BENNING SUN 2 Insolation Measuring Instrument Instruction Manual

SUN 2
Operating manual

SUN 2 Insolation Measuring Instrument

Fig. 1: Device front

Insolation and temperature measuring instrument for photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems for measuring the following :

• insolation
• module temperature and ambient temperature
• angle of inclination
• compass bearing

 User instructions

This operating manual is intended for

• quailed technical personnel and
• trained personnel.

The BENNING SUN 2 is intended for measurements under dry ambient conditions only (for details, refer to section 6 “Ambient conditions”).
The following symbols are used in this operating manual and on the BENNING SUN 2:
Warning of electrical danger!
Indicates instructions which must be followed to avoid danger to persons.
Attention! Please observe documentation!
The symbol indicates that the instructions in the operating manual must be observed.
This symbol on the BENNING SUN 2 means that the BENNING SUN 2 complies with the EU directives.
This symbol appears on the display to indicate discharged batteries. As soon as the battery symbol appears, immediately replace the batteries by new ones.

Safety instructions

The instrument is built and tested in accordance with DIN VDE 0411 Part 1/ EN 61010-1 and has left the factory in perfectly safe technical condition.
To preserve this condition and to ensure safe operation of the device, the user must observe the notes and warnings given in this operating manual at all times.
Only use the temperature sensors and connecting cables included in the scope of delivery of the BENNING SUN 2.
**** Do not apply any electrical contact between the temperature sensors and bare live parts.
The BENNING SUN 2 is intended for measurements under dry ambient conditions only.
If it is assumed that correct operation is no longer possible, the device must be switched off immediately.
Safe operation can be assumed to be no longer possible, if

• the device or the connecting cables show visible damages,
• the device no longer works,
• the device has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a longer period of time,
• the device has been exposed to extraordinary stress during transport,
• the device or the measuring lines have been exposed to moisture.

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery of the BENNING SUN 2 includes:
3.1 one BENNING SUN 2
3.2 one module / ambient temperature sensor
3.3 one protective rubber holster
3.4 one compact protective pouch
3.5 one USB connecting cable (A plug to B plug)
3.6 two 1.5 V batteries of type AA, IEC LR6,
3.7 one quick reference guide,
3.8 one CD-ROM with download software, operating manual, information material etc.
Parts subject to wear:
The BENNING SUN 2 is supplied by means of two 1.5 V batteries of type AA (IEC LR6). It is allowed to use alkaline rechargeable NiCd or NiMH batteries.

Device description

See figure 1: Device front
The display and operating elements shown in 昀椀gure 1 are designated as follows:

1. Insolation sensor (PV reference cell), for measuring the insolation
2. Digital display, for displaying the measured values of insolation, module / ambient temperature, angle of inclination and compass bearing
3. key, for measuring the module temperature and ambient temperature
4. key, for measuring the angle of inclination and the compass bearing
5. key, for displaying / setting the time / date
6. Battery compartment on the back
7. key, for temporary storage of the display indication or to confirm OK / LOG
8. HOLD indicator, active when the HOLD key has been actuated
9. Marking for compass bearing
10. USB interface, for connecting the USB connecting cable
11. Jack (LINK), for other BENNING products
12. Jack (PROBE), for connecting temperature sensors
13. Ambient temperature sensor
14. Module temperature sensor
15. Protective rubber holster

General information

The BENNING SUN 2 is intended for measuring the insolation (solar irradiance) as well as the module / ambient temperature of photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems. Additionally, the BENNING SUN 2 comprises a digital compass for determining the cardinal direction as well as an inclinometer for determining the module / roof pitch.
The integrated data logger with real-time clock allows the storage of 5000 data records including the values for insolation, module temperature and ambient temperature as well as a time / date stamp. The measuring interval of the data logger can be set from 1 minute to 60 minutes in increments of one minute. The data of the data logger can be read out via the integrated USB interface and by means of the download software on the enclosed CD-ROM.
All measuring results are displayed on the large LC display.

• Storage capacity of the data logger: 5000 data records, including the values for insolation, module temperature and ambient temperature as well as a time / date stamp
• integrated real-time clock
• Interface: USB
• Dimensions of the device: (L x W x H) = 150 x 80 x 33 mm
• Weight of the device:
  265 g without temperature sensors / USB cable
  347 g including temperature sensors / USB cable

Ambient conditions

• The BENNING SUN 2 is intended for measurements under dry ambient conditions,
• Maximum barometric height for measurements: 0 m to max. 2000 m
• Contamination level: 2
• Protection category: IP 40 (DIN VDE 0470-1, IEC/ EN 60529) 4 – first index: protection against access to dangerous parts and protection against solid impurities of a diameter > 1.0 mm 0 – second index: No protection against water
• EMC: IEC/ EN 61326,
• Operating temperature and relative air humidity: For operating temperatures from 0 °C to 50 °C: relative air humidity lower than 80 %, noncondensing
• Storage temperature: The BENNING SUN 2 can be stored at temperatures between – 20 °C and + 60 °C (air humidity 0 to 80 %). During storage, the batteries must be removed.

