Pi IoT - Smarter Spaces with Raspberry Pi 3 - Photovoltaics IoT Controller

RE: Pi IoT - Smarter Spaces with Raspberry Pi 3 - Photovoltaics IoT Controller

martin_knotek — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:40:44 GMT

Final Solution and Results

The above described controller design was subject of a diploma thesis [1] where the detailed description of both HW and SW used can be found. During several months of utilization the design proved it's usability: The energy intake achieved with deployment of external power source was quantified to be above 20% of the overall energy intake, see below. This can be even more when used in less optimal - not so much sun as during summer - conditions. What should be still solved is database management as actually all the data are kept forever which is not applicable for an embedded design solution.

[View:/resized-image/__size/952x794/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c97e6ead-2cea-473c-85d8-d7bf0eebb2d9/contentimage_5F00_181482.png:952:794]

Statistics display of the overall solar energy intake (whole circle) with the contribution of external power source showed in grey (courtesy of Ladislav Lebeda).

Literature

[1] LEBEDA, Ladislav. Optimalizace kombinovaného systému ohřevu TUV. Brno, 2016. Diplomová práce. Vysoké učení technické v Brně.

RE: Pi IoT - Smarter Spaces with Raspberry Pi 3 - Photovoltaics IoT Controller

martin_knotek — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 19:44:28 GMT

So I bought double USB female connector for a PCB mount, DC/DC Buck Converter 12 V to 5 V / 1 A, three Schotky diodes SB260, three 1 kOhm and one 470 Ohm metal resistors 0.5 W / 1% and one red LED diode. (This LED diode with 470 Ohm resistor in series was used to indicate presence of 5 V voltage on the DC/DC convertor output, not part of the already published schematics.) To assemble everything as described in my previous post on an universal PCB dimensioned 5 x 7 cm was quite a challenge – both sides has to be utilized. But finally everything was there and after basics test with Ohmmeter the board was connected to the photovoltaic panel. The first attempt to use the photovoltaic power for Raspberry Pi feeding revealed that during the low sun radiation condition there is not enough power to keep RPi alive – board just kept on rebooting and it didn’t recover even when there was finally enough power to keep it alive. The attempt to use such a minimalistic design for RPi feeding from a photovoltaic panel proved not to be workable. So usual wall power USB adaptor must be deployed. But anyhow the rest of the circuitry can be used for connecting photovoltaic panels, solar collectors temperature sensor, RPi based solar controller and PC ATX power source together as it was intended for. I’ll prepare a detailed photo to see possible PCB layout.

RE: Pi IoT - Smarter Spaces with Raspberry Pi 3 - Photovoltaics IoT Controller

element14Dave — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:37:47 GMT

HI [mention:b1ec9efc0c39428587d94f4de9d28847:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] ,

We would love to see any update on your project! Let us know how we can help.

Dave

RE: Pi IoT - Smarter Spaces with Raspberry Pi 3 - Photovoltaics IoT Controller

element14Dave — Thu, 26 May 2016 18:28:19 GMT

Hello [mention:b1ec9efc0c39428587d94f4de9d28847:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05]

Thanks for posting your introductory blog. I have moved this from your "personal blog" space, to the Pi IoTspace. I am looking forward to seeing your progress!

Dave