Sameeksha Katoch

The efficiency of solar energy farms requires detailed analytics and information on each panel regarding voltage, current, temperature, and irradiance. Monitoring utility-scale solar arrays was shown to minimize the cost of maintenance and help optimize the performance of the photo-voltaic arrays under various conditions. We describe a project that includes development of machine learning and signal processing algorithms along with a solar array testbed for the purpose of PV monitoring and control. The 18kW PV array testbed consists of 104 panels fitted with smart monitoring devices. Each of these devices embeds sensors, wireless transceivers, and relays that enable continuous monitoring, fault detection, and real-time connection topology changes. The facility enables networked data exchanges via the use of wireless data sharing with servers, fusion and control centers, and mobile devices. We develop machine learning and neural network algorithms for fault classification. In addition, we use weather camera data for cloud movement prediction using kernel regression techniques which serves as the input that guides topology reconfiguration. Camera and satellite sensing of skyline features as well as parameter sensing at each panel provides information for fault detection and power output optimization using topology reconfiguration achieved using programmable actuators (relays) in the SMDs. More specifically, a custom neural network algorithm guides the selection among four standardized topologies. Accuracy in fault detection is demonstrate at the level of 90+% and topology optimization provides increase in power by as much as 16% under shading.

Compressed sensing (CS) allows signals and images to be reliably inferred from undersampled measurements. Exploiting CS allows the creation of new types of high-performance sensors including infrared cameras and magnetic resonance imaging systems. Advances in computer vision and deep learning have enabled new applications of automated systems. In this book, we introduce reconstruction-free compressive vision, where image processing and computer vision algorithms are embedded directly in the compressive domain, without the need for first reconstructing the measurements into images or video. Reconstruction of CS images is computationally expensive and adds to system complexity. Therefore, reconstruction-free compressive vision is an appealing alternative particularly for power-aware systems and bandwidth-limited applications that do not have on-board post-processing computational capabilities. Engineers must balance maintaining algorithm performance while minimizing both the number of measurements needed and the computational requirements of the algorithms. Our study explores the intersection of compressed sensing and computer vision, with the focus on applications in surveillance and autonomous navigation. Other applications are also discussed at the end and a comprehensive list of references including survey papers are given for further reading.