Plug-in administrator

Without the plug-in administration, the visual interface (RescoRemote Server) and the plug-in API, users willing to add new features into the application will be required to modify the original code. This will cause derivatives to the main application, giving to users different versions of the software with different features, thus causing a dispersion and an increase in complexity.

For example, a user will be willing to have a feature existing in one derivative, and also a second feature existing in another derivative. Because they will belong to different derivatives, the user will not be able to have them both, or it will be forced to commission the programming of a third derivative that has both of them. With hundreds of potential features to be added, this would cause much confussion.

If instead of this, RescoManager provides the previous three items, users will simply have to install or remove plug-ins, which can be programmed by anyone.

Required tasks:

1. Plug-in administration (#3.2.1)

This is a core feature that allows to view, install and upgrade existing plug-ins from a file or an Internet download. the module administration will allow third parties to programme their own plug-ins, for example the manufacturers or distributors of hardware components.

2. RescoRemote Server Features (#3.2.2)

This feature will inform software users on all the available plug-ins, and the type of license they hold. It is the visual interface of the previous feature (Plug-in administration). In this way users will see what plug-ins are available and under what licenses, so they can decide which ones they wish to install into the core application.

3. Plug-in API (#3.2.3)

The Plug-in API is a feature that allows third parties to program plug-ins that register into the remote server.

4. Programming drivers for three hardware devices (#3.2.4)

Once the previous three items are added into RescoManager, it will be possible to programme the first set of drivers that will allow for RescoManager to import data coming from different types of hardware. In order to define the common elements that all drivers for RescoManager should possess it is highly advised to program in parallel drivers for at least three different types of hardware. After consultation with several consultants and companies specialised in the Pacific, three three most important drivers to programme at this stage are:

4.1. Prepayment meter - brand to be selected (#3.2.4.1)

We are currently looking for a prepayment meter that offers a system of tokens to be printed out by RescoManager, and data logging capabilities.

4.2. SMA Sunny Island & Sunny Boy - (#3.2.4.2)

Several renewable energy projects funded by EuropeAir and other donors in the Pacific are using the Sunny Island stand alone inverter for the electrification of schools or village micro-grids (e.g. Yap, RMI, installed by REP5); while grid connected PV systems installed in Niue, Palau, Kosrae or Nauru are using the SMA Sunny Boy.

4.3. Outback Power System Regulators (#3.2.4.3)

Alongside with the SMA Sunny island as the stand alone inverter, the school and village electrification projects in the Pacific are using the OutBack regulator.

Justification: avoid derivatives and facilitate the programming of additional features by third parties.