AbstractsEngineering

Power Monitoring Device for Off-Grid Solar

by Bethany Kanten




Institution: Harvard University
Department:
Degree: SB
Year: 2015
Keywords: Engineering, Electronics and Electrical
Record ID: 2060739
Full text PDF: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:14398556


Abstract

Off-grid solar power systems are being used in rural, developing regions of the world to provide electricity to communities that previously didn’t have access. These systems are unable to communicate data about power generation and consumption to the organizations that install them. This information can be critical for the organization to ensure they are providing quality electricity, maintain the health of the components in their system, and evaluate the impact they are having in the community. I designed and built a device to monitor power at both the generation and AC or DC consumption sites. Once daily it sends the data to a website via text message where is it displayed to the installer. The device also stores the data locally on a microSD card. The final device abides by the key specifications set by the prior art of low cost and low power consumption. The device also addresses key challenges of off-grid monitoring including data transmission via text message, battery monitoring, reliability/ durability, and versatility with load site monitoring.