DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SOLAR POWER GENERATOR

FOR A GRILLER MACHINE

Begosa, Zedrick P.

Fajardo, Kevin F.

An undergraduate design project proposed to the faculty of the Department of

Computer and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering and
Information Technology, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite, in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with contribution No. ________. Prepared
under the supervision of Engr. Efren Rocillo.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

It has become increasingly important to explore innovative, more efficient,

and green power plants fitted with cutting-edge technology as a result of the

rapid depletion of conventional energy sources and today's constantly rising

energy demand in the context of environmental concerns. Both new energy

and clean fuel technologies are undergoing considerable research and testing

as environmental concerns spread throughout the world.

According to Singh (2013), the majority of renewable energy sources,

including wind, microhydro, tidal, geothermal, biomass, and solar, are

converted into electricity and sent to isolated loads or directly to the utility grid.

The present rate of energy consumption in the Philippines is steadily rising as

a result of a number of causes, including a growing population, ambitions for a

higher standard of living, and general economic and industrial growth. Thus,

solar energy has a wide range of applications, from single homes to big

electrical grids to automobiles, demonstrating a versatility that is ideal for the

demands of a growing country (Arefin et. al., 2014).

Solar energy is presently one of the most promising renewable energy

sources. Free electrons are created when photons from the sun impact the

solar cell's surface at random, causing electricity to flow. Solar cells are widely

used in flat plate systems that may be installed on rooftops. Many layers of

diverse materials make up a solar cell. A glass cover or equivalent

encapsulating material shields the cell from the environment on the top layer.

An anti-reflection layer sits behind the glass layer, preventing the cell from

reflecting sunlight away. Two semiconductor layers, generally composed of n-

and p- silicon, are found beneath this layer (Shelly et.al., 2013).

In the previous studies related to solar power generators, it has been

proved that the potentials of solar PV systems have been used and utilized for

many years with different systems and loads applied to it. It has been used

from large scale to small scale systems.

In this study, the use of a solar power generator for a griller machine is

thought to be new and a great solution in the future to reduce the power

generation cost because of their advantages of reliability and environmental

friendliness. By being said, the solar power generator for a griller machine is

an off-grid type of system wherein it is independent to be run by itself and is

not connected to a public electricity utility. The system will not be affected if
the public grid has a power outage as long as there is a stored energy in the

battery.

In addition, researchers will design and construct a generator to utilize the

solar energy from the sun and supply the griller machine’s DC rolling motor

mechanism powered by the electricity generated by the solar module for use

in commercial and business amenities, found to be an attractive investment.

After the solar charge controller has collected enough energy from the sun, it

will supply and charge its connected DC battery that will also serve as a

storage to power the griller machine wherein the power inverter is as well

connected to the battery.

Moreover, there is a battle in the Philippines to supply people with reliable

energy, particularly in rural regions. Reliable energy supplies are a persistent

issue for individuals attempting to live their everyday lives while also creating

a stable local economy. Almost one-third of Filipinos do not have access to

power or are subjected to brownouts. The need for electrical energy is quickly

growing in today's globe.

Excessive use of traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum, oil,

and other byproducts has resulted in resource depletion and substantial

environmental repercussions such as greenhouse gas emissions, which

generate an imbalance in the ecosystem. At the same time, the present

conventional energy sources are incapable of meeting the demands. As a

result, non-conventional energy sources play a vital part in satisfying the

world's demands, and these renewable energy sources are clean, eco-

friendly, and reliable for energy output.

 Continuous increase of power costing. The cost of electricity in business

establishments have always been of high value. And sudden power outages

in every town are very unpredictable and inevitable. In line with this, the

researchers will lessen these problems through this study. The researchers

will create a solar power generator for a griller machine.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to design and construct a solar power

generator for a griller machine. Specifically, the study aims to:

1) Identify the parameters of the Solar Power Generator, specifically the

specifications of:

a) the solar panel

b) the battery

c) the charge controller

d) the inverter

2) Design and construct a solar power generator;

3) Construct a griller machine with innovative use of scrap materials for cost-

efficiency;

4) Assemble the generator and machine;

5) Test and evaluate the performance of the system and;

6) Conduct a cost computation.

Significance of the Study

In general, the result of this study could be a great contribution in providing

an alternative source of power generation for a griller machine instead of

using electricity. This current study will be beneficial and significant

specifically to the following:

Students. This current study will give students a better knowledge with

regards to solar power generators. They will also have a better understanding

with regards to renewable sources of energy, specifically solar energy.

Business Sectors. The study could be beneficial to those who have and

plan to have a business such as chicken grilling. This study will give them a

new option of having solar panels to incline in their machine helping them to

save for their electric consumption or have free source of power to run their

grilling machine, making it to be an attractive investment. The chicken griller

will be tailored to fit the need to conserve energy and be economically

efficient; there will be enough surface area to grill multiple chickens and meat

at the same time.

Environment. The study could also be a great contribution for conserving

and preserving the environment. Solar panels provide clean, efficient energy,

using a resource that is not reducing the resources of the planet.

Future researchers. The study could also be beneficial to other

researchers as this will serve as a reference for future studies related to this.

Time and Place of the Study

The researchers will design, construct, and test the system at Imus,

Cavite. This study will be conducted from September 2021 to June 2022. The

design and construction will be from January 2022 to April 2022. The system

will be tested and evaluated over the remaining days of April 2022
Scope and Limitations of the Study

The general scope of this study is to design and construct a solar power

generator for a griller machine. The entire unit will be designed based on the

gathered datum. The study is limited to designing and constructing a proper

and working solar power generator that would be able to generate electricity,

further increase the energy efficiency, supply the solar charge controller that

is connected to a DC battery to charge it and run the rolling motor mechanism

of the rotisserie grill. The scope of the study includes identifying the sizes and

numbers of the solar panel and generator which will be used as the source of

electricity on the hybrid self-charging system. The rating of the solar panel will

depend on the rating of the load. Moreover, the study wants to prove the

possibility of the solar panel and to measure the amount of current and

voltage it generates to charge the battery with the charge controller.

Another limitation of this study is the market availability of the materials

needed. The scope includes determining how effective the charging process

of the entire system is by evaluating the time period of the charging process.

This study also encompasses in determining the speed of the motor with and

without the load, the time until the load is fully cooked, and time before the

motor will stop.

Definition of Terms
 Solar Energy Source. It is a clean, inexpensive, renewable power source

that is harness-able nearly everywhere in the world, and in the Philippines,

there is a present sunlight in most months in a year.

Solar Power. It is obtained by tapping the sun’s energy and converting it

into electricity using solar panels.

Solar Panel. It is used to convert light from the sun into electricity that can

be used to power electrical loads. It uses sunlight as a source of energy to

generate direct current electricity.

Solar Power Generator. It creates power through solar panels, converting

it into electrical power, then storing it in a battery for later use.

Off-grid. Off-Grid systems allow you to store your solar power in batteries

for use later. Power is first sent to the batteries, and then to the appliances. In

an off-grid setup, you are not on the grid, meaning even if the grid has a

power outage, you are not affected.

DC Battery. It is a source and storage of electric power for powering DC

loads as well as AC loads using inverters.

Charge Controller. It is a voltage and/or current regulator to keep

batteries from overcharging. It regulates the voltage and current coming from

the solar panels going to the battery.

Power Inverter. It is a power electronic device that changes direct current

(DC) to alternating current (AC).

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The section comprises a discussion of various studies correlated to the

design project, such as the literature and projects accomplished in foreign and

local settings, focusing on its development and improvement.

Solar Energy Electricity Generation

According to Labade et. al. (2017), the solar energy produced by the

sunlight is a non-vanishing renewable source of energy which is free and eco-

friendly. Every hour enough sunlight energy reaches the earth to meet the

world’s energy demand for a whole year. In today’s generation we needed

Electricity every hour. This Solar Energy is generated by applications like

industrial, commercial, and residential. It can easily draw energy drawn from

direct sunlight. So, it is very efficient & free of environmental pollution for the

surrounding. In this article, we have reviewed the Solar Energy from Sunlight

and discussed their future trends and aspects. The article also tries to discuss

working, solar panel types; emphasize the various applications and methods

to promote the benefits of solar energy.

Amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation is called solar energy.

