Monitoring and Data Acquisition System for a 3kW Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This research aimed to design and implement a wireless monitoring and data acquisition system using LabVIEW for a 3 kW Solar Fuel Cell Reactor. The system incorporated advanced technologies like Raspberry Pi 3B+, Arduino Nano, PT100 temperature sensors, voltage divider, ACS758, and calibrated cells for precise irradiance sensing. It adhered to the IEC-61724-2017 standard and utilized a 3D-printed housing with a DIN rail fastener for durability and convenience. During a 5-day test period, the study examined the impact of temperature on the photovoltaic module, revealing variations of up to 3 °C among cells, leading to parameter dispersion and performance losses. Temperature also showed an inverse relationship with voltage, with higher temperatures resulting in decreased efficiency and a maximum surface temperature of 52.31 °C. The research also explored the effect of irradiance, finding a direct correlation between irradiance and generated current. Notably, extreme solar irradiance events occurred, with the highest value reaching 1245.90 W/m² for 6 s at 11:39:13 on June 10, 2023, and the longest event lasting 176 s at 1219.77 W/m², occurring at 11:34:17. The collected indicators provided reliable information on energy generation by the SFCR under specific environmental conditions.

Keywords:

• Grid-connected photovoltaic system
• monitoring system
• LabVIEW interface
• data acquisition system

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yi Liu

Yi Liu is working in the School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangxi Vocational College of Mechanical & Electrical Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, China. He is doing research in Photovoltaic Systems. He has attended many conferences at the international level.