PVE PVPM 1500X User manual

PVPM 1500X
Peak Power Measuring Device
and I-V-Curve Tracer
for PV Strings / rrays
Users Manual

Page 2
Release © 01 / 2023
PV-Engineering GmbH
Hugo-Schultz-Str. 14
58640 Iserlohn
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
e-Mail [email protected]
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 3
Contents
1 SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT..........................................................5
2 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................6
3 NORMAL USE.......................................................................................................6
4 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................7
5 WARNINGS...........................................................................................................8
6 OPERATION OF THE PVPM.....................................................................................
6.1 OPERATING AND CONNECTION ELEMENTS................................................................................ 9
6.2 GENERAL HINTS.............................................................................................................. 9
6.3 CONNECTING PERIPHERAL DEVICES..................................................................................... 10
6.4 POWER SUPPLY............................................................................................................. 10
6.5 CONNECTING A PC........................................................................................................ 10
6.6 CONNECTING THE SOLAR GENERATOR................................................................................. 11
6.7 CONNECTING THE COMBINATION SENSOR............................................................................. 11
6. SWITCHING-ON............................................................................................................. 11
6.9 BUTTONS.................................................................................................................... 13
6.10 MEASUREMENT........................................................................................................... 14
6.11 MESSAGES................................................................................................................. 16
7 EXTERNAL SECURITY SWITCH 1500V / 20A..........................................................17
8 IMPACTS ON THE ACCURACY OF THE MEASUREMENT..........................................18
.1 ACCURACY OF THE PEAK POWER CALCULATIONS FROM I-V CHARACTERISTICS OF PV GENERATORS WITH THE
PVPM............................................................................................................................. 19
INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSFER AND EVALUATION SOFTWARE PVPM.DISP........20
10 INSTALLING THE USB DEVICE DRIVER.................................................................21
10.1 UNINSTALLING THE CDM DRIVER..................................................................................... 21
11 OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PVPM.DISP........................................................22
11.1 MAIN MENU FILE......................................................................................................... 22
11.2 EDIT......................................................................................................................... 24
11.3 EXTRA...................................................................................................................... 25
11.4 DIAGRAM.................................................................................................................. 27
11.5 RESULTS / LISTS......................................................................................................... 29
11.6 HELP (NOT YET IMPLEMENTED)......................................................................................... 29
12 TECHNICAL DATA.............................................................................................30
13 HARDWARE INFORMATION................................................................................31
13.1 MEASURING UNIT........................................................................................................ 31
13.2 PIN ALLOCATION OF THE SENSOR CONNECTORS:................................................................... 31
13.3 CALCULATION UNIT...................................................................................................... 31
13.4 DISPLAY.................................................................................................................... 32
13.5 OPERATION................................................................................................................ 32
13.6 POWER SUPPLY........................................................................................................... 32
13.7 DIMENSIONS............................................................................................................... 32
13. OPERATION CONDITIONS................................................................................................ 32
13.9 OPTIONALLY AVAILABLE ACCESSORY................................................................................. 32
14 LIST OF SYMBOLS.............................................................................................33
15 REASONS FOR DECREASED POWER AND YIELD OF PV GENERATORS....................34
16 I-U DIAGRAM: EXPLANATION.............................................................................35
17 SAMPLE CURVES...............................................................................................3
18 GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................41
1 .1 AZIMUTH (ẞ) AND ELEVATION (Α)..................................................................................... 41
1 .2 SLOPE...................................................................................................................... 41
1 .3 DC.......................................................................................................................... 41
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 4 Software End User License greement
1 .4 DEGRADATION CHARACTERISTIC....................................................................................... 41
1 .5 DIRECT RADIATION / DIFFUSE RADIATION............................................................................ 41
1 .6 GENERATOR............................................................................................................... 41
1 .7 GLOBAL/TOTAL RADIATION............................................................................................. 42
1 . SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT OF SOLAR CELLS.......................................................................... 42
1 .9 MISMATCHING............................................................................................................ 42
