An Open Source Low-Cost Wireless Control System for a Forced Circulation Solar Plant

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Smart Grid Technologies
• Wireless Sensor Networks

Background:

• Forced circulation solar plants require effective temperature monitoring for optimal performance.
• Existing monitoring systems can be costly and lack customization for diverse environmental conditions.
• Integrating smart, low-cost solutions is crucial for advancing solar thermal technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, develop, and apply a low-cost, wireless control system for a forced circulation solar plant.
• To create a customizable smart object for monitoring solar thermal system temperatures.
• To improve upon standard monitoring approaches with a focus on cost-effectiveness and adaptability.

Main Methods:

• Development of a solar energy-powered wireless smart object.
• Implementation of ZigBee protocol for customized control communication.
• Utilization of Bluetooth protocol for real-time data display.
• Testing in an outdoor test cell environment near Milan.

Main Results:

• Successful design and practical application of a low-cost control system.
• Demonstration of a customizable wireless monitoring device.
• Effective use of dual communication protocols (ZigBee and Bluetooth) for control and data display.
• Validation of system performance based on monitored running temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The developed wireless smart object offers a low-cost, customizable solution for monitoring solar thermal systems.
• The system effectively integrates ZigBee and Bluetooth for enhanced control and data accessibility.
• This approach represents a significant advancement beyond standard monitoring, adaptable to various installation conditions.