Development of an IoT solar tracker for optimized power generation and data transmission

为了跟踪太阳以获得最大的能量输出，市场上有各种类型的控制器用于光伏（PV）系统：商业可编程逻辑控制器（PLC），Arduino和Raspberry PI等电子平台，以及包含在完整的交钥匙跟踪系统中的控制器。据报道，其中一些控制器无法承受加拿大严酷的冬季，导致设备损坏和电力损失。SmartEnergy公司是一家经验丰富的可持续能源开发商，专注于指导社会责任行为的项目。作为他们活动的一部分，他们设计，测试和制造自己的太阳能跟踪系统。在该项目的背景下，SmartEnergy公司将通过开发采用季节性倾斜调整、风暴保护和除雪模式等各种配置的功能来提高其光伏系统的太阳能跟踪器功能，以便能够科普当地困难的气候条件。Nergica将陪同SmartEnergy公司，为电子平台的开发和编程提供技术援助，该平台将作为其跟踪系统的控制器。此外，Nergica还将在控制器中实施物联网（IoT）技术，这将使控制器能够收集、处理原始数据并将其传输到远程站进行进一步分析。这种物联网功能将使SmartEnergy公司能够更好地分析其数据，并对其系统的性能、技术可用性和改进机会产生有意义的见解。

In order to track the sun for maximum energy output, there are various types of controllers on the market that are used in photovoltaic (PV) systems: commercial programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electronic platforms like Arduino and Raspberry PI, and controllers that are included in complete, turnkey tracking systems. It has been reported that some of these controllers are unable to withstand the harsh Canadian winter, resulting in damaged equipment and power loss. The SmartEnergy Company is an experienced sustainable energy developer focusing on projects that guide socially responsible behavior. As part of their activities, they design, test, and manufacture their own solar tracking systems. In the context of this project, The SmartEnergy Company will increase their PV system's solar tracker capabilities by developing the functionality to adopt various configurations like seasonal tilt adjustment, wind storm protection, and snow removal modes, to be able to cope with difficult local climatic conditions. Nergica will accompany The SmartEnergy Company by providing technical assistance in the development and programming of an electronic platform that will act as a controller for their tracking system. In addition, Nergica will implement Internet of Things (IoT) technology to the controller, which will give the ability to collect, process and transfer raw data to a remote station for further analysis. This IoT capability will allow The SmartEnergy Company to better analyze their data and to produce meaningful insight regarding their system's performance, technical availability and improvement opportunities.