1 .10 MPP...................................................................................................................... 42
1 .11 TRACKING................................................................................................................ 42
1 .12 PEAK POWER............................................................................................................ 42
1 .13 PERFORMANCE RATIO................................................................................................. 42
1 .14 INTERNAL SERIES RESISTANCE........................................................................................ 42
1 .15 SOLAR CONSTANT..................................................................................................... 43
1 .16 SOLAR IRRADIATION / INSOLATION.................................................................................. 43
1 .17 STANDARD TEST CONDITIONS....................................................................................... 43
1 .1 CURRENT-VOLTAGE-CHARACTERISTIC.............................................................................. 43
1 .19 EFFICIENCY.............................................................................................................. 44
1 .20 FOUR-WIRE MEASUREMENT (KELVIN MEASUREMENT)........................................................... 44
1 APPENDIX A......................................................................................................45
19.1 INDICATOR LIGHTS IN THE FRONT PANEL............................................................................. 45
19.2 SPEAKER SIGNALS:....................................................................................................... 45
20 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY........................................................................46
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Software End User License greement Page 5
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 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 6 Introduction
2 Introduction
The devices of type PVPM enables the measurement of the I-V-curve of photovoltaic modules (limited current)
as well as of strings or arrays. y 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 be 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 possible only in particularly suited laboratories. y a new
patented method [2], which was developed by Professor Wagner at the University of Applied Sciences
Dortmund, this measurement can easily be performed with the PVPM. 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. eyond that the measured I-V-curves permit further explanations about
the electrical characteristics of the checked module or string. So the PVPM is suitable 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. n 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]. fter 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 Ambient Conditions. –EuroSun Copenhagen
2000
[3] endel C., Wagner A.: Photovoltaic Measurement relevant to the Energy Yield. - WCPEC3 Osaka 2003
[4] Schulte K.M., Wagner A.: Die Effektive Solarzellenkennlinie. - Anwendung Teillast- erechnung. 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 current), 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 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Safety Requirements Page 7
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.
ttention: 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 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 8 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 utilized 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
off 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.
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Operation of the PVPM Page 9
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,
2 DC)
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. 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 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 10 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 t the front panel of the PVPM, input 16Vdc/2 , 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. fter 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.
ttach 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. ctivate “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 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Operation of the PVPM Page 11
6.6 Connecting the Solar Generator
Important: during an I-V-curve measurement the solar generator under test must be disconnected from all
other devices like batteries, inverters or loads. During the measurement the PVPM will short circuit the
solar generator for some seconds and it might be damaged by still connected batteries or load capacities
of the inverter!
Connect the PVPM properly to the solar generator using the cables delivered with the PVPM. The plus pole is
marked RED, the minus pole is marked BLACK!
Assure that all connectors of the power measuring cables are pushed in completely (until stop) into the
sockets.
It is important, that all 4 plugs of the 4-wire-measurement are connected properly by the delivered 4-wire-cable
or (if you don’t want a 4-wire-measurement) the two red plugs should be connected and the two black plugs as
well. Without this connection a measurement is not possible!
When connected in wrong polarity an internal diode will prevent the PVPM from damage.
Caution: keep a sufficient distance to power leading parts of the cables between solar generator and
measuring device. These cables may lead high tension what may affect your health even without direct
contact!
6.7 Connecting the Combination Sensor
For a measurement you must connect a Pt100/Pt1000 temperature sensor and an irradiance reference sensor
(delivered as a combined device) to the relevant plug(s) of the PVPM. For just the measurement of serial
resistance Rs or I-V-curve these sensors are obsolete. The plugs are constructed in a way which prevents you
from connecting a sensor to a wrong plug.
The combined sensor should be mounted near the modules to be measured. It must have exactly the same
orientation (elevation and azimuth) regarding the sun as the modules have. Most time the easiest way is the
direct assembly to the module frame. Please take care that the sensor will drop no shadow to the module! The
sensor needs several minutes to adapt to the environmental conditions: the reference cell firstly should reach
the temperature of the module, before you can start to measure I-V-curves with the PVPM (see chap.6.10).
For this reason the sensor should not be set up far away from the modules (e.g. modules on the roof, sensor in
the yard). Since the solar cells do not react only to the direct irradiation, but also to light reflected in the
environment, the sensor can possibly notice different light intensity in the same orientation of sensor and
modules and so falsify the results of the measurement.
