PVCHECKs EN 2.01 Multifunction PV Tester User Manual

EN 2.01 Multifunction PV Tester

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Specifications:

• Product Name: PVCHECKs
• Release: EN 2.01 – 01/10/2019
• Compliance: IEC/EN61010-1

Product Information:

The PVCHECKs is a specialized instrument designed for measuring
efficiency in PV plants. It offers various functions to help users
accurately assess PV modules and strings.

Operating Instructions:

1. Introduction

The PVCHECKs instrument is used to measure efficiency in PV
plants. Before using, ensure compliance with safety measures
according to directive IEC/EN61010-1.

2. Measuring Efficiency PV Plants

To measure efficiency in PV plants using the remote unit
SOLAR-02, follow the instructions provided in section 6.1 of the
user manual.

3. Measuring Parameters on PV Plant

If measuring parameters on a PV plant without using SOLAR-02,
refer to section 6.2 for detailed instructions.

4. Quick Check on PV Modules and Strings (IVCK)

For a quick check on PV modules and strings using IVCK, follow
the steps outlined in section 6.3 of the manual.

FAQ:

Q: What are the warranty conditions for PVCHECKs?

A: The warranty conditions for PVCHECKs can be found in section
12.1 of the user manual.

Q: How can I store efficiency measures with PVCHECKs?

A: To save efficiency measures, refer to section 7.1 of the
manual for detailed instructions on storing data.

