Design of Cost-Effective Microcontroller Based Load Controller with Data Logging for Standalone Electric Plant

Abstract

Maintaining the voltage and frequency fluctuation using a hydraulic governor in Standalone Micro- Hydro Projects (SMHEP) is costlier than the generator itself. So, an Electronics Load Controller (ELC) is used to regulate output power of generator used in the SMHEP. Developments in the ELCs will play an important role in increasing the efficiency and life span of the power plant thereby providing a lot of space for the further improvements. This paper analyzes the current trends and tries to identify their limitations and suggest a novel approach in designing a cost effective ELC system with the capabilities of data logging. In this study software simulation was carried out in Proteus, while the experimental model was designed using microcontroller and integrated sensor system. Both the software and hardware implementations showed positive results. The experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions in which the proposed model successfully diverted the excess power to connected dump loads and allowed the generator to generate the power at full load with efficient data logging and graphical user interface. Keyword: Data Acquisition, Electronic Ballasts, Load Management, Sensor Systems and Applications, Standalone Power Supply