DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of interactive educational and experimental kit, more particularly relates to an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like Grid feed (ON Grid/Off grid) and Electric vehicle (EV).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known fact that to keep a human mind always active, it has to be fed with new and interesting subject matters such as latest development in technology. One of the fast paced and ever-changing field of technology is field of affordable, clean and renewable energy such as optimal use of solar power from PV modules, rechargeable battery (e.g. Lead or Lithium) powered electric vehicle (EV), or the like. In order to quench this thirst of gaining knowledge of the human mind, a lot of companies have developed educational kits.
[0003] Some educational models are already known in the art. U.S. Pat. No 6,589,683 entitled "Regenerative fuel cell learning kit" is an educational kit, which combines a unitized regenerative fuel cell with a demonstration platform to illustrate the principals of fuel cell use and application.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,615 titled "The Educational Toy" is targeted toward older users. With motors, lights, wires, gears, and switches, it resembles a small laboratory that a user can explore different electric circuits and mechanism.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,776 titled "Hands-on kit interactive software learning system" teaches users about a seed growing kit with which the users learn plant germination, anatomy, photosynthesis, and other relating educational concepts first hand. The kit provides for thorough hands-on interaction with the subject.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6339538 titled "Inverter circuit and method of operation" relates to photovoltaic (PV) power systems which utilize an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) output of PV arrays to alternating current (AC) and more particularly to improved methods and apparatus for measuring important system performance characteristics.
[0007] In each of these examples, the user interacts with the model and receives feedback for his or her work. Media comprises of educational tools that provide content in written, analogy, or digital form apart from books, videos, and encyclopaedias available as media products. The advantages of media are information availability and control. With media, a great deal of information can be made available to the user. Also, the learner can dictate the pace of learning. However, user interaction with the content in media education tools is passive. Electronic media may succeed in capturing the learner's attention by using creative ways of moving and advancing through the content, but the result is not necessarily a deeper level of learning. Navigating through software is not a substitute for actively exploring a subject and then flipping the pages of a book. The disadvantage is that flat content is not like a model that encourages the user to probe and experiment with some real life situation.
[0008] A few other educational tools are disclosed below. U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,185 titled "Computerized Puzzle Gaming Method and Apparatus" that pertain to a game created on a computer, which uses physical laws like gravity and motion. The game is created and played on a computer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,085 titled "Two-Dimensional Cyclic Game for Creating and Implementing Puzzles" creates puzzles for the user to play with on the computer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,928 titled "Educational Board Game/Apparatus" is a board game connected to a computer. The user interacts with the board game together with the computer.
[0010] These games put the user in control. U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,928 allows for active user involvement since the environment includes a game board along with the computer but U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,643,085 and 5,577,185 do not provide that.
[0011] However, the interaction in the above stated game/apparatus is limited to the computer screen where the virtual laboratory is displayed. Having no interactions outside the computer environment limits user involvement with the subject. These tools are also discretionary. The user has to possess self-discipline to continue coming back to them. The game aspect is therefore necessary to elevate the level of interaction and feedback between the software tool and the user.
[0012] Therefore, there exists a need for an interactive learning system where there is not only educational media and models but also means for integrating the media and models thus providing an interactive environment where the pace is still controlled by the user.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present disclosure relates to provide an interactive learning system that educates buy integrating the media and models while allowing a user to set the pace of learning.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concept like a hybrid system that includes both solar ON Grid and Off Grid.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concept like Grid feed parameters.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concept like rechargeable battery parameters.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like electric vehicle (EV).
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like bi-directional meter.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like an inverter having the capacity to switch over to 12 V and 24 V both.
[0020] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like a solar charge controller having maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and in remote communication with a central server.
[0021] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an interactive learning system that enhances intelligibility of common people on technology concepts like validation of warranty of batteries of a battery bank and electrical appliances in electronic communication with a solar charge controller and in remote connection with a central server.
[0022] These and other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure an interactive learning system is provided. The interactive learning system comprises a power back-up system, a central server in remote communication with the power back-up system, and an experimental kit configured to simulate the operation of the power back-up system and in remote communication with the central server. Where, a user accessing the experimental kit is enabled to select a single or multiple function that can be executed by the power back-up system, thereby enabling the user to set pace of learning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an interactive learning system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a power back-up system of the interactive learning system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an experimental kit of the interactive learning system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an implementation”, “another implementation” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, “in one implementation”, “in another implementation”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0030] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises.. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The apparatus, system, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0032] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the term sterile barrier and sterile adapter denotes the same meaning and may be used interchangeably throughout the description.
[0033] The present disclosure relates to an interactive learning system 100 that provides means for integrating an educational media and models like experimental kit 160 for facilitating an interactive environment where the pace is controlled by a user. Media comprises of educational tools that provide content in written, analog, or digital form. Books, videos, and encyclopaedias are examples of media products.