Measuring ranges

Note: The measuring accuracy is speci昀椀ed as the sum of:

• a relative part of the measured value and
• a number of digits (i.e. counting steps of the last digit).

This measuring accuracy applies to temperatures from 0 °C to 50 °C and a relative air humidity lower than 80 %.
7.1 Insolation

7.2 Module temperature and ambient temperature

7.3 Angle of inclination

7.4 Compass bearing (orientation)

Measuring with the BENNING SUN 2

8.1 Preparing the measurement
Operate and store the BENNING SUN 2 at the specified storage and operating temperatures only!

• Strong sources of interference in the vicinity of the BENNING SUN 2 might involve unstable readings and measuring errors.
  Before commissioning, always check the device as well as all connecting cables for damages.

8.1.1 Switching the BENNING SUN 2 ON/OFF

• Press the keys 3 and 4 at the same time for approx. 2 seconds to switch the BENNING SUN 2 on. This will be confirmed by an acoustic signal. Press the keys again for > 2 seconds to switch the device off.
• The BENNING SUN 2 is switched off automatically after approx. 2 minutes (APO, Auto Power-Off). It switches on again when the keys 3 and 4 are actuated.

8.1.2 Testing the battery condition

• During switch-on and operation, the BENNING SUN 2 carries out an automatic battery test.
• Discharged batteries are indicated by a battery symbol on the LC display. As soon as the battery symbol appears, the batteries have to be replaced by new ones immediately (see section 9.2).
• For testing the battery condition, press the key 7 for > 5 seconds to call the data logger. “LOG” appears on the digital display.
• Alternately, the display shows the occupied / free memory space as well as the battery voltage / the measuring interval in minutes.
• As soon as the battery voltage falls below 1.8 V, immediately replace the batteries by new ones in order to prevent incorrect measurements (see section 9.2). – Press the key 3 or 4 to exit the data logger.

8.1.3 Measuring the insolation (solar irradiance)

• After having switched the BENNING SUN 2 on, the insolation is displayed continuously on the digital display 2.
• Solar irradiance below 100 W/m² are not indicated. Display: “- – – “.
• Place the BENNING SUN 2 onto the surface of the photovoltaic module and press the key 7, if necessary, to store the measured value temporarily in the digital display.
• To store the insolation value for a longer period of time, please use the data logger as described in section 8.2.

8.1.4 Measuring the module temperature and the ambient temperature

• Connect the module / ambient temperature sensor 13,14 to the BENNING SUN 2 by means of the jack 12.
• Press the key 3 to display the module temperature (TPV) and the ambient temperature (TA).
• Bring the module temperature sensor 14 into contact with the PV module and wait until the temperature sensor has measured the temperature of the PV module.
• To store the module temperature and ambient temperature values for a longer period of time, please use the data logger as described in section 8.2.

8.1.5 Measuring the angle of inclination

• Press the key 4 to display the angle of inclination and the compass bearing.
• The angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal is indicated continuously on the digital display 2.
• Place the BENNING SUN 2 onto the surface of the photovoltaic module and press the HOLD key 7, if necessary, to store the measured value temporarily in the digital display.

8.1.6 Null balance of the angle of inclination

• Place the device onto a plane surface and press the key 4 for > 5 seconds until the “Z” symbol starts flashing on the digital display 2.
• Press the key 4 again to store the “+SET” value.
• Turn the device by 180° and press the key 4 again to store the “-SET” value. The angle of inclination has been balanced to null and the “Z” symbol is shown on the digital display.
• Press the key 4 again for > 5 seconds to exit the setting. The “Z” symbol disappears from the LC display.

8.1.7 Compass bearing (orientation)

• Press the key 4 to display the angle of inclination and the compass bearing.
• The compass bearing is indicated continuously on the digital display 2.
• To determine the cardinal direction, hold the device horizontally. As soon as the angle of inclination exceeds +/- 20°, the compass bearing indication shows “- – -” and it is not possible to take a bearing.
• Hold the marking 9 for the compass bearing in the direction which you would like to determine. The direction is displayed in degrees: 0° = North, 90° = West, 180° = South, 270° = East
• Please observe that metallic objects or live conductors might affect the measuring accuracy of the device.

8.2 Data logger (measured value memory) with real-time clock
The BENNING SUN 2 can store up to 5000 data records consisting of the values for insolation (solar irradiance), module temperature and ambient temperature. Each data record will be provided with a time / date stamp. The measuring data can be read out via the integrated USB interface and by means of a download software. The measuring interval (time between two measurements) of the BENNING SUN 2 can be set from 1 minute to 60 minutes in increments of one minute.
8.2.1 Data logger set-up
The set-up allows the user to set the measuring interval, the memory mode and to delete all data records.

