sonel PVM-1020 Photovoltaic Meter User Manual

sonel PVM-1020 Photovoltaic Meter User Manual

PVM-1020

SONEL S.A. Wokulskiego 11
58-100 Świdnica Poland

PVM-1020 is a modern, state-of-the art measuring instrument, easy to operate and safe. Read this manual to avoid mistakes during the measurements and prevent operational problems.

1 General information

1.1 Safety symbols
The following international symbols are used in the device and/or in this manual:

Measurement categories according to IEC 61010-2-030:

• CAT II – concerns measurements performed in circuits directly connected to low voltage installations,
• CAT III – concerns measurements performed in buildings installations,
• CAT IV – concerns measurements performed at the source of low voltage installation.

1.2 Safety
To avoid electric shock or fire, you must observe the following guidelines:

• Before you proceed to operate the device, acquaint yourself thoroughly with this manual and ob-serve the safety regulations and specifications defined by the producer.
• Any application that differs from those specified in this manual may result in damage to the device and constitute a source of danger for the user.
• The device must be operated solely by appropriately qualified personnel with relevant certificates to realise measurements of electric installation. Operating the analyzer by unauthorised personnel may result in damage to the device and constitute a source of danger for the user.
• Using this manual does not exclude the need to comply with occupational health and safety regu-lations and with other relevant fire regulations required during the performance of a particular type of work. Before starting the work with the device in special environments, e.g. potentially fire-risk/explosive environment, it is necessary to consult it with the person responsible for health and safety.
• Before starting the work, check the device, wires, adapters, current probe and other accessories for any sign of mechanical damage. Pay special attention to the connectors
• It is unacceptable to operate:
• it is damaged and completely or partially out of order,
• its cords and cables have damaged insulation,
• of the device and accessories mechanically damaged,
• it was stored for an excessive period of time in disadvantageous conditions (e.g. excessive hu-midity) After moving the device from a cool to a warm place with a high level of relative humidity, do not start measurements until the device is warmed up to the ambient temperature (approxi-mately 30 minutes).
• Do not operate a meter with an open or incorrectly closed battery (accumulator) compartment or power it from other sources than those specified in the present manual.
• Dangerous voltages occur inside the device. Before removing the battery cover, always discon-nect all the test leads and turn off the device.
• symbol shown on the display indicates insufficient voltage of power supply and the need to charge the accumulator or replace batteries. Measurements performed with the meter supplied with insufficient voltage are burdened with additional errors that are impossible to be estimated by the user. Such measurements must not be used to confirm correctness of the tested photovoltaic installation or network.
• Battery spill and damage to the meter may occur if discharged batteries are left inside it.
• Before measurement, make sure that test leads are connected to appropriate measuring terminals.
• Do not use the device in power supply systems with voltage higher than 600 V AC.
• Do not connect the inputs of the device to photovoltaic systems with voltage exceeding 1000 V DC and short-circuit current exceeding 20 A.
• The PE terminal should only be used to connect the ground of photovoltaic systems. Don’t apply any voltage to it!
• Opening the socket plug of the current clamps results in the loss of its declared tightness, leading to a possible damage in adverse weather conditions. It may also expose the user to the risk of electric shock.
• Do not carry the meter holding it by the wire of current clamps.
• Repairs may be performed only by an authorised service point.

**** NOTE!
Only accessories intended for a given device should be used. Using other accessories may cause damage to measuring terminals, introduce additional measurement errors and create a risk for the user.
Due to continuous development of the meter’s software, the actual appearance of the display, in case of some of the functions, may slightly differ from the display presented in this operating manual.

• Do not touch the tested object during the RISO insulation resistance measurement or after the measurement before it is fully discharged. It may result in electric shock.
• It is forbidden to perform measurements: RX resistance, RCONT continuity, and test lead compen-sation, on energized circuits. This may damage the meter.

