Ultraviolet measurement station energized by a Photovoltaic System

Abstract

Introduction— This article discusses the design and implementation of a UV Radiation Measurement Station, known as “Solmaphore”, and energized by an isolated photovoltaic system and information management via web using the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. The implementation of equipment that registers and shows in different ways the incident radiation (IUV) now and, it includes the Timer Off technique to reduce energy consumption. For the design of the device, the Top Down methodology was used, which the composition starts from a higher level, then, it is divided into modules and is followed by a verification and simulation cycle, looking for an optimum performance in terms of energy consumption. For the design of the isolated photovoltaic system, we used the “Tool for the dimensioning of isolated photovoltaic systems (DFSA)” software, developed by us in an earlier project, also, it has the database of solar radiation of the university campus. The station is in an open space of the University of the Quindío’s Campus, with the purpose to support the community visually informed about the levels UV. The UIV visualization and the suitable UV radiation exposure information for the body is done according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The visualization of the variables is done in real time by means of a virtual interface implemented in Python and the data stored in MySQL.

Objective— Develop an electronic system that allows the visualization of the IUV at the Universidad del Quindío and presents preventive information to the community using the IoT concept.

Methodology— For the methodology the work team stars with a theorical framework about the ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet radiation to implement caution measures needed to advise people. Then, with Top Down methodology, the project is divided in submodule that generates a better searching and settling of the materials and methods to use.

Results— Checking which is the better IUV estimation method between ROHM technique and Zhang and Huang’s technique, the tests show the last one gives better estimations. This allows the system brings good information about the ultraviolet radiation changes; besides it proves that the temperature and humidity changes are directly proportional to the UV radiation. Finally, implementing the Timer Off technique reduces the whole system energy consumption and the 4 hours of the system autonomy the team expected while using batteries energy, goes to 5 to 7 hours.

Conclusions— Building the ultraviolet measurement satiation energized by a photovoltaic system accomplishes the goal of people sensitizing about how dangerous the prolonged exposition of UV rays and the recommendations is they must follow to avoid these issues. On the other hand, system applies current methods about energy consumption like Timer off technique and renewable energy when using solar panel to store solar radiation energy, turning this system into an autonomous measurement system, in addition, it makes use of the IoT concept in the development of web platforms and the use of wireless communication systems.