PV Performance Monitoring

Project Overview: A performance monitoring system for the PV array at FED Hall is to be designed and installed Instantaneous power and cumulative energy will be displayed on a LED sign out front of FED Hall and online at the UW weather station and STEP websites Monitoring system consists of a computer controlling the communication between the inverter (which receives power from the sign), the sign and the internet To Do: (Steps to be completed in sequential order) STEP 1 Give IST the computer to enable it on the UW network, have them install network cable between the enclosure on the FED Hall mezzanine and the network jack in FED Hall main office Ensure computer can be accessed remotely via network Acquire DB-9 terminals for attaching to the ends of RS-232 cable, and a longer (~35 ft) more robust power supply line for bluetooth transmitter Communicate with Bruce (electrical contractor from KWE) regarding the installing 110 V line out to the sign w/ surge protected power bar (or two outlets) at the end Communicate w/ Dag (from UW sign shop) regarding the positioning of the bluetooth receiver, possibly locating it near the top of the sign support Tasks required after meeting w/ Dag, (May 30 2008): Find out and mark where the digits start/end on the LED display so that Dag can take it apart and re-arrange it to be two rows. Dag will find out about hardwire AC connectors and GFI and talk to Bruce (electrician ?) about the electrical installation. Need to ensure that everyone knows that Bluetooth receiver is on the correct side of the sign (the one with least tree blockage). Notes: Can use either AC for the receiver or tap from a AC to 10V DC adapter (the sign takes 10V) and use regulator to go to 5V for it. STEP2 Place computer inside enclosure and connect to network Cut long 50 ft RS-232 cable in two pieces and install as follows The short male DB-9 end should be ~ 15 ft (measure distance needed first) and will attach to the inverter card, with the cut end fed through the conduit towards the computer where it will be soldered/connected to a female DB-9 terminal The long female DB-9 end should be ~35 ft and will attach to the computer, with the cut end fed through the conduit towards the window where it will be soldered/connected to a male DB-9 terminal. Obtain and install power supply line for bluetooth transmitter through the conduit from the computer to the window STEP 3 Program computer to receive data from inverter Install 19x19" metal screen over the inside of the mezzanine window to protect wireless device from unruly Fed Hall patrons, then mount wireless transmitter behind the screen Install the LED display and RS-232 wireless receiver on the sign out front of FED Hall (UW Sign shop will do this) STEP 4 Final programming b/w sign and computer to output data Have UW weather station log this information from the computer's SAMBA share, and program the STEP website to display this data