How it Works
Kipp&Zonen
Loading...
2AP Sun Tracker
User Manual
110 pgs4.41 Mb0

Kipp&Zonen 2AP Sun Tracker User Manual

2 AP
2-Axis Sun Tracker / Positioner Gear Drive
Instruction Manual
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION
Reading this entire manual is essential for full understanding of the proper
use and safe operation of this product
Should you have any comments on this manual we will be pleased to receive them at:
Kipp & Zonen B.V. Delftechpark 36 2628 XH Delft Holland P.O. Box 507 2600 AM Delft Holland Phone +31 (0)15 2755210 Fax +31 (0)15 2620351 Email info@kippzonen.com Web www.kippzonen.com
Kipp & Zonen reserves the right to make changes to the specifications without prior notice.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Kipp & Zonen guarantees that the product delivered has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets its published specifications. The warranty included in the conditions of delivery is valid only if the product has been installed and used according to the instructions supplied by Kipp & Zonen.
Kipp & Zonen shall in no event be liable for incidental or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost profits, loss of income, loss of business opportunities, loss of use and other related exposures, however caused, arising from the faulty and incorrect use of the product. User made modifications can affect the validity of the CE declaration.
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in written form from the company.
©
2005 KIPP & ZONEN
1
Use the reserved place below to write down the version number of the supplied Win2AP operating software. The software version number is given on the original CD-ROM label or can be retrieved from the “about” pull down menu in Win2AP:
Manual version: 0706
Throughout the manual and inside the 2AP instrument symbols are used to indicate to the user important information. The meaning of the symbols is as follows:
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating, maintenance or safety information
Caution, risk of electric shock
Protective conductor terminal
Direct Current (DC)
Alternating Current (AC)
2
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to EC guideline 89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC
We: Kipp & Zonen B.V. Delftechpark 36 2628 XH Delft The Netherlands
Declare under our sole responsibility that the product:
Type: 2AP Gear Drive Name: Two-Axis Positioner and Tracker
To which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following European, harmonized and published standards at date of this declaration:
EN 61326-1:2000
EN 61010-1:2001
Following the provisions of the directive:
EMC-directive : 89/336/EEC Amendment to the above directive: 93/68/EEC
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
These conclusions are based on test reports:
1003/2AP/EMC
Delft,
March 03/15/02
ce-test PO box 563 2600 AN DELFT
B.A.H. Dieterink
President
KIPP & ZONEN B.V.
3
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... 1
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ........................................................................................................................ 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................... 5
1 GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE 2AP ............................................................................................................... 7
1.2 MANUAL.................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.3 WIN2AP SOFTWARE.............................................................................................................................. 8
2 TECHNICAL DATA ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE 2AP............................................................................................................. 9
3 SAFETY INFORMATION.............................................................................................................................. 11
3.1 POWER SUPPLY AND FUSE RATINGS ...............................................................................................11
3.2 DATA AND POWER CABLE CONNECTIONS.......................................................................................13
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS .........................................................................................................16
3.4 SUNTRACKER AND POSITIONER .......................................................................................................17
4 INSTALLATION AND SETUP ....................................................................................................................... 18
4.1 WIN2AP SOFTWARE.............................................................................................................................18
4.1.1 System Requirements................................................................................................................ 18
4.1.2 Installation.................................................................................................................................. 18
4.1.3 Win2AP Overview...................................................................................................................... 19
4.1.4 Selecting the 2AP Purpose........................................................................................................ 21
4.2 MINIMUM OPERATING AREA...............................................................................................................22
4.2.1 Installing the 360° Limit Option .................................................................................................. 24
4.3 MOUNTING THE 2AP ............................................................................................................................26
4.4 LEVELLING THE 2AP ............................................................................................................................28
4.5 ACCESSORY INSTALLATION...............................................................................................................29
4.5.1 Tripod Floor Stand..................................................................................................................... 29
4.5.2 Rear Mounting Plate .................................................................................................................. 31
4.5.3 Large Side Mounting Plate......................................................................................................... 34
4.5.4 Pointing and Shading Ball Assembly ......................................................................................... 37
4.5.5 Sun Sensor................................................................................................................................ 41
4.5.6 Attaching Instruments to the 2AP .............................................................................................. 45
4.5.7 Cold Weather Cover .................................................................................................................. 48
4.6 COMMISSIONING 2AP AS SUNTRACKER...........................................................................................49
4.6.1 Setting the Time......................................................................................................................... 49
4.6.2 Setting the Location................................................................................................................... 50
4.6.3 Start Suntracking ....................................................................................................................... 51
