1.

0 ABSTRACT
Photovoltaic (PV) generation, as one of renewable energy generation, will play an
importance role to solve the energy shortage and environmental problem in the future.
Electricity produced by PV systems has been increasing worldwide due to its more
progressive insertion into governmental policies aiming to find more renewable energy
sources[1].
A Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) system typically consists of several
Photovoltaic (PV) modules which are connected to one or more than one inverters. The
PV modules firstly convert the sunlight into DC electricity. The DC electricity is later
converted into AC electricity which matches the grid electricity characteristics via an
inverter. The GCPV systems have become primarily significant especially in urban areas
where the conventional utility grid is readily available for interconnection. If the system
fails to meet the load demand due to poor weather performance, the load demand is often
met by the grid. Thus, the operation of GCPV system as one of the alternative modes of
electricity generation appears to be practical. However, the implementation of these
systems can only be technically and economically feasible if the systems are operating as
what has been designed.
Therefore, this study is aimed to monitor and provided the data to the user to simulate
the system performance of GCPV that has become the primary concern. It is because this
monitoring system is important to maintain a PV systems sustained operability, and for a
user to understand glitches that occur while system is operating. In developing the PV
system, information of photovoltaic characteristics is essential as well as the information
on meteorological. Many monitoring systems have been developed in order to evaluate PV
system performance. Several instruments using conventional electronics or based on
microprocessor data- acquisition system (DAQS) are developed. It is used to collect,
register, integrate and record meteorological data and also the electrical characteristic of
PV system[2].
There are several types of sensor that must be used to monitor the system performance
of the GCPV. The types of sensor are the solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and solar
cell temperature, AC voltage and AC current transducers.

2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Overview of study
In existing monitoring of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) systems, the underperformance of a GCPV system remains not detected until an analysis and evaluation of
system performance are performed at a specific interval throughout the monitoring effort.
Therefore, this study has provided the PV monitoring system using an Arduino-based
microcontroller.
The proposed monitoring system consists of a data acquisition system containing
sensors for measuring solar irradiance, ambient temperature and solar cell temperature. All
sensors in this system connect to Arduino based microcontroller. Ethernet shield is used to
send the data from the Arduino to the user. Then the user can view the data by using
Graphical User Interface (GUI).
In this system also the AC voltage and AC current transducer is used to measure the
values of the voltage and current respectively. These measurements also use Arduino to
implement the data from both transducers. The both transducers are also connected to the
data-logger where user can record and monitor the data.
2.2 Problem statement
The output performance of a GCPV system has usually fluctuated as it is strongly
dependent on the varying ambient parameters such as solar irradiance and temperature. As
a result, GCPV system performance are often monitored by logging the system input
parameters such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature and solar cell temperature as well
as the output power from the inverter. The system performance is then analyzed and
evaluated periodically using the monitored data to determine the overall system
performance indicators. Therefore, a system is diagnosed to have good or poor
performance only after the evaluation is made at the end of the monitoring period, i.e.,
commonly at the end of each month or at the end of the year.
However, a major drawback of such monitoring mechanism is the occurrence of fault
cannot be detected immediately unless the performance of the system is evaluated
continuously throughout the monitoring.

2.3 Significant of work

For this system the data from all sensors will be record by using data logger then the
data will be sent to user by using Ethernet shield of Arduino. This system is to provide the
data that to be simulated by user to differentiate the error between the predicted power
and the actual power from the system that will be used as the accuracy indicator for the
prediction. The proposed monitoring system will enable an immediate detection of poor
system performance, thus allowing the corrective maintenance to be conducted
immediately without relying on the periodic maintenance or the periodic evaluation of the
system performance.

