Planning and High-Level Design

Introduction

Now that some of the desired features are known, attention will be turned to the devices that need to be integrated into the system. To model the power plant, digital representations of each device in the system will be created, as well as some additional variables not directly connected with a particular device.

At this stage of modeling the system, a list of the physical devices currently in use should be made. Along with it, the variables and data streams associated with each device, and any additional variables or data streams not directly connected with each device should be listed as well.

Physical Devices to Model

  1. Transformers step up the voltage to an appropriate level for distribution to the power grid. Each transformer is connected to multiple inverters to receive power.

  2. Inverters convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic panels into the alternating current required by the transformers. Each inverter is connected to multiple photovoltaic panels.

  3. Photovoltaic panels generate direct electrical current when exposed to sunlight.

The elements of the physical system listed above are connected as follows:

For each device, there can be any number of associated variables. Below is a list of a few variables which will be included in the models and which will be useful in subsequent examples.

  • Transformers

    • Output Power, Integer.

    • Active status, Boolean.

  • Inverters

    • Cabinet temperature, Integer

    • Inverter efficiency, Integer

    • Output Power, Float

    • Active status, Boolean

  • Panels

    • Output Power, Float

    • Active status, Boolean

Variables Not Connected with a Device

There are a few other variables to include in the system which are not directly tied to any of the devices. We’d like to save some information about the weather and season (illuminance and day length) which will help us create a predictive model for power generation.

  • Illuminance, Integer.

  • Current day length, Float.

  • Expected Output Power, Float.

Next Steps

With the devices and variables identified, the next step is to create them in the Iotellect platform. This will enable simulation and analysis of the power plant's functioning as well as creating dashboards and visualizations.

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