Kipp & Zonen SOLYS 2 User manual

Instruction Manual
2-Axis Sun Tracker
SOLYS 2

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, the Netherlands
P.O. Box 507, 2600 AM, Delft, the Netherlands
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]
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.
Modifications made by the user can affect the validity of the CE declaration.
COPYRIGHT©2011 KIPP & ZONEN
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.
Manual version: 1102

Throughout the manual and on the SOLYS 2 instrument symbols are used to indicate to the user important
information.
The meaning of the symbols located on the SOLYS 2 is as follows:
Caution (refer to accompanying documents)
Caution, risk of electric shock
Protective conductor terminal
DC (Direct Current)
AC (Alternating Current)
The meaning of the symbols located inside the SOLYS manual 2 is as follows:
Important, indicating a point of consideration.
Caution, risk of electric shock, always connect a protected earth
Note: Useful information for the user
Tip: Useful information for the user

EC TYPE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We: Kipp & Zonen B.V.
Postbus 507
2600AM Delft
The Netherlands
Declare under our sole responsibility that the product:
Type: SOLYS 2
Name: Sun tracker
To which this declaration relates is in conformity with European Harmonized Standards as published in:
Official Journal of the EC: Issue: C246 (05-10-2005)
The compliance of the product has been based on:
EN 61326-1:2000 Emissions and Immunity
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety
Following the provisions of the directive:
EMC-directive: 2004/108/EC
Electrical Safety: 65/2005/EC
These conclusions are based on test reports:
1678/SOLYS/EMC
1678/SOLYS/LVD
ce-test, qualified testing bv
Kiotoweg 363 3047BG Rotterdam
Delft,
08 February 2008
B.A.H. Dieterink
President
Kipp & Zonen B.V.
B.A.H. Dieterink
President
KIPP & ZONEN B.V.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................1
EC Type DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ..................................................................................................................3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................4
1 GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................5
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLYS 2 ..............................................................................................................5
1.2 MANUAL ...................................................................................................................................................5
2 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SOLYS 2 ..............................................................................................................6
3 INSTALLATION..................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 REQUIRED TOOLS FOR SOLYS 2 MOUNTING .............................................................................................9
3.1.1 REQUIRED TOOLS FOR SHADING BALL ASSEMBLY / SUN SENSOR ..........................................................9
3.2 MINIMUM OPERATING AREA / CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................10
3.3 CREATE A FIRM BASE TO MOUNT THE TRIPOD STAND with the K&Z logo pointing East. ...........................11
3.4 Mount the tracker on the tripod with the E on the mounting flange pointing East....................................12
3.5 Level the SOLYS 2 using the integrated bubble level and tripod feet........................................................14
3.6 Connecting AC/DC Power .......................................................................................................................15
3.6.1 Connecting AC/DC Power Cable ..........................................................................................................16
3.6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................................19
3.6.3 Using a SOLAR PANEL TO POWER SOLYS 2 ...........................................................................................19
3.6.4 Enabling Power / Led STATUS..............................................................................................................20
3.6.5 Led STATUS ........................................................................................................................................20
3.7 Alignment of THE SOLYS 2 ......................................................................................................................22
3.8 Secure m8 bolts ......................................................................................................................................23
4 ACCESSORY INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................24
4.1 Mounting Side Mounting Plate (For shading assembly or CHP 1...............................................................24
4.2 Side Mounting Plate + Pmod-wrc pmo6 absolute cavity Pyrheliometer .....................................................25
4.3 Side Mounting Plate + Middleton SPO2 sun photometer ..........................................................................26
4.4 Side Mounting Plate + Eppley (A)hf absolute cavity pyrheliometer............................................................27
4.5 Attaching Pyrheliometer..........................................................................................................................28
4.6 Mounting Sun sensor. .............................................................................................................................29
4.6.1 Alignment of Sun Sensor.....................................................................................................................32
4.7 Shading Ball Assembly ....................................................................................................................33
4.8 Top Mounting plate assembly. ........................................................................................................37
4.9 Mounting Kipp radiometers without Ventilation unit. ......................................................................38
4.10 Mounting Kipp radiometers with Ventilation unit.............................................................................39
4.11 Mounting Eppley radiometers with or without Ventilation unit.........................................................40
4.12 Shading ball rods assembly.............................................................................................................41
5 EXTRA ACCESSORIES. .....................................................................................................................
43
5.1 Tilted Pyranometer mounting kit targeting the PV market. ......................................................................43
5.2 Small Top mounting plate for installing a single Kipp & Zonen radiometer. .............................................44
6 ETHERNET COMMUNICATION..........................................................................................................................45
6.1 EXTERNAL COMMANDS ...........................................................................................................................49
6.2 Interfacing with thrid party applications ..................................................................................................51
7 MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................................................53
8 SOLVING PROBLEMS........................................................................................................................................54
8.1 PROBLEM CHECK-LIST..............................................................................................................................54
8.2 FAQ ........................................................................................................................................................55
9 SOFTWARE OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................................56
9.1 Algorithm ...............................................................................................................................................56
10 FIRMWARE ......................................................................................................................................................57
10.1 Firmware upgrade...................................................................................................................................57
11 DRAWING SIDE MOUNTING PLATE ...................................................................................................................59
12 DRAWING LARGE TOP MOUNTING PLATE.........................................................................................................60
13 HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS SOLYS 2 INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS...........................................................................61
14 PARTNUMBERS SHADING ASSEMBLY. ...............................................................................................................62
15 HOW TO GUIDE THE CABLES ...........................................................................................................................63
16 MOUNTING UVS INSTRUMENT.........................................................................................................................64

