YOUR GUIDE TO

ALTERNATIVE

ENERGY

SOLUTIONS
All the resources you need to bring your designs to life

ALTERNATIVE

ENERGY

SOLUTIONS
CONTENTS

Boasting nearly 3000 items, our Alternative Energy product

portfolio comprises the most energy efficient products and
technologies required in the generation, transformation,
storage, conversion and distribution phases of any design.
Our featured solutions, design resources and
product training videos are developed to help you with
the design and implementation of these systems, while
simultaneously keeping you up to date with the latest
innovations that open up new applications for alternative
energy.
There are many viable reasons for considering an
alternative energy solution to power new designs,
especially for those with ultra-low power requirements.
Lower total cost of ownership, environmental benefits,
and ease of implementation are just some of the many
benefits that alternative energy sources can bring.

ENERGY HARVESTING

GRID INVERTER

MICRO INVERTER

WIND TURBINE

10

SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

12

A solar-powered home is probably the most economical and

practical use for an alternative energy at this point in time.
The long term savings of not having to constantly depend
on the energy grid easily outweighs the initial setup costs.
Small scale wind power generation schemes have been
used for household electricity generation in conjunction
with battery storage over many decades, especially in
remote areas. Nowadays, equipments such as wireless
Internet gateways are being powered by wind turbines,
replacing the need for a connection to the power grid.
It is easy to think of all alternative energy as giant
wind farms or hydro plants, but many alternative
energy sources can be as simple as a single solar cell
powering a remote sensor and wireless transmitter.
As well as solar power, piezoelectric and thermoelectric
generators can harvest vibration and thermal energy to
generate enough electricity to power a simple circuit. Such
energy harvesting schemes have now been widely employed
in environmental and geological data sensing applications.

ENERGY HARVESTING

Back to Contents

Energy harvesting systems are the devices that can convert solar power,
thermal energy, wind power, mechanical energy and electromagnetic energy
into electrical power and save in batteries or super capacitors.
An energy harvesting system is composed of energy collection, energy
storage and power management. The energy collection is responsible for
capturing the energy that is available in different forms such as solar power,
and converting it into electrical power. The electrical power is stored in
batteries or super capacitors to feed other devices. [+MORE]

Click here to view all recommended products for this featured solution

Featured Products / Development Kits

DV164133 XLP 16-bit Development Kit
The XLP 16-bit Energy Harvesting Development Kit is a true development
platform for realizing energy harvesting applications. It is based on
Microchips PICR MCUs with nanoWatt XLP Technology and Cymbets EVAL-08
Solar Energy Harvester. The XLP kit enables rapid prototyping of low power
applications such as RF sensors, temperature / environmental sensors, utility
meters, remote controls and security sensors to name just a few. Learn more...
Order code: 1839855

MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Microchip has a large suite of software and hardware development tools integrated
within one software package called MPLAB Integrated Development Environment
(IDE). MPLAB IDE is a free, integrated toolset for the development of embedded
applications on Microchips PIC and dsPIC microcontrollers. It is called an
Integrated Development Environment, or IDE, because it provides a single
integrated environment to develop code for embedded microcontrollers.
Learn more...
Order code: 1699836, 1699838

EZ430-RF2500-SEH Solar Energy Harvesting Development Kit

The eZ430-RF2500-SHE (a complete Solar Energy Harvesting development
kit to help create a perpetually powered wireless sensor network based on the
ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontroller) includes a high-efficiency solar
(2.25 in x 2.25 in) panel optimized for operating indoors under low-intensity
florescent lights, which provides enough power to run a wireless sensor
application with no additional batteries. Inputs are also available for
external energy harvesters such as thermal, piezoelectric, or another solar panel.
Learn more...
Order code: 1740342

MSP430 Target Board and USB Programmer

The MSP-FET430U28 is a powerful flash emulation tool that includes the
hardware and software required to quickly begin application development on
the MSP430 MCU. It includes a ZIF socket target board & a USB debugging
interface used to program & debug the MSP430 in-system through the JTAG
interface or the pin saving Spy Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) protocol. The flash
memory can be erased and programmed in seconds with only a few
keystrokes, and since the MSP430 flash is ultra-low power, no external
power supply is required.

Order code: 1471277

CBC-EVAL-05 Development Kit

The EnerChip CC EVAL-05 Evaluation Kit is used to demonstrate the capabilities of the
EnerChip Thin Film Batteries and the EnerChip CC with Integrated Battery Management
capabilities. The EnerChip CC is the worlds first Intelligent Thin Film Battery. It is an
integrated solution that provides battery backup and power management for systems
requiring power bridging and/or secondary power. A single EnerChip CC can charge up to
10 additional EnerChips connected in parallel. Two EnerChip CC devices are on the
EVAL-05, a CBC3112 and a CBC3150, with battery capacities of 12 Ah and 50 Ah,
respectively. Learn more...
Order code: 2061532

ESK300 Wireless Energy Harvesting Development Kit

The ESK300 is a dedicated energy harvesting development kit which deploys
ultra low power radio technology. It comes with two ECO200
electro-mechanical push button generators for switches and a solar powered
STM330C temperature sensor. Radio telegrams sent by the self-powered
sensors are received via USB dongle and visualized via DolphinView Basic PC
software. Learn more...
Order code: 2088254

LTC3588 Energy Harvesting ICs

The LTC3588 integrates a low-loss full-wave bridge rectifier with a high efficiency buck
converter to form a complete energy harvesting solution optimized for high
output impedance energy sources such as piezoelectric transducers. An ultralow
quiescent current undervoltage lockout (UVLO) mode with a wide hysteresis
window allows charge to accumulate on an input capacitor until the buck converter
can efficiently transfer a portion of the stored charge to the output. In regulation, the
LTC3588-1 enters a sleep state in which both input and output quiescent currents are
minimal. The buck converter turns on and off as needed to maintain regulation.
Order code: 1839153, 1839154, 1839155, 1961465

GRID INVERTER

Back to Contents

A solar grid-tied inverter converts the DC output of PV modules into AC power

suitable for transmission on the power grid, often deploying reactive power
to meet new grid codes. It must always optimize the power output via MPPT
(maximum power point tracking) and additionally monitor both the system
and grid connection. In practice, each solar inverter installed in solar power
plants needs to connect an array or string of PV modules to the power grid.
The more efficient the inverter, the better the LCOE (Levelised Cost of Electricity) generated by the system. [+MORE]

Click here to view all recommended products for this featured solution

Featured Products / Development Kits

TMS320F28016 Development Board
TMS320F28016 is a low cost board which is value-for-money and is suitable
for people on low budget who want to learn DSPs. The board has a 32-bit
DSP running at 60 Mhz, delivering 60 MMACS, 32KB Flash, 12 KB RAM, 8
channel PWM 4 of them with enhanced resolution of 150 ps, 2 x 8 channels
3.75 MPSP 12-bit ADCs, CAN, RS232, SPI, I2C. Learn more...
Order code: 1701516

XDS560PLUS DSP Development Tool

SEED-XDS560PLUS is a DSP development tool (DSP emulator) developed
by SEED. It supports TIs LF24XX, F28XX, C5000, C6000, C64XX, DM64X,
DM270, DM320, OMAP, and Davinci. It uses USB2.0 and does not need
external power supply. Learn more...
Order code: 1788112

STEVAL-ISV009V1 Inverter Development Kit

The STEVAL-ISV009V1 demonstration board is based on the SPV1020, which is
a monolithic DCDC boost converter designed to maximize the power
generated by photovoltaic panels independent of temperature and amount of
solar radiation. The optimization of the power conversion is obtained with
embedded logic which performs the MPPT (max power point tracking)
algorithm on the PV cells connected to the converter. The 4-phase
interleaved topology of the DC-DC converter eliminates the need for
electrolytic capacitors, which would severely limit lifetime.
Order code: 1972610

SPV1020 Interleaved DC-DC Boost Converter with Built-in MPPT Algorithm

The SPV1020 is a monolithic 4-phase interleaved DC-DC boost converter designed
to maximize the power generated by photovoltaic panels independent of
temperature and amount of solar radiation. Optimization of the power
conversion is obtained with embedded logic which performs the MPPT (max. power
point tracking) algorithm on the PV cells connected to the converter.
Order code: 2098006

TMDSHV1PHINKIT Inverter Development Kit

This high voltage isolated kit features a 300VDC compatible input stage supporting up
to 500W. The dual controller design features a two switch interleaved boost stage for
MPPT and an isolated LLC resonant DC/DC converter. A full bridge inverter stage with
PLL AC line synchronization completes the secondary side of the board and features
enhanced communications by utilizing the Concerto MCU to drive the control stage
while also providing Ethernet support to the board.
Order code: 2081121

MC56F84xxx 32-bit DSC

The MC56F84xx offers precision, sensing and control for the most efficient digital
power conversion and advanced motor control applications. It includes advanced
high-speed and high-accuracy peripherals such as pulsewidth modulation (PWM)
with 312 pico-second resolution, dual high-speed 12-bit ADCs with built-in PGA
sampling up to 3.3 mega samples per second (Msps) and one high-precision 16-bit
ADC. Faster application-specific control loops are driven via a high-speed 32-bit
digital signal processing (DSP) core with single-cycle math computation, fractional
arithmetic support and parallel moves.

Order code: 2095577, 2095583, 2095585

MPT612 32-bit MPPT IC

The MPT612, based on a low-power ARM7TDMI-S RISC processor that
operates at up to 70 MHz and can achieve system efficiency ratings up to 98%, is
dedicated performing the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) function, is
designed for use in applications that use solar photovoltaic (PV) cells or in fuel
cells. To simplify development and maximize system efficiency, the MPT612 is
supported by a patent-pending MPPT algorithm, an application-specific software
library and easy-to-use application programming interfaces (APIs). Dedicated
hardware functions for PV panels, including voltage and current measurement and
panel parameter configuration, simplify design and speed development.
Order code: 2103464

MICRO INVERTER

Back to Contents

Solar micro-inverters work based on DSCs that boast powerful algorithms to

provide the features of both off-grid and on-grid inverters, so that functions
such as MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), charge management,
inversion, and connection with grid can be enabled on a single device. A
micro-inverter is built with battery charge management, an inversion circuit
and a relay. [+MORE]

Click here to view all recommended products for this featured solution

Featured Products / Development Kits

TMDSHVMPPTKIT High Voltage Solar Developers Kit
The high voltage solar developers kit features a 300VDC compatible input stage
supporting up to 500W. This dual controller design features a two switch
interleaved boost stage for MPPT and an isolated LLC resonant DC/DC converter. A
full bridge inverter stage with PLL AC line synchronization completes the secondary
side of the board and features enhanced communications by utilizing the Concerto
MCU to drive the control stage while also providing Ethernet support to the board.
Learn more...
Order code: 2081119

TMDSSOLARCEXPKIT Low Voltage Solar Explorer Kit

The low voltage solar explorer kit is designed for safe benchtop level
experimentation. The single C2000 non-isolated design board supports a
12VDC/50W input stage. The board also features built in PV emulation, a
photo- diode for light sensing, a single switch DC/DC boost for MPPT, a
DC/DC SEPIC stage for battery charging, and a full bridge AC/DC inverter
stage capable of driving 24VAC. Learn more...
Order code: 2081117

XDS510PLUS DSP Development Tool

SEED-XDS510PLUS is a DSP development tool (DSP emulator) which uses
XDS560 JTAG technology to greatly improve its stability and
anti-interference capability. With the size of a business card case, it fully
supports CCS3.3 version (or higher), DaVinciTM platforms and the latest
platforms from TI. Learn more...
Order code: 1788111

AFE031
The AFE031 is a low-cost, integrated, powerline communications analog
front-end (AFE) device that is capable of capacitive- or transformer-coupled
connections to the powerline while under the control of a DSP or
microcontroller. It is ideal for driving low-impedance lines that require up to
1.5 A into reactive loads. The integrated receiver is able to detect signals
down to 20 VRMS and is capable of a wide range of gain options to adapt to
varying input signal conditions.
Order code: 2082416

MCP3911A0 Analog Front End

The MCP3911 is a 2.7V to 3.6V dual channel Analog Front End (AFE)
containing two synchronous sampling Delta-Sigma Analog-to-Digital
Converters (ADC), two PGAs, phase delay compensation block, low-drift internal
voltage reference, modulator output block, digital offset and gain errors
calibration registers, and high-speed 20 MHz SPI compatible serial interface. The
MCP3911 is capable of interfacing a large variety of voltage and current sensors
including shunts, current transformers, Rogowski coils and Hall effect sensors.
Order code: 2113275

SM72442 DSC / MPPT controller

The SM72442 is a programmable MPPT controller capable of controlling four
PWM gate drive signals for a 4-switch buck boost converter. It also features a
proprietary algorithm called Panel Mode which allows for the panel to be
connected directly to the output of your power optimizer circuit. Along with the
SM72295 (Photovoltaic Full Bridge Driver), it creates a solution for an MPPT
configured DC-DC converter with efficiencies up to 99.5%. Integrated into the
chip is an 8-channel, 12 bit A/D converter used to sense input and output
voltages and currents, as well as board configuration. Externally
programmable values include maximum output voltage and current as well as
different settings for slew rate, soft-start and Panel Mode.

Order code: 2074715

SM72295 Mosfet Drive

The SM72295 is designed to drive 4 discrete N type MOSFETs in a full bridge
configuration. The drivers provide 3A of peak current for fast efficient
switching and integrated high speed bootstrap diodes. Current sensing is provided
by 2 transconductance amplifiers with externally programmable gain and
filtering to remove ripple current to provide average current information to the
control circuit. The current sense amplifiers have buffered outputs available to
provide a low impedance interface to an A/D converter if needed. An externally
programmable input over voltage comparator is also included to shutdown all outputs.
Under voltage lockout with a PGOOD indicator prevents the drivers from operating if
VCC is too low.
Order code: 2074714

DEVELOPMENT

KITS
element14 carries the widest selection of
Development Kits from the top suppliers in
both Analog and Embedded design. Check
out the exclusive full-featured Development
Kits from element14.

Visit the site: sg.element14.com/devkits

ARDUINO
LEONARDO MICROCONTROLLER
Order code: 2133071

GERTBOARD KIT

Order code: 2115337

FREESCALE
FREEDOM PLATFORM
Order code: 2191861

WIND TURBINE

Back to Contents

Wind turbine pitch control systems can change incidence of rotor blades
in a wind power generation system based on real-time wind speed for the
purpose of adjusting output power, achieving higher utilization efficiency of
wind power and providing protection for rotor blades.
Wind turbine monitoring systems are responsible for monitoring the tower,
blades, shaft, gear box, generator and overall conditions in the nacelle. This
involves a variety of sensors e.g. accelerometers, rotary encoders,
temperature sensors, oil/liquid level sensors, particle counter, voltage,
current and humidity sensors. [+MORE]

Click here to view all recommended products for this featured solution

Featured Products / Development Kits

MC56F8006DEMO-T Board
MC56F8006DEMO-T is a cost-effective board targeting quick digital signal
controller (DSC) evaluation, demonstration and debugging of the Freescale
MC56F8006VLF digital signal controller. The board is equipped to handle USB
communication right out of the box. MC56F8006 demo board has a series of 6
leds connected to PWM channels in order to monitor signals and has a Reset
and 2 IRQ switches.
Learn more...
Order code: 1748989

CWH-UTP-ONCE-HE CodeWarrior USB TAP

The CodeWarrior USB TAP host target interface is a feature-packed, no
nonsense run-control tool that allows developers to save precious
development time during target bring-up and debug providing visibility into and
control of Freescale on-chip debug (OCD) features. The USB TAP integrates
seamlessly with the CodeWarrior integrated development environment, giving
the developer a powerful tool for complex debug tasks. The USB TAP features
broad Freescale processor support, complete run-control functionality and flash
programming for fast downloads and convenient production testing.
Learn more...

Order code: 1750490

10

CodeWarrior IDE Development Suite

CodeWarrior is a multi-host, multi-language, multi-target GUI interface
integrated development environment (IDE), providing software solutions for
Freescales microcontrollers and digital signal processors and controllers. In
addition, CodeWarrior tools support software development tools for Freescale
embedded solutions.
In the CodeWarrior toolset, the Editor, Compiler, Linker, Debugger, and other
software modules operate within an Integrated Development Environment, or
IDE. The IDE oversees the control and execution of the tools. It provides an
interface to the tools that is consistent and predictable.
Order code: 1750488, 1750496

EVAL ADXL345Z-M
The ADXL345 is a small, thin, ultralow power, 3-axis accelerometer with high
resolution (13-bit) measurement at up to 16 g. Digital output data is
formatted as 16-bit and is accessible through either a SPI (3- or 4-wire) or I2C
digital interface. The ADXL345 measures the static acceleration of gravity in
tilt-sensing applications, as well as dynamic acceleration resulting from motion
or shock. Its high resolution (3.9 mg/LSB) enables measurement of inclination
changes less than 1.0.
Order code: 1853937

HFBR Fibre Optics

The HFBR range of fibre optic transmitters and receivers are ideally suited for use within
wind turbines for monitoring / blade pitch applications.
Order code: 1173144, 1247623, 1247637, 1247663, 1611270

HEDS-9xxx Rotary Encoder

The HEDS-9000 and the HEDS-9100 series are high performance, low cost,
optical incremental encoder modules. When used with a code wheel, these modules
detect rotary position. The modules consist of a lensed (LED) source and a detector
IC enclosed in a small C-shaped plastic package. Due to a highly collimited light
source and specialised photodetector array, these modules are extremely tolerant
to mounting misalignment.
Order code: 1654869, 1654864, 1654867, 1654868

