Internet of Things for Monitoring and Optimisation of Stand-Alone Systems in Rural Area: an Experimental Case

Abstract

The integration of the Internet of Things into the renewable energy sector establishes a communication network that interconnects sensors across diverse renewable energy resources and corresponding software for seamless data exchange and functional operations. Rural areas, particularly those relying on stand-alone renewable energy systems, face significant challenges in effectively integrating and optimising renewable energy sources. These challenges include the need for continuous monitoring of energy production and consumption, accurate forecasting of electric energy usage, and enhancing the overall efficiency of renewable energy power generation. This study addresses these challenges by employing advanced networking and data processing tools to enhance the integration and optimal utilisation of renewable energy sources. The objective is to implement an improved wireless monitoring system through IoT protocols, fostering efficient information access and automated workflows. The proposed system encompasses a solar panel, charge controller, battery, inverter, load, and an IoT system for real-time monitoring of electrical parameters. The study results demonstrate exceptional accuracy, achieving 98.6%, affirming the effectiveness of the IoT-enabled monitoring system in optimising power management.