Our laboratory’s NABL accreditation scope spans multiple electro-technical parameters, as detailed below:

• AC Voltage Measurement (@ 50 Hz):
  • Range: 50mV to 1000V
  • Uncertainty: 0.2% to 0.051% (depending on range)
• DC Voltage Measurement:
  • Range: 1mV to 1000V
  • Uncertainty: 0.054% to 0.002%
• AC Current Measurement (@ 50 Hz):
  • Range: 20µA to 10A
  • Uncertainty: 4% to 0.43%
• DC Current Measurement:
  • Range: 1µA to 20A
  • Uncertainty: 7.5% to 0.05%
• Resistance Measurement (2-Wire & 4-Wire):
  • Range: 1Ω to 1MΩ
  • Uncertainty: 0.0054% to 0.0012%

Features and Applications

• Broad Instrument Compatibility: Our lab can calibrate both modern digital and older analog instruments with equal proficiency.
• Traceability: All calibration results are traceable to national and international standards, ensuring credibility and global acceptance.
• Applications: The laboratory caters to industries and academic research requiring precise calibration of multimeters, insulation testers, electrometers, and more.

The Electro-Technical Calibration Laboratory at VIT Chennai embodies technical excellence and adherence to quality standards. With its NABL accreditation and cutting-edge equipment, the lab is poised to support a broad spectrum of academic and industrial requirements, aligning perfectly with VIT’s vision of fostering innovation and precision engineering.

Project Laboratory

The School of Electrical Engineering has established an excellent Project Laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the design, fabrication, and testing of electronic and electrical circuits. This lab provides a robust platform for students and researchers to carry out hands-on project and research work. It enables practical learning and innovation through the fabrication and testing of customized circuits, fostering a strong foundation in applied engineering skills. The laboratory is extensively utilized for academic projects, research activities, and prototype development across various disciplines of engineering.

Major Equipments:

• PCB MATE Semi auto Machine_1500W
• PCB by chemical etching – Conventional PCB fabrication set-up
• PCB Drilling Machine
• PCB UV Exposure Unit
• Soldering Stations – 3 Channels with temperature control for SMD soldering/rework
• Soldering Stations – 2 Channels with temperature control
• Drilling machines
• Cutting machine
• Software’s available – Orcade-Cadence, MATLAB, PCB Express, Eagle (for PCB Layout design and GERBER/DXF file generation)
• PCB by chemical etching – Conventional PCB fabrication set-up
• Weller Soldering Station
• Software’s available – Orcade-Cadence, PCB Express, Eagle (for PCB Layout design and GERBER/DXF file generation)
• Regulated Dual DC Power Supply
• Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
• Clamp meters
• Decade Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance Boxes
• Meggers
• Function Generators
• Audio Frequency oscillators
• Digital frequency meters
• Lux Meters
• Digital LCR Meters
• Analog Oscilloscopes

IDEA (Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture) Laboratory

In Collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (QS ranking-387)

 The proposed IDEA lab aims to:

(i) Conduct advanced research on Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture.

(ii) Develop innovative technologies and solutions in this domain.

(iii) Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration between faculty members,

researchers, and students from both universities.

(iv) Provide a platform for joint seminars, workshops, and conferences to promote

academic discourse and industry interaction.

This collaboration is a mutually beneficial opportunity that aligns with the goals of both our

institutions.

Universiti Teknologi Brunei will support the CoE in the following areas:

Technical and Knowledge Transfer:

(i) A robust exchange of technical know-how and knowledge transfer between our

faculties, researchers, and students.

(ii) This collaborative effort would foster a rich intellectual environment, facilitate joint

research projects, and enhance the capabilities of both our institutions.

University Name as Technical Partner:

(i) This association will not only lend credibility to our initiative but will also signify the

collaborative and global nature of our efforts.

In-kind Collaboration, focusing on Intellectual and Resource Exchange:

(i) Focus on Intellectual and Resource Exchange collaboration where the focus is on the

exchange of intellectual resources, research expertise, and collaborative projects.

(ii) This approach aligns with our shared commitment to advancing education, research,

and innovation without the constraints of financial considerations.