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PVC HEC Ks
User manual

© Copyright HT ITALIA 2019

Release EN 2.01 – 01/10/2019

© Copyright HT ITALIA 2019

Release EN 2.01 – 01/10/2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES………………………………………………………..3 1.1. Preliminary instructions…………………………………………………………………………………………5 1.2. During use…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 1.3. After use……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 1.4. Definition of measurement (overvoltage) category ……………………………………………………6
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ………………………………………………………………………………….7 2.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 2.2. Instrument functions……………………………………………………………………………………………..7
3. PREPARATION FOR USE…………………………………………………………………………………..8 3.1. Initial checks ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 3.2. Instrument power supply……………………………………………………………………………………….8 3.3. Storage ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
4. NOMENCLATURE ……………………………………………………………………………………………..9 4.1. Instrument description…………………………………………………………………………………………..9 4.2. Keyboard description ………………………………………………………………………………………….10 4.3. Display description……………………………………………………………………………………………..10 4.4. Initial screen ………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
5. GENERAL MENU …………………………………………………………………………………………….12 5.1. SET ­ instrument settings……………………………………………………………………………………13
5.1.1. General ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 5.1.2. Measuring unit …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14 5.1.3. Date and time………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14 5.1.4. Remote unit/Pyranometer ……………………………………………………………………………………………..15 5.1.5. Irradiance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 5.1.6. DC Clamp …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16 5.2. EFF ­ Efficiency test settings for PV installations……………………………………………………18 5.2.1. Instrument settings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 5.2.2. System parameters………………………………………………………………………………………………………19 5.2.3. Selection of the compensation relationship of temperature effects ……………………………………..21 5.3. LOW ­ Settings for continuity test with 200mA …………………………………………………….23 5.3.1. Instrument settings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….23 5.4. M ­ Settings for insulation measurement…………………………………………………………….25 5.4.1. Instrument settings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….25 5.5. IVCK ­ Settings for IVCK quick test………………………………………………………………………27 5.5.1. Instrument settings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….27 5.6. DB ­ Database module management……………………………………………………………………30 5.6.1. How to define a new PV module…………………………………………………………………………………….32 5.6.2. How to modify an existing PV module …………………………………………………………………………….35 5.6.3. How to delete an existing PV module ……………………………………………………………………………..37
6. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS …………………………………………………………………………..38 6.1. Measuring efficiency PV plants by using remote unit SOLAR-02 ………………………………38 6.2. Measuring parameters on PV plant without using SOLAR-02 …………………………………..42 6.3. Quick check on PV modules and strings (IVCK)……………………………………………………..46
6.3.1. Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….46 6.3.2. Carrying out an IVCK quick test without measuring irradiance……………………………………………47 6.3.3. Carrying out an IVCK quick test and measuring irradiance ………………………………………………..52 6.3.4. Reset Averages……………………………………………………………………………………………………………58
6.3.4.1. Anomalous situations when performing IVCK tests …………………………………………………………………..60
6.4. Measurement of insulation on PV modules/strings/fields (M) …………………………………63 6.4.1. Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….63 6.4.2. Measuring insulation ­ FIELD mode……………………………………………………………………………….64 6.4.3. Measuring insulation ­ TIMER mode………………………………………………………………………………66 6.4.4. Measuring insulation ­ STRING mode ……………………………………………………………………………68
6.4.4.1. Anomalous situations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………71
6.5. Measurement of continuity on PV modules/strings/fields (LOW) …………………………….73 6.5.1. Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….73 6.5.2. Calibration of measuring cables……………………………………………………………………………………..73 6.5.3. Measuring continuity …………………………………………………………………………………………………….75
6.5.3.1. Anomalous situations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………77
6.6. List of display messages……………………………………………………………………………………..79
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7. STORING DATA……………………………………………………………………………………………….81 7.1. Saving efficiency measures …………………………………………………………………………………82 7.2. Saving IVCK, M and LOW measured results …………………………………………………….82 7.3. Operations with results ……………………………………………………………………………………….85
7.3.1. Recalling on the display the PV efficiency results……………………………………………………………..85 7.3.2. Recalling on the display the results of IVCK, M and LOW measurements……………………….86
7.3.2.1. Accessing the data saved in the memory ­ Numeric display………………………………………………………88 7.3.3. Deleting data from the memory………………………………………………………………………………………91
8. CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT TO THE PC ………………………………………………….92 9. MAINTENANCE ……………………………………………………………………………………………….95
9.1. General information ……………………………………………………………………………………………95 9.2. Battery replacement……………………………………………………………………………………………95 9.3. Cleaning the instrument ………………………………………………………………………………………95 9.4. End of life ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….95 10.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS…………………………………………………………………………96 10.1. Technical specifications for PV installation efficiency ………………………………………………96 10.2. Technical specifications of the IVCK function …………………………………………………………97 10.3. Technical specifications for electrical safety …………………………………………………………..97 10.4. Reference standards…………………………………………………………………………………………..98
10.4.1. General ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………98 10.5. General characteristics ……………………………………………………………………………………….98 10.6. Environmental conditions for use………………………………………………………………………….99 10.7. Accessories……………………………………………………………………………………………………….99
11.APPENDIX ­ THEORETICAL OUTLINE ……………………………………………………………100 11.1. Efficiency test on PV installations ……………………………………………………………………….100
12.SERVICE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………102 12.1. Warranty conditions ………………………………………………………………………………………….102 12.2. Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………102
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
The instrument has been designed in compliance with directive IEC/EN61010-1 relevant to electronic measuring instruments. Before and while carrying out measurements, observe the following indications and read all notes preceded by the symbol with the utmost attention.
· Do not carry out any voltage or current measurement in humid environments · Do not carry out any measurements in case gas, explosive materials or flammables are
present, or in dusty environments · Avoid contact with the circuit being measured if no measurements are being carried out · Avoid contact with exposed metal parts, with unused measuring probes, etc. · Do not carry out any measurement in case you find anomalies in the instrument such
as deformation, breaks, absence of display on the screen, etc. · Pay special attention when measuring voltages higher than 25V in special
environments and 50V in normal environments, since a risk of electrical shock exists.
In this manual, and on the instrument, the following symbols are used:
CAUTION: observe the instructions given in this manual; an improper use could damage the instrument or its components
High voltage danger: electrical shock hazard
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Double insulation DC voltage or current

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Connection to earth
1. PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS · This instrument has been designed for use in the environmental conditions specified in
§ 10.6. Do not use in different environmental conditions. · The instrument may be used for measuring VOLTAGE and CURRENT in CAT III 300V
with a maximum voltage of 1000VDC between inputs. Do not use on systems exceeding the limit values specified in § 10.1, § 10.2 and § 10.3 · We recommend following the normal safety rules devised to protect the user against dangerous currents and the instrument against incorrect use. · Only the accessories provided together with the instrument will guarantee safety standards. They must be in good conditions and replaced with identical models, when necessary. · Check that the batteries are correctly inserted. · Before connecting the measuring cables to the circuit being measured, check that the desired function has been selected.

