Reliable Monitoring Data

for PV plants

In recent years, huge investments have been made in the solar energy sector. Now this sector has entered a new phase, where the emphasis is on optimization. PV-facilities are now being operated and managed so that they deliver maximum output.

This is not only financially interesting but also adds to the sustainability of the industry. An advanced monitoring system is an absolute necessity for optimization of PV plants.

The basis of the data logger is a modular PLCto which I/Os can be connected to communicate with inverters, sensors and other components in an installation. The PLC communicates via a fixed, mobile internet or satellite connection – depending on the application – with a server to which the users can log in to consult and analyze the data.

Next gen data acquisition through PLC technology_

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MOST COMPLETE

INDUSTRIAL DATA ACQUISITION

SOLUTION FOR PV PEAK

PERFORMANCE_

Mind4Energy was founded in 2011 by four enthusiastic engineers with a common idea: delivering an industrial quality data acquisition solution for monitoring of photovoltaic plants. Mind4Energy’s monitoring solution contributes to solving one of the most important challenges we have as a society: reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Mind4Energy’s solution goes much further than most other monitoring systems available on the market. The solution was developed based on solid PV engineering know-how and field experience. What’s more, Mind4Energy resolutely opted for a solution consisting of industrial components to assure quality, reliability and flexibility. To accomplish this, the company teamed up with Phoenix Contact, a global leader in industrial automation.

Mind4Energy provides a full service: we develop the software for communication with all devices on site, we assemble the cabinets, we install, connect and configure the data loggers on site. Mind4Energy provides support and maintenance for its Data Acquisition solution (VPN connection required for this service). Our Data Acquisition hardware can work with Mind4Energy’s portal or with a 3rd party portal.

Mind4Energy_

Mind4Energy partners with Phoenix Contact_

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Fiber optic_

Meteo stations _

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Mind4Energy can integrate fiber optic (FO) communication in its data acquisition hardware. We have experience with both single-mode and multi-mode cabling and star, bus or ring networks. Managed and unmanaged switches can be used. The FO patch panels and converters can be integrated in our data acquisition cabinets. This offers better protection and is a lower cost solution. The FO converters will be connected directly to the UPS in order to assure data transmission in case of power failure.

We provide full meteo stations. Following sensors are integrated: irradiation, ambient temperature, module temperature, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation. Our sampling methodology is approved by the sensor manufacturer. We work primarily with digital devices in order to limit errors due to cable length. An off-grid solution with PV modules, a battery charger and batteries is available.

Decentralized, modular conceptSolution can handle commercial, industrial and utility scale projects.

Flexible solution I/O cards can be added in function of the project needs.

Memory20 days local memory for data storage in case of transmission problems.

Optional components

• UPS and battery• 3G/4G modem or router with VPN capability• fiber optic capability• satellite communication can be included• integration of CCTV is possible

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Meteo stations

Meteo stations are integrated. The sampling methodology is approved by the sensor manufacturer and can be adjusted according to the client’s requirements.

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Energy metersEnergy meters and power analyzers can be integrated.AC-side monitoring is possible. 03

Power controlData logging (reading) and writing (control). The system is capable of receiving net operator signals for power control of the inverters.

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Mind4Energy SCADA Possibility to connect to local Mind4Energy SCADA. 05

Robust solution

Mind4Energy uses industrial quality PLCs. These devices are also used in industrial automation application and are more robust then PCs. For instance a PLC can resist peak electrical conditions (voltage peaks and dips) and can operate in a wider temperature range (-25 °C ... 55 °C). The different readings are brought straight to the PLC without additional converter units.

VPN / GUIMind4Energy provides secure remote access to the PV site. Datalogger settings can be checked / changed remotely using the Mind4Energy Graphical User Interface (GUI).

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Features_

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SCADA_

05Successfully operating a PV-plant depends highly on logging reliable data and visualizing it on a real time basis in an intuitive user interface. That’s why Mind4Energy uses proven industrial quality PLC’s for its SCADA monitoring system.

Thanks to an internally developed protocol, the Mind4Energy SCADA is able to visualize key parameters of the PV-installation within seconds. This enables the customer to instantly detect power loss, communication issues and malfunctioning components.

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AC side monitoring_

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Our Data Acquisition solution can receive control signals from the electricity grid operator for power reduction or power quality control and also give feedback of the most critical parameters to the network controller. Our algorithms allow for quick response to any grid demands. Direct interaction with inverters without data converters results in increased reliability and reduced response time.

Power Control_

Mind4Energy’s PV monitoring can include detailed measurements on the AC side of the PV plant.

To accomplish this, a power analyzer is connected to the AC side. A power analyzer allows a detailed analysis of the AC side of the system (voltages, currents, frequency, power factor, harmonics…). This is particularly useful in case of an unstable public grid or if there are local effects on the grid (for instance high harmonics or sudden voltage drops,…). The variables measured by the power analyzer (such as active and reactive power, power factor) are used in Mind4Energy’s demand control system.

Curtailing, active and reactive power control

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VPN / GUI _

06The Mind4Energy GUI visualises logger settings and real time data via the local network or a secure remote connection (VPN). Parameters that can be visualised are main inverter data, sensor data, status of alarm signals, logger settings. Via the Mind4Energy GUI, the client can immediately see malfunctions and equipment changes or repairs. The Mind4Energy VPN connection allows secure remote access to the data loggers and to other devices on the local network of the PV site (eg. CCTV).

References

SalhouseUnited Kingdom

Project highlights_

• 5MWp

• Data acquisition of 160 Huawei Inverters

• 2 Mind4Energy meteo stations

• Data acquisition of AC power analyzers

• Fiber optic and main communications cabinet by

Mind4Energy, including 3G failover

• Power control according to UK Power

Networks requirements

02 03Canal LogisticsBrussels, Belgium

Project highlights_

• 3,5MWp

• Data acquisition of 5 Vacon central inverters

• String monitoring

• Mind4Energy meteo stations

• Data acquisition of AC power analyzers

• Data acquisition of transformers and MV switch gear

HyèresFrance

Project highlights_

• 3MWp

• Data acquisition of 51 SMA and Danfoss Inverters

• Meteo station by Mind4Energy

• Fiber optic communication by Mind4Energy

• Power control according to ERDF requirements

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“Mind4Energy offers an end-to-end solution

that comes with everything, from sensors

and data loggers all the way through to the

software and visualization. The application

gives us all the information we need to

keep a watch on the installations and to

determine the cause of any faults”

Jan Heyse, CEO of Orka Power NV

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For more information about our data acquisition solutions

www.mind4energy.com

T | +32 9 294 02 63 M | info@mind4energy.com | Derbystraat 215 Blok D, 9051 Ghent, Belgium

Elms farmUnited Kingdom

Project_

Elms farm is a 30MW site in Oxfordshire, UK.

The site has 650 SMA inverters connected to

12 transformer stations. Mind4Energy supplied,

installed and commissioned 13 datalogger cabinets

(including the FIT meter logger) with AC power

analyzers and meteo stations.

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“We have now integrated the Mind4Energy

solution on 5 solar farms and have another 4

solar farms in construction, totalling 92MWp.

The on-site expertise coupled with the pre and

post construction support is exceptional and we

will continue to use them as our partner of choice

for monitoring and site control both in the UK

and Overseas.”

Mark Hogan, CEO of WEL