Development of a solar energy meter for an experimental array

Abstract

The relevance of the presented development is due to the need to create a device to read and process information from an experimental array of solar panels. The purpose of the array is to obtain reliable data for the verification of models for estimating photovoltaic power potential indicators used in justifying the feasibility of the adoption of solar power plants in the eastern regions of Russia. We present a description of the main and auxiliary equipment of the experimental array. The array’s solar panels are arranged in different ways so as to determine the most efficient tilt angle and justify the need for building a sun-tracking system. The proprietary device based on the Arduino microcontroller was designed to read and write the value of instantaneous power of solar panels. The sensor that will monitor the amperage is ACS712, which is connected to the gap of the power circuit. The study provides a diagram of the current meter and describe its operation. We outline the main stages of subsequent data processing.

A System for Storing and Processing the Results of Energy Test Facility Data Monitoring

“…The test facility consists of three differently oriented solar panels and additional equipment, including hybrid inverters and batteries. A more detailed description of the experimental facility is given in [9].…”

“…The next version of the data logger (Fig. 1) was equipped with a real-time module with a built-in lithium battery for independent power supply and acquired the capability to write data to an SD card [9].…”

Solar Tracker Design Based on Arduino Nano to Improve Solar Energy Efficiency

“…A solar tracker is a system that moves solar panels so that they constantly face squarely toward the sun throughout the day. As a result, the solar panels will receive maximum sunshine at all times, considerably improving electrical energy production [7][8][9].…”