The Renewable Energy Test Station (RETS) provides quality assurance testing for renewable energy components and systems in Nepal. RETS has the capability to test photovoltaic modules and systems, solar thermal systems like dryers and cookers, biogas stoves, and improved cooking stoves. It works with organizations like the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to develop standards and certify products. RETS also engages in research and development activities and provides consultancy services to support the renewable energy sector in Nepal.

1. QUALITY ASSRANCE SYSTEM
AT
RENEWABLE ENERGY TEST STATION
(RETS)
Presented by:
Prem Bahadur Basnet, GM
Renewable Energy Test Station
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
Khumaltar, Lalitpur
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

2. CONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION
 OBJECTIVES
 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
 TECHNICAL STANDARDS
 TESTING OF PV
 TESTING OF SWH, DRYERS,
COOKERS,BIOGAS.
 TESTING OF ICS
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

3. INTRODUCTION
Solar Energy Test Station (SETS) established in July,Solar Energy Test Station (SETS) established in July,
20012001
Collaboration among AEPC, ESAP & NAST, NBSMCollaboration among AEPC, ESAP & NAST, NBSM
and SEMANand SEMAN
Technical Assistance for Lab Set Up from DanishTechnical Assistance for Lab Set Up from Danish
Technological Institute (DTI), DenmarkTechnological Institute (DTI), Denmark
In July 2006 ,Legally affiliated to NAST under NASTIn July 2006 ,Legally affiliated to NAST under NAST
act 2048 clause 31 and Renamed as Renewableact 2048 clause 31 and Renamed as Renewable
Energy Test Station (RETS)Energy Test Station (RETS)
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

4. OBJECTIVES:
 Perform measurements and quality control ofPerform measurements and quality control of
RE components and systems .RE components and systems .
 Assist the AEPC and other Renewable EnergyAssist the AEPC and other Renewable Energy
Support Programs /Agencies with technicalSupport Programs /Agencies with technical
services, standards development etc -----services, standards development etc -----
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

5. OBJECTIVES:
 Assist Manufacturers of RE systems andAssist Manufacturers of RE systems and
components for development of quality productscomponents for development of quality products
and their capacity enhancement.and their capacity enhancement.
 Conduct operational research and developmentConduct operational research and development
(R & D) activities to support renewable energy(R & D) activities to support renewable energy
systems and componentssystems and components
 Consultancy services in RE sectorConsultancy services in RE sector
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

6. 6
MAJOR STAKEHOLDERSMAJOR STAKEHOLDERS
RETSAEPC/ESAP
NAST
SEMAN
NBSM

7. ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Managing Board
Management Committee
General Manager
Admin/Account Section
Photovoltaic Unit Solar Thermal Unit Biomass Unit Biogas Unit
Technical Section
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

8. RETS is governed by a Managing Board. The formation of
the Board is as under:
– Vice Chancellor, NAST--------------Chairperson
– Secretary, NAST--------------- -------Member
– Executive Director ,AEPC---------- Member
– Representative ,NBSM--- -----------Member
– Chairman, SEMAN--------------------Member
– Rep. Donor agency from RE-------Member
– Noted RE expert or organization---Member
Managing Board
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

9. TECHNICAL STANDARDS
1. For Solar PV System ----Nepal Photovoltaic Quality1. For Solar PV System ----Nepal Photovoltaic Quality
Assurance (NEPQA)Assurance (NEPQA)
2. For solar Thermal system :2. For solar Thermal system :
 Technical Standards for Solar Dryers and Solar Cookers.Technical Standards for Solar Dryers and Solar Cookers.
 Technical standards for Domestic Hot Water SystemTechnical standards for Domestic Hot Water System
3. Technical standards for Biogas Stoves.3. Technical standards for Biogas Stoves.
4. Testing Protocols for ICS (WBT Version :4.2.2)4. Testing Protocols for ICS (WBT Version :4.2.2)
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

