PVE PVPM 1540X User manual

PVPM 1540X
Peak Power Measuring Device
and I-V-Curve Tracer
for PV Strings Arrays
Users Manual

Release © 07 2023
PV-Engineering GmbH
Hugo-Schultz-Str. 14
58640 Iserlohn
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
e-Mail [e-mail]
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Contents
1 SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT.........................................................1
2 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................2
3 NORMAL USE....................................................................................................2
4 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................3
5 WARNINGS........................................................................................................4
6 OPERATION OF THE PVPM...................................................................................5
6.1 OPERATING AND CONNECTION ELEMENTS....................................................................................... 5
6.2 GENERAL HINTS................................................................................................................ 5
6.3 CONNECTING PERIPHERAL DEVICES............................................................................................ 6
6.4 POWER SUPPLY................................................................................................................ 6
6.5 CONNECTING A PC............................................................................................................ 6
6.6 CONNECTING THE SOLAR GENERATOR......................................................................................... 7
6.7 CONNECTING THE COMBINATION SENSOR..................................................................................... 7
6.8 SWITCHING-ON................................................................................................................. 7
6. BUTTONS.......................................................................................................................
6.10 MEASUREMENT............................................................................................................. 10
6.11 MESSAGES................................................................................................................. 12
7 EXTERNAL SECURITY SWITCH 15 V / 2 A........................................................13
8 IMPACTS ON THE ACCURACY OF THE MEASUREMENT........................................14
8.1 ACCURACY OF THE PEAK POWER CALCULATIONS FROM I-V CHARACTERISTICS OF PV GENERATORS WITH THE PVPM. . .15
9 INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSFER AND EVALUATION SOFTWARE PVPM.DISP........16
1 INSTALLING THE USB DEVICE DRIVER...............................................................17
10.1 UNINSTALLING THE CDM DRIVER......................................................................................... 17
11 OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PVPM.DISP......................................................18
11.1 MAIN MENU FILE.......................................................................................................... 18
11.2 EDIT........................................................................................................................ 20
11.3 EXTRA...................................................................................................................... 20
11.4 DIAGRAM................................................................................................................... 23
11.5 RESULTS / LISTS........................................................................................................... 25
11.6 HELP (NOT YET IMPLEMENTED)............................................................................................. 25
12 TECHNICAL DATA...........................................................................................26
13 HARDWARE INFORMATION..............................................................................27
13.1 MEASURING UNIT.......................................................................................................... 27
13.2 PIN ALLOCATION OF THE SENSOR CONNECTORS:........................................................................... 27
13.3 CALCULATION UNIT........................................................................................................ 27
13.4 DISPLAY.................................................................................................................... 28
13.5 OPERATION................................................................................................................. 28
13.6 POWER SUPPLY............................................................................................................. 28
13.7 DIMENSIONS................................................................................................................ 28
13.8 OPERATION CONDITIONS................................................................................................... 28
13. OPTIONALLY AVAILABLE ACCESSORY........................................................................................ 28
14 LIST OF SYMBOLS...........................................................................................29
15 REASONS FOR DECREASED POWER AND YIELD OF PV GENERATORS...................3
16 I-U DIAGRAM: EXPLANATION...........................................................................31
17 SAMPLE CURVES............................................................................................36
18 GLOSSARY.....................................................................................................39
18.1 AZIMUTH (ẞ) AND ELEVATION (Α).......................................................................................... 3
18.2 SLOPE...................................................................................................................... 3
18.3 DC......................................................................................................................... 3
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

18.4 DEGRADATION CHARACTERISTIC............................................................................................ 3
18.5 DIRECT RADIATION / DIFFUSE RADIATION................................................................................... 3
18.6 GENERATOR................................................................................................................. 3
18.7 GLOBAL/TOTAL RADIATION................................................................................................. 40
18.8 SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT OF SOLAR CELLS................................................................................. 40
18. MISMATCHING.............................................................................................................. 40
18.10 MPP..................................................................................................................... 40
18.11 TRACKING................................................................................................................. 40
18.12 PEAK POWER............................................................................................................. 40
18.13 PERFORMANCE RATIO..................................................................................................... 40
18.14 INTERNAL SERIES RESISTANCE............................................................................................. 40
18.15 SOLAR CONSTANT........................................................................................................ 41
18.16 SOLAR IRRADIATION / INSOLATION........................................................................................ 41
18.17 STANDARD TEST CONDITIONS........................................................................................... 41
18.18 CURRENT-VOLTAGE-CHARACTERISTIC.................................................................................... 41
18.1 EFFICIENCY................................................................................................................ 42
18.20 FOUR-WIRE MEASUREMENT (KELVIN MEASUREMENT).................................................................... 42
19 APPENDIX A...................................................................................................43
1 .1 INDICATOR LIGHTS IN THE FRONT PANEL.................................................................................... 43
1 .2 SPEAKER SIGNALS:......................................................................................................... 43
2 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY......................................................................44
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Software End User License Agreement Page 1
1 Software End User License Agreement
LICENSE GRANT
The accompanying software and associated documentation
("Software") are proprietary products owned by PV-
Engineering GmbH and protected under internationa
copyright aw. You may not remove any product
identification, copyright notices, or other notices or
proprietary restrictions from the Software.
