Solar farms capture energy from the sun using large banks of solar panels. This captured energy is stored in high-capacity batteries, which either store the energy for later use or convert the stored energy into AC electricity using inverters.
When solar farms capture energy from the solar panels, the resulting energy is DC (direct current). Before the energy can be added to the energy grid, it must be converted to AC (alternating current) using highly efficient inverters. The goal is to minimize the loss of energy during the processes of capturing, storing, and converting the energy in order to maximize total energy output.
To monitor the process, there are two important points that must be monitored. First is the DC voltage and current captured from the solar panels and stored in the batteries. These values indicate how much energy is captured. The second set of values is the AC voltage and current produced and added to the power grid. Using these two sets of measurements, the solar farm can track its efficiency and monitor how much energy is produced.
ICP DAS USA has products that can be used to monitor and collect this valuable data. Our analog input modules, such as the ET-7017, have been used by many solar farms to capture the current produced by the solar panels. By connecting a CT (current transducer) input—used to monitor DC current—around the wire between the solar panel and the battery, the amount of DC current can be measured. To monitor the power generated, a PM-3000 series power meter can be used. The resulting voltage, current, and power parameters can be measured. The data collected from these two devices is communicated to a central SCADA data logging computer for monitoring and logging via Modbus TCP.