10. TESTING FACILITIES--CURRENTLY
AVAILABLE
 Laboratory testing of Solar PV components and systemLaboratory testing of Solar PV components and system
 Testing of Solar Dryers and CookersTesting of Solar Dryers and Cookers
 Testing SWH systemTesting SWH system
 Testing of Biogas StovesTesting of Biogas Stoves
 Testing of Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS)Testing of Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS)
 Field Testing --PV, Thermal, and ICSField Testing --PV, Thermal, and ICS
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

11. PV ModulePV Module
Testing:Testing:
Test Parameters
• Power Output
• Open Circuit Voltage
• Short circuit current
• Voltage at max. Power
• Current at max. Power
• IV Curve
• Fill Factor
•Module Efficiency
Equipment
•Photovoltaic Power Measuring
Device(PVPM)
•Sensor
•Calibrated Module
•Sun-simulator Assembly
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

12. AVAILABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
PV MODULE TESTING EQUIPMENT
PVPM and computer interface
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

13. SUN-SIMULATOR
Measurement through Sun-simulator
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

14. Battery Testing:Battery Testing: Equipments
• Prog. DC Power Supply
• Prog. DC Electronic Load
• Prog. Logical Controller(PLC)
• Data Logger
• Temperature Probe
• AC/DC Converter
• Computer
Test Parmeter
•Battery Capacity
•Charge Discharge Efficiency
•Battery Architecture & Plate
dimension
•Electrolyte Density
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

15. BATTERY TESTING SETUP
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

16. Lamp Testing:Lamp Testing:
Test Parameters
• Lumen output of Lamp
• Lumen output reduction after
Cycling test
• View Angle
• Lumen output of single
WLED
• CCT, CRI
• Driver Circuit Efficiency
Equipment
• Lumensphere
•Gonio sphere
•Power Analyzer
•Pico Logger
•DC Power supply
•Multimeter
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

17. Single WLED Tester Lumesphere for CFL/TL Lamp Tester
Lamp Testing EquipmentLamp Testing Equipment
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

18. Charge ControllerCharge Controller
Testing:Testing:
Test Parameters
• Self Consumption
• Low voltage disconnect
• Low voltage reconnect
• High voltage disconnect
• Full load test
• Reverse leakage current
Equipment
• Prog.DC Power Supply
•DC Electronic Load
•Oscilloscope
•Multimeter
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

19. Higher capacity CC and Inverter Testing Setup
Inverter Testing EquipmentInverter Testing Equipment
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

20. Field Testing Equipments:Field Testing Equipments:
Compass
Refractometer
Digital Angle Meter
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

21. Progress Chart of Solar PV sampleProgress Chart of Solar PV sample
TestingTesting
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

22. Biogas Stove Testing:Biogas Stove Testing:
RETS is testing Biogas Stove efficiency
Lab setup for Biogas stove test
Equipment
•U tube Manometer
•Gas Flow Meter
•Gas Flow Control Valve
•Temperature Probe
•Electronic Weighting Machine
•Clock watch
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

23. Biogas pit construction with Biogas plant
Vegetable growing
Biogas laboratory
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

24. THERMAL TESTING EQUIPMENTS:
i) Flow meter /solenoid valve/filters ii) Circulation pump
connected to buffer tank with sensor
Connected to chiller
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

25. iii) Buffer tank with control
mechanism
iv) Three way modulating valve to control temp
of buffer tank
v) Heat lost measurement system of insulated tank
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

26. EFFICIENCY TESTING OF SOLAR
DRYERS & COOKER
Fig:- Efficiency testing of
Indirect Rack Type Solar
Dryer
 RETS is doing testing the quality
of Solar Dryers and Solar Cookers
 RETS is continuously enhancing
it’s capacity in quality assurance of
solar thermal products.
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

27. RETS BIOMASS
LABORATORY
RETS initiated ICS testing from , June 2012
Network Partners
AEPC/ESAP, RETS and NAST
Protocol used:-
Interim National Standard Stove
Testing Protocol of Energy Sector Assistance
Program (ESAP)/AEPC (developed by
STARIC Nepal)
(It includes data entry MS excel sheet to
calculate efficiency through Water Boiling
Test (WBT))
 This protocol follow Aprovecho’s Stove
Performance Testing Protocol Published
by Aprovecho Research Centre, USA
(WBT version 3.0)
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