2.4 Objectives
This study proposes a continuous PV monitoring system using an Arduino-based
microcontroller. The study is aimed to fulfill the following objectives:
1) To develop low cost data recorder and monitoring the performance of the GCPV
system
2) To predict the output power from a GCPV system
3) To detect under-performance of a GCPV system
2.5 Scope of work
In this study, this monitoring system is to provide the data from the sensors that is
developed as a separate unit from the GCPV system. It comprises a data-logger that
displays the data using Graphical User Interface (GUI). The data logger will be used for
converting the analog inputs from the various sensors to digital inputs that are
recognizable by the data-processing software. The data-logger will receive the data from
the solar irradiance, ambient temperature and cell temperature as its inputs while the AC
power from the GCPV system will be set as its output. It will be utilized as a predictor of
the expected AC power from the GCPV system based on the instantaneous solar
irradiance, ambient temperature and cell temperature. If the actual power from the GCPV
system is lower than the expected power a fault indicator in the software will be activated.
Thus, the corrective action could be done immediately without waiting for the periodic
evaluation of the system performance.
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The AC voltage and AC current transducers also was used in this system to measure
the values of the voltage and current respectively. These both transducers are connected to
output of the inverter. These measurements also use Arduino to implement the data from
both transducers. The both transducers also connected to the data-logger where user can
record and monitor the data. This data will send to the user using Ethernet shield that are
compatible with Arduino. When user has the data user can differentiate the error between
the predicted power and the actual power from the system that will be used as the accuracy
indicator for the prediction.
2.6 Literature review
The hardware that must use in this PV monitoring system using an Arduino-based
microcontroller is state below:
2.6.1 Arduino Uno microcontroller
For this project, Arduino Uno is the main focused because it is a technology selection
for this system. The Arduino Uno is a Microcontroller board based on the ATmega328.
Arduino Uno has 14 digital input and output pins which is 6 pins can be used as PWM
outputs, 6 analog inputs, a 16MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an
ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the
microcontroller, just connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC to
DC adapter or battery to get started. The UNO differs from all preceding boards in that it
does not use the FTDI USB to serial driver chip[3].
2.6.2 Solar Panel
A solar panel simply put is a collection of solar cells. They work together to supply
electricity for various uses. A single cell does not have the capacity for generating a lot of
electricity so multiple cells are connected together to increase the capacity, how many
cells depends on the amount of electricity required. The more light available to the solar
panels the greater the amount of electricity they can supply.Solar panels are designed to
convert light into electricity[4].
The process of extracting electricity from light is called Photovoltaic (PV) and the PV
process converts solar energy directly into electricity. A PV cell, also known as a selfgenerating barrier layer cell is a PV detector that converts radiant flux straight into
electrical current[4].
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2.6.3 Data logger

The data logger is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to
location with a built in sensor. One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the
ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis, and time stamp of logging can be
set (five minutes to one hour basis). Upon activation, data logger is left unattended to
measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for
a comprehensive, accurate picture of sub-system conditions being monitored, such as PV
Solar Cell, Battery, Charger/Controller, LED Lamp and ambient temperature [5].
2.6.4 AC Voltage Transducer (CR4500 Series)
The CR4500 Series, true RMS Voltage Transducers and Transmitters are designed for
applications where AC voltage waveforms are not purely sinusoidal. More precise and
accurate than other devices, these units are ideal in chopped wave and phase fired control
systems[6].The applications of this AC Voltage Transducer is Phase fired controlled
devices, Quickly varying voltage supplies, Chopped waveform drivers and Harmonic
voltages[6].
Features of AC Voltage Transducer:

35mm DIN rail mount or panel mount

Available with 0-5 Vdc or 4-20 mA DC outputs

24 Vdc powered

Highest precision available

Outputs isolated from inputs

Connection diagram printed on case

2.6.5 AC Current Transducer (CR4100 Series)

The CR4100 Series True RMS Current Transducers and Transmitters are designed for
applications where AC current waveforms are not purely sinusoidal. More precise and
accurate than other transducers, these devices are ideal in chopped wave and phase fired
control systems[7]. The applications of this AC Current Transducer (CR4100 Series) is
Phase fired controlled heaters, Quickly varying motor loads Chopped wave form drivers
Harmonic currents[7].

Features of AC Current Transducer:

35mm DIN Rail or Panel Mount

Available with 0 - 5 VDC or 4 - 20 mADC outputs

24 VDC powered

Use with external current transformers

Highest precision available

Connection diagram printed on case

2.6.6 Irradiance Sensor

The Solar Radiation Sensor, or solar pyrometer, is to measures global radiation, the
sum at the point of measurement of both the direct and diffuse components of solar
irradiance. The sensors transducer, which converts incident radiation to electrical current,
is a silicon photodiode with wide spectral response. From the sensors output voltage, the
console calculates and displays solar irradiance. It also integrates the irradiance values and
displays total incident energy over a set period of time[8].
It delivers a reference value for solar radiation and enables conclusions to be drawn
about possible power generation problems. The irradiance sensor consists of a single solar
cell and should be installed at the same angle as solar panels. This helps it to serve as an
ideal reference value. Drops in performance even at low levels of radiation can be
identified and error messages generated. Due to the built-in internal module temperature
sensor, it is easy to analyze reductions in performance[9].
2.6.7 Cell Temperature Sensor
The cell temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature in solar system. It has
been shown that the temperature of a solar panel directly affects its maximum power
output. The flat surface temperature sensors can be mounted on each solar panel or on
selected representative solar panels to provide temperature measurement profiles of a solar
panel array[10].
The sensor can provide temperature measurement data to an overall monitoring
system, allowing for advanced notification of potential power output issues caused by
changes in the solar panels temperature. With this measurement information, adjustments
can be made to the power delivery system or the whole power grid if necessary[10].

