Low cost wireless sensor monitoring system for photovoltaic (PV) array parameters

Abstract

A significant feasibility required to monitor the parameters during the measurements of PV performance to optimize the energy production process, but the most suitable and effective wireless strategy with implementation cost may rise the difficulties of applying. In order to mitigate that, a low cost and low consumption wireless monitoring circuit is proposed enhanced by a control algorithm and driving software for measuring the PV array parameters. The designed circuit has a low number of components and managed 4 types of sensors for 4 parameters that are necessary to maintain the Real-Time analysis of PV performance. The circuit has only XBee RF module as an active circuit components, several passive (resistors and capacitors) for PV voltage, current, and those for signal conditioning, temperature and irradiance sensors were also involved. The paper presents a prototype system for high voltage series connected PV array in the range (100–310) V and 3 ampere as a maximum current, while the sampling frequency can be configured up to 14 sample/Sec in applications of the short period for data logging for the four channels. The proposed system succeeds in providing real-time monitoring with lower cost and can be extended for more functions such as controlling tracking system and failure diagnosis.