1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLYS 2
The SOLYS 2 two-axis sun tracker is an all-weather positioning platform used to point specialized
instruments at the sun’s movement across the sky. It is fully automatic and does not require a computer or
software for installation.
The integrated GPS receiver automatically configures location and time data. Multi-colour LEDs indicate the
operating status and an Ethernet port allows for software upgrades. The high-efficiency belt drive system
requires no maintenance.
The tough and distinctive cast aluminium housing has an integrated tripod stand with levelling feet. A side
plate with mountings for a Kipp & Zonen pyrheliometer is included as standard and a second side plate can
be fitted for an additional pyrheliometer. A top mounting plate is available for convenient mounting of up to
three Kipp & Zonen radiometers.
The shading assembly accessory includes the top mounting plate and allows the tracker to be configured as
a complete solar monitoring station.
SOLYS 2 does not suffer from internal clock drift because time is updated by the GPS receiver. A sun sensor
is optional available for active tracking where the stability of the support platform cannot be guaranteed.
SOLYS 2 has been designed to provide reliable, affordable sun tracking for small and medium sized
payloads. (<20Kg) Its accuracy is excellent for solar monitoring applications.
The built in power supply accepts both 24 VDC and 90 – 264 VAC and allows the DC Voltage to be used as a
backup.
SOLYS 2 is an all weather instrument providing optimal performance even in the harshest climates (from
equatorial to Polar region). The built in heater extends the operating temperature down to -40°C and
operates from AC power only. The SOLYS 2 features high accuracy, resolution and repeatability.
A standard SOLYS 2 with no accessories is shown in Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1: SOLYS 2 standard delivery
1.2 MANUAL
The SOLYS 2 INSTRUCTION MANUAL is intended for customers who have purchased the SOLYS 2 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 SOLYS 2 for stand-alone operation.

2SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SOLYS 2
SOLYS 2
Comments
Performance
Pointing accuracy
< 0.1 º
Meets BSRN requires requirements
Torque
20 Nm
Payload
20 kg
Balanced
Angular velocity
5 º/s
Angular acceleration
3.6 º/s²
Rotation
110 º zenith
540 º azimuth
Protection against over
rotation and damage
Physical limit stops
Operating Conditions and Dimensions
Supply voltage
18 to 30 VDC
(nominal 24 DC)
Allows for battery charging or under load
90 to 264 VAC,
50 / 60 Hz
For world-wide use
Power consumption
during Sun Cycle
20 W maximum
DC Power
120 W maximum
AC Power with heater operating
Power consumption after
Sun Cycle
13 W maximum
DC Power
113 W maximum
AC Power with heater operating
Storage temperature
- 40 to + 50 ºC
Operating temperature
range
- 20 to + 50 ºC
DC Power
- 40 to + 50 ºC
AC Power (heater standard)
Weight
23 kg
For standard tracker
5 kg
Tripod stand
Dimensions (WxDxH)
50 x 34 x 38 cm
(excluding tripod stand)
Includes standard pyrheliometer mounting
Bubble level accuracy
< 0.1°
Relative to zenith shaft
Compliance to international standards
Environmental protection
IP 65
Suitable for all-weather outdoor use
CE compliance
Yes
Materials
Suitable for coastal use and areas with pollution
Features
Transmission
Inverted tooth belts
Pre-tensioned, no adjustment needed
Connections
Plug and socket for
AC power, DC power,
Ethernet
GPS for location and time
/ date information
Standard
Antenna on top of housing
Pyrheliometer mounting
One side plate and
mounting kit as standard
For Kipp & Zonen CH 1 or CHP 1
Mounting base
Standard tripod
Includes adjustable feet for leveling
LED Indicators for
Power, internal
temperature and status
Multi-color to indicate various modes
Customer operation
Installation
Plug-and-play, no PC
GPS acquires location and time / date