4.6.4 Sighting Adjustment without Sun Sensor ................................................................................... 51
4.6.5 Sighting Adjustment with Sun Sensor ........................................................................................ 52
4.7 COMMISSIONING 2AP AS POSITIONER .............................................................................................57
4.7.1 2AP Azimuth and Zenith Orientation.......................................................................................... 57
4.7.2 Mounting the 2AP as Positioner................................................................................................. 58
4.7.3 Adapting the 2AP Zenith Range ................................................................................................ 60
4.7.4 Configuring the 2AP for Positioner Purpose .............................................................................. 62
4.8 SAVING CONFIGURATION AS DEFAULT PARAMETERS ..................................................................64
5
5 OPERATION................................................................................................................................................. 66
5.1 RUN SUNTRACKER ..............................................................................................................................66
5.2 SUN SENSOR OBSERVATIONS...........................................................................................................68
5.3 RUN POSITIONER .................................................................................................................................68
5.3.1 Positioner Main Window ............................................................................................................ 68
5.3.2 Defining Instrument Targets....................................................................................................... 71
5.3.3 Target Types.............................................................................................................................. 74
5.3.4 Moving to Targets...................................................................................................................... 77
5.3.5 Manual Override ........................................................................................................................ 77
5.3.6 Monitoring 2AP Position During Operation ................................................................................ 77
5.3.7 On-line Help and Positioner Information .................................................................................... 78
5.4 CMD UTILITY .........................................................................................................................................79
5.4.1 CMD Utility Operation................................................................................................................ 79
6 REFERENCE INFORMATION...................................................................................................................... 82
6.1 PHYSICAL INTERFACE.........................................................................................................................82
6.2 SOFTWARE INTERFACE ......................................................................................................................82
6.2.1 Configuration Commands ..........................................................................................................83
6.2.2 Operation Commands................................................................................................................ 87
6.2.3 Status Commands ..................................................................................................................... 89
6.3 ERROR CODES .....................................................................................................................................92
6.4 GENERATING THE FED CHECK SEQUENCE .....................................................................................94
6.5 EVENT LOGS.........................................................................................................................................94
6.6 LOG ITEMS ............................................................................................................................................94
7 MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................ 98
8 SOLVING PROBLEMS ............................................................................................................................... 101
8.1 PROBLEM CHECK-LIST ......................................................................................................................102
8.2 TROUBLE SHOOTING.........................................................................................................................103
Appendix I............................................................................................................................................................ 105
6
TECHNICAL DATA
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE 2AP
The 2AP two-axis tracker and positioner is an all-weather positioning platform used to point specialized instruments at the sun’s movement across the sky or at stationary targets. It has been designed to provide reliable, affordable positioning for small and medium sized payloads. Its accuracy is excellent for solar monitoring applications.
When configured to operate as a solar tracker, unattended stand-alone operation is provided through the 2AP’s embedded microcomputer-controlled azimuth and zenith positioning mechanism. As a PC-based positioner, the 2AP is controlled and monitored by a full-time connection to a host computer running the Win2AP software. Serial cable or modem interfacing can be used for communications with the tracker.
The 2AP Gear Drive (2AP GD) is an all weather instrument providing optimal performance even in the most harsh climates (from equatorial to Polar regions) and/or when the highest performance is a necessity. The 2AP Gear Drive features high accuracy, resolution and repeatability, and great torque.
A standard 2AP with no accessories is shown in Figure 1.1. Figure 1.2 shows the 2AP Gear Drive’s most important parts.
Figure 1.1: 2AP Outline Dimensions.
7
TECHNICAL DATA
Figure 1.2: 2AP Gear Drive most important parts.
1.2 MANUAL
The 2AP INSTRUCTION MANUAL is intended for customers who have purchased the 2AP Gear
Drive with some or all of the accessory items that can be used to enhance or expand its capabilities. It includes all the information necessary to install and operate the 2AP for stand-alone and PC­based suntracking and positioning purposes.
1.3 WIN2AP SOFTWARE
The Win2AP software comprises a set of utility programs designed to support the use of the 2AP. The software can be used to set up and run the 2AP as a suntracker or as positioner. The utilities run on an IBM compatible computer connected to the 2AP RS232 serial port. The software is intended for the use of the scientist using the 2AP and the technicians installing the 2AP. The software has several functions:
• Post delivery check
• To aid the preparation of the 2AP installation and setup
• To provide on-screen guidance of the 2AP setup on location
• To configure the 2AP as a suntracker or positioner
• To facilitate sending commands to, and displaying responses from the 2AP
• To provide a tool for verifying the validity of connections to the 2AP
8
TECHNICAL DATA
2 TECHNICAL DATA
2.1 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE 2AP
Table 1: Operating specifications of the 2AP.
