A low-cost and fast PV I-V curve tracer based on an open source platform with M2M communication capabilities for preventive monitoring. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papageorgas, P.; Piromalis, D.; Valavanis, T.; Kambasis, S.; Iliopoulou, T.; Vokas, G.
• Is Part Of: Energy procedia. Volume 74(2015)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Photovoltaic systems -- I-V curve tracer -- electronic load -- Smart grid -- Smart metering -- Internet of things ;; Power resources -- Congresses; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power resources; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2015.07.641
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-6102

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the realization of a low-cost I-V curve tracer especially designed for solar panels. The proposed design is a low-cost implementation of an I-V tracer capable of producing a number of traces automatically within a fraction of second. It is based on an open-source platform with an embedded microcontroller that integrates contemporary technologies for power consumption and measurement together with networking technologies for Machine-to-Machine (M2 M) communication. This implementation can be embedded in solar panels aiming to the optimization of solar energy production by providing an in-situ solar panel characterization system. Details about the analysis and design methodology for the developed portable tracer are presented with preliminary results.