Can Off-Grid System be Improved to be Smart? How Internet of Things can Change the Game

The growing demand for energy in remote and isolated regions, where access to the conventional electrical system is limited or nonexistent, has been driving the development of off-grid systems. A common type of off-grid system energy utilizes photovoltaic systems associated with battery banks. However, these systems face significant challenges due to their remote location and their reliance on weather conditions for energy generation. As a result, it is crucial that these systems can communicate operational discrepancies, notify maintenance teams of the need for support, and receive commands to activate energy-saving modes during adverse weather conditions. This work presents a simple and cost-effective approach to enhance the operation of an off-grid system, transforming it from a conventional system into an intelligent operation using the cloud-based platform known as “thingable!”. The results of this study highlight the creation of a cloud interface that enables the control of a photovoltaic pumping system. This interface is enabled by monitoring critical operational parameters, such as voltage on the DC bus, temperature, and transferred power. This approach allows operational decisions to be guided by current weather conditions, thereby facilitating effective optimization in energy management for off-grid systems.