Researching the ZigBee Technology for the Organization of Networks of Electricity Generation Complexes Based on Renewable Energy Sources

The paper analyzes network technologies and their suitability for electric power supply systems based on renewable energy sources. Relevance: The widespread of electric power complexes using renewable energy sources requires efficient organization of internal interactions within the system. It can be achieved through the construction of control networks, as well as command and data transfer networks, connecting the units of these complexes. Research Background: This research was brought about by the increasing production of electricity from renewable energy sources, as well as the subsequent increase in the number of generation units and the land area occupied by power generation complexes. There are quite many wired and wireless communication technologies available today, yet there are no clear recommendations or tested solutions for the area in question. Purpose of the research work: The purpose of this research is a practical implementation of the ZigBee technology, obtaining its operation parameters through experiments, their digitalization, and comparison with other network technologies to assess their applicability for electric power supply systems. Methods: The key methods for this paper include the analysis of the existing technologies, forecasting, experimenting, observation, the collection and analysis of the data on ZigBee technology, and comparing it with alternative options. Results: The authors designed a device prototype and developed network operation research and analysis methods. Practical significance: According to the results of the research, the ZigBee technology can be used in small electricity generation complexes based on renewable energy sources.