Shown in Fig.1. It is radiant light and heat from the sun that is a natural source

of energy using a range of ever changing and developing technologies such

as solar thermal energy, solar architecture, solar heating, molten salt power

plant and artificial photosynthesis. The large magnitude of solar power

available makes a highly appealing source of electricity. 30% (approx.) solar

radiation is back to space while the rest is absorbed by ocean, clouds, and

land masses.

Figure 1. Internal Reaction of Solar Energy

Working of solar energy PV cells. Convert Sunlight to Direct Current (DC)

electricity. Charge Controllers work to control the power from the solar panel

which reverses back to the solar panel because of panel damage. Battery

System acts as storage of electric power when sunlight is not available (i.e.,

night). From this system connected to the inverter to convert Direct Current

(DC) into Alternating Current (AC). Refer to Figure 2 below.

Figure 2. Working of Solar Energy

Design and Installation of 200-Watt Solar Power System

According to Ezugwu (2012), the use of the sun’s energy is nothing new

and dates back to the beginning of time. In recent years however, the focus

on energy consumption worldwide rapidly spurred growth in the research and

development of ‟ green” alternative fuel sources including the sun, wind,

hydro, wave, geothermal, hydrogen and other forms of energy. And today,

because of that focus, the use of solar energy is expanding by leaps and

bounds especially since sunlight is free, unlimited, readily available, clean and

reliable.

A solar power system is one which can convert the absorbed sun energy;

store it in a lead acid cell to be used on the load.

In our part of the world, where power supply is not effective and efficient,

the use of solar power supply is of immerse value and advantage since we

are blessed or rich in sun light i.e., high degrees of temperatures which is the

main thing that feeds a solar power supply unit for uses.

It is low cost compared to other alternative sources of power supply in this

society e.g., the use of generators which consume fuel or diesel and are really

expensive, and its life span is better and reliable when used under or within or

above the stipulated rating of the solar power device.

Solar Power
 According to Prim (2013), Photovoltaics is a method of generating

electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity

using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power

generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells

containing a photovoltaic material.

Solar power is the solution for both disaster preparedness and for reducing

the threats of climate change far into the future. And even small solar can

make a large difference for a brighter tomorrow. Up to 15% of electricity in an

American home is consumed by electronic devices, from televisions and

computers to constantly charging one’s cell phone.

A portable solar generator with regular daily use can result in a 15%

reduction in one’s electric bill. Looking at the table to the right, the total yearly

consumption of electronic devices is 516-Kilowatt hours. A coal fired plant at

40% efficiency uses about 700 pounds of coal to power a 100-watt light bulb

for one year.

100 Watts x 10 = 1 Kilowatt

700 pounds x 10 = 7,000 pounds

7,000 pounds x 516 Kilowatts = 3,612,000 lbs

3,612,000 lbs = 1,806 tons of coal

Reliability Evaluation of Electric Power Generation Systems with Solar

Power

Samadi (2013) stated that sources of renewable energy have become

increasingly popular in recent years due to environmental concerns resulting

from fossil fuel consumption in conventional power plants. This generation mix

is changing with the rapid growth in the number of renewable power plants

such as solar and wind. As of today, the percentage of renewable power

generation is small in the generation mix, but all indications are that it is

increasing rapidly.

The primary objective of this thesis is to study reliability evaluation of

generation systems including Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar

Power (CSP) plants. Unit models of PV and CSP are developed first, and then

generation system models are constructed to evaluate the reliability of

generation systems.

In addition to reliability indices calculations, a methodology is developed to

evaluate the capacity credit of PV and CSP plants. This is accomplished by

calculating the Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) of these plants.

ELCC is the extra load that can be served after addition of the solar power
plant to the conventional system. The capacity credit information, in addition

to its use in generation system planning, can also be used for cost

comparison between conventional power plants and solar power plants.

The methodology developed in this thesis is applied to IEEE Reliability

Test System (IEEE-RTS) to study the system reliability for different

penetration levels of solar power and evaluate their capacity credits. It is

found that generation system reliability drops as solar power penetration level

increases. Also, solar plant capacity credit drops as its penetration level

increases in the generation system.

How Batteries Work

Goodenough et. al. (2019) elaborated that the working principle of a

battery is relatively straightforward in its basic configuration. The cell is

composed of two electrodes, each connected to an electric circuit, separated

by an electrolyte that can accommodate charged species. Frequently, the

electrodes are physically separated by a barrier material that prevents them

from coming into physical contact with one another, which would cause the

battery to short-circuit.

Figure 4. Working Principle of a Basic Battery

 In the discharge mode, when the battery serves to drive the electric

current, an oxidation process takes place at the negative electrode (anode),

resulting in electrons moving from the electrode through the circuit. A

complementary reduction process takes place at the positive electrode

(cathode), replenished by electrons from the circuit. The cell voltage largely

depends on the potential difference of the electrodes, and the overall process

is spontaneous. For rechargeable (secondary) batteries the process can be

reversed, and external electricity can be used to produce complementary

redox reactions at the electrodes. This process is energy-dependent and non-

spontaneous.

Charge Controller

According to Ferdausi (2018), a charge controller, charge regulator or

battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn

from electric batteries. It prevents overcharging and may prevent overvoltage,

which can reduce battery performance or lifespan, and may pose a safety

risk. It may also prevent completely draining ("deep discharging") a battery, or

perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to

protect battery life. The terms "charge controller" or "charge regulator" may

refer to either a stand-alone device, or to control circuitry integrated within a

battery pack, battery-powered device, or battery recharger.

Charge controllers are sold to consumers as separate devices, often in

conjunction with solar or wind power generators, for uses such as RV, boat,

and off-the-grid home battery storage systems. In solar applications, charge

controllers may also be called solar regulators.

 A series charge controller or series regulator disables further current flow

into batteries when they are full. A shunt charge controller or shunt regulator

diverts excess electricity to an auxiliary or "shunt" load, such as an electric

water heater, when batteries are full. 15 Simple charge controllers stop

charging a battery when they exceed a set high voltage level and re-enable

charging when battery voltage drops back below that level.

Moreover, pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point

tracker (MPPT) technologies are more electronically sophisticated, adjusting

charging rates depending on the battery's level, to allow charging closer to its

maximum capacity. Charge controllers may also monitor battery temperature

to prevent overheating. Some charge controller systems also display data,

transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to track electric flow over

time.

Figure 5. Charge Controller and Battery Wiring

Design of a Hybrid Power Generation System using Solar-Wind Energy

 According to Vadakkepurakkel (2018), Renewable energy is an alternative

solution for power generation in the day today life. Power generation from

conventional energy is having a drastic effect on the environment and the

ecological life of humans. The energy from renewable sources is abundantly

available all over the universe. Energy from renewable sources is clean, eco-

friendly, efficient and reliable. Solar and wind are gaining much importance in

the present world. The project aims to develop a grid connected hybrid power

generation system using solar and wind energy in the MATLAB/Simulink

software. The model is designed based on the availability of solar irradiance,

sunshine hours, temperature, wind speed, wind direction and topography.

Based on the datum, a model can be developed combining the energy

from solar and wind resources. An average solar irradiance of 5.68KW/m2

/day and wind speed of 12.9mph is available over the parts of Kerala. The

average temperature range in the parts of Kerala is 28°C since it is located in

between Tropic of Cancer and Equator. Standalone models for a PV and wind

are also simulated. The hybrid model consists of solar panels, (P&O) MPPT,

boost converter, inverter, wind turbine, PMSG generator all connected to a

grid. Under different irradiance and temperature conditions the PV model is

simulated, and output is observed. The hybrid model is simulated, and the

MATLAB results are analyzed.

Generation of power from a single source of renewable energy cannot

meet the load demands therefore, hybrid PV-Wind model is proposed to

compensate for the effects of environmental factors and climatic variations of

the resources affecting the continuous operation of power generation. For

efficient tracking of solar energy Perturb and Observe(P&O) MPPT technique

is used, and a boost converter is used to eliminate fluctuations at the Inverter

to convert to AC power. Wind energy system with a permanent magnet

synchronous generator produces sinusoidal AC power. The two energy

sources are combined to power the grid to meet the demands.

Solar Power as Renewable Energy for Home Systems in Bangladesh

Arefin et. al. (2014) stated that access to electricity is one of the major

factors that impose on socio-economic maturity of a country. At present

Bangladesh is distressed from an acute electricity problem. Around 65% of

people lack access to electricity and most of them are living in villages. The

generated power was incapable of assembling the demand, leading to a load

shedding up to maximum 1500MW.