• Press the key 7 for > 5 seconds to call the data logger. “LOG” appears on the digital display2.
• Alternately, the display shows the occupied / free memory space as well as the battery voltage / the measuring interval in minutes.
• To set the measuring interval (1 minute to 60 minutes), press the key 7 again for > 5 seconds. Display: “Int”. Press the key 4 or key 5 to increase or decrease the value in increments of one minute.
• Press the key 3 to display the memory mode. Display: “data”. Press the key 4 or key 5 to select “Stop” (if the memory is full) or “roll” (if you want to overwrite the oldest measured values continuously).
• Press the key 3 again to delete the memory. Display: “dEL”. Select “yES” or “nO” by pressing the 4 or 5 keys to delete the entire memory.
• By means of the key 7 (OK), it is possible to store the setting at any time and to exit the data logger.
•  Press the key 3 or 4 to exit the data logger.

8.2.2 Starting / stopping the data logger

• Press the key 7 (LOG) for > 5 seconds to activate the data logger. Display: “LOG”.
• Press the key 7 (LOG) again and then the key 7 (OK) to confirm “run”. The measured values are written into the internal memory including a time / date stamp. The digital display 2 goes out and the device switches over into the energy-saving stand-by mode.
• Press any key to display the progress of the data logger. The digital display briefly goes on and then goes out again.
• If you want to stop the data logger, press any key to display the data logger. Press the key 7 (LOG) and then the key 7 (OK) to confirm “STOP”.
• Press the key 3 or 4 to exit the data logger.

8.2.3 Reading out the data logger via the USB interface

• Install the driver and the download software from the CD-ROM once.
• Connect the BENNING SUN 2 to your PC by means of the USB connecting cable and switch the device ON.
• Start the download program, go to “Tools” and click “Refresh Ports”.
• Select the COM port used and click “Download”.
• The download of measured values starts.

Troubleshooting

• One of the most frequent connection errors is the selection of the wrong COM port.
• If the measured values are not downloaded, verify the COM port used by means of the Device Manager of your system.
• As soon as the BENNING SUN 2 has been connected to your PC by means of the USB connecting cable, the hardware driver and thus the COM port used can be viewed in the Device Manager under “Ports (COM & LPT)”, e.g. Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM14).

8.2.4 Setting the date and the time

• Press the key 5 to display the time / date on the digital display 2.
• Press the key 5 again for > 5 seconds until the hour display starts fishing.
• Press the ► key 3 to select the time / date field (field is fishing).
• Press the ▲ key 4 or ▼ key 5 to increase or decrease the value.
• Press the key 7 (OK) to store the setting.

8.2.5 Changing the displayed unit

• Press the 3 key for > 5 seconds until the displayed temperature unit starts flashing.
• Press the ► 3 key to select the respective unit for insolation or temperature.
• Press the ▲ 4 or ▼ 5 key to change between the units °C or °F or between the units W/m² or BTU/hr/ft².
• Press the 7 key (OK) to store the setting.

Maintenance

Do not open the device. It does not contain any components requiring maintenance by the user.
Repair and service must be carried out by qualified personnel only!
9.1 Cleaning
Clean the exterior of the device with a clean dry cloth (exception: special cleaning wipers). Do not use any solvents or abrasives to clean the device. Make sure that the battery compartment and the battery contacts are not contaminated by leaking battery electrolyte.
If there are electrolyte contamination or white deposits in the area of the battery or the battery housing, clean these areas as well by means of a dry cloth.
9.2 Battery replacement
The BENNING SUN 2 is supplied by means of two 1.5 V batteries of type AA (IEC LR6).
It is necessary to replace the batteries as soon as the battery voltage falls below 1.8 V (see section 8.1.2).
Proceed as follows to replace the battery:

• Switch the BENNING SUN 2 off.
• Put the BENNING SUN 2 face down and slide the battery compartment cover off the bottom part of the device.
• Remove the discharged batteries from the battery compartment.
• Then, insert the batteries into the battery compartment at the provided places (please observe correct polarity of the batteries).
• Slide the battery compartment cover back onto the bottom part of the device.

9.3 Calibration
To maintain accuracy of the measuring results, the device must be recalibrated in regular intervals by our factory service. We recommend recalibrating the device once a year. For this purpose, send the device to the following address:
Benning Electrotechnics & Electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Service Center
Robert-Bosch-Str. 20
D – 46397 Bocholt
9.4 Spare parts

Environmental protection

**** At the end of product life, dispose of the unserviceable device via appropriate return or collecting facilities provided in your community.

Benning Elektrotechnik & Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
Münsterstraße 135 – 137
D – 46397 Bocholt
Phone: +49 (0) 2871 – 93 – 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2871 – 93 – 429
www.benning.de
E-Mail: duspol@benning.de

References

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