Gear Drive
Temperature: Standard 2AP 2AP with Cold Weather Cover 2AP with Cold Weather Cover and Heaters Altitude To 2000m above sea level
Voltage 115/230 VAC (±10%),
Power 50VA Standard
Communication
Surge Protection power and heaters Real Time Clock Accuracy 25 ppm - power off
Memory Back-up Battery Life 15 years with power on
Motor stepping motor Motor Drive half/full step Control Software Win2AP
Control open loop Drive spur gear primary/
Rotation Limits optical switches (x4) Reference Position optical switches (x2) Accuracy Repeatability Resolution 0.0025° Angular Velocity Angular Acceleration Torque 40 Nm Payload 65 kg balanced Rotation 90°/210º Zenith
(1)
1σ at constant temperature
(2)
1σ at constant temperature and for movement in the same direction
(3)
User programmable
(1)
(2)
<0.01°
(3)
up to 1.8°/sec
(3)
up to 3.6°/sec2
0° to +50°C
-20° to +50°C
-50° to +50°C
(no limit with 24V DC option)
60/50 Hz 24 VDC optional (23-26 VDC)
150VA with optional heater kit 200VA with extreme heater kit RS-232, 3-wire, 8, N, 1 300 to 9600 baud
2 ppm - operating
6 months with power off
MS Windows™ based
double-involute worm final
<0.05°
540° Azimuth (360° Azimuth limit option)
9
TECHNICAL DATA
Table 2: 2AP Physical Dimensions.
Gear Drive
Length 35 cm (chassis only)
42 cm (including side mounting plates) Width 29 cm Height 38 cm Weight 30 kg
10
3 SAFETY INFORMATION
3.1 POWER SUPPLY AND FUSE RATINGS
Important: Power supply
Prior to turning the 2AP (115/230 VAC version) power on, ensure that the voltage selection switches for main power and for the optional heaters (figure 3.1) are in the correct positions to match the incoming power supply and that the appropriately rated fuses are fitted.
As the voltage selection switches are located on the power board ensure that the 2AP power is turned off before continuing. Use a screwdriver to turn the 115/230 VAC switches as necessary. Although the switches on the power board read 110/220V, they are suited to 115/230 mains voltage, respectively. The switches are qualified for equipment of protection class II VDE 0630 (6.3 A/250 V). The mains voltage and fuse ratings for 115/230 VAC and 24 VDC are shown in table 3. The fuses are according to IEC 60127-2, VDE, UL. The location of the fuses on the power board is given in figures 3.2 and 3.3.
Figure 3.1: 115/230 VAC Power Switch Diagram.
Table 3: 2AP Power Supply and Fuse Ratings (slow-blow type).
230 VAC 115 VAC 24 VDC Power supply ±10% VAC ±10% VAC 23-26VDC F1 mains power 0.25A (slow) 0.5A (slow) 3.15 A (slow) F2 heater kit 0.5 A (slow) 1 A (slow) 1 A (slow) F2 extreme heater kit 1 A (slow) 2 A (slow) 2 A (slow)
11
Figure 3.2: 115/230 VAC Power Fuse Diagram.
Figure 3.3: 24V DC Power Fuse Diagram.
12
3.2 DATA AND POWER CABLE CONNECTIONS
All 2AP's have a temporary communication and permanent power cable installed at the factory. The cables are routed through the side of the Azimuth shaft, see figure 3.4 a). An alternative cable routing through the bottom flange of the 2AP is possible, figure 3.4 b). The Alternate Cable Routing is advised for a 2AP mounted on a Height Extension Tube, it allows the power and communication cables to go through the inside of the Stand.
a) b)
Figure 3.4: a) Standard Power and Communication Cable Routing. b) Alternate Power and Communication Cable Routing.
Important: Power and communication cable
The 2AP is supplied with a 3 m power cable with a waterproof in-line connector type “Aqua-safe”. The connector is in accordance with safety regulations for outdoor usage. The female plug must be connected to an extension cable that has the proper cable diameter. The voltage drop over the cable should not cause the supplied voltage to be out of specifications, see chapter 2. To connect the female plug properly, it is recommended to read the “Aqua-safe” wiring & assembly instruction that is attached to the cable assembly. The in-line connector provides two sealing caps that should be fitted to either the male and female plug in case the in-line connector are left unmated in-situ. This will maintain an ingress protection rating of IP68.
