Enhancing Maximum Power Point Tracking of Solar Energy Harvester to Energize Seismic Node: A Case of NNNSS Nodes

Abstract

A seismometer is a relatively low duty electronic device that needs a reliable and continuous amount of electrical energy for it to perform optimally. Solar module deployed across seismic nodes have low efficiency, particularly among Nigerian National Network of Seismographic Stations (NNNSS) nodes. This brings about a disproportional plan and overkilling of installation of an energy harvesting system at the seismic node. This work intends to optimize parameters of Maximum Power Point Tracking and delivers a sizeable, cost-efficient, and reliable energy harvesting system at seismic nodes. This will avoid wastage of electrical energy and enable a frugal budget of energy harvesting system at a seismic node. The paper intends to present a solar cell model of a single diode and the simulations with NNNSS nodes environmental parameters. An algorithm of Maximum Power Point Tracking which sits in the power converter and performs iterations on the outputs from the solar energy transducer. That will recognize the appropriate duty cycles, deliver maximum power, and supply require voltage at the node. This work intends to identify the constraints of the Maximum Power Point Tracking techniques and optimize them. This will enhance the operations of seismic instrumentation to create a continuous seismic database without gaps. The results prove that the algorithm can hugely improve the efficiency of solar energy harvesting system.