Monitoring PV for public education [RE-wrenches]

[jberdner at sma-america.com]

Graham:

We have lots of options for data monitoring and display (Some times I
think too many).

For a 6KW system the most basic would be a couple RS 485 cards in the
inverters running directly to a PC with a RS 232 to RS 485 adaptor. The
down side of this approach is that the PC must be running the Sunny data
software (free for download) in order to collect data.  If the PC is
down, or not running Sunny data, then you are not storing the data.  

For off line storage of the data you need Sunny Boy Control Classic
(SBCC).  This will continuously monitor the inverter side of things but
does not pick up the Wind speed, irradiance, Ambient temp, Module temp,
etc. If you want to monitor the external sensors then go with the SBC
Plus.  The Plus has all the Classic stuff plus an 8 analog and 8 digital
channel data logger built in.  You should be able to find the plus for <
$2000 but you will still need sensors.  The sensors are a whole other
can o worms (quality versus cost).  We are trying to develop a sensor
package but it is taking longer than I had hoped.

SMA DE has developed a Java web client but I have to admit I can't be
much help supporting it.  I think you will need to find a high school
level programmer ;-)  The guys in Germany are very good with Email if
you can tolerate the day lag between question and answer.  Robert
Broderick at SWTDI (works with John Wiles) is working on a kiosk type
thing for use with the Plus.  Not up and running yet.

Please contact me off list and I can help you with additional
information.  

Best Regards,

John Berdner

SMA America, Inc.
20830 Red Dog Road
Grass Valley, CA  95945
530.273.4595 (voice)
530.274.7271 (fax) 


-----Original Message-----
From: Graham Owen [mailto:graham at solarexpert.com] 
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 6:16 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Monitoring PV for public education [RE-wrenches]

Hey Guy's,

The system that needs monitoring is only 6 kW and will be installed on
an Integrated Waste Management building owned by a medium sized city.
They have an educational center on site, with worms and composters,
recycling kiosks, etc. The building is open to the public and school
kids are frequently bussed in.  They want real-time monitoring on a CRT
or equivalent and even a means for kids to shade or disorient they array
to watch the fluctuations.  This will be a fun job.  The city is more
interested in the system monitoring capabilities than the energy
contribution to their municipally owned grid.

Thanks,

Graham Owen
GO Solar

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