Batteries are a very important part of most solar and inverter power systems in Nigeria. A battery meter or monitor can help users keep track of the battery performance to maximize efficiency. They can also be used to remotely configure the battery system. A monitor requires a 'shunt' that is to be mounted close to the battery.
Battery monitors are hardware accessories that come with softwares that can be used either directly or on computers, over a LAN, on a smartphone, on cloud or through Bluetooth.
They may also come with a Bluetooth cable, a USB interface cable, a pair of temperature sensors and enclosures for wall mounting.
Other simpler forms of the battery monitor include.
1. Battery Indicator
2. Battery Capacity/Load Test Meter
3. Voltage Monitor
4. Battery Shunts or Amp Meters/Voltage Monitors.
5. Amp Meter
SolarKobo has a Power Monitor Companion that helps you to monitor your batteries. The monitoring system requires a small Android photo connected to the inverter/solar system designated outlet with the PMC app installed on it. With a companion PMC installed on a regular Android phone, the user can receive notifications about the battery system.
Designed for Nigerian users of battery-based power systems, the SolarKobo PMC is able to detect and notify the user of 'dead events', that is the number of times your battery has been discharged each week and how long it lasts before being discharged again. It is available on the App Store.