28.  Technical Officers from AEPC, NAST & RETS ( 6 members) has
successfully completed training on PEMS (Portable Emission
Monitoring System) in January ,2013 at RETS
 Organized by AEPC ,NAST / RETS with support of Nepal Energy
Efficiency Programme (NEEP) of GIZ.
 With installation of PEMS , emission
testing of cooking stove is possible
at RETS.
Emission Testing Activity
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

29. WHAT IS PEMS?
Portable Emission Monitoring System
The purpose of the PEMS is to quantify reductions in health-
harming emissions from cooking stoves by collecting, measuring,
and analyzing emissions of CO2, CO, and PM.
It Records
CO Concentration (ppm)
CO2 Concentration (ppm)
PM Concentration (µg/m3)
Exhaust Gas Temperature (ºc)
Water Temperature of Pot (ºc)
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

30. Emission Sensors used
COsensor /Co2 sensor /PM sensor
Software Included

Microsoft Excel Compatible Data Processing Software
 Outputs include: Total Emissions
 Specific Emissions
 Emission Factors
 Fuel Consumption and Efficiency

Live Graph for graphing the output in real time

Terreterm serial port communication software
Protocol used for calculation of result:-National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

31. SPECIFIC FEATURE OF PEMS
 Portable (only 23 kg)
(Power required 250 Watt)
 This equipment can be used in lab as well as in
field
 Easy to install anywhere in field & lab because of
flexible hood structure
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

32. COMPONENTS OF PEMS
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

33. National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

34. ASSEMBLE (LABORATORY )
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

35. EFFICIENCY RESULTS / EMISSION
RESULTS
Cold Start / Hot Start / Simmering
Time to boil Pot # 1 min
Burning rate g/min
Thermal efficiency %
Specific fuel consumption g/liter
Temp-corrected specific
consumption g/liter
Firepower watts
Equivalent Dry Wood Consumed g
Cold START/ Hot START
/Simmering
CO grams
CO2 grams
appx PM mg
Total Global Warming Impact to
Complete the WBT
Grams
of CO2
SOFTWARE USED FOR DATA
CALCULATION
PEMS Processing WBT 7.12
(Aprovecho Research Centre ,USA)
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

36. FINAL RESULT
IWA Performance Metrics units Value
High Power Thermal Efficiency %
Low Power Specific Consumption MJ/min/L
High Power CO g/MJd
Low Power CO g/min/L
High Power PM mg/MJd
Low Power PM mg/min/L
Indoor Emissions CO g/min
Indoor Emissions PM mg/min
Safety
Tier
High Power Thermal Efficiency
Low Power Specific Consumption
High Power CO
Low Power CO
High Power PM
Low Power PM
Indoor Emissions CO
Indoor Emissions PM
Safety
TOTAL GLOBAL WARMING IMPACT g CO2e 4
"To complete WBT"
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

37. PRESENT STATUS /FUTURE
PLAN OF BIOMASS
LABORATORY
Present Status
5 models of ICS received from of AEPC have been
tested (WBT) and reported.
One model of KU & one model of Greenway India have
been tested Using PEMS (WBT & emission)
Contract ready for signing with SNV/Nepal for field
testing of ICS using PEMS in Dadeldhura district
Coordination with AEPC for testing and certifying of
ICS under NRREP.
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013

38. FUTURE PLAN
 Laboratory upgrading by installation of LEMS and IAP
(indoor air pollution) meter (Financial assistance from
NRREP/AEPC)
 Field monitoring & Testing of ICS in various districts.
 Lot verification of ICS at the Manufacturer’s warehouse
before dissemination
 Preparing Business plan of Biomass laboratory with
support from AEPC
 Benchmark fixing for the minimum quality of ICS
AEPC/RETS
 Accreditation of the laboratory from NBSM (Process
initiated)
 Recruitment of addition al human resources as per need.
 R & D activities at NAST
 Govt. Funding through NAST
National Workshop on Stove Testing Standards in Nepal , 25th
July 2013