PV-VR: A virtual reality training application using guided virtual tours of the Photovoltaic Applied Research and Testing (PART) Lab

Abstract

Leaving the classroom and engaging in learning through first-hand experience has a long tradition in science and engineering education. A virtual field-trip is a way of providing users with some knowledge and virtual experience of a facility without requiring them to physically visit the location. Virtual labs can provide remote-access to various disciplines of Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) disciplines and are a cost-efficient way for schools and universities to organize high-quality laboratory work. Due to constrictions on time and geographical distances, virtual-labs can be used to share costly equipment and resources, which are otherwise available to a limited number of users. The Photovoltaic (PV) Applied Research and Testing (PART) Lab encompasses a 1.1 MW PV power plant with three solar panel technologies, metrological and radiometer stations, and PV testing lab. PV-VR is an application that uses a scale model of the PART lab for educational interactive lab tours in virtual reality (VR). The actual PV solar power plant is virtualized and virtual representations of all the objects in the plant are inserted into the application. PV-VR takes users on a guided educational tour that allows them to interact with the various technologies to facilitate virtual hands-on learning. The virtual tour is guided by a teacher avatar that explains each technology and initiates animations and interactive educational games with constructive feedback to reinforce learning. PV-VR allows users to learn about solar power technologies and, how power is produced, converted and transmitted. This paper is a summary of the PV-VR application and initial qualitative results from a pilot study.