Synchronization of Solar Stand-alone Devices and Autonomous Energy Management through Solar Time Measurements

This works present a method for synchronization of a solar device to real solar time for event triggering and energy management. Specifications require the devices to be off-grid and self-adjusting. Measurements of daylight duration were performed using one test device over the course of several months in Denmark. Analysis of viability over the accuracy of solar time determination and potential for self-adjusting energy management was carried out. Measurement results allowed for the development of an algorithm with good potential for performing the required tasks. Influence of variations in weather and different shadowing conditions were tested in two prototype devices. Results show a good potential for estimation of solar time and daily synchronization between devices within less than 5 minutes error.