Nikolas Wolfe
CEN 4914
October 6, 2009
Senior Project: Presentation 1
An Open-Source Remote Monitoring
System
What?An open-source monitoring system for
remote solar power systems
Two Parts:
1.) Hardware Component: Interfaces with charge controller, transmits data
2.) Software Component: Stores and analyzes data
Why?Existing products are expensive, limited,
and proprietary
RM is an important aspect of decentralized power generation
Individuals should be able to take their own initiatives
Inspiration?
Why doesn’t this work?
Sanyang, The Gambia, Summer 2007
Requirements?No Customized Hardware
All Open-Source Software
Extensible and Reproducible
Minimizes After-Installation Costs
Implementation, Part 1
Arduino Duemilanove: $30
disposable cell phone: $15
What is the simplest, least expensive way to accomplish this?
Implementation, Part 2Putting the pieces together….
Arduino enables buffers…
Phone dials DTMF tones…
DTMF transmitted over connected line…
Gantt Chart for Future Implementation 1
Gantt Chart for Future Implementation 2
Highlights…Not a replacement for maintenance of
solar power systems!
Working with Advanced Solar Technologies , Inc. (http://ast-solar.com/) on requirements, testing
Further documentation online at http://code.google.com/p/solar-monitoring-project/
Conclusion…
Realistic expectation is for working prototype
Progress slow but steady…