Use of the Software is defined to be use and distribution
consistent with the fo owing conditions.
You or any person under your authority or contro may:
✔Make copies of the Software for backup purposes
provided said copies contains a of the origina
Software's proprietary notices;
✔Use the Software only on computers owned,
leased, or otherwise controlled by you and only on
one computer at a time;
✔Use the Software on a network, provided that a
licensed copy of the Software has been acquired for
each person permitted to access the Software
through the network;
✔Distribute or redistribute data files generated by the
Software;
You or any person under your authority or control may
not:
✗Copy or use the Software except as authorized
under this License Grant;
✗Use on two or more computers at a time without
separate authorization and the payment of
additional license fees;
✗Distribute or redistribute any part of the Software or
Files except as described above;
✗Permit other individuals to distribute or redistribute
any part of the Software or Files;
✗Modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile,
disassemble, or create derivative works based on
the Software or Files;
✗Copy the Software or Files; rent, lease, grant a
security interest in, or otherwise transfer rights to
the Software or Files; or remove any proprietary
notices or labels on the Software or Files.
EXPORT
You agree to comp y fu y with a aws and regu ations to
assure that neither the Software, nor any direct product
thereof, is exported, direct y or indirect y, in vio ation of
aw.
TERMINATION
This icense granted hereunder wi terminate automatica y
if you fai to comp y with the imitations described herein.
Upon termination, you must destroy a copies of the
Software.
LIMITED WARRANTY
PV-Engineering GmbH makes no warranties, inc uding
warranties of merchantabi ity and fitness for a particu ar
purpose. Any remedy under this warranty is imited to return
of the software and the user manua to the dea er or to PV-
Engineering GmbH for rep acement or refund. This
warranty is va id for 90 days from your date of purchase.
PV-Engineering GmbH exc udes any warranty coverage for
incidenta or consequentia damages. Some states do not
a ow imitations on imp ied warranties, so some of the
above imitations may not app y to you.
TRADE MARKS
Windows is trade marks of Microsoft Corporation
Iser ohn, 01.09.2017
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 2 Introduction
2 Introduction
The devices of type PVPM ena les the measurement of the I-V-curve of photovoltaic modules (limited) as well
as of strings or arrays. By a new developed procedure the device can measure and calculate the peak power
Ppk, the Rs and Rp directly at the place of installation of the PV system. Calculation results and the diagram can
e displayed on the internal TFT display.
The peak power is the power of a PV module under Standard Test Conditions (STC) [1]. In the past the very
complex measurement of the peak power was possi le only in particularly suited la oratories. By a new
patented method [2], which was developed y Professor Wagner at the University of Applied Sciences
Dortmund, this measurement can easily e performed with the PVPM. So the quality control of a PV system can
e 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 a out
the electrical characteristics of the checked module or string. So the PVPM is suita le as an instrument in
research as well as for development purposes.
The PVPM is a mobile measuring device with integrated battery supply and battery charger in a durable and light
weight plastic housing. The device has its own industrial miniature PC and a high-contrast TFT graphic display
and thus its function is independent of other devices. Nevertheless (if desired) a PC can be attached for data
transfer and further analysis of the measured values over a standard USB interface.
The PVPM is operated comfortably over the touch screen and an on-screen menu. The functions are defined
self-describing and the user is always led by the program. So no long training activities for the operating
personnel are necessary.
The device accepts the input from usual irradiance reference sensors that produce a voltage between 0mV and
150mV which linear depends on the irradiation. An additional temperature sensor (RTD, Pt100) can be
connected and attached to the back surface of the modules under test for better results.