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2. DURING USE Please carefully read the following recommendations and instructions:

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CAUTION

· Failure to comply with the caution notes and/or instructions may damage

the instrument and/or its components or be a source of danger for the

operator.

· The symbol ”

” indicates a full charge level of the internal batteries.

When battery charge decreases to a minimum level, the symbol ”

”

appears on the display. In this case, stop testing and replace the

batteries according to the indications given in § 9.2 · The instrument is capable of keeping data stored even without

batteries.

3. AFTER USE When measurements are completed, turn off the instrument by pressing and holding the ON/OFF key for some seconds. If the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the batteries and follow the instructions given in § 3.3
4. DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY Standard “IEC/EN61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirements” defines what measurement category, commonly called overvoltage category, is. § 6.7.4: Measured circuits, reads:
Circuits are divided into the following measurement categories:
· Measurement category IV is for measurements performed at the source of the lowvoltage installation Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple control units.
· Measurement category III is for measurements performed on installations inside buildings Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit breakers, wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, for example, stationary motors with permanent connection to fixed installation.
· Measurement category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation
Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools and similar equipment. · Measurement category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to MAINS
Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from MAINS, and specially protected (internal) MAINS-derived circuits. In the latter case, transient stresses are variable; for that reason, the standard requires that the transient withstand capability of the equipment is made known to the user.

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2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.1. INTRODUCTION This instrument has been designed to carry quick checks (IVCK) on photovoltaic modules/ strings in order to verify the parameters declared by the manufacturer. In addition, this instrument measures insulation/continuity on PV modules/strings/fields and evaluates the efficiency of a PV field.
IVCK and insulation/continuity measurements may be performed in sequential order IVCK Insulation Continuity, or be carried out separately in manual mode.
2.2. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS The instrument has the following features:
Continuity test of protective conductors (LOW) · Test with test current > 200mA in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446 · Manual calibration of measuring cables.
Measurement of insulation resistance on PV modules/strings (M) · Test voltages of 250V, 500V, 1000VDC in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446 · 3 measuring modes: Field, Timer, String · Insulation test of unearthed metal masses
Efficiency evaluation of a PV installation in the short/medium term (EFF) · Measurement of DC voltage, DC current and DC power at PV modules/strings’ outputs · Measurement of irradiation [W/m2] by means of a reference cell connected to the
optional remote unit SOLAR-02 · Measurement of module and environmental temperature by means of probe connected
to the optional remote unit SOLAR-02 · Application of compensation relationships to DC efficiency. · Immediate evaluation of DC efficiency according to the limits set by the user · Parameter recording of a PV system with 5s to 60min programmable IP
Quick checks (IVCK) in compliance with standard IEC/EN62446 · Measurement of open circuit voltage Voc on PV modules/strings up to 1000VDC · Measurement of short-circuit current Isc on PV modules/strings up to 15A · Measurement of irradiation by means of an optional reference cell · Immediate evaluation (OK/NO) of test results · Possible connection with the optional remote unit SOLAR-02 · Internal customizable database for managing up to 30 PV modules · Display of results in OPC and STC conditions
The instrument is provided with backlit display, internal contrast adjustment and a HELP key able to give a valid help to the operator while connecting the instrument to the installation. An Auto Power OFF function, which can also be deactivated, is available after approx. 5 minutes’ idleness.
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3. PREPARATION FOR USE
3.1. INITIAL CHECKS Before shipping, the instrument has been checked from an electric as well as mechanical point of view. All possible precautions have been taken so that the instrument is delivered undamaged. However, we recommend checking it to detect any damage possibly suffered during transport. In case anomalies are found, immediately contact the Dealer.

We also recommend checking that the packaging contains all components indicated in § 10.7. In case of discrepancy, please contact the Dealer. In case the instrument should be returned, please follow the instructions given in § 12.

3.2. INSTRUMENT POWER SUPPLY The instrument is battery supplied. For battery type and life, see § 10.5.

The symbol ”

” indicates a full charge level of the internal batteries. When battery

charge decreases to a minimum level, the symbol ”

” appears on the display. In this

case, stop testing and replace the batteries according to the indications given in § 9.2.

