PROFITEST PV
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer
for PV Modules and Strings
(Measurement at Capacitive Load)
• Generator voltage up to 1000 V DC, current up to 20 A DC
•Measurement of short-circuit current ISC, open circuit
voltage UOC, instantaneous peak power of a solar cell Pmax,
internal series resistance RS, and internal parallel resistance RP
• Automatic conversion of momentary measured values to STC
• Patented calculation process for evaluating PV generators
without knowledge of the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Patented calculation process for determining the generator’s
internal series resistance based solely on a measured characteristic I-U curve.
• Separate measurement of temperatures at the irradiation sensor and the back of the module for increased measuring
accuracy.
• High level of intrinsic safety thanks to included load disconnector (1000 V/32 A DC) for all-pole disconnection of the
measuring instrument from the PV generator
• Calibrated irradiation sensor per IEC/EN 60904-2 with integrated Pt1000 temperature sensor
•Integrated customer database* with bidirectional data exchange
•Integrated module database with bidirectional data exchange
•Software for graphic visualization, evaluation and report generation
with integrated database
*in preparation
3-349-632-03
1/5.11
Applications
The PROFITEST PV allows for the measurement of characteristic
I-U curves, as well as individual photovoltaic modules and strings.
With the help of a patented process, the instrument is capable of
ascertaining peak power, internal series resistance and internal
parallel resistance directly on-site “with only one measurement and without entering module data”, which are then indicated at a highresolution color graphic touch-screen which is suitable for use in
sunlight. Troubleshooting in PV systems, as well as documentation of system quality, are executed quickly and economically during initial start-up and subsequent testing without a long learning
curve. This simple yet decisive test assures safety for the customer and eliminates consequential costs for the installer. Measured peak power can, for example, also be used in order to
determine peak ratio. Beyond this, acquired characteristic curves
make it possible to draw further conclusions regarding the electrical characteristics of the measured module or string. And thus the
instrument is also suitable for R&D.
Features
•Internal data memory for up to several thousand measurements
• Acquired characteristic I-U curve is highly accurate thanks to
steady measurement at the capacitive load
• Displayed (calculated) values: peak power P
resistance R
values: U
, internal parallel resistance RP, instantaneous
S
, I
, P
pmax
pmax
, UOC, ISC, FF, T
max
, internal series
Pk
, T
mod
, E
ref
TRMS
• Power and temperature measurement via four-conductor
cable for error-free results
• Sensors for irradiation and temperature are integrated by
means of analog technology with a rugged data transmission
line. As a result, irradiation can always be measured in realtime, and irradiation fluctuations are reliably detected within
the millisecond range. As a rule, measurement data cannot be
transmitted continuously with solutions based on radio transmission, and thus only a snapshot is provided. However, irradiation typically changes by up to several hundred W/m
in the millisecond range.
• Continuous display of momentary irradiation and temperature
provides information regarding measuring conditions.
• Universal input allows for use with commercially available irradiation reference sensors, assuring trouble-free on-site use of
adapted sensors and sensor replacement.
• Operation of the PROFITEST PV via a PC with direct import of
results (e.g. for continuous measurement)
• External power pack with broad-range input for charging the
batteries, and for continuous operation of the measuring
instrument
• Open interfaces allow for operation of the instrument in special applications as well
• High level of intrinsic safety thanks to included load disconnector (1000 V / 32 A DC)
2
even
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
PROFITEST PV
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer for
PV Modules and Strings (Measurement at Capacitive Load)
Regulations and standard in accordance with which the test instrument is
manufactured and tested:
IEC 61010-1/EN 61010-1/
VDE 0411-1
EN 60529
VDE 0470, part 1
DIN EN 61326-1
VDE 0843-20-1
Regulations and Standards for Use of the Test Instrument
IEC 62446
VDE 0126-23
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use
– General requirements
Test instruments and test procedures
Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use –
EMC requirements – Part 1: General requirements
Grid connected photovoltaic systems –
Minimum requirements for system documentation,
commissioning tests and inspection
Characteristic Values
Standard Measuring Ranges
Voltage
[V]
25, 100, 500, 1000 2, 5, 10, 20-40 to +100° C
The measuring ranges can be combined with each other. The
measuring instrument automatically selects the ideal measuring
range.
Current
[A]
TemperatureIrradiation
with Pt1000
0 to 1300 W/m²
(standard sensor)
• Irradiation reference sensor (Phox) with integrated Pt1000
temperature sensor
• Supplementary measurement of temperature at the back of
the module is possible (a second Pt100 input is provided)
• Commercially available reference sensors such as the ISET-
• Connection is only permissible to direct voltage sources with
Irradiance: 8 pin female chassis socket, Lumberg KFV81 (plug: SV81)
Pin 1: irradiance +
Pin 2: Pt1000 (reference) +
Pin 3: irradiance –
Pin 4: current source + (~1 mA)
Pin 5: current source – (~1 mA)
Pin 6: unused (do not connect)
Pin 7: unused (do not connect)
Pin 8: Pt1000 (reference) –
Computer Unit
Miniature industrial PC, real-time clock, no moving mechanical
parts such as hard disks, fans etc.