In the simplest case the sensor is fastened with a clamp to the modules under test. Pay attention that the sensor
does not shadow the modules under test! The sensor should have some time in order to adapt to the site
conditions. t PVPM devices that have no second temperature measuring input the sensor must approximately
reach the temperature of the modules under test (the temperatures are readable on the display of the running
PVPM). For security reasons we recommend to check the back surface temperature of the modules under test
additionally manually e.g. with an infrared thermometer. Now a measurement with the PVPM can be carried out
(s. also chapter 8).
6.8 Switching-on
Switch the power of PVPM on by activating the switch
“Power” at the front panel. The TFT display will show the
start-up screen:
The PVPM will now pass some self tests and will be ready
after about 10-15 seconds of operation.
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 12 Operation of the PVPM
The device is ready when the main menu appears on the LCD-screen:
The following items are displayed:
Headline: device serial number, calibration date, firmware
version
Data line: current irradiance, temperature of irradiance
reference cell, temperature of module back surface
(optional), voltage at power measurement input.
Sensor line: here the currently selected irradiance reference
sensor is displayed and can be changed.
Bottom line: Current time/date, buttons “Info”, “ rchive”, “PC”
and “New measurement”.
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Operation of the PVPM Page 13
Lamps on front panel:
State of charge
(3 color LED)
Lead- cid battery Red: battery discharged (charge at once!)
Green: battery ready
Yellow: battery charged completely *)
Operation not possible!
Operation possible
Operation possible
Li-Ion battery Blinking Red: battery nearly discharged (charge!)
Red: battery is charged
Grün: charge is nearly finished
us: charge is finished
Operation time left max. 30 minutes
Operation is possible
Operation is possible
Operation is possible
External supply Lights up, when an external power supply is connected, the internal battery will be charged automatically.
*) If the LED alternates between green and yellow steadily the battery is trickel charged.
The PVPM reports several system conditions, functions and errors by speaker signals. list of signals you will
find in the appendix.
6.9 Buttons
Possible actions will be displayed as buttons, which show a symbol according to the action, for example a PC
for the transfer between PVPM and PC.
Info: displays an overview about the buttons
Change: here you can select a different value
New I-V-curve measurement, displays submenu
Retrieve measurement data from archive
Connection to PC („Transfer“)
Start I-V-measurement now
General: abort, cancel funktion
Display results
Display I-V-curve
dd entry
Previous page
Next page
Confirm, „OK“
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 14 Operation of the PVPM
6.10 Measurement
Please pay attention to the safety hints in chapters 4+6 and factors affecting measurement accuracy in chapter
8.
The measurement can be started from the PVPM or from a connected PC (see chapter 11). The measurement
should not be started before the solar generator and the necessary sensors are connected properly. The I-V-
curve measurement will take up to 2 seconds, than the calculated results will be displayed immediately on the
PVPMs display (or on the PC).
Opens sub-page for measurement
6.10.1 Start measurement
This button activates a single measurement of the I-V-curve.
The measurement runs automatically, errors will be reported and the results
as Ppk, Rs and I-V-curve are displayed on the screen.
6.10.2 Archive
This button enables you to retrieve data of already made measurements.
The data-sets are listed according to the creation date.
Goes to next/previous line in the list.
Selects next/prior page
Select a file with “OK”, exit dialog with “ bort”
Use the button “Delete” to delete the selected data-set from PVPM memory.
Caution: this operation is not reversible!
6.10.3 Transfer
This button activates the transfer between PVPM and a connected PC.
You can cancel this transfer mode by pressing the “ bort” button at the PVPM screen.
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Operation of the PVPM Page 15
6.10.4 Results
The page “Results” displays the measured (voltages, currents, temperatures etc.)
and calculated values (Ppk, Rs, Rp, FF).
The button “Diagram” selects the page with the I-V-curve, the button “Results” displays
the results as described above.
