Remote Monitoring - Revision history

Johanna at 07:26, 3 September 2019

2019-09-03T07:26:04Z

Frederik Ihl: /* Operation and maintenance (O&M) */

2019-05-23T14:30:39Z

Operation and maintenance (O&M)

Frederik Ihl: /* Experiences from the field */

2019-05-23T14:26:08Z

Experiences from the field

Ranisha: /* Economic barriers */

2019-04-26T10:55:01Z

Economic barriers

Ranisha: /* Further Reading */

2019-04-26T10:54:10Z

Ranisha: /* Experiences from the field */

2019-04-26T10:52:24Z

Experiences from the field

Ranisha: /* Kenya and Rwanda */

2019-04-26T10:50:16Z

Kenya and Rwanda

Ranisha: /* Kenya and Rwanda */

2019-04-26T10:48:49Z

Kenya and Rwanda

Ranisha: /* Experiences from the field */

2019-04-26T10:47:17Z

Experiences from the field

Ranisha: /* Gham Power (Spark Meter) */

2019-04-26T10:42:19Z

Gham Power (Spark Meter)

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 [[Portal:Solar|►Back to Solar Portal]]
 = Introduction =
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 In its most basic form, a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) consists of three distinct elements:
 *'''On-site monitoring''' equipment installed at one or more sites, <br/>
-*a '''data transfer''' solution (typically via satellite or a mobile network), and <br/>
+*'''On-site monitoring''' equipment installed at one or more sites,<br/>
 *a '''central monitoring station with data storage''', where information is aggregated and processed.
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 The overall system complexity and measurement intervals can be adapted to factors such as installation size, intended data usage and local circumstances. A key difference is whether the purpose of the RMS is to monitor the basic functionality of an installation and its subsystems or whether sophisticated monitoring on performance is carried out. The interpretation of measurements can be conducted manually or automatically. Manual interpretation is possible via on-site displays which can visualize key data readings. Local availability of skills is necessary for on-site interpretation.
 == Data Transfer<br/> ==
 Two solutions are mainly applied for data transfer. These are '''satellite based systems''' and '''mobile networks'''.
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 '''Satellite based''' systems accrue higher costs for investment and operation. However, they are the only viable solution for many remote locations (see data transfer challenges). Collected data can be stored locally and transferred at intervals or be transmitted continuously (signal permitting).<br/>
 == Central Monitoring and Data Storage ==
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 Specific setups also allow for remote control functions through which the monitoring entity can interfere with operation on site (see operation and maintenance benefits).
 = Benefits of Remote Monitoring Systems =
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 Opportunities arise mainly in two areas: Operation and maintenance (O&M) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E):
+<br/>
 == Operation and maintenance (O&M)<br/> ==
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 Advanced solutions can reduce the O&M costs of operators of remote off-grid assets by around 30% (see example Tanzania, [https://www.ammp.io/remote-monitoring-cost-reduction/ AMMP Technologies])<br/>
 == Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)<br/> ==
 Remote Monitoring allows for the monitoring of system use and performance at changing ambient conditions. Such information can provide a range of insights for project evaluation. Besides the opportunity to monitor changes in system use, future interventions can be opt-mized by identifying weaknesses and bottlenecks in a given system design. The information collected from different sites can contribute towards improving the general understanding of an installed technology as well as its reliability.<br/>
 = Challenges for Implementers =
 == Economic barriers ==
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 Also see this publication from Practical Action:&nbsp;[https://infohub.practicalaction.org/handle/11283/620306 Introduction for Practitioners: Real-time Monitoring, Control and Payment Technologies for Mini-grids]
 == Data Collection Challenges<br/> ==
 While RMS offer a valuable source for data e.g. on system failures, RMS also constitute an additional source for failure. This is especially the case when the system is highly complex. Furthermore, to ensure the correct collection of high quality and reliable data over sustained periods of time, a periodic calibration of sensors is required.<br/>
 In designing a Data Acquisition System, it is therefore essential to weight complexity (e.g. number of sensors installed) and resulting data quality against its potential susceptibility to errors and the arising costs.
 == Data Transfer Challenges ==
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 In practice, however, careful consideration needs to be paid to the availability of a sufficiently strong signal for either transfer options. Apart from basic preconditions (e.g. an appropriately sized satellite dish and operational frequency) line-of-sight is commonly the most critical bar-rier for satellite based systems<ref name="Casella">Casella, A.:Using Satellites To Remotely Managa PV Installations. Solar Industry Magazine. 6(10), 2013. available from: http://www.solarindustrymag.com/issues/SI1310/FEAT_01_Using-Satellites-To-Remotely-Manage-PV-Installations.html</ref>. A number of aspects need to be considered to avoid problems related to line-of-sight. These include vegetation coverage, cloud cover or rain attenuation<ref name="Casella">Casella, A.:Using Satellites To Remotely Managa PV Installations. Solar Industry Magazine. 6(10), 2013. available from: http://www.solarindustrymag.com/issues/SI1310/FEAT_01_Using-Satellites-To-Remotely-Manage-PV-Installations.html</ref>.
 == Challenges for Manual RMS ==
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 Where an RMS relies on manual input to a significant degree, local skills become a critical factor for successful operation. Consequently, RMS capacity development / training need to be considered in case manual RM systems are installed.
+<br/>
 = Experiences from the field<br/> =
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 See this case study from AMMP Technologies:
-<ul style="list-style-image: url("images/bullet-icon.png"); font-size: 13.6px;">
-<li>[https://www.ammp.io/remote-monitoring-cost-reduction/ Reducing the cost of operations and maintenance for remote off-grid energy systems]</li>
+*[https://www.ammp.io/remote-monitoring-cost-reduction/ Reducing the cost of operations and maintenance for remote off-grid energy systems]
 == Zimbabwe ==
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 Ghampower deployed 3 solar micro-grids in local communities of Harkapur, Kaduwa and Chyasmitar in Nepal. To automate billing and payment system, Ghampower deployed Smart meter. For managing the meter, basic wireless internet connection is provided at the sites
 = Further Reading<br/> =
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 *Jucá, S.C.S. et al.: A Low Cost Concept for Data Acquisition Systems Applied to Decentralized Renewable Energy Plants. Sensors. 11(1), 2011. Available from: [http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm]
 = Reference =
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 <references /><br/>
 [[Category:Grid]]

