Weather Station for Solar PV Power Plant Using Arduino Mega

Abstract

The weather station is a major instrument installed at Solar PV Power Plant. The real-time performance of Solar PV power plants can be easily monitored with the help of the weather station. We can use weather data to get insights about plant operations and possible ways to increase plant output. Weather station using Arduino Mega which measured weather parameters like Ambient air temperature, Relative humidity, Air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, Solar radiation, and rain. This weather station specifically developed for Solar PV power plants where measurement of solar radiation, ambient air temperature, and other weather parameters like air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, and rain. The weather station has an onboard display facility to check all parameters and the same weather data are transmitted to the database server via a Wi-Fi (internet) network also stored the data in a memory card. The web application has been developed which shows real-time data at a remote location. So, users can use the same weather data to compare the actual and expected output with the help of this comparison users can take preventive action to get the expected power generation. This weather station provides both solutions like real-time data logging and sharing the measured weather parameter the same as a commercial weather station. The developed weather station is easy to use, lightweight, and low cost as compared the all-weather station available in the market.