A novel embedded controller operated R‐2R scheme to conduct the solar energy based supply side management

Abstract

Summary Energy transformation losses occurred during the conversion process from solar panel to end use are serious concern for the reduction of solar energy. To eliminate the intermediate conversion losses, a novel embedded controller based R‐2R scheme is proposed, which conducts the solar powered supply side management (SSM), wherein the R‐2R network is utilized to manage and control the solar and mains supplies by using a current control methodology. The IEEE 1149.1 specification compliant mixed signal embedded platform of C8051F226DK is incorporated to control the entire system. Also, the SAR‐based 8‐bit ADC was utilized for the A/D data conversion and Darlington drivers were used for the inductive loads of switching network. The experimental work on the hardware prototype of the system is capable to achieve the average energy of 42.22% and 39.31% as well as average efficiency of 43.05% and 41.8% for the summer and winter seasons, respectively. In addition to this, comparatively higher values of 60.24% and 58.29% for the daily electricity cost saving were resulted in these summer and winter seasons, respectively. As compared to the traditional methods, a novel R‐2R technique extracts the solar power instantly with zero response time and also utilizes the problem of nonlinear behavior and random connectivity of solar supply in the supply side energy management. These characteristics together with plug‐n‐play installation strategy based user‐friendly operation make this indigenously developed device competitive among other energy management solutions.