The present connector of the communication cable is not suitable for outdoor usage. It is recommended to replace the cable by a new one of the proper length.
Note: Once the cable routing has been finalized, be sure to seal the unused threaded holes
(either in the bottom flange or in the azimuth spindle) with the threaded plastic plugs supplied with the 2AP.
13
Figure 3.5: Communication and Power Cable Wiring.
Figure 3.6: Power Cable Connector
Important: Circuit breaker
A power on/off switch is not a part of the 2AP, requirements for electrical equipment installed outdoors specify that:
• A power isolator (switch or circuit-breaker) must be included in the cable installation.
• The isolator must be in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the
operator.
• The isolator must be marked as the power disconnection device for the equipment.
14
Important: Memory back-up battery
A memory back-up battery is installed on the 2AP controller board. The function of the back-up battery is to keep the specific 2AP configuration parameters stored in the controller board and to power the high accuracy internal clock when the 2AP is disconnected from the mains voltage or during a temporary power cut. The system does not draw power from the memory back-up battery, when the 2AP is connected to the power supply.
The battery life time depends on the use of the 2AP. When the 2AP is constantly powered the battery will function for about 15 years, if the power to the 2AP is turned off the battery life time is about 6 months.
It is important to have a working back-up battery installed to avoid loss of time and the configuration settings stored in the 2AP. When the power is turned on again e.g. after a power cut the 2AP will automatically resume its assigned tasks, as the 2AP can rely on the internal clock time and configuration settings.
The battery type is Lithium ½ AA, 3.6V, 0.8Ah, non-rechargeable with axial wire terminals soldered to the controller board. When the battery is ready for replacement the controller board can be taken out from the 2AP for easy access and re-soldering. Ensure to have downloaded the latest configuration parameters from the 2AP to the PC before removing the old battery from the controller board. See section 5.4 on how to download the configuration parameters from the 2AP. Reload the configuration files when the new back-up battery is installed. The time can be reset by using the “Set Time” item from the 2AP pull down menu in the Run Suntracker or Run Positioner monitor window.
Memory Back-up Battery:
- Lithium, ½ AA, 3.6V, 0.8Ah
- With axial wire terminals to be soldered to the controller board
- Non-rechargeable
- Size: length 23 mm, ∅ 14 mm
Figure 3.6: Location of the Memory Back-up Battery.
15
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Important: 2AP cover
Do not operate the 2AP with the cover removed. Doing so can defeat the over-travel sensors which may result in physical damage to the 2AP and/or any attached equipment. Such damage is not covered under warranty.
The 2AP cover protects the internal drives and electronics of the 2AP. When the cover of the 2AP is fitted back onto the unit be sure to reconnect the detachable ground wire to the chassis to maintain electrical safety and RFI screening. All four latch handles and security screws must be secured.
Proper worm/spur gear mesh is a critical factor in the operation of the 2AP GD. To ensure that the mesh is in no way affected, it is recommended that the 2AP NOT be operated for extended periods of time with the main cover removed. This is especially important in any dusty, windy or high moisture environments. Any debris adhering to the worm and/or spur gear can adversely affect the operational accuracy of the 2AP and cause premature wear.
A standard 2AP has an operating temperature range of 0°C to +50°C. For remote locations with harsh temperature conditions, the Cold Weather Cover combined with two (optional) internal heaters can increase the operating range to -50°C to +50°C, see table 4.
Table 4: 2AP Operating Temperature Range.
To ensure that the 2AP operates without failure due to extreme temperature conditions, it is recommended that the Cold Weather Cover installation / removal be determined as per the following:
Below 0°C : Cold Weather Cover must be installed. 0°C to +20°C : 2AP may be operated with Cold Weather Cover installed or removed. Above +20°C (for more than 8 hours continuously): Cold Weather Cover must be removed to prevent overheating.
With the 2AP cover installed properly such that all four of the latch handles and security screws are secured the 2AP is environmentally protected to IP65, according EN 60529: 1991 + CI 1993. This qualifies the 2AP to be used in weather conditions with all types of precipitation.
Important: Worm / Spur Gear Drive Contamination
Important: Operating Temperature
Standard 2AP
2AP with Cold Weather Cover
2AP with Cold Weather Cover and Heater Kit 2AP with Cold Weather Cover and Extreme Heater Kit
Important: Precipitation
0°C to +50°C
-20°C to +50°C
-50°C to +50°C
-50°C to +50°C (prolonged exposure and wind-chill)
16
Important: Altitude restriction
According to the EC guideline (Electrical safety of electric equipment) the 115/230V AC versions of the 2AP are not aproved for use at altitudes higher than 2000 m. This restriction is related to clearance (air) and creepage (surface) insulation distances on the power board. Factors such as humidity, temperature and dry pollution are of great influence.