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 16 Operation of the PVPM
6.11 Messages
Message: Description:
'Serial error' An error in the serial connection between PVPM and PC occurred
'No measured data' No measured data present
'Configuration file not found!' Internal error, consult manufacturer. PVPM cannot work without its configuration file
'Irradiance varies (ref-cell)!',
'Irradiance too low!',
'Irradiance varies (module)!' The irradiance is not constant enough for the peak power measurement for example due to moving
clouds)
'not available' This result cannot be calculated
'No room for new data!',
'Delete files from P PM' There is no space left on the internal permanent storage, you have to delete stored data from the
permanent storage of the PVPM see chapter 11.3.2)
'Error when writing ' Problems during the writing of a measuring data to the internal permanent memory
Measurement runs',
'Please wait...' Measurement is in process
'Error writing file ' An error occurred storing the measured data
'Data transfer:',
'Quit transfer with ESC' Data connection to PC invoked
'Measurement not yet possible' The security delay between two measurements is not yet elapsed
'Calculation of Rs not possible' Data is not sufficient for calculation of Rs. Redo the measurement
' alues not evaluablely' Data is not sufficient for calculation. Redo the measurement
' oltage too high!' Immediately switch off the generator with the external security switch! The device could be damaged
by the high voltage!
'Repair required immediately!' The device is damaged internally and requires test and repair through authorised personnel.
'Wrong polarity!' The measuring cables are mounted in the wrong way! Switch off the generator with the external
security switch immediately! The device will short circuit the generator if the polarity is wrong and can
take harm. If you disconnect the cables under voltage a light arc can cause serious damage to health
and material
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

External Security Switch 1500V / 20 (1000V / 50 ) Page 17
7 External Security Switch 1500V / 20A (1000V / 50A)
Use this switch to disconnect the PVPM from the PV power before connecting or disconnecting the measuring
cables to/from the PVPM. This avoids damages of your own health or the PVPM.
Handling:
Turn the knob at the switch in a neutral position “0” (both “0” positions are e ual).
Put the measuring cable delivered with the PVPM as far as possible to the sockets at the switch housing, red
connectors to red sockets and black connectors to black sockets. You can reverse the two red connectors
without harm, the two black ones as well. Now connect the cables mounted at the switch to the PVPM (red to
red, black to black).
Before you can make a measurement you have to turn the knob at the switch to one of the “1” positions. After
the measurement turn the switch again in position „0 “! fterwards the wiring at the PVPM can be removed
safely.
Security advice
CAUTION: Do never forget to switch to “0” before handling the connectors at the PVPM!
If you detect a defect at the switch, the housing or the connection cables, the switch must not be used
any longer under any condition!
Only specially instructed professionals must do repairs!
Keep the switch and cables away from li uids, dust and dirt. Clean the surface with a damp cloth only.
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 18 Impacts on the accuracy of the measurement
8 Impacts on the accuracy of the measurement
Be sure, that there is no shadow (even not the smallest) affecting the modules under test. Even the shadow of
grass may cause an error! This is also true for the reference sensor. Please consider that also a contamination
of the modules becomes effective as shading.
The higher the irradiance to the modules, the more exact will be the result. The irradiance measured by the
combined sensor should be higher than 500 W/m2 for good results.
The combined sensor measures the irradiance and the cell temperature at the back side of the irradiance
reference cell. If no external temperature sensor for the measurement of the back side temperature of the
modules under test is available the PVPM expects the temperature of the reference cell to be nearly the same
as that of the measured modules. This will be true with sufficient precision if the reference cell and the PV
modules were exposed to the sunlight for same period of time (at least 15 minutes).In addition before a
measurement modules and reference cell should be exposed directly aligned to the sun for more than 15
minutes. For sureness the back-surface temperature of the modules should be additionally checked before the
I-V-curve measurement e.g. with an infrared thermometer.
The angle of the modules regarding the sun should be in an range of 10° regarding the right angle between
sunlight and modules surface. Very important is a sufficient irradiance to the modules and precise alignment of
the reference cell towards the modules. Often the easiest way is to clip the combined sensor directly to the side
or top of the frame of the measured modules. However the sensor may also be installed in some distance to the
modules if you can grant the correct alignment and the sensor does “see” the same light as the modules.