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 Opportunities arise mainly in two areas: Operation and maintenance (O&M) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E):
 == Operation and maintenance (O&M)<br/> ==
 The availability of up-to-date information from RMS allows for more efficient handling of technical difficulties and maintenance issues. It becomes possible to detect faults and initiate troubleshooting at an early stage, potentially preventing more severe and costly system failures. Maintenance interventions can be planned beforehand, e.g. by identifying the required spare parts. The following are sample applications of RMS in O&M:<br/>
 *An area where particular opportunity exists is electricity storage. Improper care and overuse of batteries is a common source for failure in electrical off-grid systems. By detecting the sustained overuse of batteries and initiating preventative measures, battery life – and thus overall system operation – could be prolonged.<br/>
-*The improved availability of information can substitute or facilitate site visits. In particular lengthy visits to remote locations can be significantly simplified. Remote troubleshooting support to local operators and users can avoid a visit altogether (see country example Indonesia).<br/>
+*The improved availability of information can substitute or facilitate site visits. In particular lengthy visits to remote locations can be significantly simplified. Remote troubleshooting support to local operators and users can avoid a visit altogether (see country examples Tanzania and Indonesia).<br/>
-*Remote control options open further possibilities in the field of O&M. Remote operation options range from software updates to remote shutdown of the systems or parts thereof. Apart from damage prevention, this feature can also be used to provide theft protection for key system components or to facilitate pre-paid energy service provision models. Azuri Technologies, a provider of Solar Home Systems, for example, offers a pay as you go service for their product, in which customers can pay off their SHS over a number of months or even years. If a customer fails to make his / her agreed monthly payment, the technology is temporarily disabled via a remote control function until regular payments are resumed ([http://www.azuri-technologies.com/ Azuri Technologies]).<br/>
+*Remote control options open further possibilities in the field of O&M. Remote operation options range from software updates to remote shutdown of the systems or parts thereof. Apart from damage prevention, this feature can also be used to provide theft protection for key system components or to facilitate pre-paid energy service provision models. Azuri Technologies, a provider of Solar Home Systems, for example, offers a pay as you go service for their product, in which customers can pay off their SHS over a number of months or even years. If a customer fails to make his / her agreed monthly payment, the technology is temporarily disabled via a remote control function until regular payments are resumed ([http://www.azuri-technologies.com/ Azuri Technologies]).

