Design and Implementation of a Localized Monitoring for Gel-Type Battery with Fault Detection and Identification

Abstract

The reliable operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is critically dependent on the performance and stability of their battery storage components, which remain among the most failure-prone and technically challenging elements to manage. Effective battery monitoring is essential, yet traditional manual inspection methods are impractical due to the heterogeneous electrical characteristics of individual batteries, the variability of operating conditions, and the large number of units within a typical installation. These limitations often lead to inefficiencies in maintenance practices, unexpected system downtime, and a shortened overall battery lifespan. This study addresses these challenges through the design and implementation of a localized, real-time monitoring system specifically developed for Gel-type batteries in solar PV applications. In addition to monitoring, the system incorporates advanced fault detection and identification algorithms, enabling predictive maintenance by issuing timely notifications of emerging faults. Such functionality enhances diagnostic accuracy, supports informed decision-making, and allows for rapid mitigation strategies. The results of this work demonstrate that integrating real-time monitoring with automated fault diagnostics significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs while simultaneously enhancing system efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, the proactive management enabled by this approach extends battery service life and contributes to improved safety and resilience of solar PV infrastructure.