Open AccessIoT‐based low‐cost prototype for online monitoring of maximum output power of domestic photovoltaic systems
Author(s) -
Rouibah Nassir,
Barazane Linda,
Benghanem Mohamed,
Mellit Adel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
etri journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2233-7326
pISSN - 1225-6463
DOI - 10.4218/etrij.2019-0537
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , maximum power point tracking , microcontroller , duty cycle , matlab , computer science , real time computing , usb , maximum power principle , power (physics) , embedded system , fault (geology) , engineering , automotive engineering , electrical engineering , voltage , software , operating system , physics , quantum mechanics , inverter , seismology , geology
This paper presents a low‐cost prototype for monitoring online the maximum power produced by a domestic photovoltaic (PV) system using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The most common tracking algorithms (P&O, InCond, HC, VSS InCond, and FL) were first simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and then implemented in a low‐cost microcontroller (Arduino). The current, voltage, load current, load voltage, power at the maximum power point, duty cycle, module temperature, and in‐plane solar irradiance are monitored. Using IoT technology, users can check in real time the change in power produced by their installation anywhere and anytime without additional effort or cost. The designed prototype is suitable for domestic PV applications, particularly at remote sites. It can also help users check online whether any abnormality has happened in their system based simply on the variation in the produced maximum power. Experimental results show that the system performs well. Moreover, the prototype is easy to implement, low in cost, saves time, and minimizes human effort. The developed monitoring system could be extended by integrating fault detection and diagnosis algorithms.