ECAL 163: Renewable Energy Systems and Storage

This practical one-credit lecture/lab examines the various sources of renewable
energy/systems. Solar-photovoltaic (PV), solar-thermal, wind, hydro, fuel cells among others will be explored and some of them installed. The benefits of micro-grids will be researched and discussed. Solar panels and batteries will be wired during lab according the rules of the National Electrical Code (NEC Art 690, 692, 694, 705, 706 and others). A GenerAC generator, battery storage system and inverter will be operated as a lab. A campus wind turbine will be studied and operated. An Outback charge controller will be studied and operated.