IoT-enabled Inverter with Smart Battery Usage

Abstract

In regions where unreliable power infrastructure persists, the demand for alternative energy sources like solar and wind power is on the increase to fill the energy gap. However, prevailing inverter technologies associated with standalone renewable energy systems often face challenges such as unclear energy usage data and premature battery degradation. This leads to poor energy management and reduced battery life. A system that integrates IoT capabilities and smart battery management into the traditional inverters could resolve this identified challenge. This paper therefore, presents a prototype system with an inverter unit, microcontroller, and a power sensor for comprehensive energy monitoring. A web application is also implemented to visualize and analyze acquired data for the decision making purpose. A prototype was built and implemented for a single-room application, catering for critical electrical loads while utilizing the sensor for consumption data processing and remote access. The developed device provided insights into consumption trends and peak usage periods, empowering users with enhanced control and awareness through a user-friendly online interface. The device also extended its usable period by 117% and reduced the rate of energy consumption by 43% compared to a conventional inverter of the same rating. This, in turn, facilitates a reliable and effective energy management solution that could improve the working life of the battery. The developed prototype could be scaled up to cater for bigger private and commercial centers.