 The IDEA lab will set a new standard in research and innovation in the area

of Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture.

 It is confident that together, a dynamic and thriving environment for research and

innovation can be created.

 Dr. Sheik Mohammed Sultan, Deputy Director, Centre for Transport Research (CfTR),

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei is already working with us as a

coauthor in the research publications. Understanding his expertise, he will be the

representative from Universiti Teknologi Brunei for the proposed Centre of Excellence.

Introduction

The Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture (IDEA) project represents a transformative step in sustainable energy solutions, focusing on renewable energy and energy-efficient living. Central to this initiative is the IDEA Lab, a dedicated test facility designed to demonstrate the viability of a renewable energy low voltage DC Microgrid i.e., renewable energy-based low-voltage DC systems for future households and commercial buildings. By bypassing the energy losses inherent in traditional AC systems, the project relies exclusively on DC electricity to create a more streamlined and efficient power distribution network.

The IDEA Lab incorporates an advanced test bench-level PV system, complete with photovoltaic panels, sensors, monitoring tools, and a data acquisition system. This setup will be evaluated to ensure high performance and compliance with IEC standards. The data collected will be of high quality, serving as a foundation for training and validating machine learning models. These intelligent, machine learning-based controllers will govern the entire system, enhancing its sustainability, resilience, and reliability.

Additionally, the IDEA Lab will serve as a hub for experiential learning and interdisciplinary research, offering students from various academic disciplines opportunities to engage in project-based learning (PBL) and cutting-edge research. This facility not only showcases the practical feasibility of DC-powered renewable energy systems but also sets a benchmark for sustainable living and future advancements in energy-efficient residential and commercial applications.

DC Microgrid:

A DC microgrid is a power distribution system that uses direct current (DC) to supply power to loads. It’s made up of DC loads, energy storage, and distributed generation (DG) resources.

How it works ?

Generation: DC microgrids use renewable energy sources like solar panels and fuel cells to generate DC power

Storage: DC microgrids use energy storage devices like batteries to store power

Supply: DC microgrids supply power to DC loads like electric vehicles and electronic loads

Benefits

Reliable: DC microgrids can operate independently from the main power grid during a blackout or severe weather

Efficient: DC microgrids can improve energy efficiency and flexibility

Sustainable: DC microgrids can help meet sustainability goals and environmental stewardship

Applications

Industrial automation: DC microgrids can help improve energy efficiency and grid quality in industrial automation

Smart cities: DC microgrids can help ensure reliable electricity to buildings and infrastructure

Electric vehicles: DC microgrids can help charge electric vehicles quickly

Benefits

Low voltage DC grids provide compelling advantages such as improved electrical efficiency and reduced material usage. However, there are less standards and best practices than for AC systems. The requirements for protection and grounding differ between AC and DC systems

Disadvantages

DC microgrids have lower voltage levels than AC currents and cannot easily integrate high-voltage sources or loads without converters. DC microgrids have no natural zero crossing point, which can cause protection issues for sensitive electrical connections.

Working of the system

The Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture (IDEA) operates through a carefully designed energy flow system that integrates solar PV arrays, energy storage, and DC loads. Below is a step-by-step explanation of its working:

Energy Generation

• A 10-kW solar PV array serves as the primary energy source. Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, making them an ideal fit for this system.
• The PV array is connected to a 96 V DC link via a buck converter to regulate and step down the voltage to the desired level. This ensures the DC link maintains a stable and consistent voltage supply.

Energy Storage

• The system includes a 72V, 200 Ah battery bank for energy storage.
• The battery is linked to the DC link through a bidirectional converter. This converter allows the battery to store excess energy during peak solar generation periods and discharge it when the solar output is insufficient, such as during the night or on cloudy days.
• The bidirectional converter employs advanced control algorithms to manage energy flow efficiently, ensuring the battery operates within optimal charge and discharge cycles to extend its lifespan.

