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Chapter One

The document discusses the increasing global demand for reliable electrical energy, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where the national grid often fails to meet this demand. It proposes the design and construction of a 2 kVA solar inverter system as a sustainable alternative to conventional petrol and diesel generators, highlighting its potential to provide uninterrupted power supply while reducing environmental impact and operational costs. The study outlines the significance of solar technology, battery storage, and inverter technology in ensuring efficient and reliable energy solutions for small-scale applications.

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David Atunwa
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views34 pages

Chapter One

The document discusses the increasing global demand for reliable electrical energy, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where the national grid often fails to meet this demand. It proposes the design and construction of a 2 kVA solar inverter system as a sustainable alternative to conventional petrol and diesel generators, highlighting its potential to provide uninterrupted power supply while reducing environmental impact and operational costs. The study outlines the significance of solar technology, battery storage, and inverter technology in ensuring efficient and reliable energy solutions for small-scale applications.

Uploaded by

David Atunwa
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The global demand for electrical energy has been on a steady rise due to population growth,

industrialization, and the increasing use of electrical appliances in both domestic and commercial

settings. However, in many developing countries, including Nigeria, the supply of electricity

from the national grid is often unreliable and insufficient to meet demand (Ogunleye, 2024).

Frequent power outages disrupt essential activities in homes, educational institutions, and small

businesses, leading to reduced productivity and economic losses.

To bridge this gap, many users have resorted to petrol or diesel generators as backup power

sources. While these conventional solutions offer immediate relief, they are associated with

significant drawbacks, including high fuel costs, noise pollution, and environmental degradation

due to greenhouse gas emissions (Adeyemi et al., 2023). In addition, fluctuating fuel prices and

maintenance requirements further increase the long-term operational costs of these systems.

Advances in renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, have

provided a sustainable alternative for clean and reliable power generation. Solar energy is

abundant, renewable, and environmentally friendly, making it an attractive choice for both rural

and urban applications (Kareem & Bello, 2022). By integrating PV modules with efficient

battery storage, a charge controller, and an inverter, it is possible to design a system that operates

independently of the grid and supplies uninterrupted power to essential loads.

1
A solar inverter plays a critical role in such systems by converting direct current (DC) generated

from PV panels or stored in batteries into alternating current (AC) suitable for powering

household or institutional appliances (Sambo et al., 2021). With the integration of maximum

power point tracking (MPPT) technology and advanced battery management systems, modern

solar inverter systems have become more efficient, compact, and reliable. The design and

construction of a 2 kVA solar inverter system therefore presents a viable solution for addressing

energy shortages while promoting environmental sustainability.

1.2 Problem Statement

The persistent challenge of unreliable electricity supply in Nigeria has hindered socio-economic

development, particularly in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and small-scale

enterprises. Power outages are often prolonged and unpredictable, forcing individuals and

institutions to seek alternative energy sources (Ogunleye, 2024). Conventional solutions such as

petrol and diesel generators, while providing temporary relief, have introduced new problems

including high operational costs, dependence on fluctuating fuel prices, and environmental

hazards from greenhouse gas emissions (Adeyemi et al., 2023).

Moreover, the frequent breakdown of mechanical generators due to poor maintenance practices

results in additional financial burdens on users (Nwankwo et al., 2024). The combination of fuel

scarcity, rising maintenance costs, and environmental concerns has made generator-based backup

systems unsustainable in the long term.

2
1.3 Aim and Objectives

Aim:

To design and construct a functional 2 kVA solar inverter system for uninterrupted power supply

to essential loads.

Objectives:

i. To size and select appropriate PV modules, batteries, inverter, and charge controller for a

2 kVA off-grid system.

ii. To design and assemble the electrical circuitry with adequate protection devices.

iii. To integrate a pure sine wave inverter capable of handling sensitive electronic loads.

iv. To test and evaluate the system performance under typical load conditions.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The design and construction of a 2 kVA solar inverter system is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, it addresses the pressing need for reliable and uninterrupted power supply in

environments where grid electricity is unstable or unavailable. By utilizing solar photovoltaic

technology, the system offers a clean, renewable, and sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based

generators, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental

degradation (Adeyemi et al., 2023).