In this situation “Solar Home Systems‟ technology can be a smart effort to

solve this problem by harnessing energy from the country’s free-flowing

renewable source such as sunlight. In the last 20 years Solar Home Systems

installation has increased tremendously and now its uses are increasing day

by day. So, it is high time to measure the impacts of SHS in our country. This

result will lead us to solve our energy problem more effectively.

Figure 6. Solar Home Systems to Produce Light

 Nowadays with the increasing number of SHS installations, health issues

are adding a new dimension. Battery recycling process is a compulsory

project for each organization to ensure the health and environmental issues.

Moreover, at the top end of the organization tree, approved specification,

guidelines & technology should be updated frequently to run with the modern

energy world. Again, in the bottom of the organization tree they need to

increase their technical training to ensure the proper maintenance service.

However, there are complaints that recently installed SHS performance has

certainly worsened from the initial installations. So, thinking about the future

perspective of the SHS organization should be concerned about their quality.

But still the growing rate of SHS is very impressive & that credit goes to

partner organizations. So, we can hope that by increasing their service they

will have a real impact on the national power generation.

How Inverters Work

According to Worden & Zuercher-Martinson (2009), there are four major

functions or features common to all transformer-based, grid-tied inverters:

Inversion, Maximum power point tracking, Grid disconnection, and Integration

and packaging.

The method by which dc power from the PV array is converted to ac power

is known as inversion. Other than for use in small off-grid systems and small

solar gadgets, using straight dc power from a PV array, module or cell is not

very practical. Although many things in our homes and businesses use dc
power, large loads and our electrical power infrastructure are based on ac

power. This dates to the early days of Edison versus Tesla when ac won out

over dc as a means of electrical power distribution.

In the case of grid-tied PV, the inverter is the only piece of electronics

needed between the array and the grid. Off-grid PV applications use an

additional dc to dc converter between the array and batteries and an inverter

with a built-in charger. In this article we discuss how inverters work, including

string, or single-phase, and central, 3-phase inverters; explore major inverter

functions, key components, designs, controls, protections and communication;

and theorize about future inverter technology

Figure 7. Basic DC-AC Inverter

The main source of electrical power is the battery which is a DC source.

The DC output of the battery is bucked or boosted according to the

requirement and then converted into AC using a DC-AC inverter. The function

of an inverter is to change a dc input voltage to a symmetric ac output voltage

of desired magnitude and frequency. The output voltage waveforms of ideal

inverters should be sinusoidal. However, the waveforms of practical inverters

are non-sinusoidal and contain certain harmonics (Moorthi & Rashid, 2017).

How do Solar Panels Work?

In accordance with Jingcheng (2010), solar energy is created by light and

heat which is emitted by the sun, in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The

technical feasibility and economic viability of using solar energy depends on

the amount of available sunlight (solar radiation) in the area where you intend

to place solar heaters or solar panels. This is sometimes referred to as the

available solar resource.

There are a few other factors, however, which need to be looked at when

determining the viability of solar energy in any given location. These are as

follows:

● Geographic location

● Time of day

● Season

● Local landscape

● Local weather

Day and night are due to the Earth's rotation generated, but the season is

due to the Earth's rotation axis and the Earth's orbit around the sun's axis was

23 °27'angle and generated. The Earth rotates around the "axis" which

through its own north and south poles a circuit from west to east every day.

Per revolution of the earth causes day and night, so the Earth's rotation per

hour is 15 °.
 In addition, the Earth goes through a small eccentricity elliptical orbit

around the sun per circuit per year. The Earth's axis of rotation and revolution

has always been 23.5° with the earth's orbit. The Earth's revolution remains

unchanged when the direction of the spin axis always points to the Earth's

north pole. Therefore, the Earth's orbit at a different location when the sunlight

is projected onto the direction of the earth is different, so it causes the

formation of the Earth's seasons changes. Noon of each day, the sun's height

is always the highest. In the tropical low-latitude regions (in the equatorial

north and south latitude 23 ° 27 'between the regions), sunlight of each year

has two vertical incidences at higher latitudes, the sun is always close to the

equator direction. In the Arctic and Antarctic regions (in the northern and

southern hemispheres are greater than 90 ° ~ 23 ° 27 '), in winter the sun is

below the horizon for a long time.

Wiper Motor

According to Riddle (2017), Wiper motors are devices in the wiper system

that function on a power supply to move the wiper blades in a smooth motion.

Like other motors, the wiper motor rotates continuously in one direction which

is converted into a back-and-forth motion. Its composition entails a lot of

mechanical linkages each playing a role in initiating the movement. The

gearhead motor is the type of wiper motor known for its abundance in torque.

In order for the wiper motor to move it needs a power source. The different

power sources are the car batteries, voltages (12 volts DC), current (minimum

of 1.6 amps at 70 rpm; 1 amp at 41 rpm), computer batteries (12volts output)

and other battery supplies that doe does not exceed the limit of 12 volts

otherwise the motor is bound to overheat.

Another thing to consider in the configuration of a wiper motor is the wiring

and electrical terminals. These wiring electrical terminals have the purpose of

organizing the configurations for wiper motor speed or mode. The number of

electrical terminals can range from five to 12 slots for low speeds, moderate

speeds, high speed, very high speed, manual function, off mode, common

terminal, and the park switch.

Wiring for the wiper motor has colors to distinguish the specific mode

functioning for. Yellow wires are typically meant for low-speed modes while

white wires indicate its use for high-speed modes. Other wire colors are used

to indicate other modes.

Low speed modes for the motor usually require at most 41 0.9amps for the

common terminal and high speeds require about 70 1.6 amps. If you want the

motor to reverse its rotation, the power supply connections should be

reversed. Remember if the voltage goes down the motor torque goes down as

well. Use a motor speed controller to monitor the speed which is an

advantage however when put onto low speeds the operation tends to be too

noisy.

Lastly, you’d have to consider how to mount the wiper motors. Three

mounting holes are adequate enough for the motor to be secured into place,

but you can add extra holes just in case but not too much. Use 6mm screws.

Wiper motors can come in different models, just make sure that you

understand the mechanics and can identify quality wiper motors when you
see them. Information can be obtained through the various wiper products on

the Internet or from a wiper motor expert.

Design of an Off-Grid Solar PV System for a Rural Shelter

In accordance with Alkhalidi (2018), solar energy can be harvested to

generate electric power by photovoltaic (PV) panels. In applications where

electricity is required, it can be a legitimate consideration to use a solar PV

system that provides Energy supply to an energy demand installation/building.

Furthermore, solar PV energy systems have provided a versatile solution for

many sectors all over the world especially in rural areas where outage of utility

connection is the case. Also depending on the availability of the solar

resources at the location where the system is to be installed.

Hence, the potential of the off-grid solar PV systems stands out so clearly

to compensate for the outage of the utility connection. It is now possible to set

up several system configurations of designing solar off grid PV systems in

relevant to the energy requirements needed to be supplied and the availability

of the solar resources in the location where the solar off-grid PV system is

being installed, so as an end goal of the off-grid PV system design, is to

optimize the most suitable design in order to collect all the available solar

energy to satisfy the need in the energy demand in an economically feasible

price.

The purpose of this thesis paper is to provide a rural remote commercial

purpose shelter with energy demand throughout the whole year by designing

a solar PV off-grid system on a tilted rooftop. A comprehensive overview was

conducted throughout the paper for Solar PV systems, parts and components,
principle of operation. The design criteria of the off-grid solar PV system were

divided into several detailed stages where each stage was conducted upon

numerated values thoroughly.

Design and Simulation of a Solar PV System for Brac University

According to Eshita et. al. (2010), The main sources of world’s energy

generation are fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) and nuclear power plants. Due to the

usage of fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses (CFC, CH4, O3, but mainly CO2)

emit into the atmosphere. From the nuclear power plant, carbon is released in

a small amount (90 g equivalent of carbon dioxide per kWh). But the

radioactive waste remains active over a thousand years which is a potential

source of environmental pollution.

On the other hand, there is an alarming energy crisis worldwide as fossil

fuel reserves decrease and the aging power plants are going to close in near

future.

When a battery is included in a system, the necessity of a charge

controller comes forward. A charge controller controls the uncertain voltage

build up. On a bright sunny day, the solar cells produce more voltage that can

lead to battery damage. A charge controller helps to maintain the balance in

charging the battery.

