by admin | May 3, 2014 | Tech Updates
by Jerome Auza It has been quite a while that I have reported anything about my solar energy experiments. This week, with lots of summer sunshine, I was able to power up the perimeter lighting and right of way lighting of Auza.Net without having to switch to the grid. I finally got a new 300 watts, 48 volts solar panel and have set it up to add energy production on my initial setup. The challenge was that my setup is currently only 24 volts. After some reading and experimentation, I determined that the 48V panel is okay to use in a 24 volt system. This is because the solar panel need to be of higher voltage compared to the batteries and the panel voltage would just follow the battery voltage. So my setup now is composed of a 128W, 24V panel and a 300W, 48V panel configured to function in a 24V system. By doing this, I am actually only using about half of what the 300W panel is capable. This is because the current produced by a solar panel does not change much if the battery voltage is changed. Based on the current and voltage measurements, I am currently able to produce 240W from my two solar panels. When my second 48V panel will arrive, I will also need to get a 48V inverter and setup the system to 48V to maximize the power production. I will then have to remove my 24V panel at that time and setup the charge controller to 48V. In addition to the new 300W panel, I also had to change the angle...
by admin | May 3, 2014 | Tech Updates
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the launching and turn-over of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory,the first of its kind in the Philippines, on May 2, 2014 at the Bohol Island State University. The shared service facility (SSF) will be run by the Bohol Island State University (BISU) to support technology-driven product innovation and prototyping. The Bohol FabLab, located at the BISU, can perform the function of an incubator laboratory where designers and innovators can test out their ideas and make prototypes. Because it will also be plugged into the global fablab network, designers, innovators, start-ups can avail of coaching and mentoring services (for free) from other more advanced FabLab sites in the world. The Bohol FaLab is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Bohol Island State University (BISU) and with support from the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Local Government of Tagbilaran City. The DTI also turned-over the Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TLMPC) shared service facility at Pinayagan Norte, Tubigon, Bohol. The project is a recipient of P3-million DTI SSF funds that are used to purchase 15 units upright handlooms, accessories and laboratory equipment. This is part of DTI’s support to help improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises...