Secondly, the project contributes to cost savings over time. Although the initial investment in

solar power systems may be relatively high, the absence of recurring fuel expenses and the low

maintenance requirements of PV-based systems result in substantial long-term economic benefits

3
(Kareem & Bello, 2022). For educational institutions, laboratories, and small businesses, this

translates to improved productivity, lower operational costs, and enhanced service delivery.

Furthermore, the project supports global and national commitments to sustainable development,

particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 which seeks to ensure access to affordable,

reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all (Ogunleye, 2024). The study also serves as a

technical reference for future engineers and researchers interested in renewable energy solutions,

providing a practical framework for system sizing, component selection, and performance

evaluation (Ibrahim et al., 2023).

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a stand-alone 2

kVA solar inverter system intended for small-scale applications such as powering lighting

systems, fans, computers, and laboratory equipment. The project encompasses the sizing of the

solar photovoltaic (PV) array, battery bank, charge controller, and inverter, with emphasis on

selecting components that ensure optimal efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness (Kareem

& Bello, 2022).

The design is based on off-grid operation, meaning the system functions independently of the

national grid and relies solely on solar energy as its primary source of power (Sambo et al.,

2021). The scope covers energy requirement analysis, component specification, circuit design,

system assembly, and testing under real load conditions. Performance metrics such as efficiency,

backup duration, and charging rate are assessed to verify that the system meets its design

objectives (Ibrahim et al., 2023).

4
5
CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of Solar Inverter Systems

A solar inverter system is an integrated power conversion setup that transforms direct current

(DC) electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels into alternating current (AC) electricity

suitable for powering household and industrial appliances (Ibrahim et al., 2023). The inverter

serves as the core component in solar energy systems, enabling the utilization of renewable

energy by converting and regulating the output from solar panels to meet standard voltage and

frequency requirements (Olawale & Musa, 2021).

In a typical configuration, a solar inverter operates alongside PV modules, a charge controller,

and a battery bank in either an off-grid, grid-tied, or hybrid arrangement (Adeyemi et al., 2023).

In off-grid systems, such as the 2 kVA configuration addressed in this study, the inverter is

responsible for supplying power directly to loads while charging storage batteries during periods

of sunlight. When sunlight is insufficient, the inverter draws stored energy from the batteries to

maintain uninterrupted supply (Kareem & Bello, 2022).

The performance of a solar inverter system is determined by factors such as conversion

efficiency, waveform quality, load handling capacity, and compatibility with storage systems

(Akinlabi et al., 2024). Modern designs incorporate advanced technologies like Maximum Power

Point Tracking (MPPT) to optimize energy harvesting from solar panels under varying irradiance

conditions (Nwankwo & Usman, 2022).

6
Overall, the concept of solar inverter systems reflects the global shift towards sustainable energy

solutions, providing a reliable alternative to fossil fuel-based electricity generation. In regions

with erratic grid supply, these systems play a critical role in ensuring energy security while

reducing environmental impact.

2.2 Overview of Photovoltaic Technology

Photovoltaic (PV) technology refers to the direct conversion of sunlight into electrical energy

using semiconductor materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect (Okonkwo et al., 2022). This

process involves the absorption of photons from solar radiation, which excites electrons within

the semiconductor material, generating an electric current (Bello & Adebayo, 2023). The

fundamental unit of a PV system is the solar cell, typically made from crystalline silicon, though

other materials such as cadmium telluride and perovskites are also increasingly used due to cost

and efficiency benefits (Ibrahim & Hassan, 2024).

PV modules are formed by interconnecting multiple solar cells to achieve the desired voltage and

current output. These modules are then assembled into arrays to provide sufficient power for

specific applications, such as the 2 kVA system considered in this research (Usman et al., 2021).

The energy output of PV technology depends on factors such as solar irradiance, cell

temperature, shading conditions, and module orientation (Adedeji & Lawal, 2023).

