ABSTRACT
In this project, a smart IoT-based solar inverter was designed and implemented using the Node microcontroller unit (NodeMcu). The NodeMcu (Node Microcontroller Unit) is an open-source software and hardware development environment that is built around a low cost System-on-a-Chip (SOC) called the ESP8266. The Internet of things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects - “things” that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet. These physical objects are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
The materials and methodology employed in this project includes a solar-powered inverter unit. This unit consists of chain connections. A solar panel is connected to a charge controller. The primary function of the charge controller is to protect the battery bank from overcharging. This is done by monitoring the battery bank- when the bank is fully charged; the controller sends energy from the battery bank to a dump (diversion) load. The battery stores up charges and is connected to the inverter. The function of the inverter is to translate the Direct Current (DC) power supply from the battery to an Alternating Current (AC) power supply- the usable form for home or office appliances. The inverter is connected to the energy meter. The energy meter measures the load of the inverter. The energy meter used is the PZEM-004T V3 to measure the voltage, current, power, energy, frequency, Power factor (frequency and PF is extra added in the new version) using a microcontroller unit. The Node microcontroller unit (NodeMcu) consists of a 32 bit controller and an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module.
The solar-powered inverter comprises several units- a solar panel, a charge controller, an inverter, and a battery as its basic and major components. The IoT allows objects to be sensed or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit in addition to reduced human intervention. Then the Wi-Fi module present in the NodeMcu hooks the system to the internet over a Wi-Fi connection. The data which includes the value of current, load on each outlet, and the battery level of the inverter can be accessed via the mobile application interface. It can then be monitored and controlled remotely.
