METREL A 1378 PV Remote Unit Instruction Manual

METREL A 1378 PV Remote Unit

• The trade names Metrel, Smartec, Eurotest, and 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.

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 example, 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 at another location. The clocks of the 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 the calculation of the efficiency of PV systems.
• The graphic display with backlight offers an easy reading of results, indications, measurement parameters, and messages.

Safety and operational considerations

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 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!

Battery and charging

• The instrument uses six AA-size alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH battery cells. The 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.

• 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. The internal circuit controls charging and assures maximum battery lifetime.

• The instrument automatically recognizes the connected power supply adapter and begins charging.

Symbols

Warnings related to safety

• When connected to an installation, the instrument’s 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 the 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 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 repeating 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. The battery also loses some capacity when it is repeatedly charged/discharged. This information is provided in the technical specification from the battery manufacturer.

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

• The 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 the European harmonization procedure.

Instrument description

Front panel

Legend

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

Connector panel

Legend

wireless adaptor
5| Charger socket|
6| USB connector| No function in this version.

Warnings

• The maximum short-term voltage of the external power supply adapter is 14 V!
• The maximum short-term voltage on measuring inputs is 12 V!

Back side

Legend

Legend

Battery indication

The indication indicates the charge condition of the battery and the connection of the external charger.

| Battery capacity indication.
---|---
| Low battery.

The battery is too weak to guarantee a correct result. Replace or recharge the battery cells.

| Recharging is in progress (if the power supply adapter is connected).

Warnings and messages

In the message field warnings and messages are displayed.

| Measurement is running, consider displayed warnings.
---|---

Help screens

• The Help menu contains diagrams for illustrating how to properly connect the probes and instrument.
• Keys in the help menu:

Backlight and contrast adjustments

With the BACKLIGHT key backlight and contrast can be adjusted.

turned off or the key is pressed again.
__Keep pressed for 2 s| Bargraph for LCD contrast adjustment is displayed.

Keys for contrast adjustment

Measuring probes
List of compatible measuring probes is available on request from your distributor.

Instrument operation

Function selection

For selecting main functions the FUNCTION SELECTOR shall be used. Keys:

FUNCTION SELECTOR

| Select function:

< SOLAR > Measurements

< SETTINGS > Instrument settings.

---|---

Settings

• In the SETTINGS menu language can be selected, memory can be cleared and Irradiance sensor can be configured.

Keys

Language

• In this menu the language can be set.

Keys

Clear memory

In this menu data logs can be cleared.

Keys

Irradiance sensor

• In this menu the type of irradiance sensor can be set.

Supported irradiance sensors

• PV cell A 1427: measuring monocrystal PV cell
• Pyran. A 1399: pyranometer

Keys

Temperature sensors

• In this menu the use of temperature sensor on Channel 2 can be set.

Keys

UP / DOWN| Selects use of temperature sensor (Ambient or Cell temperature)
---|---
TEST| Confirms selected use.

Notes

• If the temperature sensor on Channel 2 is set as a Cell sensor the mean value of both cell sensors (on Channel 2 and Channel 3) will be considered as the Cell temperature in the instrument.
• Use of two cell temperature sensors can improve the accuracy of the measured cell temperatures and calculated STC results.

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.

Measurements

• The following environmental measurements can be performed with the Remote unit:
• Solar irradiance
• Ambient temperature
• Cell temperature (using single sensor or two sensors)
• 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

Connections for measuring 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.

• Displayed results for environmental parameters:
• Irr…………………solar irradiance
• Tamb……………ambient temperature
• Tcell…………….cell 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.
• If the temperature sensor on Channel 2 is set as a Cell sensor the mean value of both cell sensors (on Channel 2 and Channel 3) will be considered as the Cell temperature in the instrument.

Saving of results and s ynchronization 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.

Connection for synchronization

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.

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.

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!

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.

Service

• For repairs under warranty, or at any other time, please contact your distributor.

Technical specifications

Irradiance

Probe A 1399

• Measuring principle: Pyranometer
• Operation conditions:
• Working temperature range ………….. -40 C 55 C
• Designed for continuous outdoor use.

Probe A 1427

• Measuring principle: Monocrystall PV cell, temperature compensated
• Operation conditions:
• Working temperature range ………….. -20 C  55 C
• Protection degree ………………………… IP 44

Temperature (cell and ambient)

Probe A 1400

• Designed for continuous outdoor use.

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
• RS232 Baud rate ………………………… 9600
• Number of memorized results: > 3000, circular buffer
• In case the instrument gets moistened, the results could be impaired. In such case, it is recommended to dry the instrument and accessories for at least 24 hours.
• The error in operating conditions could be at most the error for reference conditions (specified in the manual for each function) 5 % of measured value.
• Display …………………………………….. 128×64 dots matrix display with backlight
• Dimensions (w h d) ………………… 14 cm 8 cm 23 cm
• Weight …………………………………….. 1.0 kg, without battery cells
• Reference conditions
• Reference temperature range ……….. 10 C 30 C
• Reference humidity range …………….. 40 %RH 70 %RH
• Operation conditions
• Working temperature range ………….. 0 C 40 C
• Maximum relative humidity …………… 95 %RH (0 C 40 C), non-condensing
• Storage conditions
• Temperature range ……………………… -10 C +70 C
• Maximum relative humidity …………… 90 %RH (-10 C +40 C) 80 %RH (40 C 60 C)

Manufacturer

• METREL d.d.
• Ljubljanska cesta 77
• 1354 Horjul
• Slovenia
• web site: http://www.metrel.si.
• e-mail: metrel@metrel.si.

CE

Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU (European Union) concerning safety and electromagnetic compatibility regulations.

© 2019 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.

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