The 2AP 24 VDC version is not restricted to 2000 m due to the lower voltage.
3.4 SUNTRACKER AND POSITIONER
Attention! Combined Suntracker and Positioner usage of the 2AP Gear Drive
When it is the intention to use the 2AP for both the Suntracker and Positioner purposes it is recommended to set up the 2AP as a Suntracker. As Suntracker the 2AP must be mounted in a specific way, with the arrow on the 2AP bottom flange aligned due East. As Positioner, according to your needs, the 2AP may be mounted in any direction. Setting up the 2AP as Suntracker first will save having to repeat the set up twice. Read section 4.7 for more information on the possibilities of the 2AP set up as Positioner.
Important: Information for 2AP Gear Drive users who have used their 2AP for an
extended period of time for Suntracker purposes only and want to
The 2AP is designed for Suntracker purposes. Therefore Win2AP provides all the relevant information to set up, commission and operate a 2AP as a Suntracker. With the Win2AP software the 2AP can also be used for Positioner purposes. The 2AP can be programmed to cycle through a list of targets (positions) determined by the user.
However, some problems might occur when changing over from Suntracker to Positioner operation with an older 2AP Gear Drive. The problem might occur with older Gear Drive units that have been running for an extended period of time with limited positioning movement, due to repeated sun cycling.
Technical explanation: If a 2AP Gear Drive has been used as a Suntracker for an extended period of time the gears on both the axes become worn in a particular area and deformation of the worm final gears and the spur primary gears takes place. When changing over to Positioner operation the 2AP Gear Drive can come to a standstill, because of the transition from the worn part of the metal gears to the area where the gears have never been used. In the worst case the spur gears or the nylon gears of the stepper motors will experience the main forces and may get damaged.
The gear wear as described above produces no effect on the Suntracker accuracy of a 2AP Gear Drive that is used for Suntracker operation only.
change over to Positioner operation.
17
4 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
The following sections provide information on the installation of the software and the 2AP setup. The 2AP has various accessories to enhance and expand its operation, including:
• Tripod Floor Stand
• Height Extension Tube (60 cm)
• Rear Mounting Plate
• Large Side Mounting Plate
• Pointing & Shading Ball Assembly:
Including Large Side Mounting Plates (x2) and a Rear Mounting Plate (x1)
• 2AP Cold Weather Cover
• Ventilation units for Pyranometers/Pyrgeometers
• Sun Sensor
Both the Manual and Win2AP software (see Setup Preparation in the Main Menu) are supplied with various drawings with technical accessory dimensions that will aid specific 2AP setup demands and adjustments for alternative mountings.
4.1 WIN2AP SOFTWARE
4.1.1 System Requirements
The minimum computer hardware requirement for the Win2AP software is a 133 MHz Pentium computer running Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME, 32 MB of RAM, 200 MB of free hard-disk space, CD-ROM drive, one free serial port.
For the 2AP installation on site a laptop is needed, with the same minimum system requirements. Dependent on several conditions, the initial 2AP setup can take up to 1-2 days. Therefore an AC power supply, or other power backup, for the laptop is necessary.
Tip: It is helpful to use some type of sun shield to shade the laptop during setup of the 2AP.
The intensity of the sun can overheat the computer and/or decrease the readability of the LCD screen.
4.1.2 Installation
The Win2AP software is supplied on a CD-ROM, a win2ap.ini configuration file is supplied on a separate floppy disk. The installation of the software is as follows:
• Place the CD-ROM into the PC
• Double click on setup.exe.
• Follow the setup instructions on the screen.
• The configuration file must be installed in the same directory as the Win2AP software.
Tip: Keep the win2ap.ini disk, or a copy of the contents, in a safe place. It will come in handy
when doing a complete re-installation of the instrument.
18
The Win2AP software is compatible with older 2AP’s that run with DOS software. To upgrade the software continue with:
• Connect the 2AP communication cable to the PC.
• Double click on Win2AP.exe with the Kipp & Zonen logo to open the software.
• Press the “Troubleshooting” button in the Main Menu.
• Press the “Run CMD” button on the bottom of page 1.
• Select the correct com port.
• To communicate with the 2AP, press the “Connect” button.
• Press the “Read Config From 2AP” button.
• Enter a file name (e.g. Win2AP.ini) to save the configuration file on your PC.
