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Real Time Solar Power Plant Monitoring and Control System Using IoT

Article · September 2020

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Ganesh V. Karbhari Pragya Nema

Anantrao Pawar College Of Engineering & Research Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research
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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, brief introduction of solar control systems has been discussed. It includes
motivation behind the research project and problem statement. In this chapter, current market
trends in power sector and its effects are taken into consideration. To reduce energy demand
and environmental impact, nowadays adoption of renewable energy sources is one of modern
and essential way. Government sector as well as private companies are involved in solar and
wind power generation to resolve the issue of power crisis in their states. Government is
supporting private sector to generate more energy plants.

1.1 Motivation behind Real Time Monitoring of Solar Power Plants

For satisfying the current power demands, the International Energy Agency (IEA) given
statement that the renewable energy sources [1] can be introduced as fastest growing
alternative energy sources in present time. In renewable sources, wind and solar PV are
widely used alternatives. As per the policy of government, some of private companies are
building solar power plants and selling the power generated to the government electricity
boards to increase their income and fulfill the societal power demand.

1.1.1 Need of Solar Energy and Solar Power Plant Study

The solar power plant and align factor of power generation are discussed in brief in literature
review as well as traditional methods for monitoring of solar power plant are explained in
detail. These renewable energy sources [1] are mature in technology as well as affordable in
economical point of view. Due to modernization and advancement in technology, cost of
renewable equipment has been reduced in huge amount. So, the installation of solar PV power
plants and their maintenance become easier day by day.

For collecting detailed information about solar photovoltaic plant and to know how they
actually work, visited to “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar solar power plant, Osmanabad, and
Maharashtra, India”. It really helps to think on various factors and issues related to solar power
Plant. This Solar power plant is of 1 MW capacity and generating power of 1.5 Million units
per year with the use of Poly crystalline type of solar panel technology.
1.1.2 General Structure of Solar Monitoring System
Monitoring systems for solar power plant, both traditional and recent are discussed in detail
in introduction, literature review. The recent methods for monitoring also called as remote
monitoring systems are focused in chapter third i.e. proposed methodology. Black diagram
and its flowchart as well as circuit diagrams are explained in detail in that chapter.

Figure 1.1 General structure of Solar Power Plant Monitoring system

In figure 1.1, general structure of monitoring system for solar power plant is described. Solar
panels are generally arranged in systematic manner as per environmental conditions to
generate maximum energy and increase efficiency of power generation. Combiner box is
functioning as link between inverter and solar panels. Inverter is basic electronic device which
act as converter for direct current to alternating current i.e. DC to AC. Transformer transforms
this energy to PVCS i.e. Photovoltaic Combining Switchgear. We need switchgear or DC
circuit breaker to be able to cut off our PV generated power. Substation can be used for various
functions of transformations at plant for generation, distribution and it is depending on
SCADA system. Energy meters are used to measure power based on voltage and current
calculations. Graphical results and data are recorded with help of SCADA system and stored
in computer. Again, this data and graphs can be used for the training purpose of students.
SCADA platforms have also been used, not only to monitor the temperature of the solar panels,
but also in controlling the release of stored electrical energy. Note that all PV systems contain
batteries to which the converted electrical energy is stored. The release of this stored energy
is usually done manually or continuously in older PV systems. The introduction of automation
through SCADA applications has allowed the automated release of electric energy. One of the
industries that use automated electrical energy release is the fishing industry.

1.1.3 IoT Based Solar Monitoring System and Applications

IoT based remote monitoring and controlling system is briefed in upcoming chapters
i.e. proposed methodology, design of remote monitoring system and in interfacing
development of IoT based control system.

Figure 1.2 Internet of Things (IoT) System

The IoT allows items to be sensed and/or controlled remotely over current community
infrastructure, creating possibilities for natural integration of the bodily international into
laptop-based structures. Over a network, IoT is deployed for the purpose of data exchange
between distinct devices. Web or Network which is backbone of system and Things means
physical devices these are the two integral parts of IoT. To get maximum and optimum power
 output in case of solar energy, IoT plays an important role by combining all the physical
devices with web. There are various problems concerned with solar power performance like
faulty panels, faulty connections, and panels with low output. These problems can be
mitigated by the use of IoT [8] which have a tendency to monitor and control panels
automatically. To observe the solar array parameters, we have used At Mega Microcontroller.
This system has several advantages like system friendly development, modified in operation
ways, like advanced renewable energy [1] for casting. Obviously, it results into increased
planning of power station, electricity storage, and versatile generation. IoT finds applications
in following areas;

 Smart cities,

 Smart villages,

 Small greed’s,

 Street lightweight.

 Water heating system;

 Home lighting system;

 Smart mobile charger

 Smart cooker; LED etc.

1.2 Summary
All the theoretical concept of IoT and solar power plant, effect of various factors and
their relation with performance parameter will study. Internet of Things (IoT) platform
combines all data or information from the various panels and applies consistently to share the
data with authenticated users. Smart devices like Smart phones, Smart Watches, Smart
homes, smart cities are including use of IoT concept. Solar energy is available there
throughout the world and can contribute to reduce the dependence of energy imports. In only
ninety minutes, rays from sun strike the planet to produce whole plants energy required for
one year. It doesn't emit different pollutants.

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