HT PVCHECK User manual

Manual
PVCHECK
EAN: 8033772797467

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PVCHECK

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Table of contents:
1. PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES............................................................................3
1.1. PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................3
1.2. DURING USE .....................................................................................................................4
1.3. AFTER USE........................................................................................................................4
1.4. DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY..................................4
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................5
2.1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................5
2.2. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS...............................................................................................5
3. PREPARATION FOR USE........................................................................................................6
3.1. INITIAL CHECKS................................................................................................................6
3.2. INSTRUMENT POWER SUPPLY.......................................................................................6
3.3. CALIBRATION....................................................................................................................6
3.4. STORAGE ..........................................................................................................................6
4. NOMENCLATURE ....................................................................................................................7
4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................7
4.2. KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................8
4.3. DISPLAY DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................8
4.4. INITIAL SCREEN................................................................................................................8
5. GENERAL MENU......................................................................................................................9
5.1. SET –INSTRUMENT SETTINGS.......................................................................................9
5.1.1. General.........................................................................................................................9
5.1.2. Measuring unit............................................................................................................10
5.1.3. Date and time.............................................................................................................10
5.1.4. Remote unit/Pyranometer...........................................................................................10
5.1.5. Irradiance ...................................................................................................................11
5.1.6. DC Clamp...................................................................................................................11
5.2. EFF –EFFICIENCY TEST SETTINGS FOR PV INSTALLATIONS..................................12
5.2.1. Instrument settings.....................................................................................................12
5.2.2. System parameters ....................................................................................................13
5.2.3. Selection of the compensation relationship of temperature effects ............................14
5.3. LOWΩ–SETTINGS FOR CONTINUITY TEST WITH 200MA .........................................15
5.3.1. Instrument settings.....................................................................................................15
5.4. MΩ – SETTINGS FOR INSULATION MEASUREMENT...................................................15
5.4.1. Instrument settings.....................................................................................................15
5.5. IVCK –SETTINGS FOR IVCK QUICK TEST ...................................................................16
5.5.1. Instrument settings.....................................................................................................16
5.6. DB –DATABASE MODULE MANAGEMENT...................................................................18
5.6.1. How to define a new PV module.................................................................................19
5.6.2. How to modify an existing PV module........................................................................20
5.6.3. How to delete an existing PV module.........................................................................20
6. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................21
6.1. MEASURING EFFICIENCY PV PLANTS BY USING REMOTE UNIT SOLAR-02 ...........21
6.2. MEASURING PARAMETERS ON PV PLANT WITHOUT USING SOLAR-02..................24

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6.3. QUICK CHECK ON PV MODULES AND STRINGS (IVCK).............................................26
6.3.1. Foreword ....................................................................................................................26
6.3.2. Carrying out an IVCK quick test without measuring irradiance...................................27
6.3.3. Carrying out an IVCK quick test and measuring irradiance ........................................29
6.3.4. Reset Averages..........................................................................................................33
6.4. MEASUREMENT OF INSULATION ON PV MODULES/STRINGS/FIELDS (MΩ)............34
6.4.1. Foreword ....................................................................................................................34
6.4.2. Measuring insulation –FIELD mode...........................................................................35
6.4.3. Measuring insulation –TIMER mode..........................................................................36
6.4.4. Measuring insulation –STRING mode.......................................................................37
6.5. MEASUREMENT OF CONTINUITY ON PV MODULES/STRINGS/FIELDS (LOWΩ) ......39
6.5.1. Foreword ....................................................................................................................39
6.5.2. Calibration of measuring cables .................................................................................39
6.5.3. Measuring continuity...................................................................................................40
6.6. LIST OF DISPLAY MESSAGES .......................................................................................42
7. STORING DATA......................................................................................................................44
7.1. SAVING EFFICIENCY MEASURES.................................................................................44
7.2. SAVING IVCK, MΩAND LOWΩ MEASURED RESULTS ................................................44
7.3. OPERATIONS WITH RESULTS.......................................................................................45
7.3.1. Recalling on the display the PV efficiency results.......................................................45
7.3.2. Recalling on the display the results of IVCK, MΩand LOWΩ measurements............45
7.3.3. Deleting data from the memory ..................................................................................47
8. CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT TO THE PC....................................................................48
9. MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................................48
9.1. GENERAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................48
9.2. BATTERY REPLACEMENT..............................................................................................48
9.3. CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT.......................................................................................49
9.4. END OF LIFE....................................................................................................................49
10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................49
10.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR PV INSTALLATION EFFICIENCY.....................49
10.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE IVCK FUNCTION.........................................50
10.3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY.....................................50
10.4. REFERENCE STANDARDS..........................................................................................51
10.4.1. General ...................................................................................................................51
10.5. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS...................................................................................51
10.6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR USE................................................................52
10.7. ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................................52
11. APPENDIX –THEORETICAL OUTLINE.................................................................................52
11.1. EFFICIENCY TEST ON PV INSTALLATIONS ..............................................................52
12. SERVICE.................................................................................................................................53
12.1. WARRANTY CONDITIONS...........................................................................................53
12.2. SERVICE.......................................................................................................................53