• If the Password reads 65535 it has been set to a default integer. Press the “Disconnect”
button in the CMD window and follow the steps on page 2 of the Troubleshooting Procedure to reconfigure a Password. You will find the original 2AP password in the baseline.ini file of the DOS software.
4.1.3 Win2AP Overview
Double clicking on Win2AP.exe with the Kipp & Zonen logo will open the software. The buttons in the Main Menu of the Win2AP software provide access to the various pages for 2AP instalment, see figure 4.1. An overview of the various pages behind the buttons in the Main Menu is given in figure
4.2.
Figure 4.1: Win2AP Main Menu.
19
Post Delivery Check
1. Accessory List
2. Power Use Verification
Setup Preparation
1. Getting Acquainted with the 2AP
2. Communication Test
3. Password Activation / Deactivation
4. Alternate Montage of the 2AP
5. 360º Limit Option (Gear Drive only)
6. Minimum Setup Requisites
Software Setup Procedure
1. Setup Shortcut
Maintenance
1. Maintenance
Troubleshooting
1. Troubleshooting
2. Change Password
3. Cold Start
4. Contact Manufacturer
Suntracker Setup Procedure
1. Mounting Suntracker
2. Power Up Procedure
3. Levelling Gear Drive
4. Rear Mounting Plate Assembly
5. Large Side Mounting Plate Assembly
6. Pointing and Shading Ball Assembly
7. Mounting Sun Sensor
8. Pyrheliometer Installation
9. Pyranometer Installation
10. Verification of Levelling
11. Cold Weather Cover Installation
12. Setting Time and Location
13. Conclusion
Sighting Adjustment
1. Sighting Adjustment without Sun Sensor
Sighting Adjustment
1. Azimuth orientation
2. Sun Sensor Alignment
3. Tilt Correction
4. Active Time Correction
Run Suntracker
1. Suntracker Monitor Window
Positioner Setup Procedure
1. 2AP Azimuth Orientation
2. Mounting the 2AP as Positioner
3. Power Up Procedure
4. Levelling Gear Drive
5. Large Side Mounting Plate Assembly
6. Adapting 2AP Zenith Range
7. Configuring the 2AP for Positioner Purpose
8. Attaching Instruments to the Side Plates
9. Verification of Levelling
10. Cold Weather Cover
11. Conclusion
Run Positioner
1. Positioner Monitor Window
Figure 4.2: Overview of the various pages in Win2AP.
20
Summarized the normal procedure from the 2AP delivery to the setup at the site is as follows.
Post Delivery Check:
The purpose of going through the Post Delivery Check is two-fold. Primarily it functions as a delivery check. Appended diagrams will help you become familiar with the 2AP and its optional accessories. Secondly, selecting the 2AP purpose and specific accessories will activate the on-screen guidance for the 2AP setup. Selecting the “Pyrheliometer mounting support for direct solar irradiance measurements” will provide you with information on how to install Kipp & Zonen radiometers on the 2AP. The selections in the “Post Delivery Check” activate the on screen guidance for your 2AP set up. See section 4.1.4 for more information on selecting the 2AP purpose.
Setup Preparation Procedure:
The Setup Preparation can be done off-site. This procedure will help you become acquainted with the 2AP and its optional accessories. Appended diagrams provide the information and technical accessory dimensions that will help you with specific 2AP setup demands or adjustments.
Suntracker/Positioner Setup Procedure:
After the Setup Preparation you can move on to one of the 2AP Setup Procedures (as selected in the Post Delivery Check). Follow the on-screen guidance for the 2AP setup at the site. Of course you can go through the Setup Procedure at anytime. Press the “Connect” button in the Power-up Procedure to gain access to the information on the accessory set up.
Sighting Adjustment:
If the Suntracker Setup Procedure is completely finished you can start to perform the 2AP Sighting Adjustments procedure.
Run Suntracker/Positioner:
At this stage, when configured as a Suntracker, the 2AP is ready for unattended operation. The Run Suntracker monitor window shows you all the 2AP operational parameters. When used as a positioner, you will come to the main window for Positioner. This window gives you all the information for target names and the current 2AP position and status.
4.1.4 Selecting the 2AP Purpose
Selecting the right purpose is of great importance for the correct set up of your 2AP. In the “Post Delivery Check” procedure of the Win2AP software you are able to choose between three options with respect to 2AP purpose:
1. Suntracking
2. Positioning
3. Suntracking and Positioning
Suntracking: If the “Suntracking” purpose is selected the “Positioner” part in Win2AP is kept out of site for the user, which makes section 4.7 of this manual is not applicable. According to the selections in the “Post Delivery Check” you will be guided through the “Suntracker Setup Procedure” and the correct “Sighting Adjustment Procedure”.