To store charges batteries are used. There are many types of batteries

available in the market. But all of them are not suitable for solar PV

technologies. Mostly used batteries are nickel/cadmium batteries. There are

some other types of high energy density batteries such as- sodium/Sulphur,

zinc/bromine flow batteries. But for the medium-term batteries nickel/metal

hydride battery has the best cycling performance. For the long-term option

iron/chromium redox and zinc/manganese batteries are best. Absorbed Glass

Mat (AGM) batteries are also one of the best available potions for solar PV

use.

Solar panels generate DC electricity but most of the household and

industrial appliances need AC current. Inverter converts the dc current of the

panel or battery to the ac current.

DIY Off Grid Solar System

Day by day the price of the solar panel falls gradually. But still, installation

of a complete off-grid solar system is costly. So, I write this instruction to get

all the components of your solar system separately and assemble it all by

yourself.

For an off-grid solar system, you need four basic components: 1. Solar

Panel (PV Panel), 2. Charge Controller, 3. Inverter, and 4. Battery. Besides

these components you need a few more things like Copper Wire, MC4

Connector, breaker, meter, and fuses, etc.

Before choosing the components, you must calculate what is your load,

how much time it will run etc. If anyone knows basic math, then it is very

simple to calculate. 1. Decide what appliances (light, fan, tv, etc) you want to

run and how much time (hour). 2. See the specification chart in your

appliances for power rating. 3. Calculate the Watt Hour which is equal to the

product of power rating of your appliances and time of the run.

The output from the solar panel is dc power. This power is generated

during daytime only. So, if you want to run a dc load during daytime then it
seems to be very easy. But doing this is not a good decision because most of

the appliances need a constant rated voltage to run efficiently. Solar panel

voltage is not constant; it varies according to the sunlight. If you want to run

the appliances during the night, then it is impossible.

A solar charge controller is a device that is placed between a solar panel

and a battery. It regulates the voltage and current coming from your solar

panels. It is used to maintain the proper charging voltage on the batteries. As

the input voltage from the solar panel rises, the charge controller regulates the

charge to the batteries preventing any overcharging.

Usually, the solar power systems use 12-volt batteries, however, Solar

panels can deliver far more voltage than is required to charge the batteries.

By, in essence, converting the excess voltage into amps, the charge voltage

can be kept at an optimal level while the time required to fully charge the

batteries is reduced. This allows the solar power system to always operate

optimally.

Design and Analyzing of an Off-Grid Hybrid Renewable Energy System

to Supply Electricity for Rural Areas

According to Bahta (2013), Off the grid hybrid systems have been

attracting electricity to rural areas in all aspects like, reliability, sustainability,

and environmental protections, especially for communities living far in areas

where grid extension is not appropriate. Hybrid renewable set-up indicates

that various combinations based on the renewable sources could be applied

simultaneously to cater energy in the form employed in an off grid supporting

battery storage and diesel generator as backup systems.

 In this paper wind turbine-photovoltaic-diesel generator-battery bank-

converters have been simulated and optimized for the rural community of

Haressaw among the sub-districts of Atsbi district in the regional state of

Tigray, Ethiopia. Primary load demand of 1505kWh/day, peak load of 284kW,

deferrable energy is about 17kWh/day, and deferrable peak load of 3.6kW

was involved during optimization of the power system. Well known freeware

HOMER modeling tools have been used to design the off-grid system. Wind

and solar energy are considered as primary sources to supply electricity

directly to the load and to charge battery banks when excess generation

happens; however, in peak demand times diesel generators could also be

engaged. The community's load has been suggested for lighting, water

pumping, school and health clinic equipment load, television, radio, flour

milling machines and local food (enjera) baking.

During the design of this power system set-up, the simulation and

optimization was done based on the electricity load, climatic data sources,

economics of the power components and other parameters in which the NPC

must be minimized to select an economically feasible power system.

Moreover, other parameters like capacity shortage, renewable fraction,

excess electricity, COE, diesel fuel consumption were also considered to

check the technical capability to select a system that is sound in techno-

economic aspects. Two approaches were used as comparison measurements

to select one power system from the selected options giving due merit to one

of the measuring instruments (renewable fraction and low cost of energy). 12

sensitivity variables have been taken into account such as 4 cases of diesel
price, 4 cases of capacity shortage, 2 cases of minimum renewable fraction

and 2 cases of primary load variations.

Solar Powered Generator Grillers

Innovative outdoor cooking devices called solar-powered generator grills use

solar energy to power their operations. The solar panels used in these grills often

turn sunlight into electricity, which is then utilized to power the grill's different parts,

including the heating elements, fans, and electronic controls (Mehling, 2023). The

idea of solar-powered grills is in line with the rising demand for ecologically friendly

and sustainable solutions. These barbecues lessen or do away with the need for

conventional fuels like charcoal, gas, or electricity by employing sustainable solar

energy. Long-term financial savings aside, this also lessens the environmental

impact of grilling by cutting down on carbon emissions (Rawlinson et., al. 2023).

Grills using solar power use the renewable and plentiful energy of the sun. These

grills help create a more sustainable future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and

carbon emissions by utilizing solar energy. When customers purchase a solar grill,

the energy source (sunlight) is no longer a cost. Comparing this to conventional grills

that demand continuing purchases of fuel like charcoal or propane can result in

significant long-term cost savings (Goel et., al. 2022).

Solar grills aid in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution brought on

by burning fossil fuels. This is crucial for outdoor cooking because conventional grills

can release dangerous pollutants. Battery storage is frequently included in solar

barbecues, allowing customers to grill even when the sun isn't out. This implies one

can enjoy outdoor cooking whenever you choose, regardless of when there is

sunlight. When cooking, solar grills emit no direct emissions and little smoke. They

are appropriate for use in a variety of situations, including metropolitan regions or

locations where air quality is a concern, as a result of the cleaner cooking experience

they produce (Soeder, 2022).

It is possible to construct solar grills with a variety of cooking functions, including

grilling, roasting, and even baking. These are suitable for a variety of cuisines and

cooking methods thanks to their versatility. The portability of many solar barbecues

makes them useful for outdoor activities like camping, picnics, and tailgating. They

are simple to move due to their lightweight and compact features. Compared to

conventional grills, solar-powered grills often feature fewer moving parts, which can

result in less frequent maintenance and a longer lifespan (Saeed et., al. 2022).

According to ‌Fajardo & Valentina (2022), one of the main advantages of using a

solar grill is that it promotes sustainability. By using renewable solar energy instead

of conventional fossil fuels, users can lessen the harm they cause to the environment

and their carbon imprint. This environmentally responsible decision is in line with the

growing global interest in environmental preservation. A solar-powered barbecue can

eventually result in cost savings. Compared to conventional grills, the initial

investment may be more, but because solar energy is free, the continuing operating

costs are substantially lower. By not needing to buy charcoal, propane, or electricity

to power their grilling sessions, users can save money.

Battery storage is frequently included in solar grills, allowing users to continue

cooking even when the sun isn't shining. Due to the convenience, outdoor cooking

may be done whenever and wherever, which increases its usability and ability to

adapt to changing weather. Better cooking results can be achieved with solar grills,

which can give controlled and constant cooking temperatures. Users can attain

desired levels of doneness and tastes for their dishes with precise temperature

controls and possibly sophisticated features like smart temperature monitoring (De

Masi et., al. 2022).

 Users are not dependent on conventional fuels like charcoal or propane or grid-

supplied electricity. The grill allows for more energy independence because it may be

utilized in remote locations or during power outages. Solar generator grills may

provide a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, roasting, and even

smoking, offering a wide range of culinary alternatives, depending on the design.

Using a solar-powered generator grill can increase people's knowledge of renewable

energy sources, encouraging them to adopt more environmentally conscious

behaviors (Chen et., al. 2022).

Although solar-powered grills have many benefits, it's necessary to take into

account elements like the amount of sunshine available in the vicinity, the caliber of

the solar panels, and the particular design and features of the grill. Solar grills are

projected to become increasingly more effective and affordable as technology

develops, enhancing their advantages for outdoor cooks who value sustainability and

innovation (Rawlinson et., al. 2023). Combining these cutting-edge functions, a solar-

powered griller could give modern outdoor enthusiasts not only an eco-friendly and

sustainable way to cook outdoors, but also a cutting-edge and practical cooking

solution. Keep in mind that depending on market offerings and recent technical

breakthroughs, the viability and availability of these characteristics may change (‌El

Bassam, 2021).
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This section discussed the materials and methods to be used in

conducting the study.

