Main

Author: Eric Udlis, Ryan Van Ells, Bowen Quan

The code for remotely controlling the Z60+ power supply.

Instructions

Requirements

Install Python and pyvisa-py.

Check if you can connect to the power supply by connecting to the power supply via USB and running this code:

import pyvisa
rm = pyvisa.ResourceManager()
print(rm.list_resources())

If the print statement returns a (), you will have to download this NI-VISA package manager and install its NI-VISA USB driver.

Z60+ user manual. See page 99 of the PDF for how to manipulate the REM, VOLTAGE, and CURRENT knobs to configure the interface, baud, address settings of the Z60+ power supply. In the very least, it's useful for checking that the configuration has been properly set.

Tests

python simple.py [voltage] [timeout] Turns on the power supply for timeout seconds and sets the voltage to voltage. This is a good test to see if you can connect to the power supply and control it.

Other Files

power.py provides a class to control the power supply.

Running (Power Supply)

python runTest.py This code will emulate the solar array with Voc of 30V and Isc of 3.5A

python runTestAny.py This code will emulate the solar array with any Voc and Isc

python runTestUserInput.py This code will emulate the solar array with Voc of 30V and Isc of 3.5A. Takes an input value as power supply current reading.

python runTestUserInputAny.py This code will emulate the solar array with any Voc and Isc. Takes an input value as power supply current reading.

Running (Testing/No Power Supply)

graphUpdateTest.py This code cycles through every point that the power supply could output, using very similar code as the power supply tests.

graphUpdateTest2.py This code takes a user input as power supply current reading, and graphs what the power supply would output.