Power Model of Rain Gauge Sensor Node with Solar Panel Power Source

Abstract

Nowadays, the Philippines encounters unpredictable weather and the awareness of the circumstance is important. The traditional use of measuring instruments is implemented to perceive the state of the atmosphere. Rain gauge remote sensor node is a device that is utilized for effective monitoring of rainfall. It is known that rain gauge remote sensor nodes need energy to fully operate. Since most of remote areas lack on providing electric power, batteries are common substitute for the sensor nodes to operate at a span of time. Repetitive changing of batteries is time-wasting and costly for remote areas. Solar panel power source is a remedy for this situation which is used to continuously supply energy to the rain gauge remote sensor node. This paper gives information to the readers on a device that is possible to be placed on remote areas like mountains which have limited source of electricity or zero accessibility at all. The design of the power supply has been accumulated from voltage and current measurements that are evaluated through distinctive trials during various operating modes.