Materials

● Solar Panel

● Charge Controller

● DC Battery

● Power Inverter

● Rotisserie Grill motor (Multivac wiper motor)

● Griller Stand with chimney (125 x 75 x 225 cm)

● Miscellaneous (charcoals, wires, tools, etc.)

Methods

The study was consisted of six methods which are all based on our set

objectives. Completely following the design process in an orderly manner

affirms the success of the system.

Data gathering and canvassing of
materials

Design and construct a solar power

generator

Construct a Griller Machine

 Assemble the solar power generator
and griller machine

Test and Evaluate the Performance

of the System

Conduct a Cost Computation

Figure 8. Design Process of the Solar

Power Generator for a Griller Machine

Data gatherings and canvassing of materials

This first method will gather datum that includes the identification of the

parameters of the solar power generator, specifically the specifications of

(a) the solar panel

The solar panel size should be selected in such a way that it will charge

the battery fully during the one-day time. During the 12hr day time, the

sunlight is not uniform; it also differs according to the location around the

globe. So, we can assume 4 hours of effective sunlight which will generate the

rated power.

E(Wh) = P(W) x t(h)

Total Wp of PV panel capacity needed: = E (Wh) / Effective sunlight (h) = ___

W
 (b) the battery

Since our system will be in 12 V rating, 12 V battery will then be the rating

of the DC battery.

For Ampere Hour rating:

P=VxI

Watt Hour = V x I x h

Battery Capacity = Load / 12 V

Battery Capacity (Ah) / 0.85 = Ah

(c) the charge controller

For the charge controller, it is also at 12 V.

For current rating:

current rating = Power output of Panels / Voltage = W/ 12V = A

By taking a 20% margin, researchers will then choose a A x 1.2 = A

charge controller.

(d) the inverter

The power rating should be equal or more than the total load in watt at any

instant. In our case the maximum load at any instant:

Pload = W
 By taking some margin we can choose a __W inverter. As our system is

12 V, we have to select a 12V DC to 230V/50Hz or 110V/60Hz AC pure sine

wave inverter.

Lastly, canvassing of materials wherein researchers will explore several

different stores until we find the needed materials and equipment with the

least cost.

Design and construct a solar power generator

After determining the required parameters and other datum, researchers

will then design and construct a solar power generator. For the 3D design

simulation of the solar power generator, the researchers used the SketchUp

software. The solar power generator mainly includes the solar panel, battery,

charge controller, and power inverter. These components will respectively be

attached and connected to one another wherein there is an outlet on the

inverter and this is where the plug of the griller machine will be inserted in.

For the actual solar power generator, the researchers will mount the solar

panels on top of the griller machine. Then, the battery, charge controller,

together with the power inverter will then be constructed and placed inside

and under the griller machine.

Construct a griller machine

For the griller machine system, the researchers also have chosen for

simulation is SketchUp software. This is a free Google 3D design software

that truly makes 3D modeling. For the actual design based on the 3D
simulation design, the researchers will construct a griller machine with

innovative use of scrap materials for cost-efficiency purposes. The griller

machine will be assembled with the parts such as rotisserie forks, angle bars,

steel sheet, aluminum sheet steel, nuts and bolts, sprockets and free wheel,

and chains.

For the actual griller machine, the researchers will construct the machine

with innovative use of scrap materials to establish cost-efficiency of the study.

These are the steps:

Drilling. The researchers will cut two holes in the T bit of metal with a

22mm drill bit. Using files, we made sure the edges were nice and smooth

and eventually put some right-angle brackets just in case the balls popped out

and went left or right - this 'safety' feature was to stop the roast suddenly

falling to the ground. It was the simplest way to deal with the issue and the

cheapest. It does mean you have to adjust the fire rather than adjust the

height of the roast.

Bike Bits. The researchers will use a bit of scrap steel on the single rear

cassette to fix it in place, drilling a hole in the center for attaching to the

windscreen wiper motor. The crank had 25mm ID (Internal Diameter)

stainless steel shaft collar welded to it. I didn't have any stainless welding rods

and I welded this directly with a steel welding rod.

Welding the Frame. As per the previous stage, we'd welded the bearing

block to the top in a T fashion. The researchers will then extend this by

making it into an I. Then adding stability by putting on a leg coming 90' out of

the base. Later, when we’ll be all the gears and motors etc., we’ll add the
cross bracing. This is because the chains and motors would need to work

around the cross braces without interfering.

Adding accessories. The researchers will ram a large stainless-steel rod

up a chicken bit. They will also use several stainless U-shaped bolts with a flat

stainless washer that goes across both pins to adhere the spine to the metal

pole. One of the spikey things I ordered was just too small ID wise - So the

researchers will angle ground a cut in it and welded some steel in between

after hitting it hard with a hammer. This will make it fit.

Assemble the generator and machine

This study will show the distribution of energy primarily producing

electricity through the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel in which the sun arrays

will convert into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the

protons of light from the sun. From a series of calculations, the researchers

will use the rating of solar photovoltaic panel based on the results of the

computations. The sunlight that is to be collected will generate energy, which

will be collected in two batteries connected in series to be able to gain 12 V

into much higher value while the current stays the same value. After batteries,

it will connect through the PMW solar charge controller with a rating of based

on the calculations to regulate the energy flowing from the PV array and

prevent the batteries from overcharging and over discharge.

The whole system will take place and test in Imus City, Cavite. After the

successful design and construction of both the solar power generator and

griller machine, researchers will then assemble the system.

Figure 10. Front View of The Solar Power Generator for a Griller
Machine

Figure 11. Inner View of the system showing the battery,

inverter, wiper motor, and sprockets
 Test and evaluate the performance of the system

The researchers will evaluate the system at Imus City, Cavite. The

charging system will be scrutinized. In this system, two solar panels are

arranged in series connection with silicon monocrystalline solar cells in a

system. The following table will show the observation of solar panels on a day

from 9:00 am in the morning and until 5:00 pm in the afternoon. The table will

show the data result of two solar panels connected in series. In addition to

this, these results will show the efficiency of solar panels which is simply

described as the ratio of the module’s power absorption (output power) to the

input irradiance (input power) on standard test conditions. Therefore, solar

efficiency would tell us the effectiveness of a solar panel in the working

system of a chicken griller through transforming solar energy into useful

electricity through the Photovoltaic effect.

In addition, the researchers will test and evaluate the solar power

generator for a griller machine with a use of programmable data logger to

ensure accurate and real-time results.

Table 1. Solar Panel; Peak Hours

Days Time Battery Average Average Average Watt-hr

Interval Voltage Voltage Current Power

9am–10am 13.3 12.91 2.03 26.3 99.9

10am- 13.2 12.7 2.06 26.4 99.9

 11am

Day 1 11am- 13.1 12.79 2.04 26.1 99.9

12pm

12pm-1pm 12.5 12.37 0.9 11.1 99.9

1pm-2pm 12.2 12.27 0.3 3.7 99.9

2pm-3pm 12.2 12.13 0.24 2.9 99.9

3pm-4pm 12.1 11.97 0.08 0.9 99.9

4pm-5pm 11.8 11.8 0.01 0.1 99.9

9am–10am 12.4 12.39 0.2 2.5 96.6

10am- 12 12.06 0.17 2 96.6

11am

Day 2 11am- 11.9 12 0.2 2.4 96.6

12pm

12pm-1pm 11.7 11.81 0.11 1.3 96.6

1pm-2pm 11.7 11.81 0.11 1.3 96.6

2pm-3pm 11.5 11.65 0.08 0.9 96.6

3pm-4pm 11.3 11.5 0 0 96.6

4pm-5pm 11.1 11.26 0.02 0.2 96.6

9am–10am 12.5 12.63 0.21 2.6 74.4

10am- 12.4 12.5 0.25 3.2 74.4

11am

Day 3 11am- 12.4 12.49 0.3 3.7 74.4

12pm

12pm-1pm 12.3 12.44 0.23 2.9 74.4

1pm-2pm 12.3 12.39 0.19 2.4 74.4

2pm-3pm 12.2 12.35 0.16 2 74.4

 3pm-4pm 12.1 12.29 0.08 0.9 74.4

4pm-5pm 12 12.21 0 0 74.4

Table 2. System Testing (Discharge in griller machine)

Days Grilling Time Number Battery, Battery, Vf Voltage Curren Power

(1 hour of Loads Vi t
interval) (No. of
chicken
loads)
1 HOUR 8 12.17 V 12.10 V 12.10 0.07 A 0.847 W

