Solar Energy System Laboratory
The Computer Controlled Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit (EESFC) located in our Solar Energy Systems Laboratory enables the comprehensive investigation of the process in which solar radiation is converted into electrical energy. Developed by EDIBON, this system is equipped with LabVIEW based SCADA software, real time data acquisition modules, solar simulators, load modules, DC and AC power measurement sensors, and intelligent control interfaces.
The system allows a wide range of experimental applications including sensor calibration, panel characteristic analysis, series and parallel connection configurations, battery supported and unsupported load tests. With its multi user SCADA Net connection, the laboratory infrastructure supports simultaneous multi user interaction. This feature makes it possible to apply modern engineering education approaches such as project based learning, remote access, and multi experiment management.
As a result, the Renewable Energy Systems Laboratory offers a model platform that promotes knowledge generation in energy technologies, supports interdisciplinary research, and prioritizes student centered learning.
In addition, the AEL WBR Multi Power Distribution Unit is fully integrated into the laboratory setup. Designed with user safety as a priority, the unit includes two independent power sources, AC and DC voltage outputs, three phase connection terminals, a residual current device, an emergency stop system, a safety switch, and visual LED indicators. It provides a safe environment for experimental electrical supply scenarios and serves as complementary equipment for implementing energy scenarios and conducting system safety training.
Both systems are fully installed and actively used with all related software, sensors, control interfaces, and user manuals. The laboratory not only supports educational activities but also facilitates applied research, industrial simulations, and technical training modules.
Wind Energy System Laboratory
The laboratory houses the AEL WPPI Asynchronous Generator Wind Power Plant Training Unit developed by EDIBON. This platform enables hands on research on the behavior of asynchronous generators under sub synchronous, synchronous, and super synchronous operating conditions. A three phase induction motor controlled by a frequency inverter simulates the variable speeds of a wind turbine. Users can create scenarios representing different wind speeds and examine the generator’s electrical behavior before and after grid connection. Real time monitoring of active, reactive, and apparent powers as well as frequency, voltage, current, and power factor is carried out through an advanced grid analyzer.
Another system, the AEL WPT Wind Energy Training Set with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator, provides advanced infrastructure for investigating the electrical behavior of wind turbines experimentally. The system includes an AC motor simulating turbine blades, a permanent magnet synchronous generator, an AC and DC rectifier, a PWM controlled charge regulator, a battery storage system, and a single phase inverter. With the integrated grid analyzer, parameters such as voltage, current, active and reactive power, and frequency can be monitored in real time.
The laboratory also contains the EEE Wind Energy Training Set which is a comprehensive platform designed for studying the conversion of wind kinetic energy into electrical energy. The system is equipped with a variable speed axial fan, stainless steel wind tunnel, a configurable aerogenerator that can operate with two, three, or six blades, a DC load module, a charge regulator, and a battery system. Adjustable blade pitch and various load scenarios enable experiments such as current voltage curve analysis, power wind speed relationships, maximum power point determination, and performance under varying aerodynamic conditions.
Additionally, the AEL WPP Wind Power Plant with Double Feed Induction Generator replicates industrial scale wind power plant conditions. Controlled by an industrial servo motor, this SCADA based platform allows the definition of wind profiles, real time monitoring of system variables, and the testing of control strategies under realistic operating conditions. This advanced setup supports interdisciplinary research in energy systems, control engineering, power electronics, and smart grids.
Biogas Energy System Laboratory
The biogas production experimental setup provides a practical platform for studying the generation of methane through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. The system consists of two stirred reactors. In the first reactor, long chain organic compounds are decomposed into short chain organic acids by anaerobic microorganisms. In the second reactor, anaerobic digestion is completed, resulting in the production of biogas composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide.
The temperature and pH of both reactors are automatically controlled. The produced biogas is dried in a silica gel column and then analyzed for flow rate, temperature, humidity, methane content, and carbon dioxide content. The entire system is PLC controlled with a touchscreen interface, and all measurements can be recorded digitally and accessed externally through WLAN or LAN connection. Screen mirroring allows monitoring and control from multiple devices.
The setup can be operated in both batch and continuous modes. Anaerobic microbial cultures obtained from industrial biogas plants are required for experiments. Students gain practical knowledge of biochemical conversion dynamics, gas drying and measurement techniques, parameter monitoring, automation based process control, and biomass to energy conversion mechanisms. The system also provides a high quality platform for interdisciplinary research in environmental engineering, biotechnology, energy systems, and automation.
Wave Energy System Laboratory
Wave channels are essential tools for experimental research in coastal and ocean engineering as they allow the reproduction of real sea conditions in a scaled laboratory environment and the investigation of wave effects on physical systems. Controlled generation of both regular and irregular wave conditions provides valuable insights into coastal structures, maritime applications, ship hydrodynamics, offshore structures, and the impacts of climate change.
The laboratory scale wave channel in our facility is fully computer controlled and supports both regular and irregular wave generation. Proprietary software developed by our academic staff makes it possible to model wave types with high precision, design flexible experimental scenarios, and carry out accurate data collection.
The channel measures 24 meters in length, 1 meter in width, and 1 meter in depth and is equipped with a piston type wave generator. This allows for the realistic reproduction of both periodic waves and random wave sequences, enabling systematic analysis of wave effects under different scenarios. The system provides a reliable platform for studying coastal and offshore engineering problems in a controlled environment.