By Nick Gilbert
A research team at Northumbria University has assisted in developing a teaching instrument, through which students can discover the fundamental principles of solar energy.
"Feedback Trainer"
In order to develop the PV75-100 Photovoltaic Principles Trainer unit, the research team from the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences were directed by Dr Ghanim Putrus. The team received help from Feedback Group located in the UK that designs and develops engineering teaching equipment.
The PV75-100 is a compact bench-top instrument capable of generating artificial illumination levels equivalent to that of the sun. It enables students to analyze the performance of photovoltaic cells. These cells allow the conversion of solar energy into electricity inside its housing. The trainer unit contains the light source that can be programmed to emulate the sun’s motion during the day.
The instrument is ideal for use by students in universities, colleges and schools, through which the photovoltaics phenomenon can be scrutinized via comprehensive training software and an array of experiments. The PV75-100 is the uniquely-developed first commercially available product to be deployed as part of educational system within the classrooms of schools and colleges. In addition, it is also effective for carrying out undergraduate study and projects.
After the final verification by Northumbria University experts in renewable energy and research, the PV75-100 trainer unit will be officially released during September. It will be deployed first by the Northumbria’s School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences students.
Innovation and Services to Business Team at Northumbria University enabled the effective collaboration process between the Feedback Group and academics. The team lends it support to the enterprise via knowledge transfer activities. Its resourceful response ensures meeting the needs of business within the region, both globally and nationally.