An IoT data logging instrument for monitoring and early efficiency loss detection at a photovoltaic generation plant

Abstract

Photovoltaic generation is the proses used to convert solar radiation into electrical energy, at this stage in the development of photovoltaic technology the efficiency of such systems is low and any loss of efficiency should be prevented to create an optimal system. The proposal is an IoT (Internet of things) device that can be used to prevent power loss on large solar farms by monitoring each array separately and giving feedback on efficiency. It is also able to aid in the prevention of power loss by early detection of problematic arrays. A case study calculation is done on a 50MW solar farm to show the possible financial impact of the system, as well as describing the construction and operation of the system. The literature review section describes the equations to calculate the quality and accuracy of the instrument as well as a discussion on sensors and hardware used. It also discusses a real-world case study 50MW photovoltaic plant. The methodology explains the construction and evaluation of the instrument as well as how to calculate the cost impact if implemented on a photovoltaic generation station. The results explain what the relevance is of all the calculations. Conclusions are drawn discussing the outcome and overall relevance. and demonstrating the cost-saving that can be achieved at a typical 50 MW photovoltaic generation station. This instrument’s low production cost could mean that it can be incorporated in large or small scale Photovoltaic generation systems.