Product Engineering Services & Solutions blending Applied Sciences with Technologies
Case Study: Solar Power Management
Complete end to end design & development for solar power management.
Client
Client is into installation and support for solar power solutions to industrial & domestic consumers. Client wanted to build an end to end product from design, development, manufacture, service & support.
Challenges
Background:
The client was from distributor background and wanted to get into design, development & manufacturing. Was looking to develop a low cost import substitute since he had mechanical & manufacturing capabilities. Looking for a partner in electronics & firmware.
There was no technical /user documentation for the product.
Problem Statement:
Client wanted to build his own product. Design & development capabilities were not his forte hence was looking for a technical partner.
Solution
Overview:
Design integrated PV panel tracking controller with parameter data acquisition system. Also build a wireless network of panels using IoT.
Details:
- Panel position changes based on solar position.
- Second axis control to accommodate change in solar position during the year.
- Integration of GPS for accurate position and timing.
- Multiple checks to ensure panel protection. Integration of environmental sensors.
- Panel position sensing using inclinometer.
- Battery monitoring with Under Voltage and Over Current protection.
- Compact design. Local LCD display to monitor various parameters.
- Local data logging. Central monitoring at master device using IoT MQTT protocol.
- Connectivity among controllers using WiFi and Wired LAN to exchange environmental information from sensors installed with one controller.
- TCP MODBUS support for data exchange with RTU (Remote Terminal Unit). Fully configurable system to suit most of the variations.
Benefits
Technology:
- Modular system scalable to any size
- IoT based Remote Monitoring
- Panel positioning based on solar positioning algorithm
- Information from Distributed sensors available to all controllers
Business:
- Cost Optimization
- Reduced time to market and substantial economic advantage
- Support cost reduced