required
Functional self test
Standard
Multi-color LED status indicator
Test / diagnostic facility
Standard
Via Ethernet port
Sun tracking mode
Standard
Michalsky algorithm (1988)
Firmware update possible
Flash memory
Via Ethernet port
Maintenance
No scheduled maintenance
required
Annual inspection recommended
Automatic restart after
power interruption
Yes
Options
Sun sensor kit
For active sun tracking
Plug in unit with alignment adjustment.
3.12° field of view
Second side mounting
plate
For fitting to zenith axis
shaft on opposite side to
standard Pyrheliometer
mounting
Does not include instrument mounting
brackets
Top mounting plate
3 positions for Kipp &
Zonen radiometers (with or
without CV 2 ventilation
units) or Eppley PSP / PIR
(with or without VEN
ventilation units)
No adaptors required
Shading ball assembly
Includes top mounting plate
and second side mounting
plate and 2 shading balls
on adjustable rods
Shading ball height adjustable to suit
radiometers above
Radiometer mounting kits
For Kipp & Zonen CH 1 or
CHP 1 Pyrheliometer
All require a side mounting plate
For PMOD-WRC PMO 6
absolute cavity
Pyrheliometer
For Middleton SP02 or
SP01-L sun photometer
For Eppley HF or AHF
absolute cavity
Pyrheliometer
Table 2.1: Operating specifications of the SOLYS 2

3 INSTALLATION
The following sections provide information on the installation of the SOLYS 2.
The installation consists of the following steps which will be explained step by step in the sub chapters:
3.1 Required tools for SOLYS 2 mounting
3.1.1 Required tools for Shading Ball Assembly / sun sensor
3.2 Minimum operating area / considerations
3.3 Create a firm base to mount the tripod stand with the K&Z logo pointing East
3.4 Mount the tracker on the tripod with the E on the mounting flange pointing East
3.5 Level the SOLYS 2 using the integrated bubble level and tripod feet
3.6 Connecting AC/DC Power
3.7 Alignment of the SOLYS 2
3.8 Fasten tripod feet to the firm base and check alignment.
4.1 Mounting second Side Mounting Plate (optional)
4.5 Attaching Pyrheliometer (optional)
4.6 Mounting Sun sensor (optional)
4.6.1 Alignment of Sun Sensor (optional)
4.7 Shading Ball Assembly (optional)
4.8 Top mounting plate assembly (optional)
4.9 Mounting Kipp radiometers without Ventilation unit (optional)
4.10 Mounting Kipp radiometers with Ventilation unit (optional)
4.11 Mounting Eppley radiometers with/without Ventilation unit (optional)
4.12 Shading ball rods assembly. (optional)
Apart from the creation of the tripod support base and the assembling of the accessories and instruments,
the levelling and the fine adjustment is only a matter of minutes. However a clear sun is required to do
this. It is important that these steps are carried out in this order.
SOLYS 2 has various accessories to enhance and expand its operation, including:
•Top Mounting Plate
•Extra Side Mounting Plate
•Pointing & Shading Ball Assembly:
Including one extra Side Mounting Plate and a Top Mounting Plate.
•Sun Sensor
•Mounting kits for various instruments for direct solar radiation measurement.
•Ventilation units for Pyranometers/Pyrgeometers

3.1 REQUIRED TOOLS FOR SOLYS 2 MOUNTING
For installation on site the following materials are supplied with the SOLYS 2
Allen Wrench key type 6 (for M8 bolts for tripod)
Allen Wrench key type 3
Allen Wrench key type 2.5
Screws M8 x 20 plus M8 washers
Required but not supplied are:
Screwdriver for connection of power cable to the connector
Cable for power connection of the SOLYS 2
Compass to find geographical East.
3.1.1 REQUIRED TOOLS FOR SHADING BALL ASSEMBLY / SUN SENSOR
The tools required for the mounting of the shading ball assembly are supplied with this option.
Required but not supplied are:
A Ruler, to measure the position of the optional sun sensor.