Atec PVA-600 User Manual

PV Analyzer
PVA-600
The Complete
Verication Solution
That means:
Condence in DC performance
Smarter troubleshooting
Faster installation and repairs
Detailed history of
array performance
Verify System Performance
The Solmetric PV Analyzer is a complete electrical test solution
for verifying photovoltaic array performance. For each string, the
analyzer measures current and power as a function of voltage.
Measured results are compared to the performance predicted by
advanced built-in models.
Expert Tools. Better Solar.
See all our solutions at
www.solmetric.com
PC not included
Key Features
I-V and P-V graphs
Wireless convenience
Advanced predictive PV
models built-in
Wireless irradiance and
temperature sensors
Array-as-sensor mode
derives irradiance and cell temperature
Inverter voltage range
highlighted on I-V graphs
Maximum input: 600V, 20A
Application Setup
PVA Sensor Kit (optional accessory)
Fused Combiner Box
Wireless Communication
Windows PC Running PVA Software
I-V
Measurement Unit
transmitter
Thermocouple
transmitterSensor
Irradiance
Testing one string at a time at a fused combiner box
Measurement Modes
For accurate calculations of I-V and P-V curves, the irradiance and cell temperature must be known. The
PVA-600 obtains these values in three ways:
1. “Array-as-sensor” mode
In applications where the main objective is to dem­onstrate functionality and consistency among PV strings, the PVA extracts the irradiance and cell tem­perature mathematically from the measured I-V data.
Convenient. Uses the array itself as the sensors,
so external sensors are not required.
Allows detailed comparison of the shapes of
measured and predicted I-V curves, even under conditions of changing irradiance and temperature.
2. Manual entry by the user
If external sensors are available, sensor values can be manually entered. This method is suitable when irradiance and temperature are relatively stable.
3. Measure using wireless sensors
With the PVA Sensor Kit, external sensors transmit the data wirelessly, improving the overall measurement accuracy under conditions of changing irradiance and temperature. A complete sensor kit is available as an accessory to support this mode.
PV Analyzer User Interface
PV Model Choices
I-V and P-V curves of a healthy PV string. Start/Stop inverter voltage range is highlighted in green.
I-V and P-V curves of a string with by­passed cell strings.
Tabular summary compares predicted and measured results. “Snapshot” function allows comparison of multiple results.
Performance verication meth­ods always require comparison of measured results with a reference standard. For installed PV arrays, the standard is a PV model. The Solmetric PV Analyzer compares measured and modeled array per­formance, taking into account the existing irradiance and temperature.
Three built-in models ensure cover­age of all types of PV modules:
1. Sandia model
The most comprehensive
PV model
Developed by Sandia
National Laboratories
Based on module
measurements taken in independent laboratories
Accounts for all performance-
related factors of a PV module
Data for over 400 modules
is included
2. Five-parameter model
Allowing for coverage of a broader range of PV modules, this ad­vanced model is derived from mod­ule data sheet specications. Data for over 1700 modules is included.
Complete description of the PV array enables accurate performance predictions.
3. Single-point model
This model predicts the maximum power voltage and current at the existing irradiance and tempera­ture. Based on data sheet values, this model can be used with almost any PV module with basic speci­cations.
Ordering Information
PV VerificationPV DesignSite Evaluation
Solmetric
SunEye
Solmetric
PV Designer
Solmetric
PV Analyzer
About Solmetric
Solmetric provides accurate, time-saving solutions for solar professionals.
PVA-600 PV Analyzer
Includes
I-V Measurement Unit with soft
carrying case
PVA Software for Windows™
Wireless USB Interface (for
Windows laptop or UMPC)
Connector saver jumper set (two
12-inch m-f MC-4 jumpers)
PV cable extension set (two
5-foot m-f MC-4 jumpers)
MC-4 to MC-3 adaptor cable
set (contact Solmetric for other
connector styles)
Battery charger (AC adapter)
Optional Accessories
Wireless Sensor Kit:
Irradiance sensor and
wireless transmitter
Thermocouples (5) and
wireless transmitter
Wireless USB Interface
(connects to Windows laptop or UMPC)
Computer Requirements
Microsoft Windows™ 7 (64-bit or 32-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit only), Windows XP SP3 / Processor speed >700 MHz / RAM >500 MB
/ Hard Drive Space >100 MB /
Min. Display resolution 1024 by 600 pixels / USB ports 2 minimum
General Information
Characteristic Description
High efciency PV modules
Measurement range selection
Control & display unit
PC to measurement unit interface
Wireless range
Module/Inverter data
Inverter limits
Carrying case
DC interrupt
Protection features
Dimensions
Electrical Specications
Parameter Value
PV voltage measurement range
Extra-large capacitors mean better accuracy when measur­ing high-efciency, back-contact PV modules.
Measurement circuitry automatically optimizes to best mea­sure the PV module or string
User-provided Windows computer, eg. laptop or UMPC
Wireless USB adaptor (provided)
10 meters (building walls) to 75 meters (open range)
Onboard database of inverters and over 1700 modules. Updates provided at Solmetric website.
Voltage limits and max power tracking range of user-selected inverter are superimposed on the I-V graph as a reference check on the system design.
Measurement unit includes a factory-installed padded soft case, with handle, shoulder strap and cable pouch.
Measurement sweep can be paused to avoid arcing when making/breaking connection to PV source circuits.
Automatic safeguards protect against damage from over­temperature, over-voltage, over-current, and reverse polarity.
16 in. x 8 in. x 5 in. (not including cable pouch or PV leads)
0-600 V DC
To Purchase
Online
www.solmetric.com
Call
Toll-free in US: 877-263-5026 Tel: +1-707-823-4600
Headquarters
117 Morris St. Suite 100 Sebastopol, CA 95472 www.solmetric.com email: info@solmetric.com
Tel: +1-707-823-4600 Fax: +1-707-823-4620
PV current measurement range
Minimum Voc
Minimum Isc
I-V measurement update rate *
I-V measurement time
Measurement points per trace
Ambient operating temperature range *
Storage temperature
Battery life (continuous operation)
Charging time
* Note: Update rate should be reduced when measuring in extreme heat, or
when testing high voltage arrays.
0-20 A DC
20 V DC
1 A DC
30 – 60 sec (or on demand)
.05 – 1 sec
100
0 to +50 deg C
-20 to +60 deg C
20 hours
6 hours
Loading...