Description of the measurement:
The PVPM automatically measures the I-V-characteristic of the PV generator at a capacitive load. From the
measured data it calculates the effective solar cell characteristic, Ppk, Rs and Rp [2], [3]. After the measurement
the data are stored automatically in a non-volatile storage and so are available later (e. g. in the office) [4]. The
device internally can store the data of several thousand measurements.
The following results are displayed:
Permanent values:
Peak Power PPk
Internal Series Resistance Rs
Internal Parallel Resistance Rp (shunt resistance)
Current values, depending on irradiation and temperature:
Vpmax , Ipmax , Pmax
Voc , Isc , FF, Tmod , Eeff
The determined I-V-characteristic can also be shown directly on the LC-display.
[1] IEC60904-3: STC= Irradiance 1000 W/m2, Spectrum AM=1.5, Cell Temper. 25°C
[2] Wagner A.: Peak Power and Internal Series Resistance Measurement under Natural Am ient Conditions. –EuroSun Copenhagen
2000
[3] Bendel C., Wagner A.: Photovoltaic Measurement relevant to the Energy Yield. - WCPEC3 Osaka 2003
[4] Schulte K.M., Wagner A.: Die Effektive Solarzellenkennlinie. - Anwendung Teillast-Berechnung. Staffelstein. 2002
3 Normal use
The peak power and I-V-characteristic measuring instrument series PVPM is used exclusively for the
admission of the I-V-characteristic curve of single photovoltaic modules (limited), strings or arrays. Before
connecting the PV generator under test to the measuring instrument it must be ensured that the test specimen
cannot exceed the maximum current and voltage levels of the measuring instrument at any time.
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Safety Requirements Page 3
4 Safety Re uirements
Before the first use of the PVPM read this manual carefully and completely. It contains important hints to avoid
damage to persons or the measuring device. These hints are emphasized by a frame around the text and should
be paid attention to.
References in this document, which concern security matters, are indicated by a frame. Damages due to the
neglection of the references in this document are excluded from the warranty. No warranty at all is guaranteed
for consequential damages.
The program PVPM.disp requires a PC with hard disk and MS Windows NT or higher and a mouse pointing
device. The connection of the PVPM requires a USB serial interface.
The required free space on the hard disk before installing PVPM.disp is about 20 MB. Please be sure later on
that there is enough free space on the hard disk before storing measured data.
Attention: For the purpose of data security we would like to point out the importance of saving the database of
the program regularly on another data medium, so in the event of damage you will be able to continue working
without considerable data loss. Such a damage can not be excluded even under the present state-of-the-art.
Please do not restore single data files, but always the complete data back-up of the program, otherwise you
might cause malfunction, this in turn might lead to data loss! In case of doubt please contact the distributor or
the producer.
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 4 Warnings
5 Warnings
To disregard the following information can lead to severe injury and even entail a
peril to life!
CAUTION! Before starting up the e uipment please read this manual carefully!
NOTE: Danger of an electrical impact
Note: Measuring category I. Do not use this device in measuring categories II, III and IV.
Do not connect measuring inputs to ground.
This device may never be utilised close to inflammable gases.
Keep children and infants away from the measuring e uipment!
The measuring device may not be used in locations with intense dust exposure or high humidity. No
fluids may reach the interior of the measuring device.
At appearance of unusual sounds, the development of smell or smoke the device has got to be
switched of immediately, the circuit breaker and the current source have got to be disconnected.
Before each measurement check the test leads for the power measurement for damages. Never operate
damaged test leads! If the conducting wires of the measuring device are damaged they have to be
replaced. Mending the wires is not admissible.
The current measurement input may only be attached to a limited source of direct current (photovoltaic
generator) with at most 20A! The connection of other sources can lead to demolition of the device and
to danger of life!
For security reasons only ualified personal must establish the cable connection between the PV
generator and the PVPM security switch! The measurement should be carried out or accompanied by
ualified personal. Additional ualifications and laws (e.g. VDE 0100) have to be observed, otherwise
high currents and voltages involve danger of life!
The PVPM and all devices being part of it may be opened and repaired by authorized ualified personal
only. Before opening a case every cable connection must be disconnected! Keep in mind that even with
disconnected cables the may reside dangerous high voltage inside the case!
The solar generator can generate very high tensions and currents, which can affect your health when
you do not handle with care!
!! VERY IMPORTANT !!