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1. PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
The instrument has been designed in compliance with directive IEC/EN61010-1 relevant to
electronic measuring instruments. Before and while carrying out measurements, observe the
following indications and read all notes preceded by the symbol with the utmost attention.
Do not carry out any voltage or current measurement in humid environments
Do not carry out any measurements in case gas, explosive materials or flammables are present,
or in dusty environments
Avoid contact with the circuit being measured if no measurements are being carried out.
Avoid contact with exposed metal parts, with unused measuring probes, etc.
Do not carry out any measurement in case you find anomalies in the instrument such as
deformation, breaks, absence of display on the screen, etc.
Pay special attention when measuring voltages higher than 25V in special environments and
50V in normal environments, since a risk of electrical shock exists.
In this manual, and on the instrument, the following symbols are used:
CAUTION: observe the instructions given in this manual; an improper use
could damage the instrument or its components
High voltage danger: electrical shock hazard
Double insulation
DC voltage or current
Connection to earth
1.1. PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS
This instrument has been designed for use in the environmental conditions specified in § 10.6.
Do not use in different environmental conditions.
The instrument may be used for measuring VOLTAGE and CURRENT in CAT III 300V with a
maximum voltage of 1000VDC between inputs. Do not use on systems exceeding the limit
values specified in § 10.1, § 10.2 and § 10.3
We recommend following the normal safety rules devised to protect the user against dangerous
currents and the instrument against incorrect use.
Only the accessories provided together with the instrument will guarantee safety standards.
They must be in good conditions and replaced with identical models, when necessary.
Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
Before connecting the measuring cables to the circuit being measured, check that the desired
function has been selected.

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1.2. DURING USE
Please carefully read the following recommendations and instructions:
CAUTION
Failure to comply with the caution notes and/or instructions may damage the
instrument and/or its components or be a source of danger for the operator.
The symbol “ ” indicates a full charge level of the internal batteries. When
battery charge decreases to a minimum level, the symbol “ ” appears on the
display. In this case, stop testing and replace the batteries according to the
indications given in § 9.2
The instrument is capable of keeping data stored even without batteries.
1.3. AFTER USE
When measurements are completed, turn off the instrument by pressing and holding the ON/OFF
key for some seconds. If the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the batteries and
follow the instructions given in § 3.4
1.4. DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY
Standard “IEC/EN61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirements” defines what measurement category, commonly
called overvoltage category, is. § 6.7.4: Measured circuits, reads:
Circuits are divided into the following measurement categories:
Measurement category IV is for measurements performed at the source of the low voltage
installation
Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices
and ripple control units.
Measurement category III is for measurements performed on installations inside buildings
Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit breakers, wiring, including cables,
bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and equipment for
industrial use and some other equipment, for example, stationary motors with permanent
connection to fixed installation.
Measurement category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the
low-voltage installation
Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools and similar equipment.
Measurement category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to
MAINS
Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from MAINS, and specially protected
(internal) MAINS-derived circuits. In the latter case, transient stresses are variable; for that
reason, the standard requires that the transient withstand capability of the equipment is made
known to the user.

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2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.1. INTRODUCTION
This instrument has been designed to carry quick checks (IVCK) on photovoltaic modules/strings
in order to verify the parameters declared by the manufacturer. In addition, this instrument
measures insulation/continuity on PV modules/strings/fields and evaluates the efficiency of a PV
field.
IVCK and insulation/continuity measurements may be performed in sequential order IVCK 
Insulation Continuity, or be carried out separately in manual mode.
2.2. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS
The instrument has the following features:
Continuity test of protective conductors (LOWΩ)
Test with test current > 200mA in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446
Manual calibration of measuring cables.
Measurement of insulation resistance on PV modules/strings (MΩ)
Test voltages of 250V, 500V, 1000VDC in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446
3 measuring modes: Field, Timer, String
Insulation test of unearthed metal masses
Efficiency evaluation of a PV installation in the short/medium term (EFF)
Measurement of DC voltage, DC current and DC power at PV modules/strings’ outputs
Measurement of irradiation [W/m2] by means of a reference cell connected to the optional remote
unit SOLAR-02
Measurement of module and environmental temperature by means of probe connected to the
optional remote unit SOLAR-02
Application of compensation relationships to DC efficiency.
Immediate evaluation of DC efficiency according to the limits set by the user
Parameter recording of a PV system with 5s to 60min programmable IP
Quick checks (IVCK) in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446
Measurement of open circuit voltage Voc on PV modules/strings up to 1000VDC
Measurement of short-circuit current Isc on PV modules/strings up to 10A
Measurement of irradiation by means of an optional reference cell
Immediate evaluation (OK/NO) of test results
Possible connection with the optional remote unit SOLAR-02
Internal customizable database for managing up to 30 PV modules
Display of results in OPC and STC conditions
The instrument is provided with backlit display, internal contrast adjustment and a HELP key able
to give a valid help to the operator while connecting the instrument to the installation. An Auto
Power OFF function, which can also be deactivated, is available after approx. 5 minutes’ idleness.

