The client, an intelligent energy technologies provider, reached out to Infinity Technologies with the request to develop a solution, that would advance intelligent energy systems. The monitoring and analytic solution should keep track of the solar energy system in real time, giving the possibility to check all the performance rates and data in the mobile application.
Metrics to be monitored:
The transition to renewable energy sources is at the height of popularity for those who struggle for energy consciousness, which leads to increased interest in PV solar systems. In such conditions, it is important to provide consumers with monitoring systems that can report how well the particular solar system performs. Moreover, the monitoring system should improve reliability and overall energy consumption.
The main challenge of creating the solar battery monitoring system was in covering the need for up-to-date and accurate information for the technical specialists who are maintaining these systems, as well as for the end users, who want to control the condition of their energy systems. The information should be presented in a convenient and easy-to-understand way, being available on multiple devices: PCs, smartphones, and tablets of any manufacturer.
To achieve the estimated results, it was necessary to build a solution, that will collect the data from the power system, analyze and display it. In addition, for the convenience of the users we needed a mobile app which will visualize and represent all the gathered information in an intuitive manner.
To build a web application, the team used a combination of React Native on the back-end and JavaScript on the front-end. Postgresql was chosen as a relational database that works well for the large scope of dynamic data. We’ve applied the best practices in IoT application building and implemented a lightweight messaging protocol, MQTT, to transmit data between devices and servers. An open-source analytics and monitoring platform Grafana, was implemented to visualise data from multiple sources, including databases and IoT devices. To build the mobile applications, iOS Native and Android Native were used.
The Solution receives data from the multiple sensors and detectors, connected to the hardware. The received data is stored in the database and processed to give the user the information in an easy-to-read form. Combination of the monitoring system with the app allowed access to the data from home or on the go. The Solution shows the system status, the amount of energy produced and even the amount of energy consumed by different appliances launched, as well as the battery load. Moreover, it is possible to check how many watts each panel is producing at any given time. This information helps to understand when the panels need maintenance or simple cleaning. The system owners can see all this data in easy-to-read graphics on the app.
The smart battery management system ensures batteries are optimally charged and ready for use. The system combines battery monitoring and testing and can process information about the peak battery performance time. It is integrated with the solar system analytics tool, so the obtained information is displayed in the desktop and mobile applications. Thus, providing visibility of the health and status of the battery fleet. The system monitors each battery individually and allows the scheduling of tests for the system manager, helping to discover and resolve battery problems before they affect the whole power system.
The battery monitoring system determines the battery efficiency and power output. It shows whether the current draw does not exceed the solar panel’s input, so the system is perfectly balanced. The sensors from the batteries also indicate temperature, voltage, current, and wattage. It is possible to monitor the individual battery cell or the whole fleet.
The Solution ensures centralised monitoring of the complete solar system in one application. And if any emergency occurs, it sends e-mail or SMS alerts to the user. For example, when voltages or currents are out of the desired patterns. The mapping interface shows the solar panel layout allowing the user to identify which panels or batteries are problematic.
The Solution gives the solar system owner access to a wide range of dynamic data about the conditions of the power system, including the following:
The Solar System Monitoring and Analytics Solution is employed to check that the user is achieving efficient output from the solar power system and analyse the overall performance, power output, and battery health for peak panel performance and power efficiency, thus ensuring more effective operation and prolonged lifespan of the system.
