DEVELOPMENT, SIMULATION, CALIBRATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WIRELESS SOLAR IRRADIANCE GAUGE

Abstract

In developing countries, lack of functional equipment for solar irradiation research and training is a problem. This research presents a solution by the development, simulation, calibration, and real-world implementation of a novel Wireless Solar Tracking Irradiance Gauge (WSTIG) for measuring direct Irradiance: sunlight that travels straight from the sun to the earth. The WSTIG system is designed, assembled and programmed using readily available components including an Arduino Nano microcontroller for control and data processing, an ESP8266 wireless radio module for communication, and a photovoltaic (PV) cell as the primary irradiance sensor with the two servo motors for precise positioning of the PV cell to maximize direct irradiance capture. Simulation studies are conducted to validate the design. Calibration procedures are then employed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of irradiance measurements obtained from the PV cell sensor, also. The integration of a Thing Speak channel facilitates remote monitoring and data visualization. From simulation results the sensor showed a reasonably linear response at higher light levels (80% and above). However, at lower light levels (60% and below), the response is more significantly non-linear, indicating that the sensor's accuracy or sensitivity diminishes with decreasing light. This could be due to several factors, such as sensor limitations, shading effects, or electronic noise, also The logic for motor control based on LDR readings appears sound and ensures that the system adjusts to maximize light exposure by moving in the direction where more light is detected ensuring they remain aligned with the sun throughout the day to maximize energy capture. The prototype appears to overestimate irradiance at lower levels, which gradually aligns with the MP-100 as irradiance increases which is of course due to the prototype tracking the sun and measuring direct irradiance at all times. Since the amount of solar irradiance affects how much energy a solar panel can convert into electricity, the WSTIG then becomes important for monitoring photovoltaic panels installations. e