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Real-Time Control and Monitoring of Photovoltaic Arrays Using RTDS and BeagleBoard Technology

Md Fazley Rafy

TL;DR

The paper presents a real-time hardware-in-the-loop framework for modeling, controlling, and monitoring PV arrays under dynamic insolation and temperature using RTDS, GTNET-SKT, and BeagleBoard. It details RTDS-based PV modeling, a GTNET-SKT TCP-based control interface, and BeagleBoard-driven environmental inputs, with SCADA visualization in RSCAD. Results show responsive PV current/voltage behavior under environmental changes and demonstrate benefits in efficiency, maintenance, scalability, and education. This approach facilitates rapid testing and validation of PV control strategies for grid integration and sustainable energy deployment.

Abstract

Increasing integration of alternate electricity generation due to declining fossil fuels is becoming an essential option for future generations. As photovoltaic technology brings forth enormous benefits to the alternate solution for future power grid systems, this paper presents a comprehensive real-time system designed to model, control, and monitor a PV array subjected to dynamic loads using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) environment. Integration with the Generic Transducer Network (GTNET)- Socket(SKT) module allows for the simulation of various environmental conditions, such as changes in insolation and temperature, and their direct impact on the PV array's performance. Utilizing BeagleBoard technology, the system demonstrates the capability to modify these conditions through real-time data input, subsequently observing the effects on current and voltage output curves. The real-time simulation results are visualized as a SCADA system within the Real-time Simulation for Automated Controller Design (RSCAD) runtime environment, providing insights into the effective management of solar power systems.

Real-Time Control and Monitoring of Photovoltaic Arrays Using RTDS and BeagleBoard Technology

TL;DR

The paper presents a real-time hardware-in-the-loop framework for modeling, controlling, and monitoring PV arrays under dynamic insolation and temperature using RTDS, GTNET-SKT, and BeagleBoard. It details RTDS-based PV modeling, a GTNET-SKT TCP-based control interface, and BeagleBoard-driven environmental inputs, with SCADA visualization in RSCAD. Results show responsive PV current/voltage behavior under environmental changes and demonstrate benefits in efficiency, maintenance, scalability, and education. This approach facilitates rapid testing and validation of PV control strategies for grid integration and sustainable energy deployment.

Abstract

Increasing integration of alternate electricity generation due to declining fossil fuels is becoming an essential option for future generations. As photovoltaic technology brings forth enormous benefits to the alternate solution for future power grid systems, this paper presents a comprehensive real-time system designed to model, control, and monitor a PV array subjected to dynamic loads using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) environment. Integration with the Generic Transducer Network (GTNET)- Socket(SKT) module allows for the simulation of various environmental conditions, such as changes in insolation and temperature, and their direct impact on the PV array's performance. Utilizing BeagleBoard technology, the system demonstrates the capability to modify these conditions through real-time data input, subsequently observing the effects on current and voltage output curves. The real-time simulation results are visualized as a SCADA system within the Real-time Simulation for Automated Controller Design (RSCAD) runtime environment, providing insights into the effective management of solar power systems.
Paper Structure (16 sections, 3 figures, 1 algorithm)

This paper contains 16 sections, 3 figures, 1 algorithm.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Methodology
  3. RTDS Modeling
  4. Real-Time Control Setup
  5. BeagleBoard Implementation
  6. System Design
  7. Hardware Architecture
  8. Software Architecture
  9. Results and Discussion
  10. Enhanced Efficiency and Reliability
  11. Predictive Maintenance and Reduced Downtime
  12. Scalability and Flexibility for Grid Integration
  13. Cost-Effectiveness in Energy Management
  14. Educational and Research Applications
  15. Support for Sustainable Energy Goals
  16. ...and 1 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: RSCAD system design with PV, controller, GTNET-SKT, and Load
  • Figure 2: HIL setup with BeagleBoard controllers and RTDS
  • Figure 3: SCADA demonstration with Changing I-V curve with alternating Insolation and Temperature