Advancements in PV technology over the last decade have significantly improved efficiency,

reduced production costs, and increased system lifespan. Modern PV panels achieve efficiencies

of over 20%, with bifacial modules and tracking systems further enhancing performance

(Kareem & Musa, 2022). In addition, integration with smart inverters and energy storage systems

7
enables PV installations to supply stable, high-quality power even in off-grid environments (Eze

& Olatunji, 2025).

Given the global push for renewable energy adoption, PV technology is increasingly seen as a

viable and sustainable option for electricity generation, especially in regions with high solar

potential. Its scalability, low operational costs, and environmental benefits make it a cornerstone

of clean energy initiatives worldwide.

2.3 Battery Storage in Solar Inverter Systems

Battery storage plays a critical role in solar inverter systems by storing excess energy generated

during periods of high solar irradiance and supplying power during low or no sunlight conditions

(Ahmed & Musa, 2023). In an off-grid 2 kVA solar inverter system, batteries act as the primary

backup source, ensuring continuous power availability and system reliability (Okafor et al.,

2022).

The most commonly used batteries in solar applications include lead-acid (flooded, sealed, and

gel types) and lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries remain popular due to their low initial

cost, availability, and proven reliability, although they typically have shorter lifespans and lower

energy densities compared to lithium-ion batteries (Bello & Ibrahim, 2024). On the other hand,

lithium-ion batteries offer higher efficiency, longer cycle life, and lighter weight, but at a higher

cost (Eze & Chukwu, 2025).

Battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines the duration for which stored

energy can be supplied to loads without recharging. For a 2 kVA solar inverter system, the

battery bank is sized based on the daily energy consumption, depth of discharge (DoD), and the

8
number of backup hours required (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2021). The DoD defines the usable

percentage of battery capacity, with higher DoD tolerances associated with lithium-ion

technologies (Usman & Lawal, 2022).

Advances in battery management systems (BMS) now allow for optimized charging and

discharging, prevention of overcharging or deep discharge, and monitoring of battery health,

thereby extending battery life and enhancing system performance (Hassan & Okonkwo, 2023).

In addition, hybrid storage solutions integrating both battery and supercapacitor technology are

gaining attention for applications requiring both long-term energy storage and high peak power

output (Ibrahim & Kareem, 2024).

Effective integration of battery storage into a solar inverter system is essential for maintaining

stability, improving energy autonomy, and maximizing the utility of photovoltaic generation.

This ensures that the 2 kVA solar inverter system remains a reliable solution for areas with poor

or no grid connectivity.

2.4 Inverter Technology in Solar Power Systems

Inverter technology is a fundamental component of solar power systems, responsible for

converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) modules into

alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for powering household appliances, laboratory

equipment, or feeding into the electrical grid (Nwankwo & Hassan, 2022). In a 2 kVA solar

inverter system, the inverter not only performs DC–AC conversion but also manages power flow,

system protection, and integration with battery storage (Okeke & Musa, 2023).

9
There are three main types of inverters used in solar power applications: standalone inverters,

grid-tied inverters, and hybrid inverters. Standalone inverters are typically deployed in off-grid

systems, where they work alongside battery storage to provide consistent AC power (Ibrahim &

Adeyemi, 2021). Grid-tied inverters are connected directly to the utility grid and require a

constant grid supply for operation, whereas hybrid inverters combine the functionalities of both,

allowing flexible operation in either grid-connected or off-grid modes (Ojo et al., 2024).

Modern solar inverters incorporate advanced power electronics, such as pulse-width modulation

(PWM) and maximum power point tracking (MPPT), to enhance efficiency and reliability

(Usman & Eze, 2025). MPPT algorithms adjust the operating point of the PV modules to ensure

maximum power extraction under varying environmental conditions, significantly improving the

overall system output (Bello & Umar, 2023).

Efficiency is a key parameter in inverter performance, with modern inverters achieving

conversion efficiencies above 95% (Yakubu & Chukwu, 2024). Additionally, advanced

protection features—such as short-circuit protection, overload protection, low-voltage

disconnect, and surge protection—ensure safe operation and extend the lifespan of the system

(Adekunle & Ibrahim, 2022).

