Inauguration of the Micro-hydro Equipment Simulator and Solar Lab Training Equipment

After completion, the supporting equipment for the Micro-hydro and Solar Energy laboratory was officially inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Kirk Yates, Development Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy in Indonesia, along with officials from Ambon State Polytechnic and representatives from NZMATES. During the event, the Deputy Director of Ambon State Polytechnic delivered a positive speech, expressing hope for continued support from NZMATES in the future.

The micro-hydro training equipment was constructed using a 10 HP pump to generate water pressure, which is then released to drive the turbine. A variable speed controller (inverter) was also installed to adjust water pressure and flow rate under varying test conditions. In addition to controlling the water flow and pressure, an analog flow meter and pressure gauge were fitted into the pipeline system. These features enable students to analyse the optimal operating conditions for the turbine. Furthermore, a Crossflow turbine was coupled with a 3-phase synchronous generator and managed using an Electronic Load Controller (ELC). The main load was simulated using light bulbs and air heating elements.

The training support laboratory for solar energy was built with a single-phase solar power system and battery (PLTS) using an AC coupling system. This system includes a solar PV array with a total capacity of 2 kWp (DC) in a single-string configuration. A single-phase AC battery inverter is capable of supplying continuous AC power of up to 2.5 kVA. The battery, selected as the storage system, has a minimum usable capacity of 9.8 kWh under standard test conditions. This battery system can absorb excess PV generation when needed and also prevents power export to the PLN grid.

With the availability of this training equipment and the operation of the laboratory, it is hoped to serve as an effective learning facility for students at Politeknik Negeri Ambon. It will provide a platform for studying variable speed drive inverters, pumping systems and their components, turbines, the impact of loads on the system, and the maintenance of micro-hydro systems. Additionally, students will gain insights into hybrid technology combining micro-hydro and PV mini-grid systems.