Development of Low-Cost DAQ for Power System Signals Using Arduino

Data Acquisition System (DAQ) enables conversion of analog signal of physical system into a digital signal, making it more flexible for being processed by computer. Conversion of Analog signals which are usually Continuous Time Continuous Valued (CTCV) signals to Discrete Time Discrete Valued Signals helps process industries and power system to take valuable decisions in order to improve overall performance of system. More precise and accurate DAQ enables the accurate development of Load signatures for disaggregation purpose in Power System. However, DAQs that are available in market are usually highly expensive. This paper presents an efficient approach for the development of low cost, accurate and portable DAQ system using Arduino Mega 2560. Proposed DAQ system deploys variable gain amplifier circuit increasing the efficiency, resolution and sensing range of system. Moreover, Integration of Arduino and Raspberry Pi enables the calculation of basic electrical parameters using effective algorithms in real time. Experimental results of proposed DAQ system proved the reliability and accuracy of system as portable power system acquisition device.