Democratization of PV Micro-Generation System Monitoring Based on Narrowband-IoT.

Power system configuration and performance are changing very quickly. Under the new paradigm of prosumers and energy communities, grids are increasingly influenced by microgeneration systems connected in both low and medium voltage. In addition, these facilities provide little or no information to distribution and/or transmission system operators, increasing power system management problems. Actually, information is a great asset to manage this new situation. The arrival of affordable and open Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is a remarkable opportunity to overcome these inconveniences allowing for the exchange of information about these plants. In this paper, we propose a monitoring solution applicable to photovoltaic self-consumption or any other microgeneration installation, covering the installations of the so-called 'prosumers' and aiming to provide a tool for local self-consumption monitoring. A detailed description of the proposed system at the hardware level is provided, and extended information on the communication characteristics and data packets is also included. Results of different field test campaigns carried out in real PV self-consumption installations connected to the grid are described and analyzed. It can be affirmed that the proposed solution provides outstanding results in reliability and accuracy, being a popular solution for those who cannot afford professional monitoring platforms.

A conceptual scenario for the use of microalgae biomass for microgeneration in wastewater treatment plants.

Microalgae are a potential source of biomass for the production of energy, which is why the amount of research on this topic has increased in recent years. This work describes the state of the art of microalgae production from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), its potential to generate electricity and the scale in which it is possible. The methodology used was a systematic review of the gasification of microalgae from 49 articles selected. Based on the review, a conceptual scenario for microgeneration in WWTP using as feedstock microalgae for thermal gasification was developed. The most consistent assumptions for a real scale microgeneration are microalgae production in open ponds using domestic sewage as a nutritional medium; the use of the flocculation process in process of harvesting; microalgae to energy through thermal gasification process using a downdraft gasifier. Considering a WWTP with a 3000 m3/d flux capacity, 860 kg/d of dry microalgae biomass might be produced. For which, gasification has a production potential of 0.167 kWh/m3 of treated sewage, but the energy balance is compromised by the drying process. However, when the biogas produced in anaerobic treatment enter in the model, it is possible to add a surplus of electricity of 0.14 kWh/m3 of treated sewage. Finally, a cost estimate is made for the acquisition of drying and gasification-electricity generation systems. For this scenario, the results suggest that the investments may be financially returned after five years, with additional potential for further optimization.

Demand Manager for Energy Consumer with Local Storage and Microgeneration

Abstract The current reality of the energy market requires generation, control, distribution and consumption to become more efficient. Recent arrangements with electric energy stored in accumulators appear as strategic tools in the environment where the cost of energy supplied by the concessionaires and permission holders has accumulated successive increases, indirectly enabling the control and management of applications of micro or local minigeneration, from renewable sources in general. Systems with energy storage (e.g. batteries) and local demand management (many consumer units) achieve great efficiency by allowing the optimized consumption of the available energy, both by the local power grid and by the accumulated grid. Other advantages are presented for the distributors, allowing the relief of the electricity network, remunerating the investment in reduced intervals of time. Consideration should be given to the possibility of local autonomy, even if partially, by providing energy from the storage to the local loads in eventual failures in the supply of energy by the distribution network or at times where supply has a higher cost.

Computational Model for Microgeneration Simulation, From Solar and Wind Renewable Sources, With Optimal Allocation of Loads, Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage, In a Residential Electrical Micro Network

Abstract The electrical sector is under constant evolution. One of the areas refers to the consumers that come to be generators, implementing distributed generation, interconnected to a smart grid. This article discusses the improvement of an algorithm, already presented in the literature, to make the best temporal allocation of loads, electric vehicle, storage and many sources of generation, aiming at the maximum financial performance, that is, the lowest value for the energy invoice The modeling consists of a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) algorithm, which considers each component of the system and weighs the maintenance and shelf life of storage devices, basically batteries, loads that can be reallocated and the concept of Vehicle-to-grid, performing a daily analysis. The simulation has considered the hypothetical case of a residence, in which are included storage, electric vehicle and redistribution of loads, as well as wind and solar generation. Several scenarios are simulated, with or without the presence of some of the components. The results indicate that the simplest model, only redistributing the loads, can provide a sensible monetary savings of approximately 60%, while with the application of all the components modeled, there can be a reduction in the invoice of 90%.

Proposal for a Monitoring and Dispatch System for Distributed Micro-Generation of Renewable Energy in Virtual Energy Centers

ABSTRACT The creation and updating of ANEEL (National Electricity Regulatory Agency) regulatory resolution on distributed generation provided a new business environment for the electricity sector, as well as enabling consumers to generate energy. In this context, distributed microgeneration plants management is a challenge, mainly for electric power distributors and for the entire supply chain and services. In this sense, it is urgent to develop a monitoring and dispatch system in microgeneration plants, in order to optimize the capacity factor of the enterprises and to enable the creation of Virtual Power Plants (VPP). VPPs are part of a new dynamic of the energy sector's strategic environment, which strengthens distributed generation through smart meters capable of communicating with operational centers and thus influencing new business models already diffused by the known smart grids. Included in this scenario, this paper presents a proposal for a monitoring and dispatch system for distributed micro-generation of renewable energies, as well as the engineering solution for a final product focused on market expectations.

Comparison of the Performance of the Grid- Connected Photovoltaic System Installed In the Brazilian Cities: Blumenau - SC and Curitiba- PR

ABSTRACT This is a study that contemplates the analysis of the main characteristics of 8 grid connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS), 3 of which are located in the city of Curitiba-PR and 5 located in the city of Blumenau-SC. Data were collected on irradiation in the horizontal plane, generated energy and rainfall, being the first two to calculate the merit indexes, such as Yield, Performance Ratio and Capacity Factor - of those on grid connected Photovoltaic systems.

MEMS-based power generation techniques for implantable biosensing applications.

Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient.