Step 1: Mounting WisBlock Parts
Assemble the RAK11310 WisBlock Core onto the RAK19003 WisBlock Base Board. Connect the RAK11310 (as current sensor module) and the RAK12500 RTC module to available slots. Attach the RAK1921 power module, and connect the Solar Panel via the Solar Panel Connector to the RAK1921. Ensure the battery is also connected. The current sensor should be placed to measure solar panel output current and/or battery charging/discharging current.
Step 2: Link to PC (via USB Cable)
Connect the assembled WisBlock unit (via the RAK11310) to your PC using a standard USB cable.
Step 3: Setup Arduino IDE and Load Files
Download and configure the Arduino IDE for the RP2040 (e.g., install Raspberry Pi Pico/RP2040 boards from Boards Manager). Install necessary libraries for the current sensor (e.g., ACS712 library if a specific current sensor IC is used with RAK11310 as a breakout, or custom driver for RAK's module) and the RAK12500 RTC module. Load the Arduino sketch designed to read current values and timestamp them.
Step 4: Upload the Code
Select RAK11310 Board (or equivalent RP2040 board) and the correct COM port. Upload the code to your WisBlock device. After successful upload, open the Serial Monitor (set Baud rate to 15200) to observe current readings and verify RTC functionality. The device will periodically read solar panel output current and battery current, timestamping this data, and then transmitting it via LoRaWAN to your RAK7268V2 gateway. TheThingsNetwork will then forward this data to OpenEnergyMonitor/Emoncms. This platform will provide detailed visualization of energy generation and consumption, enabling users to optimize their off-grid power usage and maintain battery health, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Explanation: The code initializes the RAK11310 (RP2040) core, the RAK11310 current sensor module, and the RAK12500 RTC module. It continuously monitors the current flowing from the solar panel and the current being drawn from/charged into the battery, along with precise timestamps from the RTC. This detailed energy data is then transmitted via LoRaWAN to TheThingsNetwork. An integration sends this data to an OpenEnergyMonitor (Emoncms) instance. Emoncms provides comprehensive dashboards to visualize real-time and historical energy generation and consumption, allowing users to understand their power profile, identify inefficiencies, and proactively manage their battery system, leading to more resilient and sustainable off-grid power solutions.
Credits● Collaborators: Mehmet Emin UĞUR, Harun YENİŞAN
● Inspiration: Renewable energy systems, off-grid living, energy conservation.
● Resources: RAKwireless WisBlock documentation, OpenEnergyMonitor/Emoncms documentation, RP2040 Arduino core documentation.
Comments