Principally the irradiance reference must have the same spectral behavior than the modules under test
(according to IEC 60904). It is possible to use a module like that under test as an irradiance reference: the
module will be short circuited by a precision shunt resistor which will operate the module near the Isc . The
voltage at the shunt resistor is proportional to the Isc and so to the irradiance. That is how most irradiance
reference sensors work.
Caution: even a few degrees deviation in the temperature of the reference cell towards the modules
temperature can cause a significant error in peak power measurement. Before a you make a measurement
be sure, that the reference sensor and the modules were exposed to the same ambient conditions for a
sufficient period of time!
You can enhance the precision of the PVPM results by measuring the same object several times (e.g. 5 times)
and after that do a statistical evaluation on these results.
Given below are once more the parameters, that are decisive for the accuracy of the measurements:
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Impacts on the accuracy of the measurement Page 19
8.1 Accuracy of the peak power calculations from I-V characteristics
of PV generators with the PVPM
Under following constraints the peak power results of the PVPM have an accuracy of +/- 5% relating to the
actual peak power value of the device under test:
The device under test consists of mono- or polycrystalline silicon cells
The device under test is not (not even slightly) shadowed
The irradiation reference sensor is not (not even slightly) shadowed
The irradiation reference sensor must have largely the same spectral sensitivity as the tested device
The measurement has to be carried out under natural sunlight
ccording to IEC60904 the sun has to stand within +/- 10° at right angle to the active surface of the device
under test
ccording to IEC60904 an irradiation of at least 800W/m² is required. On the basis of comparative
measurements we found 600W/m² to be sufficient for the PVPM
The measurement of the irradiation has to take place immediately before/after that of the I-V characteristic,
the time-lag between measurement of characteristic and irradiation should be less than 1ms.
The measured value of the irradiation reference sensor has to be adjusted with the measured temperature of
the reference cell
The measurement of the cell temperature has to take place immediately before/after the measurement of the
characteristic within 1second and an accurateness of 1K
The active surface of the device under test must lie in-plane with the irradiation reference sensor (within +/-
1-2°)
Before the measurement of the I-V characteristic the irradiation has to be constant enough (+/-10W/m²) for at
least 10 seconds , in that way misinterpretations of the temperature of tested device and reference sensor
can be avoided
The irradiation must not vary more than 10W/m² during the measurement (PVPM will caution the user in this
case)
The temperature of the device under test and the reference sensor has got to be balanced (no alteration of
temperature may be indicated)
Current and voltage of the device under test are measured with distinct measuring lines (four-wire
measurement)
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH

Page 20 Installation of the Transfer and Evaluation Software PVPM.disp
9 Installation of the Transfer and Evaluation Software PVPM.disp
Please download the recent software PVPM.disp for MS Windows® from here:
https://t1p.de/wkb5p
This executable file contains the setup program for easy installation of the software on to your PC. The setup
program will copy all necessary files to your hard disk and initializes the program. The installation can be
performed by every person with basic experience of PC and MS Windows®.
For the installation of the software perhaps administrator rights are required
For the installation the following steps are necessary:
1. Download the setup application to an appropriate drive/folder of your PC.
2. Under Windows® “Start” select menu option “Execute”. Select the downloaded file from the hard disk. Press
ENTER now or click the OK-Button.
3. The setup application will be executed. Follow the messages on the screen.
4. Setup now copies all necessary files to your hard disk and will as well create a new program group for
PVPM.disp.
5. fter completing the installation please execute PVPM.disp. The program should now work as described in
the following text.
The operation of the program will be professed detailed in chapter 11 .
For the operation of the program these files are necessary:
{program} \ PVPMdisp Program file and additionally files required for the
operation of the application (eg language files)
{common} appdata \ PV Engineering \ PVPMdisp Configuration and the database files
{user docs} \ PVPMdisp Sample and measured data
The program will create data files with the extension .SUI, which contains measured data from one I-V-
measurement. When these files are created automatically during the data transfer from the PVPM to the PC the
file name will contain the date and time of the measurement.
typical data file name could be "24-05-01 14_17_04.SUI", this file contains data from a measurement
made May 24th, 2001 at 02:17:04 pm.
The measuring data are usually stored in files below “My Documents\PVPMdisp\”.
PVPM 1500X User Manual PV-Engineering GmbH