Never plug in or remove the cable connectors between solar generator and PVPM
before the solar generator is deactivated! A security switch added to the
measurement line allows the simultaneous disconnection and the safe connection of
measuring wires to the PVPM.
The plugs of the measuring cable for the power measurement (4-wire measuring cable) must be
plugged into the corresponding sockets UP TO THE STOP. Otherwise, the meter and the cable may be
damaged when measured by an electric arc in the connector (risk of fire!).
The PVPM will make a short circuit during measurement, and when you disconnect a cable under this
condition, a light arc can arise and can cause serious damage to health and material! After the
generator is deactivated you can remove the cable connection without harm.
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Operation of the PVPM Page 5
6 Operation of the PVPM
6.1 Operating and connection
elements
1. On Off switch
2. USB connector (mini B)
3. Connector for external power supply (16V,
2ADC)
4. Status lights
5. TFT colour graphic touch display
6. Combined irradiation and temperature
input
7. Temperature measuring input Pt100
8. Four-wire measuring connector (voltage)
9. Four-wire measuring connector (current)
6.2 General Hints
The PVPM, as nearly all electronic measuring device, can only operate in a defined temperature range (see
appendix). That is why the PVPM should not be exposed to direct sunlight over a longer period of time. Keep the
device in a shady place or protect it from direct sunlight using a sunshade.
The standard version of the PVPM cannot be integrated into other devices or e.g. brackets. It is very important
that the air can move free around the case so that a proper cooling is guaranteed! Only if the PVPM is
completely out of operation (even no charging) it may be stacked.
Attention: Never loosen a measurement cable connection during a measurement! The considerable dc
tensions and currents can cause a light arc which may cause fire, serious injuries and even death! (see
chapter 4/5)
The front panel of the PVPM is rather rough, but you should handle it with care anyway. To avoid damage of the
front panel please take notice of the following hints:
Do not touch the front panel with a sharp or pointed object. This could force scratches and might even
destroy the foil especially in the regions with switches in the back.
Clean the surface with a soft and damp tissue. Do not use materials that can scratch, especially on the cover
of the display. A scratched display cover will dramatically affect the display quality.
The case is water proofed (IP 67). Nevertheless do not expose the PVPM directly to influence of water, rain or
similar.
For a good measuring quality the sun irradiance during the measurement should be above 500 W m2. IV-curve
measurements are possible below this irradiance value, but the STC values would be less precise and
meaningful. That is why the STC values will be suppressed in this case.
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 6 Operation of the PVPM
6.3 Connecting Peripheral Devices
For an I-V-curve measurement besides the PVPM
the following components are required:
1. USB connection to operating PC
(optional)
2. External power supply (optional)
3. Irradiance reference sensor
4. Exernal RTD (Pt100) or short circuit
adaptor
5. External security switch (see chapter 7)
between power measurement cable and
PVPM
6. 4-wire-measurement cable
The PVPM is equipped with the following input output interfaces (you will find all interfaces at the front panel,
they are all marked):
Interface Function
Power supply At the front panel of the PVPM, input 16Vdc 2A, coaxial power connector
5.5x2.1mm
Temperature
(External) temperature sensor: either short circuit connector or Pt100
Irradiance Combined sensor: irradiance + Pt1000 temperature
4-wire-measurement Voltage input (modules under test)
Current input Current input (modules under test)
PC Serial connection to PC (USB cable)
6.4 Power Supply
The PVPM contains a battery which let it become independent from mains grid power supply. The battery can be
charged by the external power supply and an integrated charge controller. After connecting the external power
supply to front panel of the PVPM the battery is charged automatically. The charging state is displayed by a LED
at the front panel of the device.
6.5 Connecting a PC
The PVPM can operate independently from an external PC. For an extended evaluation of the measured data or
just for controlling the PVPM from a PC you can connect the PC to the PVPM with the delivered USB cable.
Attach this cable to a free USB port of your PC and to the “PC” connector of the PVPM.
Before you can control the PVPM from the PC you will have to:
1. install the software PVPMdisp (chapter 9)
2. install the device driver for the USB port (chapter 10)
3. Activate “Transfer” on the PVPM
Otherwise a transfer between PVPM and PC will not be possible.
Important: before you can operate the PVPM from a PC with PVPM.disp it is necessary to select the
menu option “transfer” on the PVPM. Otherwise the PVPM will not listen to the serial port and the PC
can not access the device.
PVPM 1540X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH