METREL A 1378 User manual

PV Remote Unit
A 1378
Instruction manual
Version 2.1, Code no. 20 752 010

2
Distributor:
Manufacturer:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska cesta 77
1354 Horjul
Slovenia
web site: http://www.metrel.si
e-mail: [email protected]
Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning safety and electromagnetic compatibility regulations
© 2013 METREL
The trade names Metrel, Smartec, Eurotest, Autosequence are trademarks registered or pending in
Europe and other countries.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
without permission in writing from METREL.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Table of contents
3
Table of contents
1Preface ....................................................................................................................4
2Safety and operational considerations.................................................................5
2.1Warnings and notes ..........................................................................................5
2.2Battery and charging .........................................................................................5
2.3Standards applied .............................................................................................7
3Instrument description...........................................................................................8
3.1Front panel........................................................................................................8
3.2Connector panel................................................................................................9
3.3Back side.........................................................................................................10
3.4Battery indication.............................................................................................11
3.5Warnings and messages.................................................................................11
3.6Help screens ...................................................................................................11
3.7Backlight and contrast adjustments.................................................................11
3.8Measuring probes............................................................................................12
4Instrument operation............................................................................................13
4.1Function selection ...........................................................................................13
4.2Settings ...........................................................................................................13
4.2.1Language................................................................................................................13
4.2.2Clear memory .........................................................................................................14
4.2.3Irradiance sensor ....................................................................................................14
4.2.4Date and time..........................................................................................................14
5Measurements ......................................................................................................15
6Saving of results and synchronization with the instrument.............................17
7Upgrading the instrument....................................................................................18
8Maintenance..........................................................................................................19
8.1Cleaning..........................................................................................................19
8.2Periodic calibration..........................................................................................19
8.3Service ............................................................................................................19
9Technical specifications......................................................................................20
9.1Irradiance ........................................................................................................20
9.2Temperature (cell and ambient) ......................................................................20
9.3General data (PV remote unit).........................................................................20

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Preface
4
1 Preface
The PV Remote unit is a professional hand-held accessory intended to perform
temperature and solar irradiance measurements.
PV modules and connection terminals for measuring are often not on the same location.
For examples PV modules are on the roof and connection terminals are at the inverter
inside the building. With the PV Remote environmental parameters can be measured
while electrical parameters are measured with the instrument on another location. The
clocks of main instrument and PV Remote unit can be synchronized. This enables an
easy pooling of data measured at the same time after the tests are finished.
Contemporary measurement of electrical and environmental values is demanded in
some standards for calculation of efficiency of PV systems.
The graphic display with backlight offers easy reading of results, indications,
measurement parameters and messages.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Safety and operational considerations
5
2 Safety and operational considerations
2.1 Warnings and notes
In order to maintain a high level of accuracy while carrying out various tests and
measurements, Metrel recommends keeping your Remote unit in good condition and
undamaged. When using the instrument, consider the following general warnings:
The symbol on the instrument means »Read the Instruction manual
with special care for safe operation«. The symbol requires an action!
Service intervention or adjustment is only allowed to be carried out by a
competent authorized personnel!
The instrument comes supplied with rechargeable or Ni-MH battery cells.
The cells should only be replaced with the same type as defined on the
battery compartment label or as described in this manual. Do not use
standard alkaline battery cells while the power supply adapter is
connected, otherwise they may explode!
2.2 Battery and charging
The instrument uses six AA size alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH battery cells. Nominal
operating time is declared for cells with nominal capacity of 2100 mAh.
Battery condition is always displayed in the lower right display part.
In case the battery is too weak the instrument indicates this as shown in figure 2.1. This
indication appears for a few seconds and then the instrument turns itself off.
Figure 2-1: Discharged battery indication
The battery is charged whenever the power supply adapter is connected to the
instrument. The power supply socket polarity is shown in figure 2.2. Internal circuit
controls charging and assures maximum battery lifetime.
+
-
Figure 2-2: Power supply socket polarity
The instrument automatically recognizes the connected power supply adapter and
begins charging.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Safety and operational considerations
6
Symbols:
Indication of battery charging
Figure 2-3: Charging indication
Warnings related to safety
When connected to an installation, the instruments battery compartment can
contain hazardous voltage inside! When replacing battery cells or before
opening the battery/fuse compartment cover, disconnect any measuring
accessory connected to the instrument and turn off the instrument,
Ensure that the battery cells are inserted correctly otherwise the instrument will
not operate and the batteries could be discharged.
If the instrument is not to be used for a long period of time, remove all batteries
from the battery compartment.
Alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (size AA) can be used. Metrel
recommends only using rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 2100mAh or
above.
Do not recharge alkaline battery cells!
Use only power supply adapter delivered from the manufacturer or distributor of
the test equipment to avoid possible fire or electric shock!
Notes:
The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the battery
cells are connected in series during the charging. The battery cells have to be
equivalent (same charge condition, same type and age).
One different battery cell can cause an improper behavior of the entire battery
pack.
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during the charging of battery cells
that have been left unused for a longer period (more than 6 months). In this case
Metrel recommends to repeat the charge / discharge cycle at least 2-4 times.
If no improvement is achieved after several charge / discharge cycles, then each
battery cell should be checked (by comparing battery voltages, testing them in a
cell charger, etc). It is very likely that only some of the battery cells are
deteriorated.
The effects described above should not be confused with the normal decrease of
battery capacity over time. Battery also loses some capacity when it is repeatedly
charged / discharged. This information is provided in the technical specification
from battery manufacturer.

MI 1378 PV Remote Unit Safety and operational considerations
7
2.3 Standards applied
The unit is manufactured and tested in accordance with the following regulations:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
EN 61326 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use – EMC requirements
Class B (Hand-held equipment used in controlled EM environments)
Safety (LVD)
EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
Reference standard for photovoltaic systems
EN 62446 Grid connected photovoltaic systems – Minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection
Note about EN and IEC standards:
Text of this manual contains references to European standards. All standards of
EN 6XXXX (e.g. EN 61010) series are equivalent to IEC standards with the same
number (e.g. IEC 61010) and differ only in amended parts required by European
harmonization procedure.

MI 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument description
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3 Instrument description
3.1 Front panel
Figure 3-1: Front panel
Legend:
1 LCD 128 x 64 dots matrix display with backlight.
2 TEST Starts / stops measurements.
3 UP/ DOWN Modifies selected parameter.
4 Function selectors Selects test function
5 HELP Help screens.
6 Backlight,
Contrast Changes backlight level and contrast.
7 ON / OFF Switches the instrument power on or off. The instrument
automatically turns off 15 minutes after the last key was
pressed.
8 MEM No function in this version
9 TAB No function in this version

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument description
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3.2 Connector panel
Figure 3-2: Connector panel (picture of MI 3125B)
Legend:
1 Input 1 Input for measuring Irradiance
2 Input 2 Input for measuring Cell temperature
3 Input 3 Input for measuring Ambient temperature
4 PS/2 connector
Connection to the measuring instrument
Connection to the wireless adaptor
5 Charger socket
6 USB connector No function in this version.
Warnings!
Maximum short-term voltage of external power supply adapter is 14 V!
Maximum short-term voltage on measuring inputs is 12 V!

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument description
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3.3 Back side
Figure 3-3: Back side
Legend:
1 Side belt
2 Battery compartment cover
3 Fixing screw for battery compartment cover
4 Back panel information label
5 Holder for inclined position of the instrument
Figure 3-4: Battery compartment
Legend:
1 Battery cells Size AA, alkaline or rechargeable NiMH / NiCd
2 Serial number label

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument description
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3.4 Battery indication
The indication indicates the charge condition of battery and connection of external
charger.
Battery capacity indication.
Low battery.
Battery is too weak to guarantee correct result. Replace or
recharge the battery cells.
Recharging in progress (if power supply adapter is connected).
3.5 Warnings and messages
In the message field warnings and messages are displayed.
Measurement is running, consider displayed warnings.
3.6 Help screens
HELP Opens help screen.
The Help menu contains diagrams for illustrating how to properly connect the probes
and instrument.
Keys in help menu:
UP / DOWN Selects next / previous help screen.
Function selectors / HELP Exits help menu.
Figure 3-5: Examples of help screens
3.7 Backlight and contrast adjustments
With the BACKLIGHT key backlight and contrast can be adjusted.
Click Toggles backlight intensity level.
Keep pressed for 1 s Locks high intensity backlight level until power is turned off or the
key is pressed again.
Keep pressed for 2 s Bargraph for LCD contrast adjustment is displayed.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument description
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Figure 3-6: Contrast adjustment menu
Keys for contrast adjustment:
DOWN Reduces contrast.
UP Increases contrast.
TEST Accepts new contrast.
Function selectors Exits without changes.
3.8 Measuring probes
List of compatible measuring probes is available on request from your distributor.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument operation
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4 Instrument operation
4.1 Function selection
For selecting main functions the FUNCTION SELECTOR shall be used.
Keys:
FUNCTION
SELECTOR
Select function:
<SOLAR> Measurements
<SETTINGS> Instrument settings.
4.2 Settings
In the SETTINGS menu language can be
selected, memory can be cleared and
Irradiance sensor can be configured.
Figure 4-1: Options in Settings menu
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects option.
TEST Enters menu for selecting parameter
4.2.1 Language
In this menu the language can be set.
Figure 4-2: Language selection
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects language.
TEST Confirms selected language.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instrument operation
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4.2.2 Clear memory
In this menu data logs can be cleared.
Figure 4-3: Clear memory screens
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects option.
TEST YES Confirms memory clear.
NO Returns to setting menu without memory clear.
4.2.3 Irradiance sensor
In this menu the type of irradiance sensor
can be set.
Figure 4-4: Irradiance sensor selection
Supported irradiance sensors:
PV cell A 1427: measuring monocrystal PV cell
Pyran. A 1399: pyranometer
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects type of irradiance sensor.
TEST Confirms selected sensor.
4.2.4 Date and time
Time is displayed in the upper right part of the LCD. Refer to chapter Synchronization
on MI 3108 / MI 3109 Instruction manual for more information.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Measurements
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5 Measurements
The following environmental measurements can be performed with the Remote unit:
Solar irradiance
Cell temperature
Ambient temperature
Temperature and solar irradiance must be measured:
for calculation of nominal PV values at standard conditions.
for conversion of solar to electric power of the PV panels.
to check that environmental conditions are proper for carrying out the PV tests
Figure 5-1: Measuring menu
Connections for measuring of environmental parameters
Figure 5-2: Measurement of environmental parameters
Procedure for measuring of environmental parameters
Select SOLAR. function using the function selector switch
Connect environmental probes to the PV Remote unit
Connect the probes to the item to be tested (see figure 5.2).
Connect the PV Remote unit to the instrument (optional)
Press the TEST key to start the measurement.
Press the TEST key to stop the measurement.
Figure 5-3: Example of results - measurement

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Measurements
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Displayed results for environmental parameters:
Irr………………...solar irradiance
Tcell…………….cell temperature
Tamb……………ambient temperature
Note:
If PV Remote unit is connected with the instrument the measured data are sent
to the instrument. For more information about this feature refer to MI 3108 / MI
3109 Instruction Manual.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Saving of results
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6 Saving of results and synchronization with the
instrument
The measured results and time of measurement are automatically stored into the PV
Remote unit’s memory.
After the measurement the stored results can be synchronized with results in the
instrument MI 3108 / MI 3109 that were measured at the same time. The instrument can
then calculate correct STC values.
Before the measurements the time and date between the instrument and Remote unit
should be synchronized. For more information about this feature refer to MI 3108 / MI
3109 Instruction Manual.
For time and results synchronization the RS232 port on the instrument MI 3108/9 must
be connected with the RS232 port on the remote unit. Use the PS/2 to RS232 (female)
data cable delivered with the MI 3108/9 and the RS232 (male) to PS/2 cable adapter
delivered with A 1378.
Figure 6-1: Interface connection for the RS232 (male) to PS/2 cable adapter
Connection for synchronization
Figure 6-2 Connection of the instruments during synchronization

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Upgrading the instrument
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7 Upgrading the instrument
The instrument can be upgraded from a PC via the RS232 communication port. This
enables to keep the instrument up to date even if the standards or regulations change.
Please contact your dealer for more information.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Maintenance
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8 Maintenance
Unauthorized persons are not allowed to open the PV Remote unit. There are no user
replaceable components inside the instrument, except the battery under rear cover.
8.1 Cleaning
No special maintenance is required for the housing. To clean the surface of the
instrument use a soft cloth slightly moistened with soapy water or alcohol. Then leave
the instrument to dry totally before use.
Warnings:
Do not use liquids based on petrol or hydrocarbons!
Do not spill cleaning liquid over the instrument!
8.2 Periodic calibration
It is essential that the test instrument is regularly calibrated in order that the technical
specification listed in this manual is guaranteed. We recommend an annual calibration.
Only an authorized technical person can do the calibration. Please contact your dealer
for further information.
8.3 Service
For repairs under warranty, or at any other time, please contact your distributor.

A 1378 PV Remote Unit Technical specifications
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9 Technical specifications
9.1 Irradiance
Probe A 1399
Measuring range Resolution (W/m
2
) Accuracy
0 999 W/m21(5 % + 5 digits)
1.00 1.75 kW/m210 5 %
Measuring principle: Pyranometer
Operation conditions:
Working temperature range.............. -40C 55 C
Designed for continuous outdoor use.
Probe A 1427
Measuring range Resolution (W/m
2
) Accuracy
0 999 W/m21(4 % + 5 digits)
1.00 1.75 kW/m210 4 %
Measuring principle: Monocrystall PV cell, temperature compensated
Operation conditions:
Working temperature range.............. -20C 55 C
Protection degree ..............................IP 44
9.2 Temperature (cell and ambient)
Probe A 1383
Measuring range (°C) Resolution (°C) Accuracy
-10.0 85.0 0.1 5 digits
Designed for continuous outdoor use.
9.3 General data (PV remote unit)
Power supply voltage........................ 9 VDC (61.5 V battery or accu, size AA)
Operation.......................................... typical 20 h
Charger socket input voltage............ 12 V 10 %
Charger socket input current ............ 400 mA max.
Battery charging current ................... 250 mA (internally regulated)
Protection degree ............................. IP 40