PVPM1100C
2Pages

Peak Power Measuring Device and Curve Tracer for Photovoltaic Modules The devices of type PVPM enable the measurement of the I-V-curve of photovoltaic modules as well as of strings or arrays. By a newly developed procedure the device can measure and calculate the peak power Ppk, the Rs and Rp directly at the installation site 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 complex measurement of the peak power was possible only in particularly suited laboratories. By a patented procedure [2], which was developed by Professor Wagner at the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund, 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 Device The PVPM1100C is a mobile measuring device with integrated battery supply and charge controller in a durable metal housing. The device has its own industrial miniature PC and a highcontrast 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 selfdescribing and the user is always led by the program. So no long training activities for the operating staff are necessary. The Measurement The PVPM automatically measures the I-Vcharacteristic of the generator at a capacitive load. From the measured data it calculates the effective solar cell characteristic, Ppk and Rs. [2], [3]. The I-Vcharacteristic can be shown directly on the LCD display. After the measurement the data are stored automatically in a non-volatile storage and so are available also later (in the office) [4]. The device internally stores the data of several thousand measurements. [1] [2] [3] [4] 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 ● I-V-curve diagram IEC60904-3: STC= Irradiance 1000 W/m2, Spectrum AM=1.5, Cell Temperature 25°C. Wagner A.: Peak Power and Internal Series Resistance Measurement under Natural Ambient Conditions.–EuroSun Copenh. 2000. Bendel C., Wagner A.: Photovoltaic Measurement relevant to the Energy Yield. - WCPEC3 Osaka 2003 Schulte K.M., Wagner A.: Die Effektive Solarzellenkennlinie. - Anwendung Teillast-Berechnung. Staffelstein. 2002 PV-Engineering GmbH * Hugo-Schultz-Str. 14 * 58640 Iserlohn * Germany * Tel: +49 2371 436648-0 e-mail: info@pv-engineering .de * www.pv-engineeri

Technical Data (subject to change) Construction with sturdy aluminium housing, adjustable carrying handle, durable plastic foil front plate Measurement and Evaluation Unit Industrial class PC, Flash data storage 512MB (sufficient for several thousand measurements) No mechanically moved parts such as fixed disks, exhaust or similar Sampling rate max. 100kHz, resolution 12 Bit Measuring accuracy for the I-V-characteristic better 1%, for the peak performance ±5% Four-wire-measurement leads avoids systematic errors in voltage measurement Measuring period single measurement 0.02 - 2 seconds (100...