The instrument is capable of keeping data stored even without batteries.

The instrument is provided with advanced algorithms to maximize the batteries’ life.

During instrument operation, a short pressing of the

key turns on the display’s

backlighting. In order to save battery efficiency, backlighting automatically turns off after

approx. 30 seconds.

A frequent use of backlighting reduces the batteries’ life.

3.3. STORAGE In order to guarantee precise measurement, after a long storage time under extreme environmental conditions, wait for the instrument to come back to normal condition (see § 10.6).

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4. NOMENCLATURE
4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

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CAPTION: 1. Inputs 2. Display 3. Connector for optical output/USB
port 4. Arrow keys/ENTER key 5. GO/STOP key 6. SAVE key 7. ON/OFF key 8. HELP / key 9. ESC/MENU key

Fig. 1: Description of the front part of the instrument
CAPTION: 1. Input for irradiation measuring probe 2. Input for auxiliary temperature
measuring probe / DC current clamp (IVCK, EFF) 3. P, N inputs for DC voltage (IVCK, EFF) / Insulation (M) measurement 4. E, C inputs for continuity tests (LOW)
Fig. 2: Description of the upper part of the instrument CAPTION: 1. Connector for opto-insulated/USB output cable connection
Fig. 3: Description of the instrument’s side
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4.2. KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION The keyboard includes the following keys:
ON/OFF key to switch on/off the instrument

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ESC/MENU key to exit the selected menu without confirming and to go back to the main menu
keys to move the cursor inside the various screens in order to select programming parameters ENTER key to confirm modifications, selected programming parameters and to select the function to be accessed from the menu.

GO/STOP key to start measurements

SAVE key to save the measured values

HELP key (long pressing) to access the on-line help, to view the possible connections between the instrument and the installation.
key (simple pressing) to activate the display’s backlighting

4.3. DISPLAY DESCRIPTION

The display is a graphic module with a resolution of 128 x 15/05/12 15:34:26

128 dots. The display’s first line indicates the system’s date/

time and contains the battery charge indicator.

At the bottom of the display, the function of the ENTER key

and the active mode are displayed.

The symbol

indicates the presence of an active radio

connection with the remote unit SOLAR-02.

The flashing symbol

indicates that the instrument is

currently searching for a radio connection with the remote

unit SOLAR-02.

Selection

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4.4. INITIAL SCREEN
When switching on the instrument, the initial screen appears for a few seconds. It shows: · The instrument model (PVCHECKs) · The manufacturer’s name · The presence of the enabled internal module for RF
connection · The serial number (SN:) of the instrument · The firmware version (FW:) in the instrument’s memory · The date of the last instrument calibration (Calibration
date:)

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HT
RF SN: 15345678
FW: 1.14 Calibration date:
09/09/2015

After a few seconds, the instrument switches to the last function selected.

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5. GENERAL MENU

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Pressing the ESC/MENU key in any condition of the 15/05/12 15:34:26

instrument displays the general menu screen, in which the

instrument may be set, the saved measures can be displayed I V C K Te s t m o d . / s t r i n g s and the desired measuring function may be selected.

Use the cursor to select one of the options and confirm with L O W P E C o n t i n u i t y

ENTER to access the desired function.

test

M Insulation test

EFF Efficiency test

SET DB MEM PC

Settings Archive modules Recall Memory Trasf. data to PC

Press ENTER to sel.

MENU

5.1. SET ­ INSTRUMENT SETTINGS

Position the cursor onto SET by using the arrow keys (,) 15/05/12 15:34:26

and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the screen

which lists the different settings of the instrument.

General

Measuring unit

Settings will instrument.

be

maintained

also

after

switching

off

the D a t e a n d T i m e

Remote Unit – Pyranometer

Irradiance

DC Clamp

Press ENTER to sel. SET

5.1.1. General

1. Position the cursor onto General by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the screen which allows: Setting the instrument language Enabling/disabling the auto power off function

L a n g u a g e : E n g l i s h

Auto Power Off : NO

Contrast:

: 40

Adjusting display contrast

Key Beep

:NO

Enabling the acoustic signal when pressing a key.

