Design of an intelligent sensor network for distributed energy system

Abstract

A sensor network with intelligent behavior is a system that can adapt to the situation, present information that is relevant for the moment and a system that has reasoning parts that are designed to function with low-level rules and work together to accomplish a high-level goal. A distributed energy system normally consists of a number of small-scale distributed energy sources, such as micro-turbines, fuel cells and solar photovoltaics, to produce electric power at locations near to customers.

Due to the large varieties in the distributed locations, managing and operating the distributed energy sources become a complicated task. Thus, network communications, intelligent sensors, and sophisticated software are necessary to optimize the power generation and ensure a high level of power service reliability.

With the commercialization of Wi-Fi technology, this project will demonstrate full utilization of this technology to allow wireless data transmission of the power sensor over the network, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the distribution network.

The design of the network will allow several power sensors connected together with an overall control and real-time monitoring at the server side.