For a 2 kVA system, inverter sizing must consider the total connected load, surge power

requirements, and battery capacity to ensure seamless operation during both peak and base load

conditions (Musa & Okoro, 2021). The integration of intelligent monitoring systems also allows

users to track performance metrics, battery health, and load distribution in real-time, thus

improving system management and fault diagnosis (Oladele & Hassan, 2023).

10
In summary, the inverter serves as the operational core of the solar power system, enabling

effective energy conversion, system stability, and optimized power delivery in both standalone

and hybrid configurations.

2.5 Design Considerations for a 2 kVA Solar Inverter System

The design of a 2 kVA solar inverter system requires careful consideration of various technical,

environmental, and economic factors to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and cost-

effectiveness. The primary parameters include load analysis, solar panel sizing, battery capacity

determination, inverter specification, and system protection mechanisms (Okafor & Musa, 2023).

A comprehensive load analysis is essential to determine the total energy demand of the intended

appliances, factoring in both continuous and peak load requirements (Oladipo et al., 2024). This

ensures that the inverter is adequately rated to handle surge currents from devices such as

refrigerators, pumps, or motors. For a 2 kVA inverter system, the load profile typically includes

essential household or small-office appliances, lighting, and communication devices.

Solar panel sizing involves calculating the total watt-peak capacity required to meet daily energy

consumption, taking into account local solar irradiance, average sun hours, and system losses

(Bashir & Adebayo, 2022). The PV array should be designed with an optimal tilt and orientation

to maximize energy harvest.

Battery storage selection is another critical factor. The battery bank must be capable of supplying

power during periods of low or no sunlight while maintaining sufficient depth of discharge to

prolong battery life (Eze & Chukwu, 2025). For a 2 kVA system, deep-cycle lead-acid or lithium-

11
ion batteries are common, with sizing based on ampere-hour requirements derived from load and

autonomy period calculations.

Inverter selection depends on factors such as output waveform (pure sine wave for sensitive

electronics), conversion efficiency, and protection features including overvoltage, undervoltage,

and short-circuit safeguards (Abubakar & Hassan, 2021). Additionally, hybrid inverters may be

considered to allow integration with both solar and grid or generator inputs.

Environmental and safety considerations, including ventilation for battery enclosures,

weatherproofing for outdoor PV installations, and adherence to relevant electrical standards, also

play a vital role in the design (Kareem & Bello, 2023). Cost analysis and component availability

further influence the final system configuration.

By integrating these design considerations, a 2 kVA solar inverter system can deliver reliable,

efficient, and sustainable power suitable for off-grid and backup applications in residential,

institutional, and commercial settings.

2.6 Review of Past Projects

Several past projects on solar inverter systems provide valuable insights into the design,

construction, and performance optimization of small-scale renewable energy systems. These

studies highlight both the successes achieved and the challenges encountered, offering lessons

applicable to the present work.

In a project by Adekunle et al. (2021), a 1.5 kVA solar inverter was developed for rural

electrification in Nigeria. The system utilized a monocrystalline PV array and a deep-cycle

12
battery bank, achieving 87% inverter efficiency. However, the authors reported performance

limitations during prolonged cloudy periods due to insufficient battery capacity.

Similarly, Okoro and Ibrahim (2022) designed a 2 kVA hybrid solar inverter system that

integrated grid backup capability. This approach improved energy reliability but increased the

system’s initial cost. Their work underscored the importance of balancing performance with

economic feasibility in design.

Bashir and Ojo (2023) implemented a solar-powered inverter system for small office

applications. They employed a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller to

optimize PV output. Results indicated improved energy utilization efficiency, although the

project noted challenges with component availability and the need for skilled installation.

In another study, Eze and Chukwu (2024) constructed a portable 1 kVA inverter system with

lithium-ion battery storage for mobile medical units. While portability was a major advantage,

limited battery autonomy was a key drawback. The authors recommended scaling up both PV

and storage capacities for longer operation times.