[0034] Figures 1 & 2 of the present disclosure illustrates the interactive learning system 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The interactive learning system 100 comprises a power back-up system 120, a central server 140 and an experimental kit 160. The power back-up system 120 and the experimental kit 160 are in remote connection with the central server. The experimental kit 160 mimics/simulates each operation of the power back-up system 120.
[0035] The power back-up system includes a PV module 124, an inverter 126 in electric communication with the PV module 124, a battery bank 130 and a mains supply or Grid 122, and in remote communication with the central server 140. The inverter 126 having a solar charge controller 128 with maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The user accessing the second user interface (not shown) of the experimental kit 160 is provided freedom to choose between single or multiple functions that can be executed by the inverter 126, thereby enabling the user to set pace of learning. An interactive instruction manual regarding the experimental kit 160 is provided to the user in digital and written form.
[0036] In an embodiment, the inverter 126 is provided with a capability to switch over to 12 V and 24 V both.
[0037] In an embodiment, the user can learn about parameters of PV module 124 by changing direction and angle of solar panels of PV module 124.
[0038] In an embodiment, the inverter 126 is configured for both ON Grid and OFF Grid operation.
[0039] An Off-grid inverter, also called stand-alone inverter, is essential component in off-grid power systems. The Off-grid inverter serves multiple crucial functions such as DC to AC Conversion; power distribution; back-up power and multiple power source integration. The Off-grid inverter converts direct current (DC) electricity, typically stored in batteries, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the standard form used by most household appliances and electronics. It can seamlessly switch to backup power sources, like generators, when battery levels are low or solar production is insufficient. The Off-grid inverter incorporates safety measures like overvoltage, under-voltage, and overload protection to prevent damage to equipment and ensure user safety. The solar charge controller 128 is a crucial component in any off-grid solar power system. It regulates the flow of electricity from your solar panels to your batteries, ensuring safe and efficient charging. The solar charge controller 128 with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) constantly analyses the voltage and current output of the PV module 124 to find the exact point where the PV module produces the most power.
[0040] An On-grid inverter, also called grid-tied inverter, is specifically designed to work in conjunction with the utility grid in solar power systems. It serves a distinct role compared to off-grid inverters, that is, converting DC to AC and Synchronizing with the Grid. The primary task of the On-grid inverter is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that matches the voltage and frequency of the utility grid. This allows seamless integration of solar power into a home's electrical system and potential export of excess power to the grid.
[0041] In an embodiment, the inverter 126 of the power backup system 120 of the learning system 100 is capable of providing back up during power outage to multiple loads (electrical appliances). Further, the central server 140 stores data relating to Grid parameters, battery bank 130 and inverter parameters and warranty details of batteries and loads. All the critical parameters related to each load 132, battery bank 130, solar charge controller 128, PV module etc. is displayed on the second user interface 168 of the experimental kit 160.
[0042] In an embodiment, a plurality of sensors (not shown) measures electrical parameters of each device of the power back-up system 120 and transmit to the central server 140.
[0043] In an embodiment, the central server 140 includes a user interface 144 for accessing the experimental data, the stored operational data, and controlling the operation of the power back-up system 120.
[0044] The user is able to set input parameters for the inverter 126, for example the user can effect a power outage by turning Off mains supply and supply power to run loads from the PV module 124 only or PV module 124 and battery bank 130 only or battery bank 130 only. In case the user decides to run loads on power from both PV module 124 and the battery bank 130 only, and the power from PV module 124 is access than required, then the access power will be diverted to the Grid 122 using a bi-directional meter. In another experiment the user may decide to run all load on the battery bank 130 only.
[0045] In an embodiment, the central server 140 is configured to generate reports based on a received experimental data from the experimental kit 160, and stored operational data of the power back-up system 120.
[0046] Figure 3 of the present disclosure illustrates the experimental kit 160 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The experimental kit comprises of a control board, which contains different sections such as a supply section 164, an experiment terminals section 176, an external sensor module 171, Alert/Notification/Alarm interface 174, and a microcontroller 170. The PV module 162 is connected to the experimental kit 160 through the terminals provided.
[0047] The user operating the experimental kit 160 by varying the external load connected at the experimental terminals can obtain the PV current vs. PV voltage graph for different configurations of PV module 162. This experimental kit 160 can be interfaced with PC through serial port and PV voltage, PV current and PV power can be observed on the graphical user interface. The PV voltage and current are sensed through sensing circuits. The voltage can be measured through a voltage divider circuit. The current can be measured with the help of shunt resistance, voltage across the shunt is proportional to the current flowing through it, this voltage signal is given to an operational amplifier integrator circuit, the output of which is connected to microcontrollers ADC channel.
[0048] A voltage-sensing Circuit 166 is provided, which automatically sense the PV panels and the series and parallel combination of PV panels. The sensor module 171 includes a plurality of sensors for detecting voltage and current from mains or grid supply, PV module, the battery bank and the load. The sensor module also includes a light sensor for detecting intensity of sunlight incident on PV panels. The inputs of the sensor module 171 are provided to the micro-controller 170. The micro-controller accordingly controls the operation of the kit 160, including the manipulation of PV panel to control the lighting through programmable settings. These settings can be programmed with the help of software.
