IoT-Based System for Monitoring Photovoltaic Batteries in Hard-to-Reach Areas: The Wasakentsa Case Study

The Wasakentsa health center is of significant importance in the area, as it is the only place that has the necessary equipment to provide adequate care. However, the photovoltaic plant that supplies power to the center lacks an real-time monitoring system for its batteries, which represents a critical challenge that can compromise the efficiency and sustainability of the power supply. For this reason, this project proposes the creation of an IoT system for monitoring the status of batteries in a solar power system, applied to the Wasakentsa health center. Various technologies were analyzed and a Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V2 microcontroller was chosen, along with voltage, temperature and humidity sensors, in addition to the ThingsBoard platform for visualization of the data collected in real time. The methodology included laboratory tests followed by verification in situ, ensuring that the findings accurately reflect actual system conditions. The system enabled real-time monitoring of parameters of both the batteries and the environment in which they are installed, optimizing energy management and extending system life. The visualization of the data on the ThingsBoard platform facilitated the early detection of possible failures, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. Initial experiments, conducted at the Salesian Polytechnic University, demonstrated the functionality of the system, the effectiveness of which was subsequently validated at Wasakentsa. This system is a replicable solution for other isolated communities around the world.