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 2 Putting 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. ( on requirements, testing Further documentation online at project/
Conclusion… Realistic expectation is for working prototype Progress slow but steady…