Positioning: If the “Positioning” purpose is selected, you chose to not use the 2AP as a Suntracker at all. Continue by following the instructions of section 4.7, in the Win2AP software you will be guided through the designated “Positioner Setup Procedure”.
21
Specify your Positioning needs in the boxes on the first page of the Positioner Setup Procedure. These selections and the ones in the “Post Delivery Check” will guide you through the installation procedure of your 2AP.
Suntracking and Positioning: If the “Suntracking and Positioning” purpose is selected you will be able to interchange between both purposes by pressing one specific button in the Win2AP “Run Suntracker” or “Run Positioner” monitor window. As the 2AP is going to be used partly as a Suntracker it is a necessity first to set it up as a Suntracker. When changing over to Positioner operation the Suntracker configuration values will remain saved in the 2AP. The 2AP is set to a different operating mode, which allows the 2AP to respond to the Positioner commands. As there are different operating modes (such as sun tracking, active tracking, active correction, positioning, etc.), when interchanging between the Suntracker and Positioner the last used operating mode is saved in the win2ap.ini configuration file.
After the 2AP purpose has been determined select in the “Post Delivery Check” each 2AP accessory that you want to install. Press any button on the right to view a picture of the item. Select the Pyrheliometer and/or Pyranometer checkboxes for Kipp & Zonen radiometer mounting support during the 2AP Setup Procedure. All the selections on this page will activate the Win2AP on-screen guidance. Only the pages corresponding to your selected options will be shown.
4.2 MINIMUM OPERATING AREA
The 2AP, complete with all the accessories attached, requires a substantial amount of unobstructed area to operate properly. This should be kept in mind when deciding where and how the unit is going to be mounted. Figure 4.3 shows the minimum operating areas with respect to both the Azimuth and Zenith axis of a 2AP complete with all accessories including Tripod Floor Stand and Pointing & Shading Ball Assembly. See section 4.5.1 for more information on the exact dimensions of the optional Tripod Floor Stand. An optional Height Extension Tube (not shown in the diagram below) raises the 2AP by 60 cm.
Figure 4.3: Minimum Operating Area (with Accessories).
22
Important:
It is important to consider the following points before/during the setup of a 2AP.
• Verify that the Power and Communication cabling is routed properly to prevent cables from catching on any fasteners or supports.
• Ensure that the surface on which the Suntracker will be mounted is reasonably level, but above all it is very important to create a very firm base for the feet of the Tripod to sit upon.
• Make sure that the site will be free from any obstructions within the operating circle and above the horizontal mounting plane.
• Make sure that the 2AP and accessories will be accessible for maintenance purposes.
• Make sure that the 2AP is located in such a way that shadows will not be cast onto the
radiometers at any time.
• Ensure that before operation of the 2AP the Sun Sensor cable and other mounted instrument cabling will not catch on any fasteners or supports.
• Avoid any possible cable binding or snagging on parts of the 2AP, supports or other instrumentation.
23
4.2.1 Installing the 360° Limit Option
A 2AP Gear Drive is delivered with the capability of approximately 540° rotation on the azimuth axis. For certain installations it may be desirable to limit this rotation. With the installation of a pin in the over-travel collar, the 540° rotation on the azimuth axis can be limited to approximately 360°.
Note: This rotational limit cannot be utilized if the 2AP is located anywhere within the tropics
(<25° Latitude North or South) as the 540° rotation on the azimuth axis is necessary to ensure accurate tracking for all periods of the day.
To fit the 360° limit option the Win2AP software must be installed on a computer and communication with the 2AP must be established. This procedure can be done as a part of the Setup Preparation off-site.
The 360° limit option is as follows:
• Press the “Setup Preparation” button in the Main Menu of the Win2AP software. The 360° limit option is given on page 5.
• If the 360° Limit Option is desired select the Terrestrial Hemisphere where the 2AP will be located. "No function" implies the standard 540° Azimuth rotational configuration.
• For the instalment of the 360° Limit Option, the 2AP must be in the correct position for the pin instalment. Press the “Position 2AP for pin instalment” button and wait for the 2AP to stop moving.
• Disconnect the Power Supply.
• Remove the 2AP cover. While viewing the unit from the front (see figure 4.4 or 4.5), rotate
the over-travel collar in a clockwise direction (if >25° N) or in a counter-clockwise direction (if >25° S) until the collar is stopped by the azimuth reference sensor blocker.