A-D sampling rate: max. 100 kHz, resolution: 12 bit
Measuring accuracy for characteristic I-U curve better than 1%,
peak power ±5%
Data from several thousand measurements are automatically
saved at the device permanently (flash memory)
Measuring Unit
Sampling rateMax. 100 kHz,
Resolution0.01 to 0.25 V, 0.005 to 0.001 A
(depending on selected measuring range)
Measuring accuracyBetter than 1%
Ascertainment of Peak Power
Tol era nc e±5 %
Reproducibility±2%
Measurement duration for separate measurement of individual
modules: > 20 ms (approx. 100 pairs of measured values), and
thus the capacitive characteristics of the device under test have
no influence on measurement.
• 4-conductor measurement cable to the generator prevents
systematic voltage measuring errors
Ambient Conditions
Accuracy0 to + 40° C
Operation0 to + 40° C
Storage–10 to + 85° C (without batteries)
Relative humidity
Operation10 to 90% (non-condensing),
no condensation allowed
Storage5 to 95%
no condensation
allowed
Power Supply
Rechargeable batteries
Power consumption Approx. 40 W
External power pack In: 90 to 263 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz, 40 W,
• UL approval
•Integrated charge controller for protection against overcharging
and excessively depleting the batteries
• Charge level indication by means of LED on the housing
(status display on the PROFITEST PV)
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer for
PV Modules and Strings (Measurement at Capacitive Load)
Display
DisplayColor LCD with LED backlight
Resolution480 x 272 pixels
Suitable for use in sunlight
Operation
• Menu driven via touch-screen directly at the instrument
• Operation and evaluation alternatively with Windows software
• Connection to PC: USB, standard B socket
• USB cable: standard USB 2.0 cable
PC Software Features
PV Analyzer
Software for visualization, evaluation and documentation of measured characteristic curve values with database
• Measured characteristic curve values are read in from the
PROFITEST PV
• Graphic representation of the characteristic I-U curve
– With calculated MPP – maximum power point (Pmax)
– In comparison with the characteristic power curve
– In comparison with the TRMS curve
– In comparison with the STC curve
– Characteristic I-U curve with display of measuring points
• Representation of measured and calculated values under STC
• Overview of characteristic I-U curves for a given test series in
browser window
• Export of measured values or results (e.g. XLS file)
• Generation of test reports (e.g. PDF file)
• Online measurement – graphic representation of the characteristic curve and measured values (also suitable for continuous measurement)
• Online access to the database and file management at the
PROFITEST PV
• Compatible with MS Windows
®
NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
Mechanical Design
ProtectionIP20
DimensionsW x H x D: 480 mm x 315 mm x226 mm
WeightApprox. 9,5 kg
Interfaces
The PROFITEST PV is equipped with the following inputs and outputs (except for the jacks for the external power pack, all interfaces are located on the front panel, and are labeled):
InterfaceFunction
MainsExternal power pack: connection via jack plugs,
TemperatureConnection for temperature sensor
IrradiationConnection for irradiation reference sensor (Phox)
4-wire measurementMeasurement input (voltage measurement)
Current inputPower input (for current measurement)
PCConnection via USB cable
5.5 x 2.1 mm
• Instruments with 2 temperature measuring inputs:
external Pt100 for acquiring temperature at the back
of the module
• Other instruments: external Pt100 or Pt1000
(depending on variant) for measuring temperature at
the back of the reference cell
• The Pt100/Pt1000 reference sensor and the measured irradiation value are combined into a single 8pin plug.
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH3
PROFITEST PV
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer for
PV Modules and Strings (Measurement at Capacitive Load)
Included Accessories
Irradiation Reference Sensor
Calibrated monocrystalline irradiation sensor, integrated Pt1000
temperature sensor, with mounting and 10 m connector cable
Mounting of Irradiation Reference Sensor on a PV-Modul
External Safety Disconnector
External load disconnector (1000 V / 25 A) for all-pole disconnection of the measuring instrument from the PV generator
4-Conductor Measurement Cable, 10 m Long
For connecting the load disconnector and the PV generator
External Power Pack, 16 V DC, 2.5 A
External Pt100 Temperature Sensor, 10 m Long
4GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
For supplying power to the PROFITEST PV
PROFITEST PV
38 cm
98 cm
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer for
PV Modules and Strings (Measurement at Capacitive Load)
PROFITEST PV Case System
For the test instrument
Optional Accessories
Trolley for PROFITEST PV Case System
can only be used in combination with the accessory case (TOOLS)
Carrying handle retracted
Carrying handle extended
For accessories
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH5
PROFITEST PV
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer for
PV Modules and Strings (Measurement at Capacitive Load)
Order Information
DescriptionTypeArticle Number
Peak power measuring instrument
and curve tracer for PV modules and
strings (measurement at capacitive
load) including accessoriesPROFITEST PVM360A
Trolley for case systemTrolleyZ502V
Edited in Germany • Subject to ch ange without notice • PDF version available on the Internet