Essentials for utilizing LoRa to Modbus Converters and Repeaters in Solar Plant Monitoring
As the renewable energy landscape continues to evolve, the need for seamless communication and real-time data transmission becomes increasingly critical. This article provides the essential information you need to consider while designing your communication solution, utilizing LoRa to Modbus RS485 converters, as well as LoRa repeaters in a solar power plant setup, and transmitting data to the TrackSo platform.
These converters streamline IoT installation processes and reduces installation and maintenance costs
Understanding the Components:
-
- LoRa Repeaters: also known as signal relay significantly expand the communication range of LoRa modules by strategically placing them, ensuring reliable connections even in cases without Line of Sight (LOS).
- LoRa I/O Nodes: (upcoming modules) are LoRa capable I/O cards which can connect to sensors with proividing Analog Inputs (0-10V, 4-20ma) or Digital Input (0/1)
- LoRa Gateway :(upcoming modules) : acts as data loggers and connects with LoRa converters and I/O nodes to poll data from equipment and post it on the TrackSo platform.
Critical Aspects
Range: Various LoRa modules offer different ranges, so it is important to refer to the datasheet of the module you intend to purchase for range specifications. Typically, communication distance can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, obstacle density, obstacle volume, and the electromagnetic environment. To ensure stable communication, it is advisable to reserve a communication distance margin of 50% or more.
LoRa Frequency
Different countries have different regulations, identify the frequency allowed to be utilised in your region (here), in India 865 MHz to 867 MHz is allowed for use
Spreading Factor (SF)
Balancing Range and Data Rate: Choose the spreading factor based on the required range and data rate.Considering the environment; a higher spreading factor might be beneficial for better penetration in the presence of obstacles but provide low data rate.
Communication/Range
- Don’t let the modules continuously be in full load transmitting state, otherwise the module may be burnt out
- Using near the ground may result in poor performance as the wireless radio waves will be absorbed and reflected by the ground.
- Using near the sea may yield poor performance due to the significant capacity of seawater to absorb wireless radio waves.
- The presence of a metal object near the antenna or placing the antenna inside a metal case will impact the signal.
Site Conditions
Site Assessment:
- Identify buildings or locations that are in direct line of sight and those obstructed by obstacles, as well as distances between such points.
- Consider the LoRa range to determine optimal locations for different components (LoRa to Modbus RS485 converters, LoRa repeaters) based on line of sight and signal strength
- Identify potential sources of interference.
- Plan for future expansion by selecting locations that allow for easy installation of additional devices.
Installation Height
- Consider Line of Sight: Install LoRa modules at a height that provides a clear line of sight between two comunication modules.
- Optimal Elevation: Aim for an elevation that minimizes obstacles and maximizes signal coverages. Rooftops or towers can be suitable locations.
Avoiding Interference (from Transformers and Inverters)
Install LoRa converters away from power supplies, transformers, high-frequency wiring, inverters, and other components with significant electromagnetic interference, as they can significantly affect the module’s performance.
Necessary Acceosries (IP65, Power Supply, SPD etc)
- Use weather-resistant enclosures for LoRa modules to protect them from environmental factors.
- Utilize SPD’s (surge protection devices) to prevent damages from surges
- Do not use it in a working environment that exceeds the environmental characteristics of the modules, such as high temperature, humidity, low temperature, strong electromagnetic field or dusty environment
Antenna
- The performance of the module is significantly impacted by the antenna mounting structure. It is crucial to ensure that the antenna is exposed, preferably vertically upward.
- In cases where the module is housed within a room, try to extend the RS485 cable and deploy outside and if not possible add a high-quality antenna extension cable to extend the antenna outside the case. More Details
- If the extension antenna cable is of poor quality or too long, the bit error rate will be high, if extension is required utilise good antenna extension cables only.
- Installing the antenna inside a metal case should be avoided, as it significantly reduce the transmission distance.
- Utilize different type of Antenna’s as per site conditions, some examples are available here on page 8 and consolidated below
Ebyte reference Product | Type | Frequency Hz | Interface | Gain dBi | Size | Feeder | Features |
TX433-NP-4310 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 2 | 43.8*9.5m m | – | Built-in flexible FPC soft antenna |
TX433-JW-5 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 2 | 50mm | – | Flexible, Omnidirectional |
TX433-JWG-7 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 3 | 75mm | – | Flexible, Omnidirectional |
TX433-JK-20 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 3 | 210mm | – | Flexible, Omnidirectional |
TX433-JK-11 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 3 | 110mm | – | Flexible, Omnidirectional |
TX433-XP-200 | Sucker antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 4 | 19cm | 200cm | High Gain |
TX433-XP-100 | Sucker antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 4 | 18.5cm | 100cm | High Gain |
TX433-XPH-300 | Sucker antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 6 | 96.5cm | 300cm | High Gain |
TX433-JZG-6 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 3 | 52mm | – | Ultra short straight Omnidirectional |
TX433-JZ-5 | Soft PCB antenna | 433M | SMA-J | 2 | 52mm | – | Ultra short straight Omnidirectional |
TX490-XP-100 | Sucker antenna | 490M | SMA-J | 50 | 12cm | 100cm | High Gain |
TX490-JZ-5 | Soft PCB antenna | 490M | SMA-J | 50 | 50mm | – | High Gain |