These simulation software packages allow students to successfully complete laboratory projects and gain a better understanding of the electrical and electronic systems used in Solar PV systems. Simulation software is ideal for providing safe and cost effective near hands-on experience for the user.  The simulation tools provided with the Solar Energy Technician program allow the student to run, modify, and re-run many of the electric circuits, devices, and overall systems utilized in solar power generation and storage applications such as solar farms.

3DLab Circuit Simulation

The 3DLab simulator is used early on in the program to help students visualize basic electrical circuits.  The ability to add components and wire them together along with the availability of virtual instruments such as function generators, oscilloscopes, and multimeters give students the ability to examine voltage and current values at various locations throughout the circuit. 3D Lab is ideal for learning the basics such AC and DC sources, as well as series and parallel circuits. It is also useful for illustrating various component types and their basic function/purpose.

CircuitLogix Circuit Simulation

CircuitLogix is a more advanced simulation tool. In addition to virtual instruments the application provides thousands of electric and electronic devices that can be used to create a wide variety of analog, digital, and mixed mode circuits. Custom solar PV components include solar panels, inverters, battery banks, etc.  CircuitLogix is the perfect tool for gaining an in-depth understanding of circuit operation by illustrating various solar system devices, circuits, and system topologies. In addition to discrete components, device level models are provided allowing for a system level representation of solar PV power generation applications. Grid-tied, and Off-Grid systems utilizing either AC or DC coupling can be simulated and tested.  Components and system elements can be swapped out, and the simulation can be re-run to observe the effects of the changes made to the application.  

The CircuitLogix Simulator Includes:

Highly intuitive graphic user interface:

• Fit-circuit-to-window feature
• Versatile circuit node naming
• Context-sensitive on-line Help
• Zoom in or out 10%-1000%
• Wide range of user-definable colors
• Undo, Redo, Duplicate and Merge circuits

Interactive components:

• Over 50 pre-build electronics/electricity labs & quizzes
• Snap grid with device “nudging” using arrow keys
• Device rotation in 90-degree increments
• Rotate, Mirror and Repeat placement

Flexible wiring:

• Automatic point-to-point wiring
• Wire connectivity maintained during moves
• Click-and-drag wire repositioning
• User-sizable connection area for wires
• Multiple wires to the same device pin
• Cut and extend wires