Sensor IoT para la integración de generación fotovoltaica en vehículos eléctricos

Abstract

Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) is a novel technology with the aim of extending the range of the vehicle and reducing the emissions resulting from its energy consumption. In this respect, it is presented as a solution that helps to lessen the effects of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. However, its economic feasibility depends on the solar resource available on vehicle's surfaces. Many papers agree on the difficulty of estimating this resource, and in the lack of reliable data and standards on this technology. In order to tackle this uncertainty, the present TFG develops a measurement instrument that quantifies and publishes the data of the solar resource available on the vehicle’s bodywork.
The sensor gathers data of solar irradiance on five characteristic vehicle surfaces, in addition to its surroundings and a GPS tracking. The data is transmitted wirelessly to a cloud storage service using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Because of this, it is possible to carry out measurement campaigns in circulation and publish data for researchers and companies. The device has an STM32 microcontroller, which controls and publishes the information acquired in the ThingSpeak IoT server. Solar irradiance is measured from the short-circuit current of the photovoltaic cells on the surfaces of the device. Furthermore, while the microcontroller is not acquiring data, the energy generated by the cells is used to recharge the sensor's batteries. Trials and tests carried out with the sensor show that it results to be a valid prototype for future measurement campaigns by the Instituto de Energía Solar.