Mitgliedschaften:
PVPM1000C
Peak Power Measuring Device and I-V Curve Tracer for Photovoltaic Modules
The field testers of type PVPM enable the measurement of the I-V-curve of photovoltaic modules as well as of strings. By a new developed procedure the device can measure and calculate the peak power Ppk, the Rs and Rp directly at the place of assembly of the PV system. Calculation results and the diagram can be displayed on the internal LCD-display.
The peak power is the power of a module under Standard Test Conditions (STC) [1]. So far the very sumptuous measurement of the peak power was possible only in particularly suited laboratories. By a new procedure [2], which was developed by Professor Wagner at the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund (patented), the measurement with the PVPM can easily be performed.
So the quality control of a PV system can be executed fast and economically. This simple and meaningful check in practice serves the certainty of the customer and also that of the installer. Beyond that the measured I-V-curves permit further explanations about the electrical characteristics of the verified module or string. So the PVPM is suitable as well as an instrument in research as for development purposes.
The PVPM is a mobile measuring device with integrated battery supply and battery charger in a durable metal housing. The device has its own industrial miniature PC and a high-contrast LCD display and thus its function is independent of other devices. However if desired a PC can be attached for data transfer and further analysis of the measured values over a standard interface.
The PVPM is operated comfortably over few keys and an on-screen menu. The functions are defined self-describing and the user is always led by the program. So no long training activities for the operating staff are necessary.
Devices Comparison
The actually available devices only differ in the maximum power and the size. Here is a comparison sheet of the devices:
| PVPM2540C | PVPM6020C | PVPM1000C | PVPM1000C40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage ranges (dc) | 25V 50V 100V 250V | 25V 100V 300V 600V | 25V 100V 500V 1000V | 25V 100V 500V 1000V |
| Current ranges (dc) | 2A 5A 10A 40A | 2A 5A 10A 20A | 2A 5A 10A 20A | 2A 5A 10A 40A |
| Dimensions | 48 x 16 x 35cm ca. 9,9kg | 48 x 16 x 35cm ca. 10,5kg | 48 x 16 x 35cm ca.10,9kg | 48 x 16 x 35cm ca. 10,95kg |
| Integrated industrial PC | • | • | • | • |
| Integrated LCD Screen | • | • | • | • |
| Battery or grid operated | • | • | • | • |
| Windows Software intergrated | • | • | • | • |
| 4-wire-measurement | • | • | • | • |
| Use of standard irradiance sensors | • | • | • | • |
| Use of standard platinum temperature sensors | • | • | • | • |
| External Security Switch 1000V/20Adc | • | • | • | |
| Plastic case for cables | • | • | • | • |
The Measurement
The PVPM automatically measures the I-V-characteristic of the generator at a capacitive load. From the measured data it calculates the effective solar cell characteristic, Ppk and Rs. [2], [3]. After the measurement the data are stored automatically in a non-volatile storage and so are available also later (e.g. in the office) [4]. The device internally stores the data of several 1000 measurements.
The following results are displayed:
Permanent values:
- Peak Power PPk
- Internal Series Resistance Rs
- Internal Parallel Resistance Rp
Current values, depending on irradiation and temperature:
- Vpmax , Ipmax , Pmax
- Voc , Isc , FF, Tmod , Eeff
The determined I-V-characteristic can also be shown directly on the LCD display.
[1] Standard Test Conditions STC (IEC60904-3): Irradiation 1000W/m2, Spectrum AM=1,5 and modul temperature 25°C.
[2] Wagner A.: Peak-Leistung- und Serien-Innenwiderstand-Messung unter natürlichen Umgebungsbedingungen. - EuroSun Kopenhagen 2000.
[3] Bendel C., Wagner A.: Photovoltaic Measurement relevant to the Energy Yield. - WCPEC3 Osaka 2003
[4] Schulte K.M., Wagner A.: Die effektive Solarzellenkennlinie. - Anwendung Teillast-Berechnung. Staffelstein. 2002
Scope of Supply
- Measuring instrument in sturdy metal housing with adjustable carrying handle
- Battery supply, inserted power pack to the charge of the accus and to the line operation
- 4-wire-lead (10 meters)
- Calibrated radiation reference sensor (Phox), integrated temperature sensor Pt100/Pt1000
- Serial cable RS232 for linking an evaluation PC
- Control and evaluation software for Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista
- Users Manual in box
- External Santon Security Switch 1000V / 25A
- Plastic case for wires and sensor
Optionally available
- Software for MS Windows for the automatic generation of test reports
- Test lead with 15 or 25 m (other lengths on request)
- Housing optionally as 19" rack mounting cover
- Rough transport case (trolley) PELI 1650