G2RL Relays
PCB mounted power relays, 5-48VDC, 8-16A contact current.
Order code: 2065764-2065814

D2SW Detection Switches

High-quality watertight miniature Snap Action switch. Switch Body meets IP67
(IEC 529) requirements. Monoblock construction assures high sealing capability
and is ideal for dusty places or where water is sprayed. Wide operating
temperature range of -40C to 85Contact ratings of 3A at 125 VAC or 0.1A at
30 VDC.
Order code: 2068311-2068331

11

SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

Back to Contents

We specialise in a range of components and services to help aid your site

specific solar installations. From heavy duty circuit protection to connectors
and installation tools, our range spans to over 2500 solar power products.
Trust us to help you get the job done on time! [+MORE]

MC4 Connectors

Trunking / Conduit

Solar Cable, 6mm & 4mm

Solar Multi-meters

Tools

Enclosures

Featured Products
Hand-held Test Equipment
With a range of multimeters, clamp meters, thermal imagers, power
analysers and hand-held scope meters we have products to cover all solar
installation requirements.

FLK-T100 Thermal Imager
Fluke 381 Clamp Meter
Fluke 233 Multimeter

Order Code: 2094466

Order Code: 1827174
Order Code: 1772092

IP66 Mild Steel / Stainless Steel Junction Boxes

These mild steel / stainless steel junction boxes are designed for use as
instrument enclosures, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic control housings,
electrical junction boxes or terminal wiring enclosures.
These boxes provide protection where equipment may be hosed down or
otherwise be very wet, or in specific applications where corrosion may be a
problem, or in outdoor applications for full weather protection.

Order code: 1842870, 1221725

12

SPF 1000V Solar Fuses

The SPF series has been specifically designed for photovoltaic (PV) systems.
This family of midget fuses (10x38mm) can safely protect PV modules and
their conductors from reverse overcurrent conditions despite the
associated challenges of DC power. As PV systems have grown in size, so
have the corresponding voltage requirements. This increase in system
voltage has typically been intended to minimize power loss associated with
long conductor runs. With design voltages growing upwards of 1000VDC,
standard fuses simply cannot handle this power. However, the SPF series is
UL Recognized to safely interrupt circuits up to this demanding voltage level.
Order code: 1818392, 1818397, 1818393, 1818403, 1818395, 1818404, 1818396

SolarLok Cables
SolarLok cables are designed to meet the harsh environmental conditions
typical of photovoltaic installations. The flexible, dual wall, halogen free and
cross linked solar wire offers long term stability with TV UL approval. Its
outstanding features include: high resistance against environmental conditions
such as humidity, UV-radiation and ozone. In addition, it has excellent
resistance to abrasion and temperature extremes. The wire has a high
dielectric withstanding voltage and due to its fine-stranded, tin plated
copper conductor, it is easy to handle, bend, route, and to strip.
Order code: 1863682, 1863683, 1780343, 1780344

SolarLok Connectors
Element14 have a wide selection of solar specific connectors and junction
boxes, including the SolarLok range.
Connectors

Order

Junction Boxes
Order
Grounding Clips
Order
Dust Covers
Order
Labels
Order

Code: 1778564-1778571, 1778576-

1778578, 1794767-1791773
Code: 2085089, 2066114, 1873111
Code: 1778575
Code: 1844826-1844828
Code: 1778574

Solar Crimp Tools

Supporting our connectors portfolio, element14 have the right crimp tools,
wrenches and tool kits to enable you to quickly and safely get your solar
installation connected.
Order code: 1816584

Silicone Adhesives
Silicone adhesive and encapsulants used to provide protection from vibration,
thermal or mechanical shock. It has excellent dielectric properties and also gives
excellent protection from water and many environmental contaminants. Excellent
adhesion to many common substrates in photovoltaic applications.
Order code: 1847872, 1847875, 1847873, 1847876, 1847874, 1847877

13

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DESTINATION
Provides engineers
with a comprehensive
destination for Alternative
Energy applications
The latest and greatest
Alternative Energy
products
Featured solutions and
design resources

Alternative Energy Product

offering
Processing Units, Electrical
Components, Energy Storage

Featured Resources
Alternative Energy resources

Featured Alternative
Energy Products
The latest Alternative Energy products
from a global portfolio of leading
manufacturers

Visit the site today:

sg.element14.com/energysolutions

Design Resources and

Product Training
Access to white papers, design tools
and featured product training