Design of power load monitoring and control system for an off-grid institution setting

Abstract

The increasing demand for electricity during peak hours in off-grid institutions, such as schools and hospitals, sometimes leads to overloading and potential disruptions. Manual methods of managing power usage are inefficient and unable to dynamically respond to fluctuations in energy availability. This project aims to design and implement a power load monitoring and control system specifically tailored for off-grid settings to optimize energy usage and ensure system reliability. The main objective is to develop a system that continuously monitors energy consumption, assesses the stored power in batteries, and integrates control mechanisms to enhance energy efficiency. In situations where the available power from the generation sources is insufficient to meet peak demand, the system will prioritize essential loads, such as ICU units in hospitals, while selectively disconnecting non-essential loads. This dynamic adjustment will be based on realtime power availability, ensuring uninterrupted service to critical areas while minimizing energy consumption and promoting cost savings. The system will also optimize power usage during low generation periods from the off-grid power source, thereby improving overall efficiency and sustainability