1.3 General characteristics
PVM-1020 is a multifunctional measuring device designed to measure the parameters of photovoltaic systems and the parameters of the inverter connection points to the power grid. It allows you to per-form the necessary measurements for a photovoltaic system according to category 1 specified in standard “IEC 62446-1 – Photovoltaic systems (PV). Testing, documentation and maintenance re-quirements. Part 1: Networked Systems. Documentation, acceptance and supervision ”.

Measured parameters:

• DC voltage of an open module / chain PV – UOC,
• AC voltage on the AC side (connection of the inverter to the power grid),
• DC short-circuit current of the PV module/chain – ISC,
• RISOPV insulation resistance of the PV system on the DC side by method 1 according to IEC 62446-1 standard (i.e. the measurement does not cause a module / string short-circuit), al-lowing the determination of the insulation resistance of the PV module / string at both poles: RISO+ and RISO-,
• RISO insulation resistance of the PV system on the AC side (connection of the inverter to the power grid),
• DC current and power of the PV module / string / system on the DC side,
• DC and power of the PV system on the AC side (connection of the inverter to the power grid),
• circuit continuity (RCONT) of the earthing and equipotential bonding cables of the PV module / string,
• parameters of the blocking diode, used in PV systems.

The meter is equipped with banana sockets and a socket for current clamps. The sockets are used for functional measurements of the systems (when working with the inverter turned on). Meas-urements are made using the sockets marked as “+” and “-“. The (PE) socket
is used for measur-ing the insulation resistance of a photovoltaic system by the short-circuit method, which allows user to measure the system as a whole, in one measurement, regardless of its power.
The meter has two radio interfaces (not working simultaneously): Bluetooth and LoRa.

• The Bluetooth module is used for communication between the meter and a computer in or-der to download the results from the memory.
• The LoRa module is used for communication with IRM-1.

IRM-1 is a meter designed for measuring solar irradiance and the temperature of photo-voltaic cells and their environment. The data it provides is necessary to convert the val-ues measured by PVM-1020 to the STC conditions. The standardized values enable the user to determine whether the photovoltaic system is working with optimal efficiency and to check the PV modules for potential damage.

1.4 Compliance with standards
PVM-1020 meets the requirements of the following standards:

• IEC 61557-1 – Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 1: General requirements.
• IEC 61557-2 – Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 2: Insulation resistance.
• IEC 61557-4 – Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 4: Resistance of earth connection and equipotential bonding.
• IEC 61557-10 – Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 v a.c. and 1 500 v d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 10: Combined measuring equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring of protective measures.

Safety standards:

• IEC 61010-1 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements.
• IEC 61010-2-030 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-030: Particular requirements for equipment having testing or measuring circuits.
• IEC 61010-2-034 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-034: Particular requirements for measurement equipment for in-sulation resistance and test equipment for electric strength.

Standards for electromagnetic compatibility:

• IEC 61326-1 – Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC re-quirements – Part 1: General requirements.

Referenced standards

• IEC 62446-1 with Appendix A1 – Photovoltaic (PV) systems – Requirements for testing, documentation and maintenance – Part 1: Grid connected systems – Documentation, com-missioning tests and inspection.
• IEC 60891 – Photovoltaic devices – Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to measured I-V characteristics.

2 Quick start

2.3 Remembering the last measurement result
Result of the latest measurement is remembered by the meter until a next measurement is started or the measuring function is changed by means of the rotary switch or the meter is switched off. When entering the start screen of a given function by pressing the ESC button (or when it is dis-played automatically 10 seconds after the measurement has been taken), the user may recall this re-sult by pressing ENTER.

Meter settings

2.4 Connectivity between IRM-1 and PVM-1020

2.4.3 Automatic completion of results with environmental parameters after regaining connection with the IRM-1
It may happen that in the course of measurements the PVM-1020 moves away from the IRM-1 so far, that communication between them is lost. If the measurements are continued, then after the connec-tion is restored, the results will be automatically supplemented with environmental parameters, which in the meantime were recorded by the IRM-1 in its temporary memory, and converted into STC conditions.