Day 1 2 HOURS 8 12.10 V 12.03 V 12.03 V 0.07 A 0.841 W

3 HOURS 8 12.03 V 11.96 V 11.96 V 0.07 A 0.833 W

4 HOURS 8 11.96 V 11.89 V 11.89 V 0.07 A 0.826 W

5 HOURS 8 11.89 V 11.82 V 11.82 V 0.07 A 0.819 W

6 HOURS 8 11.82 V 11.75 V 11.75 V 0.07 A 0.812 W

7 HOURS 8 11.75 V 11.68 V 11.68 V 0.07 A 0.805 W

8 HOURS 8 11.68 V 11.61 V 11.61 V 0.07 A 0.798 W

1 HOUR 8 12.10 V 12.03 V 12.03 V 0.07 A 0.841 W

 2 HOURS 8 12.03 V 11.96 V 11.96 V 0.07 A 0.833 W

Day 2 3 HOURS 8 11.96 V 11.89 V 11.89 V 0.07 A 0.826 W

4 HOURS 8 11.89 V 11.82 V 11.82 V 0.07 A 0.819 W

5 HOURS 8 11.82 V 11.75 V 11.75 V 0.07 A 0.812 W

6 HOURS 8 11.75 V 11.68 V 11.68 V 0.07 A 0.805 W

7 HOURS 8 11.68 V 11.61 V 11.61 V 0.07 A 0.798 W

8 HOURS 24 11.61 V 11.54 V 11.54 V 0.07 A 0.791 W

1 HOUR 8 12.17 V 12.10 V 12.10 0.07 A 0.847 W

Day 3 2 HOURS 8 12.10 V 12.03 V 12.03 V 0.07 A 0.841 W

3 HOURS 8 12.03 V 11.96 V 11.96 V 0.07 A 0.833 W

4 HOURS 8 11.96 V 11.89 V 11.89 V 0.07 A 0.826 W

5 HOURS 8 11.89 V 11.82 V 11.82 V 0.07 A 0.819 W

6 HOURS 8 11.82 V 11.75 V 11.75 V 0.07 A 0.812 W

7 HOURS 8 11.75 V 11.68 V 11.68 V 0.07 A 0.805 W

8 HOURS 8 11.68 V 11.61 V 11.61 V 0.07 A 0.798 W

Table 3. Result Obtained on a given parameters on grilling a specific load ratio

(Should have at least 3 trials and the combination of on and off of the charging

system)
 Parameters Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Number of loads 2 3 5

Number of hours 1 HOURS 2 HOURS 3 HOURS

grilling
Initial State of the 12.17 V 12.10 V 12.17 V
Battery off Charging
(V)
Final State of the 12.10 V 12.03 V 12.10 V
Battery off Charging
(V)
Deface State of 20% 40% discharge 60% discharge

Battery discharge

Parameters Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Number of loads 0(OFF) 0(OFF) 0(OFF)

Number of hours grilling 12 HOURS 12 HOURS 12 HOURS

Initial State of the Battery 12.17 V 12.10 V 12.17 V

off Charging (V)
Final State of the Battery 11.33 V 11.26 V 11.33 V
off Charging (V)

Deface State of Battery 1O% 1O% 1O% discharge

discharge discharge

Average Voltage 11.975 V 11.904 V 11.976 V

(Generator Output)
Average Current 0.07 A 0.07 A 0.07 A
(Generator Output)

Calculation of the Average Voltage and Average Current for each day:

Average Voltage (Generator Output):

For each day, sum the Voltage values from Table 2 (Day 1 to Day 3) and
divide by the number of data points (12 data points each).
Day 1: (12.10 V + 12.03 V + 11.96 V + ... + 11.33 V) / 12 = 11.975 V (approx)
Day 2: (12.03 V + 11.96 V + 11.89 V + ... + 11.26 V) / 12 = 11.904 V (approx)
Day 3: (12.10 V + 12.03 V + 11.96 V + ... + 11.33 V) / 12 = 11.976 V (approx)

Average Current (Generator Output):

For each day, sum the Current values from Table 2 (Day 1 to Day 3) and
divide by the number of data points (12 data points each).
Day 1: (0.07 A + 0.07 A + 0.07 A + ... + 0.07 A) / 12 = 0.07 A
Day 2: (0.07 A + 0.07 A + 0.07 A + ... + 0.07 A) / 12 = 0.07 A
Day 3: (0.07 A + 0.07 A + 0.07 A + ... + 0.07 A) / 12 = 0.07 A

Battery Charging Test. The batteries will be charged using the solar

panels. The test will be conducted at Imus, Cavite. This test aims to charge

the batteries until it reaches their float voltage while being protected by a

charge controller. The number of hours in charging the battery can be

calculated using the formula:

Hours = Battery Rating / Average Charging Current = _ H

Charging time of battery = Ah / Average Charging Current = _ H

During this evaluation, the griller machine will be driven by the solar

power generator. With this, the researchers will record the average charging

current until the battery reaches its float voltage. Then it will be divided into

the rating of the battery (Ah) to get the theoretical value of the total hours the

battery is fully charged. The theoretical value will be compared to the actual

battery charging hours.

 Calculation of power output and input. Calculations were made to

attain the AC power (watts) produced by the generator and DC power (watts)

produced by the charge controller to charge the battery. AC power served as

input power and DC power served as power output.

Pin=sqrt(2)*Vac*Iac

Where: Vac = Voltage produced in AC (V)

Iac = Current produced in AC (A)

Pin= AC power output (W)

Pout=Vdc*Idc

Where: Vdc = Voltage produced in DC (V)

Idc = Current produced in DC (A)

Pout= DC power output (W)

System Evaluation. The researchers will evaluate the system in terms of

power output and to test the efficiency of the system it can be calculated using

the formula below:

η = (Po / PIin) × 100

Where:

η = System efficiency

Po = Power Output

PIin = Power Input from the griller machine

Return of Investment.

ROI = (Net Profit / Cost of Investment) x 100

Conduct a cost computation

The overall cost of the study was computed to be ₱ 15000. The items with

their estimated cost were canvassed online. The solar power generator has

the parts of the solar panel, charge controller, DC battery, and inverter which

costs ₱ 5000, ₱ 300, ₱ 1500, and ₱ 1000, respectively. The rotisserie grill

motor costs ₱ 1000. The griller machine which has the parts including the

rotisserie forks, angle bars, steel sheet, aluminum sheet steel, nuts and bolts,

sprockets and free wheel, and chains that costs ₱ 5000. The charcoal costs ₱

200. The miscellaneous fee is composed of wires, tools, electrical tape,

multimeter, and other relevant equipment which costs ₱ 1000. The table

below shows the detailed cost of the study.

ITEMS ESTIMATED COST

Solar Panel ₱ 5000.00

Rotisserie Grill motor (Multivac wiper motor) ₱ 1000.00

DC Battery ₱ 1500.00

Charge Controller ₱ 300.00

Power Inverter ₱ 1000.00

Griller Stand with chimney (125 cm x 75 cm x 225 ₱ 5000.00

cm)

o Rotisserie Forks

o Angle Bars

o Steel Sheet

o Aluminum Sheet Steel

o Nuts and bolts

 o Sprockets and Free Wheel

o Chains

Miscellaneous (Charcoals, Wires, tools, etc.) ₱ 1200.00

ESTIMATED TOTAL: ₱ 15000.00

CHAPTER IV
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This section discusses the different output gathered on the evaluation

and discussion obtained on the results on evaluating the design and

construction of a solar power generator for a griller machine, highlighting the

key findings and insights gained from the project.

Description of the System

The design and construction of a solar power generator for a griller

machine must include the incorporation of a system that harvests energy from

the sun to produce electricity that can then be used to power the grill's heating

elements. The grill is just one component of the system, which also comprises

solar panels, a charge controller, batteries, and an inverter. Electricity in the

form of direct current (DC) is given to the charge controller by the solar

panels. The charge controller is responsible for regulating the process of

charging the battery in order to guarantee that it is charged properly and to

avoid it from being overcharged. Batteries are used to store the excess

energy created during the day so that it can be used at a later time, such as

when the weather is cloudy or when it is nighttime. To change the direct

current (DC) electricity that is stored in the batteries into the alternating

current (AC) electricity that is necessary to run the griller machine, an inverter

is utilized. Since the grilling machine is now connected to the inverter, it is

possible to use the clean and sustainable energy produced by the solar power

generator whenever it is used. This design not only eliminates the need for

standard grid power, but it also decreases carbon emissions and running

expenses, making it an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective solution

for grilling operations. Because of these combined benefits, it is a cost-

effective solution for grilling operations.

