Renewable Energy Questions/Discussion > Solar (heating or electric)

Raspberry Pi controller for my PowerJack solar energy project

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solarnewbee:
Hey All!

Just got finished building my prototype PJ temperature controller using a Rasberry Pi micro-controller connected to 6 1-wire temp sensors. 4 sensors are for the PJ Fan control and 2 are for cooling Fans on the windmill dumpload Heatsinks.

Don't know if I've got the PJ sensors right but as follows:

1. Toroid coil
2. LF Heatsink
3. Heatsink 1
4. Heatsink 2
These all turn on the same fan in the PJ

Then:

5. Windmill Dump Fans 1
6. Windmill Dump Fans 2
These are Fans on the Dump load heatsinks.

I am using an iOS app called Cayenne which takes the programming to a level much easier for those who may not want to code or which in my case "coding for dummies" just didn't work lol.

The Rasberry Pi will be installed on a din rail adapter allowing hard wire inputs and outputs, they're real proud of that thing at $35.

With the Cayenne app you can find your Rasberry Pi on your network, load libraries automatically and monitor and control your project from anywhere in the world. When schedule events or triggers occur it can text or email you.

Ideas? Corrections?  I'm open

SN

solarnewbee:
Updated pics. Install Rpi on din rail adapter and then straightened up wiring. Installed CPU fan and cover.

Really nice when you can wire all temp sensors to one power source and single data line. These are waterproof stainless ds18b20 sensors each having unique serial numbers and are user programmable if your smart like that.

SN

solarnewbee:
Here's a pic showing addition of 12" touchscreen for local control

Wolvenar:
Looks like a fun project.
I am hooked on the rasp pi. They are so adaptable it is nuts.
I have built dozens of devices now with them, most have been claimed by friends and family.
I have several in use around here, and keep a few spares just in case one fails or a new idea/need arises.
I have never had one fail yet however, I had one couple nights ago, but with a hot air rework station and minor tinkering it's live too. Turned out a couple smd resistors partly dislodged from the board due to to little solder.

Are you going to have any voltage and current monitoring?
You could be able to track everything from input/output loads, batt states, calculate efficiency of the batteries etc.
Even could monitor the inverter efficiency, changes might mean pending troubles.
I would be a waste if you don't since you have the pi there already, and should have plenty of expandability and cpu cycles left.

solarnewbee:
Hey!

Have you checked out Cayenne for iOS and android? The app finds any Rpi on your network and allows users like me to build projects. The developers are always implementing user ideas and suggestions and have project competition.

I do want to monitor by system voltage etc but Cayenne doesn't have a scale setting for the widget. like 0-26v thru voltage divider = 0-5v but the widget will only display 0-5v. Maybe that will change someday.

My Rpi has a power problem I think it's the USB connector because if you wiggle the connection it reboots. Also sometime it refuses to reboot unless I disconnect the hdmi cable.

Still working on a voltage divider.using an app called electronic toolbox pro. It has a wealth of uses from winding Toroid coils to resister colors, zeners, fets, etc. input your needs and it calculates for you.

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