Design and performance evaluation of a 200 Wp portable solar power system for coastal activities

Abstract

The need for electrical energy during coastal activities is increasing alongside the use of portable electronic devices; however, limited access to conventional power grids remains a major challenge. This limited access to conventional power grids remains a major challenge. Therefore, this study aims to design and analyse the performance of renewable energy in the form of portable solar power plants (PLTS) as an alternative source to support coastal activities. The designed system consists of a solar panel with a total capacity of 200 Wp, which can produce 160 W, a lithium battery with a capacity of 12 V 60 Ah, and an inverter as a DC-to-AC converter. The experimental methods used include the design stage, device assembly, and performance testing and analysis. Data collection was conducted at Ancol Beach over a 10-hour test period. The results show that a portable solar power plant can produce electrical energy with a load of 64W, which can produce solar radiation of an average of 560 W/m², with energy produced at 160 Watts and a voltage at maximum power (Vmp) = 18.80 V, enough to meet the need to charge electronic devices during activities on the beach for 10 hours. Thus, the designed portable solar power plant can be used as a practical, environmentally friendly, and suitable electrical energy supply solution for coastal areas