In Algeria, there are several photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) whi
ch are situated in remote areas. Typical problems are detected as sizing of
photovoltaic (PV) generator (oversizing) and maintenance (underestimate) b
y many operators. Due to the high cost of setting up and maintaining a larg
e number of data acquisition systems for the PVWPS, we have developed a rea
l time expert system based on central microcomputer used as a micro-server,
with a low cost. This paper presents a design of a universal data acquisit
ion system for Algeria with available components and easily accessible with
a central server. This data acquisition system analyses the performance of
PVWPS. The system's hardware and software architectures and an application
to test its performance are described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All
rights reserved.