Custom Data Monitoring Website for Solar Facility Commissioning
Project Summary
Our staff worked with a solar power provider to develop and implement a web-based monitoring system for use at three of their new solar power plants. We configured the web-based monitoring system to allow internal users to monitor real-time data from each facility, with data access to the general public on a 30 day delay. The system provided operational staff with automatic email and text notifications of equipment alarms. The system included functionality for customer invoicing, and utility reporting to comply with regulatory requirements. By providing remote access to each facility, we reduced support time and costs by allowing our staff to login to each system to make any necessary modifications after initial commissioning.
Solution
Our staff met with the operations team of a start-up solar power provider to develop a web-based monitoring system. The goal was to provide a low-cost, high functionality monitoring system for three facilities between 1 and 3 MW each. We utilized Red Lion Data Station Plus units at each facility to collect data from field equipment, and send it via cellular modem to a centralized database. Then, this data was displayed using trend controls on the monitoring system. Logged in users can select date ranges and filter for equipment types and specific pieces of equipment. If someone accessed the web-based system without login credentials, they would see a graph of power production limited to 30 days prior and older. If customers or the owners of the facility where the plant was located logged in, they could see current overall production data and weather station information. If the user was employed by the solar company or their maintenance team, they had access to all current production data for all equipment and weather station information. They could also manage which alarms sent notifications, who received billing information, and could administer system users. They also had access to trending data, allowing them to add any data points from the site for completely customized data analysis.
Benefits
Completely customized web-based SCADA systems for monitoring three solar facilities on one site
Power meter, inverter, and string box information
Weather station information monitoring
Modbus data mapping from PLCs to the process historian
Three levels of access: Public, Customer, and Maintenance
Automated billing documentation generation and dissemination
Alarm notifications via email and SMS
Automated updates of on-site signage indicating power produced and emissions saved
Decreased commissioning time
Remote access to all facilities
Increased data visibility
Project Details
Industry: Solar
Location: Carson City, NV and Las Vegas, NV
Services: Web app development, Database management, Data analytics
Technology
ASP.NET
Red Lion Data Station Plus
SQL Server
B&B Electronic Modbus Converters
Focus
Reduce future development costs
Standardized systems
Automated data analysis
Develop system using cutting-edge hardware and software
Implement system and train personnel on its operation
Reduce overhead costs for data analysis
Updated - 6/16/2022