3. Use the arrow keys (,) for option setting, and select

the desired option by means of the arrow keys ( , ). 4. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

SAVE to store

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

SET

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving

and go back to the previous screen.

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5.1.2. Measuring unit This section allows setting the measuring units of some parameters included in the database (DB) for the management of PV modules (see § 5.6) when measuring IVCK.

1. Position the cursor onto “Measuring Unit” by using the 15/05/12 15:34:26

arrow keys (,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the screen which allows setting the A l p h a measuring units of the following parameters:

: m A / ° C

· Alpha possible selection: “%/°C” and “mA/°C” · Beta possible selection: “%/°C” and “mV/°C” · Gamma expressed in “%/°C” · Voc and Isc tolerance expressed in “%”

Beta Gamma To l e r a n c e

: %/°C : %/°C : %

3. Set the desired measuring units by means of the arrow

keys ( , ).

SAVE to store

4. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

SET

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

seconds.

5. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving and go

back to the previous screen.

5.1.3. Date and time

1. Position the cursor onto “Date and Time” by using the 15/05/12 15:34:26

arrow keys (,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the screen which allows setting the Ye a r system’s date/time both in the European (EU) or in the

USA (US) format.

Month Day

3. Set the desired measuring units by means of the arrow H o u r s

keys ( , ).

Minutes Format

4. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

: 2 0 1 2 : 05 : 15 : 09 : 53 : EU

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving

SAVE to store

and go back to the previous screen.

SET

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5.1.4. Remote unit/Pyranometer This section allows selecting the type of remote unit to be used (if available) and setting the values of typical parameters (Sensitivity and Alpha) of the reference irradiance cell supplied with the instrument. The values of these parameters, which are printed on the back label of the cell, depend on the type of PV module being tested.

1. Position the cursor onto Remote Unit-Pyranometer by 15/05/12 15:34:26

using the arrow keys (,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the screen which allows selecting the R e m o t e U n i t use of the remote unit for EFF or IVCK tests. Possible E F F :

Y E S

options are: YES (use of SOLAR-02)

Remote Unit IVCK: NO

NO (no use of SOLAR-02) In case the remote unit S e n s . : 3 1 . 0 m V / k W / m 2 SOLAR-02 is not used for IVCK tests, it is necessary to A l p h a : 0 . 0 6 0 % / ° C set the values of Sensitivity (Sens.) and Alpha

parameter of the supplied irradiance cell on the

instrument.

3. Set the desired values by means of the keys ( , )

4. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

SAVE to store

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving

SET

and go back to the previous screen

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5.1.5. Irradiance This section allows setting the minimum irradiance threshold both for IVCK measurement and for efficiency test on a PV installation.

1. Position the cursor onto “Irradiance” by using the arrow 15/05/12 15:34:26

keys (,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the screen containing “Min Irr IVCK”, M i n I r r I V C K : 0 0 0 W / m 2 which allows setting the minimum irradiance threshold expressed in W/m2, used by the instrument as a reference M i n I r r E F F : 6 0 0 W / m 2

during IVCK measurement, and “Min Irr EFF”, which

allows setting the minimum irradiance threshold

expressed in W/m2, used by the instrument as a reference

while measuring the efficiency of a PV installation. Use the

arrow keys (,) to switch between the two items. 3. To set the minimum irradiance threshold, use the arrow

SAVE to store

keys ( , ). To obtain results with the accuracy

SET

guaranteed in this manual, we recommend following the

instructions given in § 10. The value can be set within the

following range: 0 ÷ 800 W/m2

4. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving

and go back to the previous screen.

CAUTION

The “0 W/m2” setting for parameter “Irr min IVCK” allows carrying out IVCK measurements without the following conditions being checked: Connection of reference cell to IRR input of the instrument Unsteady irradiation values Number of modules consistent with the measured open circuit voltage

5.1.6. DC Clamp This option allows setting a possible correction factor K for the DC clamp, in order to improve current measurement. If present, the correction factor is indicated on the rear label of the clamp itself, indicated as:
K= X.xxx
In case no label is present, set k = 1.000

1. Position the cursor onto “DC Clamp” by using the arrow 15/05/12 15:34:26

keys (,) and confirm with ENTER.

