A Decentralized Wireless Solution to Monitor and Diagnose PV Solar Module Performance Based on Symmetrized-Shifted Gompertz Functions

Abstract

This paper proposes and assesses an integrated solution to monitor and diagnose photovoltaic (PV) solar modules based on a decentralized wireless sensor acquisition system. Both DC electrical variables and environmental data are collected at PV module level using low-cost and high-energy efficiency node sensors. Data is real-time processed locally and compared with expected PV module performances obtained by a PV module model based on symmetrized-shifted Gompertz functions (as previously developed and assessed by the authors). Sensor nodes send data to a centralized sink-computing module using a multi-hop wireless sensor network architecture. Such integration thus provides extensive analysis of PV installations, and avoids off-line tests or post-processing processes. In comparison with previous approaches, this solution is enhanced with a low-cost system and non-critical performance constraints, and it is suitable for extensive deployment in PV power plants. Moreover, it is easily implemented in existing PV installations, since no additional wiring is required. The system has been implemented and assessed in a Spanish PV power plant connected to the grid. Results and estimations of PV module performances are also included in the paper.

PV Module Monitoring System Based on Low-Cost Solutions: Wireless Raspberry Application and Assessment

“…According to previous works and contributions of the authors in PV monitoring [32], this paper proposes a flexible, low-cost, and user-friendly monitoring system based on open-source prototyping boards for PV power plants according to the IEC-61724 standard requirements. The main contributions of this paper are summarized as follows:…”

Concept of Designing Thermal Condition Monitoring System with ZigBee/GSM Communication Link for Distributed Energy Resources Network in Rural and Remote Applications

“…The emergence of wireless communication technologies for distributed grid operation proposes various functioning characteristics with their pros and cons [65]. The concerns of wireless connection for DERs performance present comprehensive benefits with some drawbacks [66], which influence the general communication requirements of smart grid application deployment. WSNs are maturing technologically and in the practice of field applications for physical parameters and also intelligence to transmit signal wirelessly.…”

“…Although cable-based networked communications are sometimes an infeasible resolution, however due to their complexity in installation and maintenance, their presence in industrial monitoring and controls are still being accommodated until they are completely phased out. In distributed energy systems with high penetration for renewables distributed generation units, connecting at different voltages and power levels make the evolution of wireless technology proposal significant in all performance [65][66][67]. This proposes a solution to performance assurance to overcome the operational deficiency as a result of cable breakdown and other lapses in variables indications.…”

“…Consequently, for applications that are impervious to latency and do not involve large amount of data transmission, Sigfox and class-A of LoRa could be optionally considered. However, for applications that requires low latency and long range of star topology, NB-IoT/LTE and class-C LoRa are the better choices but with cost implications and low data rate [66][67][68][69][70].…”

“…The processing techniques concept applies the adaptive data rate (ADR) for its algorithm estimation of the coding rate (CR) and spreading factor (SF) for parameters under specific channel condition. Consequently, each gateway sends the received packet from the end node to the cloud-based network server through standard IP connections [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]. This is a challenge for the nodes managing interface as critical network assets, where LoRa/LoRaWAN submitted data experiences critical events scenarios beyond real-time schedules.…”