Integrated Green Energy Solutions, Volume 2

30Datalogger Aided Stand-Alone PV System for Rural Electrification

Aashiq A.¹, Haniya Ashraf¹, Supraja Sivaviji¹, Aadyasha Patel¹ and O.V. Gnana Swathika^2*

¹ School of Electrical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India

² Centre for Smart Grid Technologies, School of Electrical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India

Abstract

Solar energy is an infinite source of clean energy and is a growing alternative for fossil fuels nowadays. Electricity generated by solar PV panels is inexhaustible and does not pollute, thus contributing to sustainable development. A stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) system is one such designed setup aimed at this prospect. The need for employing a Data Logger (DL) is essential in developing countries where rural or remote areas are not connected to the power grid, since DL helps greatly in rural electrification. The proposed methodology aims to implement a cheap and energy-efficient Arduino-based DL to increase productivity. A DL is an electronic device which is used in the initial stages of solar power generation to help minimize costs through intelligent automation and energy management. DL aids in remote monitoring and controlling data, i.e., Electrical PV parameters automatically over time. This PV DL records various electrical parameters and calculates the energy yield. Such environmental conditions are then measured, documented, analyzed and validated. A user-friendly hardware prototype of a cost-efficient ...