• The number of supplemented environmental parameters is limited by the capacity of the IRM-1 temporary memory, and the data is transferred starting from the newest. Therefore, it may happen that the oldest results are not completed.
• Supplementing a single result with environmental parameters may take – depending on the conditions – up to 60 seconds.

3. Measurements

WARNING
During a measurement, switching of the rotary switch is forbidden as it may damage the meter and pose a threat to the user.

3.1 Insulation resistance
3.1.1 Measurement of insulation resistance (PV)

WARNING

• Before testing the object, restrict access to it by unauthorized persons.
• Do not touch any metal parts of the photovoltaic system and the rear part of the modules during the measurement.

Additional information displayed by the meter

3.1.3 Additional Information
The meter measures the insulation resistance by applying to tested resistance RX the UISO test voltage and measuring current I flowing through it, which is controlled from + terminal side. In calculating
the value of insulation resistance, the meter applies the technical method of resistance measurement (RX=U/I). The measuring voltage is selected from the values: 250 V, 500 V, 1000 V.

Inverter output current is limited at 2 mA level. The measurement result is correct, but on the test terminals the test voltage is lower than voltage selected before the measurement (as illustrated in figure below). Quite often current limitation may occur in the first phase of the measurement due to charging the capacity of the tested object.

3.2 DC voltage of open circuit UOC

3.3 DC short circuit current ISC

3.4 Automatic measurements (DC)
In automatic measurements, the user can measure RISOPV, UOC, ISC parameters with one connection (but not ISC DC/DC for systems with an optimizer – an individual measurement must be per-formed here).

WARNING

• During measurements of insulation resistance, dangerous voltage within the range of 1000…1050 V is present at the ends of test leads of the meter.
• It is forbidden to disconnect test leads and to change the position of the function switch before completion of measurement. Failure to obey the above instruction will lead to high voltage electric shock and make it impossible to discharge the tested object.
• The meter emits a continuous audio signal until test voltage reaches 90% of the preset value (and also when 110% of the preset value is exceeded).
• During the measurement, the meter generates a beep every five seconds – it facilitates capturing time parameters.
• After completion of measurement, the capacitance of the object tested is discharged by shorting “+” and “-” terminals with resistance of 140 kΩ.
• The result can be stored in the memory (see sec. 4.1). The last measurement result is stored until START button is pressed again or the position of rotary switch is changed.

Additional information displayed by the meter

3.5 Measurement of operating current and power

• The result can saved to the memory (see sec. 4.1). The last measurement result is stored until START button is pressed again or the position of rotary switch is changed.
• If a voltage and current clamp connection error is detected, i.e. if the measured voltage is DC and the current is AC (or vice versa), the power P will be displayed with a ques-tion mark indicating this error. That kind of result cannot be saved to the memory.

3.6 Resetting C-PV clamps
Before measuring the operating current of a PV system or power (sec. 3.5), reset the C-PV clamp. To do this, connect them to the meter, turn on the I, P function, and then use SET/SEL button to go to the clamps zeroing screen.

Alternatively, set the DC ZERO knob on the housing of the clamps to make the current readings as close to zero as possible. However, it is recommended to zero the clamps in the meter according to the procedure described above.

3.7 Low-voltage measurement of resistance

NOTE!
It is forbidden to perform measurements: RX resistance, RCONT continuity, and test lead compensation, on energized circuits. This may damage the meter.

3.7.1 Compensation of test leads resistance – autozeroing

Additional information displayed by the meter

The tested object is live. The measurement is blocked.
Immediately disconnect the meter from the tested object (both leads)!

3.7.2 Low-current measurement of resistance

For R <30Ω, an acoustic signal is generated and the signalling diode lights up in green.

Additional information displayed by the meter

3.7.3 Measurement of continuity of protective conductors and equipotential bondings with ±200 mA current

3.8 Diode test with 200 mA current

3.9 Test of blocking diode with 1000 V voltage

4 Memory of measurement results

The entire memory is divided into 99 memory objects with 40 memory cells each. Additionally, one collective data record may be entered into each object. This makes a total of 4059 data records. Due to dynamic memory allocation, each of the memory cell can contain different quantity of single measure-ment results, depending on the needs. Optimal use of the memory can be ensured in this way. Each measurement result can be stored in a memory cell marked with a selected number and in a selected memory object. Thanks to this, the user of the meter can, at his/her option, assign memory cell numbers to individual measurement points and the memory object numbers to individual facilities. The user may also perform measurements in any chosen sequence and repeat them without losing other data.

