Reconceptualizing photovoltaic system understanding through a solar food truck prototype: An interactive representation of mobile renewable energy integration
Muhammad Nurtanto1*, Moh Fawaid2, Nurulita Imansari1, Farid Mutohhari3, Mustofa Abi Hamid4, and Abdulnassir Yassir5

1 Department of Technological and Vocational Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Education, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Banten, Indonesia
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Education, Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
4 Department of Electrical Engineering Vocational Education, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Banten, Indonesia
5 Department of Curriculum and Instruction (Instructional Technology), Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda

Abstract

The increasing demand for renewable energy utilization in mobile business sectors highlights the importance of understanding solar photovoltaic systems conceptually and applicatively. However, comprehension of solar panel systems is often limited to theoretical explanations and static electrical diagrams, making energy flow, component integration, and power conversion processes difficult to visualize comprehensively. This study aimed to develop a solar cell-based food truck prototype as a conceptual representation of a photovoltaic power generation system (PLTS) and to analyze its technical performance under operational conditions. The study employed an engineering design and system testing approach through stages of conceptual design, component integration, fabrication, and performance evaluation. The prototype integrated a solar panel, solar charge controller, battery, inverter, battery indicator, AC and DC loads, and electrical control systems within a food truck configuration. Data were collected from solar panel output testing, battery charging performance, DC and AC load endurance, and electrical energy distribution analysis. Data analysis was conducted descriptively by comparing theoretical calculations and actual operational measurements. The results showed that the solar panel achieved optimal performance at 12:00 with an output voltage of 19.68 V, current of 1.22 A, and maximum power of 24 W. Battery testing indicated operational discrepancies between theoretical and actual endurance due to energy losses, inverter efficiency, and battery condition. Technically, the prototype successfully visualized the energy conversion process from solar radiation into electrical energy through an integrated operational system. This study contributes a contextual and interactive conceptual model of photovoltaic systems through a food truck prototype, offering a more applicative representation of renewable energy implementation for mobile energy systems and sustainable technology development.

Keywords: photovoltaic system, solar-powered food truck, renewable energy visualization, energy conversion, mobile energy integration

Topic: Physics Education