Principles of the Operation

The design and construction of a solar power generator for a griller

machine is based on the principle of capturing solar energy through

photovoltaic (PV) panels and converting it to electricity. The photovoltaic (PV)

panels are composed of numerous solar cells that generate direct current

(DC) electricity by absorbing sunlight. This direct current (DC) electricity is

then channeled into an inverter, which transforms it into alternating current

(AC) electricity suitable for powering the griller machine. The generated AC

power is stored in a battery bank to assure continuous operation even during

low-sunlight periods. Charge controllers are used to manage the charging and

discharging of batteries in order to regulate the flow of electricity and

safeguard the system. In addition, the solar power generator may incorporate
monitoring systems to measure energy production, battery charge levels, and

system performance as a whole. By utilizing solar energy, the griller machine

is able to operate efficiently, with minimal environmental impact and

independence from conventional power sources.

Stock Components of the System

The standard parts needed for the design and construction of a solar

power generator for a griller machine would be a solar panel or panels to

capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, a charge controller to regulate

battery charging and prevent overcharging, deep-cycle batteries to store the

generated electricity for later use, an inverter to convert the DC (direct

current) power from the batteries into AC (alternating current) power suitable

for use with the griller machine, and a deep-cycle battery to store the

generated electricity. Other parts, such as voltage regulators, fuses, switches,

and power meters, might also be required to guarantee the solar power

generator operates safely and effectively, depending on the particular needs

of the griller machine.

Solar Panel Specification

For a solar power generator to efficiently operate a griller machine, the

solar panel specifications must match the machine's power requirements.

First, choose high-efficiency monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels

with a capacity between 200 and 400 watts, based on the power consumption

of the grill. Ensure that the panels' frames are durable and weather-resistant

for outdoor use. Consider employing a solar battery system with adequate

storage capacity to ensure a consistent power supply even in low-light

conditions. Use a solar charge controller to effectively manage the charging

process, preventing overcharging and extending battery life. This customized

solar installation will harness clean energy, allowing the griller machine to

operate optimally while reducing its environmental impact.

Charge Controller Specification

The charge controller specifications for a solar power generator used

for a griller machine should be chosen to efficiently manage the power

generation and charging requirements. It is advised to select a charge

controller that supports the voltage and current ratings of the system's solar

panels. In addition, the charge controller should be equipped with an

appropriate charging algorithm, such as MPPT (Maximum Power Point

Tracking), to optimize power conversion and ensure maximum power output

from the solar panels. In order to safeguard the battery and the grilling

machine, the charge controller should also include protection features such as

overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and reverse polarity protection.

In addition, it should be equipped with a display or monitoring system that

provides real-time information on charging status, battery voltage, and other

relevant parameters. The charge controller must be compatible with the

battery type used in the system (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion) and have the

necessary charging profiles to charge and maintain the health of the battery.

Lastly, it is essential to consider the griller machine's power requirements and

select a charge controller with sufficient capacity to handle the load and

provide enough power for grilling operations while simultaneously charging

the battery.

DC Battery

The DC battery specifications for a solar power generator used to operate

a griller machine are typically determined by the griller machine's power

requirements. A deep-cycle battery, such as a 12-volt AGM (Absorbent Glass

Mat) or a lithium-ion battery with sufficient capacity to power the griller

machine, could be a suitable option. It is important to consider the grill's power

consumption and choose a battery that can withstand the load for an

extended period of time, taking into account factors such as cooking time,

weather conditions, and additional power requirements.

Power Inverter

The power inverter should have a sufficient wattage rating to meet the

griller machine's power requirements. Consider the grill's maximum power

consumption and select an inverter with a slightly higher rating to account for

power surges. Ensure that the inverter has a pure sine wave output to supply

the grilling machine with clean and stable power. This is essential to

preventing machine damage and ensuring its optimal performance. In

addition, the inverter must be compatible with the output voltage of the solar

power generator and have the appropriate input connections to connect to the

generator's battery or solar panels.

Rotisserie Grill motor (Multivac wiper motor)

It is possible to successfully use the motor from a Rotisserie Grill, more

specifically the motor from a Multivac wiper, as part of a solar power

generator for a grilling appliance. By coupling the motor to a solar panel array,

it is possible to generate the necessary amount of rotational power for the grill

without having to rely on conventional forms of electrical power. This

sustainable solution makes eco-friendly grilling possible while simultaneously

reducing reliance on energy sources that aren't renewable.

Griller Stand with chimney

(125 x 75 x 225 cm)

The stand for a griller machine that measures 125 centimeters by 75

centimeters by 225 centimeters can be used effectively as the base for a solar

power generator that powers a grilling machine. The solar energy that is

produced can be captured and stored in batteries if solar panels are first

installed on the stand's surface. These batteries can then be used to power

the grilling machine. Without having to rely on conventional forms of energy,

this ingenious combination makes it possible to create a grilling solution that is

both sustainable and kind to the environment.

Miscellaneous (charcoals, wires, tools, etc.)

There are a number of different ways that a solar power generator can

be utilized in tandem with a griller machine. Even though charcoal can still be

used as a fuel source for the griller machine, electricity can be provided by the

solar power generator so that additional tools and accessories can be

powered by electricity. For example, wires can be used to connect the

generator to the electric ignition system of the grill, which enables the

generator to start itself automatically. In addition, accessories like electric fans

and rotisserie motors can be powered by the generator, making the whole

experience of grilling that much more enjoyable. The solar power generator

provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional

sources of power, which enables outdoor grilling to be more convenient while

also being more conscious of its impact on the environment.

 The outcomes reveal the performance of a generator in three distinct

tests. In each test, the generator ran for 12 hours with no connected loads. In

each experiment, the initial voltage of the battery before charging varied

between 12.10 and 12.17 V. The final state of the battery after 12 hours

without charging was consistently lower, ranging from 11.26 to 11.33 V,

indicating a 10% discharge. The average voltage output of the generator was

between 11,904 and 11,976 volts, and the average current output remained

constant at 0.07 amps. Overall, these results indicate that the generator

maintained a constant voltage and current output over the course of 12 hours,

with only a minor battery discharge.

The graphical representation below shows the three-day trial of the

system testing and assessment of solar power generator for the griller

machine, thus, it illustrates the average charging voltage, average charging

current, and the average power obtained during the grilling time.

system testi ng
Average Charging Voltage (V) Average Charging Current
Average Power
11.975

11.976
11.904
11.33

11.33
11.26
0.07

0.07

0.07

Fi r st Tr i al Sec o n d Tr i al Th i r d Tr i al

Figure 1. The Average Result on Three-Day System Testing of Solar

Power Generator for the Griller Machine
Return on Investment

ROI (%) FOR SOLAR POWER GENER-

ATOR FOR GRILLER IN 5 YEARS

33.33 33.33

33.33 33.33

2023 2024 2025 2026

Figure 2. The ROI Five Year Projected for Solar Powered Griller Users

For a variety of use scenarios, solar power generator for griller offers

possibilities. Solar cooking offers a cutting-edge answer for a variety of

situations, including independent living, emergency preparedness.

Due to variations in the griller's performance, maintenance expenses,

and other considerations, ROI may alter over time. The total cost for solar

generator for grillers is 15,000 pesos.

Suppose there are no further expenses and the solar griller generates

20,000 pesos in revenue over a given time (typically calculated in years):

ROI = (₱20,000 - ₱15,000) /

₱15,000) * 100
ROI = (₱5,000 / ₱15,000) * 100
ROI = 0.3333 * 100
ROI = 33.33%
Cost Analysis: Solar Powered Grill vs Electric Powered Grill
Solar Powered Grill
Per Day Per Month Per Year
kWh kWh kWh
0.01 0.3 3.65
Cost Cost Cost
₱0 ₱0 ₱0
Total Cost:
₱0

Electric Powered Grill

Per Day Per Month Per Year
kWh kWh kWh
1.8 54 3.65
Cost Cost Cost
₱21.6 ₱648 ₱7,884
Total Cost:
₱7,884

Due to its high efficiency, solar power generator for griller energy can

recover the cost of installation over an amount of years. As seen in the figure

above, solar powered griller helps the consumer to experience a zero-energy

cost in every use. This makes it an efficient long-term investment that yields

results quite rapidly. An electric grill, on the contrary, uses a lot of electrical

power but reduces the consumer's time and energy. Thus, as seen in the

figure above, electric powered griller allows consumers to pay for an

estimated amount of ₱7,884 per year.

