Abstract
This paper proposes a wireless low-cost solution based on long-range (LoRa) technology able to communicate with remote PV power plants, covering long distances with minimum power consumption and maintenance. This solution includes a low-cost open-source technology at the sensor layer and a low-power wireless area network (LPWAN) at the communication layer, combining the advantages of long-range coverage and low power demand. Moreover, it offers an extensive monitoring system to exchange data in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. A detailed description of the proposed system at the PV module level of integration is also included in the paper, as well as detailed information regarding LPWAN application to the PV power plant monitoring problem. In order to assess the suitability of the proposed solution, results collected in real PV installations connected to the grid are also included and discussed.
Highlights
In most countries, fossil fuel consumption has been drastically increasing along with enhancements in the quality of life and industrialization, and a growing world population [1].This relevant fossil fuel consumption leads to an increase in the rate of diminishing fossil fuel reserves, and has a significant adverse influence on the environment and the threat of global climate change
This study is in line with previous works of the authors focused on PV monitoring [46,47]; as well as in line with recent contributions where power line communication (PLC) and wireless are considered the best candidates for communication purposes [48], and wireless is poised to play a significant role in shaping the capabilities of future measurement systems [49]
Coverage range, and performance evaluation of the PV power plant are described with the goal of adding value to our proposal in terms of a sensing, monitoring, and data packet transmission solution in an IoT scenario
Summary
Fossil fuel consumption has been drastically increasing along with enhancements in the quality of life and industrialization, and a growing world population [1]. Considering previous approaches, this work provides a step forward: a wireless low-cost open-source monitoring solution based on long-range (LoRa) technology able to communicate with remote PV power plants. This study is in line with previous works of the authors focused on PV monitoring [46,47]; as well as in line with recent contributions where PLC and wireless are considered the best candidates for communication purposes [48], and wireless is poised to play a significant role in shaping the capabilities of future measurement systems [49]. Wide areas, referred to remote PV installations, are controlled via and communicated through a low-cost open-source solution based on LoRa technology. The proposed solution is flexible to exchange data in real time among PV power plants in terms of power generation and weather parameters.
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