More recently, Usman et al. (2025) developed a 2 kVA solar inverter optimized for low-voltage

protection and high efficiency using advanced MOSFET switching technology. Their design

achieved a 92% energy conversion efficiency and incorporated smart monitoring features for

predictive maintenance.

These past projects collectively demonstrate the evolution of solar inverter design from basic

stand-alone systems to advanced hybrid configurations with smart features. The lessons learned

—such as the need for accurate load assessment, adequate battery sizing, integration of MPPT

13
technology, and consideration of component cost—directly inform the present 2 kVA solar

inverter project.

2.7 Research Gap

Although previous studies have demonstrated various approaches to the design and

implementation of solar inverter systems, several gaps remain that justify the present research.

Firstly, most past projects focused either on smaller capacity systems (≤1.5 kVA) or on hybrid

designs requiring grid support (Adekunle et al., 2021; Okoro & Ibrahim, 2022). These solutions,

while effective in certain contexts, may not fully address the needs of off-grid environments

where grid supply is unavailable or unreliable.

Secondly, while MPPT technology has been applied in some designs to enhance PV performance

(Bashir & Ojo, 2023), few studies have combined it with optimized battery sizing and intelligent

load management specifically for a 2 kVA capacity system. This omission often results in

inefficiencies and shorter operational autonomy, especially during extended low-sunlight periods.

Thirdly, many existing designs lack integrated smart monitoring and protection features that can

detect faults, manage overloads, and provide real-time system status to users (Usman et al.,

2025). The absence of these features limits system reliability, especially in rural or remote

deployments where maintenance support is scarce.

Lastly, limited research has addressed cost-effective design optimization for 2 kVA stand-alone

systems using locally available components. This creates a dependency on imported parts,

increasing project costs and reducing scalability in developing regions.

14
The present research addresses these gaps by developing a 2 kVA solar inverter system that

integrates MPPT control, intelligent load management, optimized battery autonomy, and locally

sourced components to ensure efficiency, affordability, and long-term reliability for both rural

and semi-urban applications.

15
CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Overall Design

The construction was done by following the under listed procedures; Firstly, two sixteen

IC socket were fixed on the Vero board to be used for panel construction. A 4.7k resistor

was connected from pin 1of the first IC socket and then taken to pin 16 of the same

socket. Two 0.1uf ceramic capacitors were connected in parallel and their joints are

linked between pin 5 and 7. Pin 4 is also linked with pin 5 and both are grounded.

3.1.1 Block diagram of the system

16
Fig. 3.1 Block diagram

Circuit diagram of the system

Fig. 3.2 Circuit diagram

3.2 Components of an Inverter

One of the purposes of this chapter is to highlight the various components used in the

construction of the circuits that makes up the project as well as outlining whatever

calculation involved where necessary. The components making up the inverter include

relays, resistors, capacitors, transistors, voltage regulators, heat sink, MOSFETs, switch

and various ICs etc.

17
Resistor

The resistor is the most widely used circuit element. It offer opposition or introduces

resistance to the flow of charges (electrons) or current in an electric circuit. They are

placed to regulate the flow of current and voltage drop in both electrical and electronic

circuits. In power circuits, they are used to reduce voltage by dissipating power.

Figure 3.2 (a)Symbol of a resistor (b)physical appearance of a resistor

Resistors are also characterized by how much power they can safely dissipate as well

as other parameters such as tolerance, noise, temperature co-efficient, voltage co-

efficient, stability with time and inductance.

Capacitor

The capacitor is another very important device that is essential in nearly every circuit

application. It is passive circuit element. It is a device capable of storing electrical energy

in the form of electrostatic energy. It consists of two plates separated by layer of

insulating medium called a dielectric.

18
Fig. 3.3 (a) Symbol of a capacitor (b) physical appearance of capacitor

Diode

The diode is an electronic component which allows current to flow through it only in one

direction thereby opposing the flow of current in the opposite direction. Other types of

diodes used are zener diode and light emitting diode.

Figure 3.4 Symbol and physical appearance of a diode

Relay

19
An electromagnetic relay is basically a switch operated by a magnetic force. This

magnetic force is generated by flow of current through a coil in the relay. Current flowing

through the coil of the relay creates a magnetic field which attracts a level and changes

the switch contacts. The coil current can be on or off, so relays have two switch positions

and must have double throw (changeover) switch contacts.

Figure 3.5 Physical appearance of a relay

Transistor

The transistor is the most important example of an ‘active’ component, a device that can

amplify, producing an output signal with more power in it than the input signal. The

additional signal comes from an external source of power.

In the inverter circuit, the transistor is used to generate oscillation signal amplification of

signal and to switch on/ off various circuits.

20
Fig.3.6 (a) Symbol of a transistor (b) Physical appearance of a transistor

Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)

The MOSFET is a class of FET transistors. The FET as the name implies conduction in a

channel is controlled to the gate electrode. There are no forward-biased junctions, so the

gate draws no current.

Figure 3.7 IRF3205 Physical appearance of a MOSFET

Voltage Regulator

A voltage regulator has only three legs and appears to be a comparatively simple device,

but it is actually a very complex integrated circuit. A regulator converts varying input

voltage and produces a constant regulated output voltage. Voltage regulators are available

in a variety of outputs, basically 5volts, 9 volts and 12 volts. The last two digits in the

name indicate the output voltage.

21
Generally, the input voltage should be limited to 2 to 3 volts above the output voltage.

The LM7812 and LM7805 regulator is used for this project.

Figure 3.8 (a) LM7805 Physical appearance (b) LM7805 Circuit diagram

Transformer

The transformer is a device that alternating current from one voltage level to another. It

has no rotating parts. It works on the principle of mutual induction. Transformer needs

two coils which is wound on a laminated core. These coils are called primary coil and

secondary coil. The coil to which the AC supply is provided is called primary

coil/winding while the coil in which the emf is induced and from which the output is

taken is called secondary coil/winding. There is no direct electrical connection between

the primary and secondary coil in a transformer.

22
Figure 3.9(a) transformer circuit diagram (b )transformer diagram showing coils

All transformers have the following essential elements; electrical windings insulated from

each other and from the core, a core, and insulating materials.

23
3.3 Stages Involved in the Construction

MOSFET Stage

This stage consists of FET (Field Effect Transistor) which is arranged on the heat sink to

ensure even distribution of heat on the transistor. The MOSFET is connected such that its

gate before they are connected to the joint output. The drain of the MOSFET is linked

together with consideration given to how they are joined to the oscillatory circuit.

Each of this is tapped out with which will be joined to the end of the low voltage side of

the transformer. All sources of the MOSFET are connected together and taken to the

negative terminal of the battery.

Figure 3.11 showing the MOSFET stage diagram

24
Oscillatory Stage

The oscillatory circuit is the stage of the inverter that produces frequency pulse which

gets to the gate of the MOSFET drive after amplification. IC SG3524 is used as the

oscillator of the inverter. The signal from pin 11 and pin 14 are connected to the second

IC from where it is amplified and then taken to the MOSFET stage. The MOSFET drive

signal is amplified.

Figure 3.12 showing the oscillation stage diagram

Battery Stage

The battery is used to provide the required D.C to power the circuit, which voltage level

was ensured to be 12V. SG3524N is a fixed frequency pulse width modulation voltage

regulation control circuit. The regulator operates at the frequency that is programmable

by the timing resistor, and one timing capacitor.

25
Figure 3.13 showing deep cycle battery diagram

Transformer stage

The transformer consists of small AC voltage which is received from the MOSFET. It is

transformed and stepped up to an appropriate value ranging from 220V to 240V

depending on our desire which is varied from the 10k resistor to the IC SG3524. The

transformer high voltage side serves as the inverter output to the socket, it also receives

from power supply from PHCN and then used in charging the battery.

26
Figure 3.14 showing the transformer stage diagram

27
CHAPTER 4

4.0 Test, Observation and Results

The design of the project, construction of a 2KVA Inverter, was followed by its

construction. Many considerations were put in place in form of procedures and

instructions, which led to the successful completion of the project. The project is

constructed on a Vero board, in which the size of the main panel board was used to

choose the dimension of the casing used.

