Hardware setup of a solar microgrid laboratory

This paper outlines the hardware development of a solar microgrid laboratory at Drexel University. The renewable source for the microgrid is a 1.6 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system. Various battery storage options and converter technologies can be connected to the PV source in order to supply the microgrid with DC or single-phase AC power. This paper details the laboratory environment, hardware testing, load profile development, and ongoing steps towards laboratory experiment development. The solar microgrid laboratory at Drexel University provides an environment for research and for undergraduate- and graduate-level experiential learning opportunities.