Design and Development of a Real-time Characterization System for Energy Conversion Devices
In this communication it is presented an electronic system for acquiring data from experimental energy conversion devices such as solar cells and fuel cells for micro-electronic applications. The electronic system consists of a software installed in a personal computer and an electronic circuit coupled to a four-wire terminal where the electrical variables like voltage and current can be measured from experimental cells. The software contains a feedback control system for allowing the maximum power transfer from the energy conversion device to the electrical load. It is possible to record and plot the obtained data in real time for a dynamic analysis of the experimental devices at transient or stable state conditions. It is a portable and low-cost device useful for educational and research purposes.