According to Pandey et., al. (2017), solar generator for grillers offers a

lot of flexibility and portability in addition to powering electric grills using solar

energy. Adopting solar technology not only lessens dependency on

conventional energy sources, but also helps create a future that is greener

and more sustainable. Solar power generation would be a more complete

answer if one needed a longer lifespan.

 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This section describes the study's summary, conclusion, and

recommendations, as well as the design and construction of a solar power

generator for a griller machine.

Summary

The system was implemented in Imus, Cavite as part of a study that

was conducted from September 2021 to June 2022. The design and

construction of the system took place between January 2022 and April 2022.

Subsequently, the system underwent testing and evaluation throughout the

remaining days of April 2022. This study specifically aimed to (1) Identify the

parameters of the Solar Power Generator, specifically the specifications of:

the solar panel, the battery, the charge controller and the inverter. (2) Design

and construct a solar power generator; (3) Construct a griller machine with

innovative use of scrap materials for cost-efficiency; (4) Assemble the

generator and machine; (5) Test and evaluate the performance of the system

and; (6) Conduct a cost computation.

The information that has been provided outlines the most important

findings in connection with the operation of a solar power generator and a

grilling device. In the case of the solar panel, its performance was monitored

over the course of three days, and the results showed that it produces the

highest amount of power during the morning hours but experiences a decline

in performance during the afternoon hours, most likely because there is less
sunlight during those hours. These findings highlight the necessity of

optimizing the placement of solar panels and making adjustments to energy

consumption in order to maximize efficiency and power generation.

The provided data in Table 1 shows the performance of a solar panel

over three days, focusing on specific time intervals. The morning hours of Day

1 displayed consistent performance, with battery voltages ranging from 13.3

to 13.1 volts and average powers between 26.3 and 26.1 watts. However, a

significant decline in performance occurred during the afternoon, with the

battery voltage dropping to 12.2 volts and the average power decreasing to

2.9 watts by 3pm-4pm. Day 2 showcased lower overall performance, with

battery voltages ranging from 12.4 to 11.1 volts and average powers between

2.5 and 0.2 watts during the morning. Performance deteriorated even further

in the afternoon, with the battery voltage falling to 11.3 volts and average

power dropping to 0 watts by 3pm-4pm. Day 3 displayed slightly better

performance, with morning battery voltages ranging from 12.5 to 12 volts and

average powers between 2.6 and 0 watts. However, the performance steadily

declined throughout the day, reaching 12 volts and 0 watts by 4pm-5pm.

These findings emphasize the impact of sunlight availability and time of day

on solar panel performance.

Table 2 focuses on system testing with a griller machine and includes

information on battery voltages, current, and power consumption. The data

reveals the battery voltages during grilling time and highlights the changes in

voltage and power consumption over different hours. In Day 1, the battery

voltage gradually decreased from 12.17 V to 11.33 V over 12 hours of grilling.

Similar trends were observed in Day 2 and Day 3. The recorded current
remained constant at 0.07 A throughout the testing period. These

observations provide insights into the power consumption patterns of the

griller machine and its impact on the battery's state of charge.

Table 3 presents the results obtained from trials conducted with

different parameters for grilling loads. The trials included variations in the

number of loads, hours of grilling, and the initial and final states of the battery

off charging. As the number of loads and hours increased, the percentage of

battery discharge also increased. For example, Trial 1 with two loads and one

hour of grilling resulted in a 20% discharge, while Trial 3 with five loads and

three hours of grilling led to a 60% discharge. These findings highlight the

relationship between grilling load and battery discharge, providing valuable

information for optimizing the griller machine's energy usage.

Additionally, Table 3 includes another set of trials where the charging

system was turned off throughout the 12 hours of grilling. The initial state of

the battery off charging ranged from 12.17 V to 12.10 V, and the final state

ranged from 11.33 V to 11.26 V. The battery experienced approximately a

10% discharge in all trials. Furthermore, the average voltage of the generator

output was calculated for each day, with Day 1 showing an average voltage of

11.975 V, Day 2 with 11.904 V, and Day 3 with 11.976 V. The average current

for all days remained constant at 0.07 A. These results provide insights into

the performance of the griller machine when the charging system is turned off,

indicating a gradual decrease in battery voltage and a consistent generator

output current.
 According to the anticipated return on investment of users of solar-

powered grillers, ROI may change over time owing to fluctuations in the

performance of the solar griller, maintenance costs, and other factors. The

estimated return on investment (ROI) is 33.33 percent if there are no

additional costs and the solar griller generates 20,000 pesos in profit over a

specified period of time, which is commonly measured in years.

Regarding consumer energy expenses, solar-powered grills can pay

for their installation over a number of years due to their great efficiency. As

can be seen in the illustration, a grill driven by solar energy enables its user to

use no energy at all. This renders it a successful long-term investment that

produces returns relatively quickly. On the other hand, an electric grill saves

the user time and energy while consuming a lot of electrical power. As can be

seen in the above chart, this means that consumers can spend a maximum of

7,884 pesos annually on an electric griller.

CONCLUSIONS
Upon conducting research and analyzing the summary of findings,

several conclusions can be drawn regarding the operation of the solar power

generator and grilling device. The study conducted in Imus, Cavite from

September 2021 to June 2022 aimed to identify the parameters of the solar

power generator, design and construct the system, test and evaluate its

performance, and conduct a cost computation. The data collected and

presented in Tables 1, 2, and 3 provide valuable insights into the performance

of the solar panel, griller machine, and battery usage. Furthermore, Table 3

also provides insights when the charging system was turned off during grilling.
The battery experienced a gradual decrease in voltage and a consistent

generator output current, indicating the impact of extended operation on

battery performance.

Regarding the solar panel, it was observed that the morning hours yield

the highest power output, with consistent battery voltages and average

powers. However, a decline in performance was evident during the afternoon

hours, likely due to reduced sunlight availability. This finding highlights the

importance of optimizing the placement of solar panels and adjusting energy

consumption patterns to maximize efficiency and power generation.

In terms of the griller machine, the data from Table 2 demonstrates a

gradual decrease in battery voltage during the grilling period, while the current

remained constant. This indicates the power consumption patterns of the

griller machine and its impact on the battery's state of charge. Additionally, the

findings in Table 3 reveal a relationship between grilling load, hours of

operation, and battery discharge. As the number of loads and grilling hours

increased, the percentage of battery discharge also increased, emphasizing

the need for energy optimization in the griller machine's usage.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers would nevertheless suggest additional changes for the

study based on its constraints that the future researchers may have to cope

with in subsequent investigations, even if they had collected enough data to

support the study's objectives.

1. In order to optimize the performance of the Solar Power Generator, it is

recommended to further study and identify the specific parameters of

the components, such as the solar panel, battery, charge controller,

and inverter. This will help ensure that the selected components are

well-suited to the requirements of the system and can maximize energy

generation and efficiency.

2. When designing and constructing the solar power generator, it is

advisable to prioritize factors such as placement and orientation of the

solar panels. By optimizing the positioning of the panels to receive

maximum sunlight during peak hours, the overall performance of the

system can be significantly improved.

3. The construction of a griller machine using innovative methods and

scrap materials for cost-efficiency is commendable. To further enhance

the cost-effectiveness of the griller machine, it is recommended to

explore additional ways to optimize energy consumption, such as using

energy-efficient heating elements or incorporating insulation to reduce

heat loss during grilling.

4. During the assembly phase, it is crucial to ensure proper integration

between the solar power generator and the griller machine. This

includes efficient wiring, appropriate sizing of components, and the use

of compatible connectors. Careful attention to detail during the

assembly process will contribute to the overall performance and

reliability of the system.

5. Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the solar power

generator and griller machine over extended periods of time. This will
 provide valuable data on system efficiency, energy generation, and

energy consumption patterns. Regular performance testing will enable

timely identification of any issues or areas for improvement.

6. Conducting a cost computation is essential to assess the economic

viability and sustainability of the system. It is recommended to consider

factors such as the initial investment, maintenance costs, energy

savings, and payback period. This analysis will help determine the

feasibility of scaling up the system or replicating it in different locations.

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