2.6.8 Solar Micro-Inverter

A solar micro-inverter, or simply microinverter, is a device used in photovoltaics that
converts direct current (DC) generated by a single solar module to alternating current
(AC). The output from several microinverters is combined and often fed to the electrical
grid. Microinverters contrast with conventional string and central solar inverters, which
are connected to multiple solar modules or panels of the PV system[11].
Microinverters have several advantages over conventional inverters. The main
advantage is that small amounts of shading, debris or snow lines on any one solar module,
or even a complete module failure, do not disproportionately reduce the output of the
entire array[11].
2.6.9 Ethernet Shield
The Arduino Ethernet Shield allows an Arduino board to connect to the internet. It is
based on the Wiznet W5100 ethernet chip. The Wiznet W5100 provides a network (IP)
stack capable of both TCP and UDP. It supports up to four simultaneous socket
connections. Use the Ethernet library to write sketches which connect to the internet using
the shield. The ethernet shield connects to an Arduino board using long wire-wrap headers
which extend through the shield. This keeps the pin layout intact and allows another shield
to be stacked on top. The most recent revision of the board exposes the 1.0 pinout on rev 3
of the Arduino UNO board[12].
The Ethernet Shield has a standard RJ-45 connection, with an integrated line
transformer and Power over Ethernet enabled. There is an onboard micro-SD card slot,
which can be used to store files for serving over the network. It is compatible with the
Arduino Uno and Mega (using the Ethernet library). The onboard microSD card reader is
accessible through the SD Library. When working with this library, SS is on Pin 4. The
original revision of the shield contained a full-size SD card slot; this is not supported[12].

The shield also includes a reset controller, to ensure that the W5100 Ethernet module
is properly reset on power-up. Previous revisions of the shield were not compatible with
the Mega and need to be manually reset after power-up[12].
The current shield has a Power over Ethernet (PoE) module designed to extract power
from a conventional twisted pair Category 5 Ethernet cable[12]:

IEEE802.3af compliant

Low output ripple and noise (100mVpp)

Input voltage range 36V to 57V

Overload and short-circuit protection

9V Output

High efficiency DC/DC converter: typ 75% @ 50% load

1500V isolation (input to output)

3.0 METHODOLOGY
The proposed monitoring system will be developed in several stages, i.e. the datalogger development and the testing and validation of the monitoring system. The datalogger will be developed using Arduino microcontroller to suit the sensor characteristics
and interfacing solutions for sensing and signal conversion from the sensors to the
software in a PC that was Illustrated as figure 1. Five sensors will be used for collecting
the solar irradiance, ambient temperature, solar cell temperature. The way to collect the
data from those sensor is shown in Figure 2. AC voltage and AC current transducers from
the output of the inverter also was used to collect the AC current and AC voltage data. The
way to collect those data is shown in figure 3 .The AC voltage and AC current values will
be used to calculate the measured AC power from the system.
Signal from each sensor will be collected by a data-logger for scaling and analog to
digital conversion. The signals will be then send the data to the user which contains the
user-friendly features of Graphical User Interface (GUI). A prediction error will be used to
quantify the prediction performance. If the prediction error is larger than a preset error, a
fault error message will be displayed by the software to warn the GCPV system owner.
Thus, the corrective maintenance could be performed immediately without waiting for the
common periodic evaluation of system performance. Testing and validation of the
monitoring system will be conducted using a different set of data which will be obtained
using the same GCPV system under study.
However, several fault conditions will be simulated by shading one PV module in one
of the PV strings in the system such that a low power output is obtained. Thus, this
performance monitoring system is expected to detect the fault condition and warn the
system owner about the poor performance of the system.

