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Elenco myGrid Evaluation Kit for NI myDAQ

Overview of myGrid

The myGrid for NI myDAQ is an AC power grid allowing a student to investigate the components of a power grid. The myGrid interfaces with NI myDAQ to demonstrate energy monitoring, energy conservation, and the concept of the smart grid. The system includes a traditional power source through a motor representing fossil fuels and a renewable power source using a solar panel. It models how power is generated, transmitted, and distributed in a residential setting across three houses. 

Elenco myGrid.png


What is NI myDAQ?

NI myDAQ is a low-cost portable instrumentation and data acquisition (DAQ) platform that gives students the ability to measure and analyze live signals on a computer. The hardware includes eight software instruments based on

NI LabVIEW system design software to control the NI myDAQ device, providing the functionality of a suite of common laboratory instruments, including a digital multimeter (DMM), oscilloscope, and function generator. Students can access all the ready-to-run software instruments to perform experiments and exercises. When combined with LabVIEW, NI myDAQ creates a hands-on learning solution for the core concepts in engineering curricula, including analog circuits, sensors, and signals and systems courses.


What is an NI miniSystem?

The NI miniSystem is an external accessory board that plugs into NI myDAQ and interfaces with real-world sensors and signals to teach solutions to relevant engineering challenges. For example, with the Elenco myGrid for NI myDAQ, students can learn the concepts of renewable energy and sustainability through systems that fit in the palms of their hands. This can be a better solution than components connected through a breadboard and wires.


myGrid Summary.png

How does the myGrid work?

Actual working scaled-down models of the power sources are included in the myGrid.  A DC voltage is used to represent fossil fuels. The sum of DC currents created from these DC voltages are used to produce an infrared beam that is connected to circuits producing an AC voltage proportional to the total energy input. A power amplifier produces the AC power required to drive a smart distribution grid. A transformer steps up the voltage that is transmitted over wires with resistance added to emulate a long distance. A second transformer returns the voltage to the required value for consumer consumption on the receiving end of the high voltage line.

For safety purposes the actual voltages are reduced by 100 times. Houses with internal loads are switched on and off to emulate the consumption of the AC power after transmission.  Using a software front panel, AC voltage measurements monitor the supply and demand of the grid.


If the load voltage falls below a low line value the power station automatically increases the voltage being generated to satisfy the load conditions. This is accomplished by increasing the current through an infrared diode that is mixing the different energy sources. If the frequency deviates from the desired set value, the power station automatically makes an adjustment on the DC motor that is attached to the device that is breaking the infrared beam.

Required Files:

Additional Information

Updates:

  • Smart Grid Exploration Guide.exe [new version added on 5/23/2012]
  • myGrid Tutorial Activity Guide.exe replaces Smart Grid Exploration Guide.exe and Tough Concepts_myGrid.pdf replaces Summary and Specs of the myGrid.pdf  [new version added on 10/05/2012]


Comments
Maksio
Member
Member
on

Can I use this system with the ELVIS II board instead of myDAQ module?

jchan
Member
Member
on

Hi Maksio,

It is currently not possible to do it. They only work out of the box with myDAQ at the moment. Getting them to work with ELVIS is a possibility in the near future.

Jimmy E. Chan

Product Marketing Engineer

BeejalS
Member
Member
on

Hi

Is there a VI for this version of the myGrid as there is for the first version? Is it possible to get the VI for the exe?

Thanks

Beejal

Beejal S
NI UK & Ireland
jchan
Member
Member
on

Hi Beejal,

The software for myGrid is not available as a VI, only as exe.

Jimmy E. Chan

TEVANC
Member
Member
on

We just got a new MyGrid evaluation board, but the downloads above do not seem to be available. Can these be made available, again? 
  

TEVANC
Member
Member
on

Could someone upload or post a link to the two links above? 

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