Memory of measurement results is not deleted when the meter is switched off. Thanks to this, the data can be later read or sent to a computer. The number of a current memory cell or memory ob-ject is not changed either.

• Results of measurements performed for all measuring functions can be stored in one memory cell.
• After each entry of the measurement result to the cell, its number is automatically in-cremented. Set the appropriate cell number to allow entering to a single cell of succes-sive measurement results relating to a given measuring point (object).
• All measurements can be saved to the memory, except for the Rx resistance.
• It is recommended to delete the memory after reading the data or before performing a new series of measurements that may be stored into the same memory cells as the previous ones.

4.1 Recording measurement result data in the memory

Complete set of results (main result and supplementary results) for a given measuring function, preset measurement settings, date and time of the measurement are stored in the memory. Additional data from the IRM-1 Irradiance Meter can also be saved.

4.2 Changing the cell and bank number

4.3 Viewing memory data

The following table specifies the sequence of data storing for individual measurement results.

4.4 Deleting memory data

4.4.1 Deleting the selected object and its cells

4.4.2 Deleting the entire memory

5 Communication

PVM-1020 is equipped with two communication channels: wireless Bluetooth and wireless LoRa®.
Wired communication via Bluetooth is used to transfer the results from the device’s memory.
Wireless communication in the LoRa® standard is used to receive measurement results from IRM-1. Any loss of communication does not result in data loss. The readings are then recorded in the temporary memory of IRM-1 and transmitted to PVM-102 meter after the communication is restored.

5.1 Set of accessories to connect the meter to a PC
In order to ensure the communication of the meter with a computer, Bluetooth module is required with an additional software. A program that may be used for this purpose is Sonel Reader. It allows users to read and display the measurement data stored in the meter memory. Software may be down-loaded free from the manufacturer’s website. Information on the availability of other programs cooper-ating with the meter may be obtained from the manufacturer or its authorized distributors.

The software may be used for many devices manufactured by SONEL S.A. which are equipped with the USB interface and/or wireless module.
Detailed information is available from the manufacturer and distributors.

5.2 Data transmission using Bluetooth module

The standard PIN of the meter is 1234. Setting in the meter according to sec. 2.2.

6 Troubleshooting

Before sending the instrument for repairs, call our service. Perhaps the meter is not damaged, and the problem has been caused by some other reasons.
The meter can be repaired only at outlets authorized by the manufacturer.
Troubleshooting of typical problems during the use of the meter is described in the table below.

7 Power supply

7.1 Monitoring the power supply voltage
The batteries charging level is indicated by the symbol located in the screen:

7.2 Replacing the (rechargeable) batteries
The meter is powered by four AA alkaline LR6 batteries or rechargeable batteries of NiMH type. The (rechargeable) batteries are placed in the compartment at the bottom of the enclosure.

WARNING
Before replacing the (rechargeable) batteries, disconnect the test leads from the meter.

To replace the batteries/ rechargeable batteries:

1. Disconnect the leads from the measuring circuit and turn off the meter,
2. Remove the screws that secure the battery cover at the bottom of the compartment,
3. Replace all batteries (rechargeable batteries). Observe the correct polarity when inserting new batteries/rechargeable batteries (“-” on the elastic part of the contact plate). Reverse polarity will not damage the meter or the batteries, but the meter will not work.
4. Place and tighten the battery compartment cover.

NOTE!

• After replacing the batteries/rechargeable batteries, always set the power supply source. This setting influences the correct indication of the charging status (discharg-ing characteristics of disposable and rechargeable batteries are different).
• Have the meter serviced in case of battery leakage inside the compartment.
  Rechargeable batteries must be recharged in an external charger.