Figure 1: Illustration of an intelligent-based monitoring system for a GCPV system

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Start

Output data from

irradiance sensor

Output data from ambient

temperature sensor

Output data from cell

temperature sensor

Output data will be

implement using Arduino
Uno

Output data will be

collected by data logger

Data from data logger will

send to user PC via online
server(Ethernet Shield)

Monitoring the data from

online server using GUI

End

Figure 2: Flowchart to get the output data by using Irradiance , ambient temperature and cell
temperature sensor

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Start

Output of AC current and

voltage from solar micro
inverter

Output data from AC current

transducer

Output data from AC voltage

transducer

Output data will be implement

using Arduino Uno

Output data will be collected by

data logger

Data from data logger will send

to user PC via online
server(Ethernet Shield)

Monitoring the data from online

server using GUI

End

Figure 3: Flowchart to get the output data by using AC current and AC voltage transducers

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4.0 PLAN SCHEDULES (Gantt chart for both semester)

Activities

Final Year Project 1

September
1

October
1

November
4

December
4

January
4

Meeting with
supervisor
Title briefing
by supervisor
Find
journal
Lab aVisit
or other source
Proposal
writing
Proposal
submission to
supervisor
Submit
proposal to
coordinator
Activities

Final Year Project 2

February
1

March
4

April
4

Hardware
installation
Testing and
troubleshooting
Data collection

Thesis writing

Presentation

Thesis
submission

13

June
4

July
4

5.0 EXPECTED RESULTS

The expected result for this PV monitoring system using an Arduino-based
microcontroller based on the output of the sensors and tranducers. The performance of this
system depends on logging the system input parameters such as solar irradiance, ambient
temperature and solar cell temperature as well as the output power (AC current and AC
voltage) from the inverter. The system performance is will be analyzed and evaluated
periodically using the monitored data to determine the overall system performance
indicators.
The data of the system were collected in a specific day. The performance
monitoring and test system can show the every collected real time data in curves or in
table list on the screen of the PV.
6.0 CONCLUSION
The conclusion that can be made from this PV monitoring system using an
Arduino-based microcontroller, user can produce low cost PV monitoring system to get
the performance data based on sensors and transducer that can be implemented using
Arduino Uno. Therefore user can immediate detect the poor system performance, thus
allowing the corrective maintenance to be conducted immediately without relying on the
periodic maintenance or the periodic evaluation of the system performance.
The aim of this system is to provide the performance data to user by using Ethernet
shield of arduino which can make recording and monitoring works become easily to user
to predict the output performance of PV monitoring system. Then user can accessed the
performance data at any places that have internet connection. This system also create user
friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Last but not least this system will make the renewable energy generation more
effectively and will help people consume electricity without any problem. It is because
renewable energy can help us to safe our world become more greenly.

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7.0 References
[1]

X. Zou, L. Bian, Z. Yonghui, L. Haitao, A. Description, and G. Pv, Performance

Monitoring and test System for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems, pp. 14, 2012.

[2]

A. Rivai and N. A. Rahim, A low-cost Photovoltaic ( PV ) array Monitoring System,

pp. 169174, 2013.

[3]

Arduino - ArduinoBoardUno. [Online]. Available:

http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardUno. [Accessed: 16-Nov-2014].

[4]

Solar Panels - Information and facts on solar panels, home solar panels, solar panel
info. [Online]. Available: http://www.siemenssolar.com/solar-panels.html. [Accessed:
16-Nov-2014].

[5]

A. Purwadi, Y. Haroen, F. Y. Ali, N. Heryana, D. Nurafiat, and A. Assegaf, Prototype

Development of a Low Cost Data Logger for PV Based LED Street Lighting System,
no. July, pp. 1115, 2011.

[6]

D. I. N. Rail, P. Mount, and T. Rms, True RMS AC Voltage Transducer, pp. 2223.

[7]

S. Cr, True RMS AC Current Transducer, pp. 2627.

[8]

V. Pro, Solar Radiation Sensor, vol. 6450, pp. 12.

[9]

S. Box, Inverter connection and sensors Pyranometer and Irradiance Sensors with
Module Temperature Sensor.

[10] Sensor Monitors Solar Panel Temperatures. [Online]. Available:

http://www.rdmag.com/product-releases/2011/06/sensor-monitors-solar-paneltemperatures. [Accessed: 16-Nov-2014].
[11] Solar micro-inverter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [Online]. Available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_micro-inverter. [Accessed: 16-Nov-2014].
[12] Arduino - ArduinoEthernetShield. [Online]. Available:
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoEthernetShield. [Accessed: 16-Nov-2014].

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