2. The display shows the item “DC clamp K”, which allows D C c l a m p setting the corrective factor in the following range 0.950 to K

: 1 . 0 0 0

1.050 Set th d si d l b

f th

ke

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to 1.050. Set the desired values by means of the arrow keys ( , ). 3. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving and go back to the previous screen.

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SAVE to store SET

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5.2. EFF ­ EFFICIENCY TEST SETTINGS FOR PV INSTALLATIONS The purpose of this measurement is to evaluate the DC efficiency of a photovoltaic installation, with the possibility of obtaining a positive or negative result of the check/ recording depending on a limit on the nDC parameter, freely set by the user. For this test, the use of the optional remote unit SOLAR-02 is necessary (see § 6.1)

5.2.1. Instrument settings

1. Position the cursor onto EFF by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

values of the output electrical parameters of the
Irr
photovoltaic generator.
Pnom

– – 3.500

Tc

– – –

Te

– – –

Pdc

0.0

Vdc

0.000

Idc

0.0

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

GO to Start

Selection

EFF

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following options: System parameters and Instrument

settings.

3. Use

the

arrow

keys

(,)

to

select

Irr
“Instrument

settings” and confirm with ENTER. The instrument P n o m

– – 3.500

shows the following screen:

Tc

– – –

Te

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C

Pdc

0.0

kW

Vdc

0.000

V

Idc

0.0

A

ndc

– – –

System parameters

Instrument settings

Selection

EFF

4. By using the arrow keys ( , ) it is possible to set:

15/05/12 15:34:26

the integration period (IP) which can be used by the

instrument when testing the parameters of a PV I P

: 5 s

system. The following values can be selected: 5s,

10s, 30s, 60s, 120s, 300s, 600s, 900s, 1800s, F S D C c l a m p : 1 0 0 0 A

3600s.

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The FS of the DC clamp used for measuring DC current with value selectable between 1A ÷ 3000A
5. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving and go back to the previous screen.

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SAVE to store EFF

5.2.2. System parameters

1. Position the cursor onto EFF by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

values of the output electrical parameters of the
Irr
photovoltaic generator.
Pnom

– – 3.500

Tc

– – –

Te

– – –

Pdc

0.0

Vdc

0.000

Idc

0.0

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

GO to Start

Selection

EFF

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following options: System parameters and Instrument

settings

3. Use

the

arrow

keys

(,)

to

select

Irr
“System

Parameters” and confirm with ENTER. The instrument P n o m

– – 3.500

shows the following screen:

Tc

– – –

Te

– – –

Pdc

0.0

Vdc

0.000

Idc

0.0

ndc

– – –

System parameters

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W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

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Instrument settings

Selection

EFF

4. By using the arrow keys ( , ) it is possible to set:

15/05/12 15:34:26

Pmax maximum total rated power of PV installation

expressed in kW

Pmax:

Range coefficient of power variation with

temperature, characteristic parameter of PV modules G a m m a

(range: -1.00 ÷ -0.01%/C)

NOCT

NOCT rated operating temperature of the cell,

characteristic parameter of PV modules (typically in Te

: 3 . 5 0 0 k W

:

-0.45 %/ °C

: 45 °C

: 40 °C

the following range: 42 ÷ 48°C)

Tc

: 45 °C

Te, Tc setting of default values of environmental n D C L i m : : 0 . 8 5

and (Te) and PV module (Tc) temperatures. These C o r r. Ty p e . : T. E n v. values are taken into consideration by the instrument

only when no auxiliary probe is connected to the

remote unit SOLAR-02 (range: Te = 0°C ÷ 80°C; Tc =

0°C ÷ 100°C)

SAVE to Store

nDC Lim minimum limit of DC efficiency (default

EFF

value: 0.85 , range: 0.01 ÷ 1.15)

Corr. Type Setting of the compensation

relationship on the calculation of Pdc power and the

maximization of DC efficiency (see § 5.2.3).

