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

Abstract

Monitoring the thermal behavior of distributed energy resources (DERs) network explores the dualism between thermal effects and electrical power flow. This paper proposes a design concept that monitors thermal conditions of DER grids, using ZigBee/GSM wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for real-time monitoring in rural and remote areas. The concept seeks to improve upon existing designs by integrating composite functions. The functions comprise temperature conditions monitoring, data acquisition, and wireless data transmission including data storage and abnormal conditions alert/notification for control solutions. Thus, the concept determines the thermal impact on the DERs integrated network. WSNs with temperature sensors LM35 are utilized to complement ZigBee and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies as a communication assisted link. Temperatures are measured from solar Photovoltaic PV modules, wind turbine, distribution cables, protection control units, and energy storage facilities. The ATMEGA328P microcontroller is assigned for signal and control processing. The circuit performance is coordinated and displayed on an LCD screen for normal conditions, whereas abnormal scenarios communicate through an alert/notification by GSM Short Message Service (SMS) protocol. The development analysis was performed through algorithm and circuit simulations. Proteus software was used for circuit design. Both the algorithm and circuit analysis passed the assigned simulation stages.Processes 2019, 7, 383 2 of 29 and material characteristics increases the power demand and hence causes severe thermal problems to the network. It then results in a reduced power quality [1,2]. Thermal behavior monitoring is relevant in electrical distribution networks for the performance of current, voltage, real power, and reactive power. It also influences the operation of protection and control systems.The thermal conditions scenario demands the DERs grid to have prompt system monitoring and potential self-healing schemes to address the development of faults using WSNs [2]. Discussions in [3,4] consent to the monitoring and reliable strategies of distributed power grid adapting to online monitoring to enhance system performance and integrity. The consent reflects the criteria for analyzing DER grid operations, hence involving Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). The technological advancement for merging IT and OT improves data acquisition for system performance of DERs as smart grid [4]. Moreover, in [4,5] system planning, operation, and protection control, OT promotes efficiency in DER networks. The above discussions support online thermal conditions monitoring and controlling of the grid operations to achieve optimum performance. It is also consistent with the assertions in [3] which advocate that the DERs grid improvement cannot adequately be achieved without real-time and online conditions monitoring of components performance. Furthermore, active integration of the DERs network requires an innovativ...

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