• See figure 4.4 or 4.5 on how to install the Limit Pin for North and South of the tropics respectively. Install the supplied pin (located with the spare fuses) in the appropriate hole in the over-travel collar. These are identified with an "N" stamped on the outside of the over­travel collar for the Northern Hemisphere and an "S" for the Southern Hemisphere.
• Reconnect the Power Supply.
• Once the pin has been installed and the power reconnected, the software limits must be set
to match the new 360° hardware limits. To do so press the “Set New Limits” button.
Important: When returning to original state of 540° azimuth rotation
If in the future there is a need to return the 2AP to a state where it is capable of 540° Azimuth rotation, the pin must be removed and the azimuth limits reset to the factory default setting. See the Setup Preparation procedure in Win2AP Main Menu, page 5, step 11.
• Remove the pin from the over-travel collar.
• Press the “Reset Limits” button .
24
Figure 4.4: 360° Limit Pin Installation (North of tropics).
Figure 4.5: 360° Limit Pin Installation (South of tropics).
25
4.3 MOUNTING THE 2AP
Proper placement of the unit is important when installing the 2AP, as it requires a specific amount of space to operate. Refer to section 4.7 for additional information on how to mount and configure the 2AP as a Positioner instead of as a Suntracker.
The 2AP is supplied with a standard ∅ 203 mm bottom flange, which has a 4-hole (∅ 11 mm) mounting pattern to match that of the optional Height Extension Tube and Tripod Floor Stand with levelling feet. See section 4.5.1 on how to install the optional Tripod. The Height Extension Tube is an optional accessory. It extends the height of the 2AP by 60 cm. Without the Height Extension Tube the 2AP can be mounted directly onto the mounting flange of the Tripod Floor Stand.
Figure 4.6: Mounting the 2AP on the Height Extension Tube and Tripod Floor Stand.
If it is intended to mount the 2AP on a customer-supplied platform, the bottom flange contains an extra set of 4 holes, which are threaded, and a set of levelling screws. See figure 4.7 for details of the bottom flange mounting hole pattern and thread type.
26
Figure 4.7: 2AP Bottom Flange Dimensions.
When the 2AP is set up as a Suntracker the "E" label on the shaft and arrow on the bottom flange of the 2AP must
be facing geographical East. Preliminary orientation will do at this stage of the Setup. How to fine-tune the Azimuth orientation of the 2AP will be explained later on, in the Sighting Adjustment Procedure.
Tip: For now, when installed as a Suntracker an initial Azimuth orientation due East with the
help of a compass will do. In the Home Position the 2AP Zenith axis is perpendicular to the "E" label on the Azimuth shaft. So with the "E" label pointing due east, the Zenith axis is pointing North-South.
Note: When the 2AP is used as Positioner only
the 2AP does not necessarily need to be mounted facing the East. See section 4.7 of this manual for full information about the different mounting and configuration possibilities for the Positioner purpose.
27
4.4 LEVELLING THE 2AP
For proper operation the 2AP must be levelled correctly on its stand. The 2AP levelling can be done either by means of the four supplied levelling screws for mounting on a flat surface or by the three levelling feet on the optional Tripod Floor Stand.
Prior to configuring the 2AP, it should be levelled on its mounting surface. To help accomplish this task, the 2AP Gear Drive is equipped with a high accuracy bubble level visible through the viewing window in the instrument cover.
• The standard bottom flange can function as levelling unit, if the 2AP was purchased without the optional Tripod Floor Stand. With the main mounting bolts loosened off slightly, adjust the levelling screws to move the bubble into the center of the level. Once the 2AP is level, secure the levelling screws in place with the locking nuts and tighten the main mounting bolts to ensure there will be no movement during operation, see figure 4.8.
• If the 2AP was purchased with the optional Tripod Floor Stand the unit can be leveled using the three levelling feet on the Stand. Adjust the levelling feet to move the bubble into the center of the level, see figure 4.9.
Figure 4.8: Levelling 2AP without Tripod.
Bubble level Viewing window
28
Figure 4.9: Optional Tripod Floor Stand.
4.5 ACCESSORY INSTALLATION
This chapter provides all the information on the accessory installation of a 2AP set up. This information is also given in the Win2AP software.
4.5.1 Tripod Floor Stand
The Tripod Floor Stand provides a solid and convenient means of mounting the 2AP for all aspects of operation. Its heavy gauge aluminium construction and hardened paint finish ensure long lasting durability in all weather conditions. It is equipped with three adjustable feet for easy levelling. Figure
4.11 shows the stand with applicable operating dimensions. Section 4.4 advises on how to level the 2AP properly.
29
Loading...
+ 80 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use