Characterization of Solar Panels for Powering Sensor Applications

Authors

  • M. Alves Author
  • J.M. Dias Pereira Author
  • J.P.S. Catalão Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj09.407

Abstract

Devices installed in remote places require continuously energy supply for their functionality or communication requirements. For these applications, conventional energy supply is very expensive, or unreliable, and batteries dependence is not a good solution for long-term installations. Energy harvesting can be a good solution, to increase the availability of energy. Regenerative energy sources like thermoelectric, magnetic, piezoelectric, and/or renewable sources such as photovoltaic, wind, among others, allowed the development of different powering solutions for sensor units. The purpose of this work is to characterize three photovoltaic solar panels for different power consumption sensor applications. The study is carried out taking into account the intensity of light and angle of incidence over the photovoltaic panels versus voltage generated. The energy is stored in an association of supercapacitors. This association together with the solar panel itself forms the two possible sources to supply the sensor application.

Author Biographies

  • M. Alves

    ESTSetúbal-LabIM/IPS R. Vale de Chaves, Estefanilha, 2910-761 Setúbal (Portugal) Phone: +351 265 790 000 e-mail: mario.alves@estsetubal.ips.pt

  • J.M. Dias Pereira

    ESTSetúbal-LabIM/IPS

    1. Vale de Chaves, Estefanilha, 2910-761 Setúbal (Portugal)

    Phone: +351 265 790 000

    e-mail: dias.pereira@estsetubal.ips.pt

    2 Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico

    Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal)

    Phone: +351 218 418 454, Fax: +351 218 418 472

  • J.P.S. Catalão

    University of Beira Interior

    1. Fonte do Lameiro, 6200-001 Covilhã (Portugal)

    Phone: +351 275 329 914, Fax: +351 275 329 972

    e-mail: catalao@ubi.pt

    4 Center for Innovation in Electrical and Energy Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico

    Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon (Portugal)

    Phone: +351 218 417 000, Fax: +351 218 499 242

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Published

2024-01-17

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Section

Articles