7.3 General rules of using the Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries

• If you are not going to use the instrument for a longer time, remove the rechargeable batteries and store them separately.
• Store the rechargeable batteries in a dry, cool and well ventilated place and protect them from direct sunlight. The long storage temperature should be below 30ºC. If the batteries are stored long at high temperatures, the chemical processes may reduce their life.
• The NiMH rechargeable batteries usually withstand 500-1000 charging cycles. Such batteries achieve full capacity after forming (2-3 discharging and charging cycles). The most important factor which influences the battery life is the discharge level. The deeper the discharge level, the shorter the battery life.
• The memory effect appears in the NiMH batteries in a limited scope. These batteries can be re-charged without more serious consequences. It is, however, recommended to discharge them completely every few cycles.
• During the storage of the Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, they are subject to self-discharge process at the rate of about 30% a month. Keeping the batteries at high temperatures may accelerate this process even two times. In order not to allow an excessive discharging of the batteries (after which the forming will be needed), recharge the batteries once in a while (even unused batteries).
• Modern, fast chargers detect too low and too high temperature of the batteries and respond accord-ingly. If the temperature is too low, the charging process should not start as it might irrevocably damage a rechargeable battery. The battery temperature increase is a signal to stop the charging and is typical. In addition to faster temperature increase of a battery which will not be fully charged, charging at high ambient temperatures results, however, in a reduced life.
• Remember that with fast charging, the batteries are charged to about 80% of their capacity; better results can be achieved by continuing the charging process: the charger then goes into the small current charging mode and after a few hours the batteries are fully charged.
• Do not charge and do not use the batteries at extreme temperatures as they reduce the life of bat-teries. Avoid using the battery-powered devices in very hot places. The rated operating temperature must be observed at all times.

8 Cleaning and maintenance

NOTE!
Use only the maintenance methods presented by the manufacturer in this manual.
Clean the meter casing with a wet cloth, using generally available detergents. Do not use any sol-vents and cleaning media which could scratch the casing (powder, paste, etc.).
The probes can be cleaned with water and then wiped dry. Before longer storage, it is recom-mended to lubricate the probes with any machine grease.
Clean the leads with water and detergents, then wipe dry.
The meter electronic system is maintenance free.

9 Storage

When storing the instrument, observe the following recommendations:

• disconnect all leads from the meter,
• thoroughly clean the meter and all accessories,
• if you are not going to use the instrument for a longer time, remove the batteries,
• during a prolonged storage recharge the batteries from time to time to prevent total discharging.

10 Dismantling and disposal

Used electric and electronic equipment should be collected selectively, i.e. not placed with other types of waste.
Used electronic equipment shall be sent to the collection point according to the Used Electric and Electronic Equipment Act.
Before sending the instrument to the collection point, do not dismantle any parts by yourself.
Observe local regulations on disposal of packagings and used batteries.

11 Technical data

NOTE

• Information about the use of meter at altitude from 2000 m a.s.l. to 5000 m a.s.l.
  As for voltage inputs –, , + the instrument is to be considered downgraded to measurement catego-ry CAT III 600 V (CAT IV 150 V) to ground or CAT II 600 V DC to ground. Markings and symbols indicated on the instrument are to be considered valid when using it at altitude ≤2000 m.

SONEL S.A. hereby declares that the radio device type PVM-1020 complies with Di-rective 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following website address: https://sonel.pl/en/download /declaration-of-conformity/

12 Manufacturer

The manufacturer of the equipment and provider of service during and past the warranty period:

SONEL S.A.
Wokulskiego 11
58-100 Świdnica
Poland
tel. +48 74 884 10 53 (Customer Service)
e-mail: customerservice@sonel.com
web page: www.sonel.com

NOTE!
Service repairs must be performed solely by the manufacturer.

MEASUREMENT MESSAGES

SONEL S.A.
Wokulskiego 11
58-100 Swidnica
Poland
Customer Service
53
e-mail: customerservice@sonel.com
www.sonel.com

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References

• Sonel S.A.

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