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Open AccessArticle
Open-Source Hardware Design of Modular Solar DC Nanogrid
by
Md Motakabbir Rahman
Md Motakabbir Rahman 1,2,
Sara Khan
Sara Khan 2 and
Joshua M. Pearce
Joshua M. Pearce 1,2,3,*
1
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
2
FAST Lab, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
3
Ivey School of Business, Western University, London, ON N6G 0N1, Canada
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Technologies 2024, 12(9), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090167 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 31 July 2024
/
Revised: 30 August 2024
/
Accepted: 11 September 2024
/
Published: 13 September 2024
Abstract
The technical feasibility of solar photovoltaic (PV) direct current (DC) nanogrids is well established, but the components of nanogrids are primarily commercially focused on alternating current (AC)-based systems. Thus, DC converter-based designs at the system level require personnel with high degree of technical knowledge, which results in high costs. To enable a democratization of the technology by reducing the costs, this study provides a novel modular plug-and-play open-source DC nanogrid. The system can be customized according to consumer requirements, enabling the supply of various voltage levels to accommodate different device voltage needs. The step-by-step design process of the converter, controller, data logger, and assembly of the complete system is provided. A time-domain simulation and stability analysis of the designed system were conducted in MATLAB/Simulink as well as experimental validation. The results show that transforming the nanogrid from a distribution network to a device makes it suitable for various user-specific applications, such as remotely supplying power to campsites, emergency vehicles like ambulances, and small houses lacking grid electricity. The modular DC nanogrid includes all the features available in a DC distribution network, as well as data logging, which enhances the user experience and promotes the use of solar-powered DC grid systems.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Rahman, M.M.; Khan, S.; Pearce, J.M.
Open-Source Hardware Design of Modular Solar DC Nanogrid. Technologies 2024, 12, 167.
https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090167
AMA Style
Rahman MM, Khan S, Pearce JM.
Open-Source Hardware Design of Modular Solar DC Nanogrid. Technologies. 2024; 12(9):167.
https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090167
Chicago/Turabian Style
Rahman, Md Motakabbir, Sara Khan, and Joshua M. Pearce.
2024. "Open-Source Hardware Design of Modular Solar DC Nanogrid" Technologies 12, no. 9: 167.
https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090167
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