Load Management

• The Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture (IDEA) is equipped with 5 kW of 48 V DC loads, which include:
  • DC fans
  • DC lights
  • DC pumps
• These loads are connected to the battery via a buck converter, which steps down the voltage from battery voltage to 48 V. This configuration ensures efficient power delivery tailored to the requirements of each load.
• The use of DC loads eliminates the inefficiencies associated with AC devices, as there is no need for conversion from DC to AC and back again.

Control and Monitoring

• A centralized control system monitors and optimizes the power flow between the PV array, battery, and DC loads. This includes:
  • Prioritizing battery charging during high solar production periods.
  • Balancing load demands to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
  • Employing real-time data analytics to predict energy generation and consumption patterns, enhancing overall system performance.

Safety and Protection Mechanisms

• The system incorporates protection circuits, such as overvoltage, undervoltage, and short-circuit protection, to safeguard both the equipment and the users.
• Temperature sensors and automatic cooling systems are integrated to prevent overheating of the battery bank and converters.

Block Diagram

a) Block Diagram

b) Detailed Block Diagram

c) Communication Module

Specifications and working of installed components

S.No.	Component	Specifications	Working
1		Control & Measurement Unit: PV Array Voltage :0-1000V PV Array Current :0- 100 Amp. Battery Voltage: 0-1000V Battery Current: 0- 100 Amp. Load Voltage: 0-1000V Load Current: 0- 100 Amp. DC Link Voltage: 0-1000V	Display Meters displaying Voltage and Current
2a		Buck Converter after Solar PV Array IGBT: SKM300GB12T4 IGBT Driver: SKYPER42R Switching Frequency: 10 kHz Voltage Sensor: LV 20P Current Sensor: LA100P Inductor : 3mH, 100 A Capacitor: 450 V, 4700 micro Farad	In a buck converter with an IGBT, the higher voltage from the PV array is stepped down to match the DC link requirements. The IGBT switches on and off at a controlled duty cycle, adjusting the voltage reduction efficiently. An inductor smooths the current by storing and releasing energy, while a diode provides a return path during the IGBT’s off-state. A control system, such as MPPT, regulates the IGBT’s operation to optimize energy transfer and maintain a stable output voltage. IGBTs are ideal for high-power applications due to their ability to handle higher currents and voltages efficiently.
2b		Buck Converter after Solar PV Array Input Voltage: 200 V Input Current: 55 A Output Voltage: 96 V Output Current: 115 A Power: 11 kW
3a		Buck Converter for DC Load IGBT: SKM300GB12T4 IGBT Driver: SKYPER42R Switching Frequency: 10 kHz Voltage Sensor: LV 20P Current Sensor: LA100P Inductor : 2.5mH, 100 A Capacitor: 450 V, 4700 micro Farad	In a buck converter with an IGBT, the higher voltage from the Battery is stepped down to match the Load requirements. The IGBT switches on and off at a controlled duty cycle, adjusting the voltage reduction efficiently. An inductor smooths the current by storing and releasing energy, while a diode provides a return path during the IGBT’s off-state. A control system, such as MPPT, regulates the IGBT’s operation to optimize energy transfer and maintain a stable output voltage. IGBTs are ideal for high-power applications due to their ability to handle higher currents and voltages efficiently.
3b		Buck Converter for DC Load Input Voltage: 80 V Input Current: 63 A Output Voltage: 48 V Output Current: 100 A Power: 10 kW
4a		Bidirectional Converter IGBT: SKM300GB12T4 IGBT Driver: SKYPER42R Switching Frequency: 10 kHz Voltage Sensor: LV 20P Current Sensor: LA100P Inductor : 2mH, 110 A Capacitor: 450 V, 4700 micro Farad	A bidirectional converter enables power flow between a battery and a DC link in both directions. When charging, it steps down the DC link voltage to charge the battery, operating as a buck converter. During discharging, it steps up the battery voltage to match the DC link, acting as a boost converter. IGBT switches, controlled by a PWM signal, regulate the voltage and current flow for efficient bidirectional operation. This configuration is commonly used in energy storage systems for seamless integration with DC power networks.
4b		Bidirectional Converter Input Voltage: 80 V Input Current: 100 A Output Voltage: 96 V Output Current: 100 A Power: 10 kW
5a		Load 1: Motor Generator Set Both Motor and Generator Voltage: 48 V Power:1kW RPM: 1500 Type : PMSM Resistive Load Voltage: 48 V Power: 1kW	These loads are typically integrated into systems for evaluating energy flow, efficiency, and performance of DC-link connected setups.
5b		Load 2: DC Bulb Load No. of Bulbs: 20 Connection: 4 bulbs in series with total 5 strings Voltage: 48 V Total Power: 700 W
5c		Load 3 : DC Pump No. of Pumps: 2 Voltage: 48 V Total power: 3kW Type: Centrifugal Pump
5d		Load 4: DC Fan No. of Fans: 8 Connection: 4 fans in series with total 2 strings Voltage: 48 V Total Power: 100 W
6		Battery Bank Voltage: 72 V Capacity: 200 Ah Charging: 0.5 C Discharging: 0.5C Type: LFP BMS: JBD smart BMS	This battery bank is well-suited for applications requiring high energy capacity and robust cycle performance, such as energy storage, renewable integration, or electric vehicles. JBD Smart BMS: Ensures cell balancing, overcharge, over-discharge, and overcurrent protection, while providing real-time data monitoring and control for improved reliability and longevity.
7		Desktop	Desktop interfacing LabVIEW Software with FPGA
8		Complete Set up