[0049] An alarm bell 174 with programmable timer and smoke/fire alarm is also connected the micro-controller 170. The second user interface 168 provided with the experimental module displays value of all the system parameters, information about system status and other useful information for user.
[0050] The micro-controller 170 regulates the duty cycle of the switching devices based on the feedback sense of PV voltages, PV current, battery voltage and battery current. The controller implements the maximum power point tracking algorithm to operate the PV module close to the maximum power point voltage so that at any given time maximum possible power can be extracted from the modules.
[0051] The micro-controller 170 also regulates charging of the battery bank 130 connected at the output of DC-DC converter. It implements the three stage charging strategy to prevent any overcharging. The controller also takes care of temperature compensation for control of charging. The heat sink temperature is also monitored to prevent any fault condition. The controller also provides serial communication for monitoring and data logging of various parameters to the central server 140 via transceiver 172.
[0052] The Battery bank 130 is a rechargeable battery, preferably a Lithium ion or Lithium iron phosphate battery. The battery bank 130 gets charged from PV panel through solar charge controller 102.
[0053] In an embodiment, the experimental kit 160 is further configured to send a notification to alert to the user of depletion of charge of each battery of the battery bank 130 below a pre-set level and automatically turn ON/OFF a mains supply in absence of a command from the experimental kit 160 of the user.
[0054] In an embodiment, the user can learn concepts of keeping the solar panels in series and parallel and observe change in parameters of the PV module 160 and the battery bank 130.
[0055] In an embodiment, the user can learn validation of warranty of batteries of the battery bank and loads, as all the data pertaining to the battery bank 130 and loads is updated on the central server 140.
[0056] In an embodiment, the user can also learn the various parameters of the battery bank 130 and its integration in an Electric vehicle.
Advantages:
[0057] The interactive learning system 100 of the present disclosure has various advantages including but not limited to –
1. Real-time interactive learning of operation of the power back-up system using mains supply, solar power from PV panel and stored power from the battery bank, to run a load, for example an Electric vehicle.
2. Real-time interactive learning of operation of the power back-up system in ON Grid/Off grid mode.
Industrial Applicability:
[0058] The interactive learning system 100 of the present disclosure has industrial applicability in the field of testing and education. The common people using the system of the present disclosure can enhance their intelligibility in technology concepts like Grid feed (ON Grid/Off grid) and Electric vehicle (EV).
[0059] Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Reference Numerals
S.No. Feature Numeral
1 Interactive learning system 100
2 Power back-up system 120
3 Mains supply 122
4 PV module 124
5 Inverter 126
6 Solar charge controller with MPPT 128
7 Battery Bank 130
8 Load/Electric Vehicle 132
9 Central server 140
10 Database 142
11 First User interface 144
12 Experimental Kit 160
13 PV module 162
14 Supply Section/PV detection 164
15 Voltage and current sensing 166
16 Second User interface 168
17 Micro-controller 170
18 Sensor module 171
19 Transceiver 172
20 Alarm 174
21 Experiment interface 176
22 External Load 178
23 Multimedia device 180 ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An interactive learning system (100) comprising:
a power back-up system (120);
a central server (140) in remote communication with the power back-up system (120); and
an experimental kit (160) configured to simulate the operation of the power back-up system (120) and in remote communication with the central server (140), wherein a user accessing the experimental kit (160) is enabled to select a single or multiple function that can be executed by the power back-up system (120), thereby enabling the user to set pace of learning.
2. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power back-up system (120) includes a photovoltaic (PV) module (124); an inverter (126) having a solar charge controller (128) with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT); a battery bank (130); and a mains supply (122).
3. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inverter (126) is configured for both ON Grid and OFF Grid operation.
4. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of sensors measures electrical parameters of the power back-up system (120) and transmit to the central server (140).
5. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the central server (140) is configured to store data related to ON Grid parameters; OFF Grid parameters; inverter parameters; load on the inverter; and warranty of the battery bank (130).
6. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the central server (140) is configured to generate reports based on a received experimental data from the experimental kit (160), and stored operational data of the power back-up system (120).
7. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central server (140) includes a user interface (144) for accessing the experimental data, the stored operational data, and controlling the operation of the power back-up system (120).
8. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the experimental kit (160) comprises a PV module (162), supply section (164), Voltage and current sensing (166), a second user interface (168), a micro-controller (170), sensor module (172), an experiment interface (176).
9. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the experimental kit (160) is further configured to generate alerts based on the stored operational data and transmit the alerts to a user operated multimedia device (180) in remote communication with the central server (140).
10. The interactive learning system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the experimental kit (160) simulates operation of the power back-up system (120) using the operational data of the power back-up system (120) received from the central server (140), and transmits the collected experimental data to the central server (140).