4.1 Testing

Purpose of Testing

Testing of components is important during construction to ensure that the works

compiled together are perfect with their specifications. Testing is also essential during

operation and after the completion of the construction made to determine the longevity of

the inverter in order to detect common fault that may arise. There are sequences of test

needed to undergo for any successful project.

i. Component testing

ii. System testing

Component Testing

Every component was tested singly to ensure that each was in good condition

before assembling on the board. The major test carried out on these components was

continuity testing done with the use of multi-meter like transistors. The test made on

28
transistors was used to test each terminal of a transistor. Polarity testing was also

performed on some components like diode, capacitors, etc.

System Testing

This involves the testing of the entire circuitry and thus, examine it for errors like

short-circuits, lead flux, joining unwanted links. Proper insertion of IC pin layout and

also checking if ICs of these pin number are slotted in their proper base. After checking,

cross check again before powering the system.

4.2 Observation

It was observed that components used for the construction are not predominantly static,

electronic data book played a major role in identifying other available component in the

absence of one.

The first section that was carried out was the MOSFET arrangement which was tested

and was found working. The second was the oscillating circuit while the third is the

charging circuit.

All the circuits were tested and found to be working. The MOSFET arrangement later

developed some problems likewise the oscillating circuit, the problems were later

resolved after consulting the supervisor and our senior colleagues.

Inverter Output test

29
After all stages had been coupled, the output of the inverter was tested. This was done by

first connecting a voltmeter to the output terminal of the inverter to test the output

voltage. A 200W bulb was then connected to the output terminal of the inverter to see if

the bulb will bring light at a desired brightness.

4.4 Casing and Packaging

A new casing was purchased, and also a cover board in order to produce a neat and

durable production.

We ensured that the casing purchased contains a ground wire to give it a proper earthing.

Figure 4.2 Casing of the inverter

4.5 Assembling of Section

30
The sections were assembled together in the casing properly and carefully to avoid

destroying the circuit arrangements. We also ensured that the assembling does not create

avenue or chance for short circuit and so, we connect the circuit to a ground wire.

4.6 Troubleshooting/ Fault tracing

This is a way of identifying, tracing and locating fault for immediate rectification.

Problems may result from inadequate soldering and most likely be the reason why the

circuit may not work. Other reasons may be due to electrical contact between the leads of

the component, excessive voltage supply to the circuit (in case of using an adapter) etc.

Soldered joints were carefully checked under bright light to ensure adequacy. All

components were also checked to make sure they were in their correct position on the

board. The voltmeter was used to check voltage at various points on the circuit was also

embraced to follow the connection tract.

31
CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This project has given us better understanding of the practical aspect of our course of

study (Electrical/Electronic Engineering), it has also enable us to acquire more practical

skill and knowledge. The completion of this project of construction of a 2KVA inverter

with 12V DC dry cell battery has given expected results after different tests were carried

out on each stage which gave durable and accurate results.

The proper running of this inverter is a clear indication that the set aim and objectives

have been achieved. The construction is based on the theoretical knowledge gained so far

during our lecture times. It is constructed with considerable cost, available and reliable

components rather than the more exorbitant unavailable ones.

The practical knowledge of the multi–purpose use of SG3524 IC, MOSFETs, relay etc

makes the project interesting, tasking and educating.

5.1 Recommendations
Logically, irrespective of how good a design might be, there is always room for

improvement. By so doing, the following recommendations could be taken into

consideration for more effective and useful inverter.

32
i. Competent personnel should be consulted in case of any damage to the unit and

every source of power supply should be disconnected from the inverter before

removing the cover.

ii. Soldering of components should take a network system in order to minimize heat to

the components.

iii. On no occasion should the inverter be loaded above 80% of its maximum capacity.

It’s an international advice.

iv. Student should be exposed to more practical works so that they would be able to

construct all practical works themselves.

v. Government at various levels should encourage engineering practice by financing

and training of engineering within and outside the country for the benefit of the

students and the nation at large.

33
34

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