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 Where an RMS relies on manual input to a significant degree, local skills become a critical factor for successful operation. Consequently, RMS capacity development / training need to be considered in case manual RM systems are installed.
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 = Experiences from the field<br/> =
 == Zimbabwe ==
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 Ghampower deployed 3 solar micro-grids in local communities of Harkapur, Kaduwa and Chyasmitar in Nepal. To automate billing and payment system, Ghampower deployed Smart meter. For managing the meter, basic wireless internet connection is provided at the sites

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 = Challenges for Implementers =
 == Economic barriers ==
 RMS are fairly expensive. Tangible costs arise both from installation and operation. The main cost drivers for a RMS are the DAS and data transfer solutions. A key determinant of RMS cost is the choice between proprietary or open-source solutions. Where sufficient know-how and non-financial resources are available, the latter can decrease costs and dependency on commercial providers as well as allowing for more personalized solutions (see for example J[http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm ucá et al., 2011]).

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 Ghampower deployed 3 solar micro-grids in local communities of Harkapur, Kaduwa and Chyasmitar in Nepal. To automate billing and payment system, Ghampower deployed Smart meter. For managing the meter, basic wireless internet connection is provided at the sites
 = Further Reading<br/> =
 *Casella, A.:Using Satellites To Remotely Manage PV Installations. Solar Industry Magazine. 6(10), 2013. available from: [http://www.solarindustrymag.com/issues/SI1310/FEAT_01_Using-Satellites-To-Remotely-Manage-PV-Installations.html http://www.solarindustrymag.com/issues/SI1310/FEAT_01_Using-Satellites-To-Remotely-Manage-PV-Installations.html]<br/>
 *Dauenhauer, P.M. et al.: Remote Monitoring of Off-grid Renewable Energy. Case Studies in rural Malawi, Zambia, and Gambia. Global Humanitarian technology conference (GHTC), 2013.
-*Jucá, S.C.S. et al.: A Low Cost Concept for Data Acquisition Systems Applied to Decentralized Renewable Energy Plants. Sensors. 11(1), 2011. Available from: [http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm]<br/>
+*Jucá, S.C.S. et al.: A Low Cost Concept for Data Acquisition Systems Applied to Decentralized Renewable Energy Plants. Sensors. 11(1), 2011. Available from: [http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/1/743/htm]

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 Where an RMS relies on manual input to a significant degree, local skills become a critical factor for successful operation. Consequently, RMS capacity development / training need to be considered in case manual RM systems are installed.
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 = Experiences from the field<br/> =
-*Banglesh<br/>
+== Zimbabwe ==
 == Kenya and Rwanda ==
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 *[https://policy.practicalaction.org/resources/publications/item/real-time-monitoring-control-and-payment-technology-for-mini-grids-rwanda-field-test-evaluation-repo Real-time Monitoring, Control and Payment Technology for Mini-grids: Rwanda Field Test Evaluation Report]
 *[https://infohub.practicalaction.org/handle/11283/620304 Market Analysis: Real-time Monitoring, Control and Payment Technologies for Mini-grids in Kenya and Rwanda]
 == Nepal ==

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 *Banglesh<br/>
 *Indonesia<br/>
 == Kenya and Rwanda ==
-See this case study from Practical Action: https://infohub.practicalaction.org/handle/11283/620304
-*Real-time Monitoring, Control and Payment Technology for Mini-grids: Rwanda Field Test Evaluation Report: https://policy.practicalaction.org/resources/publications/item/real-time-monitoring-control-and-payment-technology-for-mini-grids-rwanda-field-test-evaluation-repo
+See this case study from Practical Action:<br/>

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 26 April 2019
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	Ghampower deployed 3 solar micro-grids in local communities of Harkapur, Kaduwa and Chyasmitar in Nepal. To automate billing and payment system, Ghampower deployed Smart meter. For managing the meter, basic wireless internet connection is provided at the sites		Ghampower deployed 3 solar micro-grids in local communities of Harkapur, Kaduwa and Chyasmitar in Nepal. To automate billing and payment system, Ghampower deployed Smart meter. For managing the meter, basic wireless internet connection is provided at the sites

−	More information~~: Opportunities for Real-time Monitoring, Control and Payment Technologies for Mini-grids: A Case Study of Operational Systems in Nepal~~: https://bit.ly/2Pt513u	+	More information: https://bit.ly/2Pt513u