Design and Development of A 1.5 KVA Mobile Solar Power System as an Alternative Power Supply for Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This project involved designing and developing a 1.5 KVA solar power system as an alternative power source for teaching and learning. It was initiated to address the major challenge of inadequate and unreliable power supply at the Federal College of Education Technical Asaba. The study employed a design and development approach following standard engineering stages, including problem identification, system specification, design analysis, component selection, construction, and performance testing. Materials used included four 250W solar panels, 60 Amps, MPPT charge controller, a 240 Ah deep-cycle battery, and a 1.5 KVA inverter. These components were assembled into the system. The inverter's performance was evaluated through various tests: a no-load test to verify output voltage and frequency, a load test using instructional equipment to assess stability, and a battery discharge test to determine backup duration. Additional tests on mobility and safety assessed ease of movement and compliance with electrical safety standards. Test results were compared with the design specifications to evaluate effectiveness for educational purposes. During the no-load test, the inverter produced approximately 230 V AC at 50 Hz, meeting standard utility requirements. At an estimated load of 484 W, about 80% of the inverter’s rated capacity, the output remained stable without shutdown or overheating, indicating suitability for continuous use in classrooms and labs. The battery discharge test showed an average backup of 3.5 to 4.1 hours under full instructional load, closely matching the estimated backup time during design.