Expected Utilization

The proposed IDEA lab aims to advance research and innovation in Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture. Its goals include:

     1. Conducting advanced research in the field of intelligent energy systems such as in the fields of:

          Energy Efficiency

By avoiding DC-AC-DC conversion losses, the system achieves higher energy efficiency, potentially saving up to 10-15% of the energy typically lost in conventional setups.

     2. Developing innovative technologies and solutions to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability

• With energy storage and direct power utilization, the system can operate independently of the grid, making it ideal for remote or off-grid locations.
• The system’s ability to maintain power during grid outages enhances reliability and user confidence.

          Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students from multiple universities.

• Focus on Intellectual and Resource Exchange collaboration where the focus is on the exchange of intellectual resources, research expertise, and collaborative projects.
• This approach aligns with our shared commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation without the constraints of financial considerations.

     3. Providing a platform for joint seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering academic discourse and industry interaction.

These initiatives will help propel the IDEA project and related technologies forward while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.

Further R&D Opportunities

To enhance the functionality and expand the applications of the Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture (IDEA), further research and development can focus on the following areas:

Advanced Energy Storage

• Developing high-capacity, cost-effective batteries with improved charging/discharging cycles.
• Exploring alternative storage solutions such as supercapacitors for instantaneous power delivery.
• Investigating the integration of second-life EV batteries to reduce costs and promote recycling.

Smart Load Management

• Incorporating IoT-enabled devices for real-time load monitoring and optimization.
• Implementing predictive algorithms for energy usage based on historical data and weather forecasts.
• Designing adaptive load-shedding mechanisms to prioritize critical loads during energy shortages.

Integration with Other Renewable Sources

• Adding wind or biomass energy sources to diversify energy inputs and enhance reliability.
• Exploring hybrid systems to optimize energy generation and storage, ensuring continuous power supply regardless of weather conditions.

Grid Integration and Hybrid Systems

• Developing seamless grid-tied options that allow surplus energy to be fed back into the grid, generating revenue for users.
• Designing systems that can switch between grid and DC systems based on demand and supply conditions.
• Investigating vehicle-to-home (V2H) systems to utilize EV batteries as an additional energy storage option.

Cost Reduction

• Innovating cost-efficient converters and other components to make the system more affordable for wider adoption.
• Using local manufacturing and assembly to lower production costs and encourage community engagement.

Education and Awareness

• Creating training modules and demonstration units to educate the public and stakeholders about the advantages and implementation of Intelligent Distributed Energy Architecture (IDEA)s
• Partnering with educational institutions and government bodies to promote the adoption of DC-based renewable energy systems.

Project Photographs

a) Rooftop Installation

b) Lab Installation