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3. PREPARATION FOR USE
3.1. INITIAL CHECKS
Before shipping, the instrument has been checked from an electric as well as mechanical point of
view. All possible precautions have been taken so that the instrument is delivered undamaged.
However, we recommend checking it to detect any damage possibly suffered during transport. In
case anomalies are found, immediately contact the Dealer.
We also recommend checking that the packaging contains all components indicated in § 10.7. In
case of discrepancy, please contact the Dealer. In case the instrument should be returned, please
follow the instructions given in § 12.
3.2. INSTRUMENT POWER SUPPLY
The instrument is battery supplied. For battery type and life, see § 10.5.
The symbol “ ” indicates a full charge level of the internal batteries. When battery charge
decreases to a minimum level, the symbol “ ” appears on the display. In this case, stop testing
and replace the batteries according to the indications given in § 9.2.
The instrument is capable of keeping data stored even without batteries.
The instrument is provided with advanced algorithms to maximize the batteries’ life.
During instrument operation, a short pressing of the key turns on the display’s backlighting. In
order to save battery efficiency, backlighting automatically turns off after approx. 30 seconds.
A frequent use of backlighting reduces the batteries’ life.
3.3. CALIBRATION
The instrument has the technical specifications described in this manual. Its performance is
guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase.
3.4. STORAGE
In order to guarantee precise measurement, after a long storage time under extreme environmental
conditions, wait for the instrument to come back to normal condition (see § 10.6).

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4. NOMENCLATURE
4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION CAPTION:
1. Inputs
2. Display
3. Connector for optical output/USB port
4. Arrow keys/ENTER key
5. GO/STOP key
6. SAVE key
7. ON/OFF key
8. HELP / key
9. ESC/MENU key
Fig. 1: Description of the front part of the instrument
CAPTION:
1. Input for irradiation measuring probe
2. Input for auxiliary temperature measuring
probe / DC current clamp (IVCK, EFF)
3. P, N inputs for DC voltage (IVCK, EFF) /
Insulation (MΩ) measurement
4. E, C inputs for continuity tests
(LOWΩ)
Fig. 2: Description of the upper part of the instrument
CAPTION:
1. Connector for opto-insulated/USB
output cable connection
Fig. 3: Description of the instrument’s side

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4.2. KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION
The keyboard includes the following keys:
ON/OFF key to switch on/off the instrument
ESC/MENU key to exit the selected menu without confirming and to go back to
the main menu
keys to move the cursor inside the various screens in order to select
programming parameters
ENTER key to confirm modifications, selected programming parameters and to
select the function to be accessed from the menu.
GO /STOP key to start measurements
SAVE key to save the measured values
HELP key (long pressing) to access the on-line help, to view the possible
connections between the instrument and the installation.
key (simple pressing) to activate the display’s backlighting.
4.3. DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
The display is a graphic module with a resolution of 128 x 128 dots.
The display’s first line indicates the system’s date/time and contains
the battery charge indicator.
At the bottom of the display, the function of the ENTER key and the
active mode are displayed.
The symbol indicates the presence of an active radio
connection with the remote unit SOLAR-02.
The flashing symbol indicates that the instrument is currently
searching for a radio connection with the remote unit SOLAR-02.
4.4. INITIAL SCREEN
When switching on the instrument, the initial screen appears for a
few seconds. It shows:
The instrument model (PVCHECK)
The manufacturer’s name
The presence of the enabled internal module for RF connection
The serial number (SN:) of the instrument
The firmware version (FW:) in the instrument's memory
The date of the last instrument calibration (Calibration date:)
After a few seconds, the instrument switches to the last function
selected.