Skip to main content
HashnodePowerLab Engineering JournalPowerLab Engineering Journal

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

About PowerLab

PowerLab is an open-source, client-side computational engineering workbench for distributed clean energy systems.

Traditional renewable energy planning tools often lock mathematical models behind expensive commercial paywalls or conceal critical physical loss parameters inside proprietary black-box software. PowerLab replaces these with fully transparent, auditable, and deterministic calculation engines.

Core Engineering Pillars

  1. Solar Photovoltaics (PV):

    • Optimal seasonal tilt and azimuth modeling based on latitude and ground-reflection albedo.
    • NREL PVWatts V8 solar irradiance integration.
    • Temperature derating coefficients and sub-zero open-circuit voltage ($V_{oc}$) string expansion.

  2. Battery Energy Storage (BESS):

    • Dynamic Peukert capacity derating across varying discharge C-rates.
    • Chemistry-specific depth of discharge (DoD) limits and reserve modeling for LiFePO4, NMC, and Lead-Acid.
    • Ambient temperature capacity loss factors.

  3. Inverter & Power Electronics:

    • Continuous rated output versus Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) motor starting surge sizing.
    • Inverter tare losses, standby parasitic draw, and weighted efficiency curves.
    • DC conductor ampacity sizing and voltage drop mitigation conforming to NEC 310.16.

  4. Standards & Governing Codes:

    • All electrical sizing conforms to NFPA 70 / National Electrical Code (NEC 2023) Articles 690, 705, and 706.
    • Grid-interconnection models adhere to IEEE 1547-2018 baselines.

Architectural Principles

  • Deterministic & Reproducible: Every result exposes the exact equations, physical coefficients, and material assumptions used.
  • Client-Side Execution: All calculations execute in your browser using pure TypeScript engines. No user accounts, database logging, or tracking cookies.
  • Open Access: Distributed under the MIT License for engineers, students, apprentices, and solar technicians worldwide.

Explore PowerLab