EN – 20

PVCHECKs
5.2.3. Selection of the compensation relationship of temperature effects This option allows selecting the relationship to be used to correct the measurements performed according to the modules’ temperature as regards the calculation of nDC efficiency. The following modes are available: – T.Mod.: Correction factor Rfv2 related to PV module Temp. (Italian guideline CEI-82-25) – T.Env: Correction factor Rfv2 related to environmental Temp. (Italian guideline CEI-82-25) – nDC: nDC correction according to module temperature
CAUTION

If it’s performed a test according to Italian guideline it is recommended to select “T.Env.” correction

Corr. Type

Temperature used (Tcel)

Calculation of nDC

R ef.

T.Mod.

Tcel = Tmoduli_Mis

T.Env.

Tcel

=

Tamb

(NOCT

–

20)×

Irr 800

1

(se Tcel 40°C)

Rfv2

=

1

–

(Tcel

–

×

100

(se Tcel > 40°C)
CE

hence

I

nDC =

Pdc

8225

Rfv2

×

Gp GSTC

×

Pn

nDC

Tcel = Tmoduli_Mis

( ) nDC

=

GSTC Gp

×

1 +

100

×

Tcel

–

25

×

Pdc Pn

– –

where:

Symb ol

Description

G p Irradiance measured on PV module surface

Measuri ng unit
[W/m2 ]

G STC

Standard Irradiance = 1000

[W/m2 ] [ ] P Rated Power = sum of all Pmax values of the section of the PV plant being kW n measured

Pdc DC power measured at the PV generator’s output

[kW ]

Rfv2 Correction factor depending on the Temperature of PV Cells (Tcel) measured or
calculated according to the type of selected correction relationship

EN – 21

PVCHECKs

Absolute value of the thermal coefficient of Pmax of the PV modules included in the plant section being measured.

NOCT

(Normal Operating Cell Temperature) = Temperature the cells under reference conditions are brought to (800W/m2, 20°C, AM=1.5, air speed =1m/s).

[%/ °C] [%/°C]

For further details see § 11.1

EN – 22

PVCHECKs

5.3. LOW ­ SETTINGS FOR CONTINUITY TEST WITH 200MA
The purpose of this measurement is to test the continuity of protective conductors and equipotential ones (e.g. from rod to earth and connected foreign earth) and earth rods of SPDs on PV installations. The test must be carried out using a test current > 200mA according to the prescriptions of IEC/EN62446 guideline

5.3.1. Instrument settings

1. Position the cursor onto LOW by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

following screen:

RPE max :

1

Rcal

: —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Selection

LOW

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following options: Settings and Leads calibration

3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “Settings” and
RPE max :
confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the following

screen:

Rcal

:

1 —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Leads calibration Settings Selection

LOW

4. Using the arrow keys ( , ) it is possible to set the 15/05/12 15:34:26

maximum limit value of Rpe resistance which the

instrument uses as a reference while measuring.

RPE max

: 0 1

5. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

EN – 23

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without saving and go back to the previous screen.

PVCHECKs

SAVE to store

Selection

LOW

CAUTION
The settings saved for max RPE also affect the settings for the Continuity test contained in the IVCK measurement (MENU IVCK)

EN – 24

PVCHECKs

5.4. M ­ SETTINGS FOR INSULATION MEASUREMENT 5.4.1. Instrument settings

1. Position the cursor onto M by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

following screen:

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Field

Vtest – – – V – – – V

Ri(+)

– – – M

Ri(-)

– – – M

Rp

– – – M

Selection

M

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the option 15/05/12 15:34:26

Settings:

3. Confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the

following screen:

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Field

Vtest

– – V — V

Ri(+)

– – –

M

Ri(-)

– – –

M

Rp Settings Selection

– – –

M

M

4. Use the arrow keys (,) for option setting, and select 15/05/12 15:34:26

the desired option by means of the arrow keys ( , ).

The following parameters can be set:

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ins. Test test voltage: 250, 500, 1000VDC

Mode operating modes: Field, Timer, String

Ri min

Ri min minimum limit value for insulation resistance

Test time maximum value of test time (only for M o d e

TIMER mode) with a maximum valEuNe o- f23500s in steps

: 1.00 M : TIMER

PVCHECKs

Test time maximum value of test time (only for

TIMER mode) with a maximum value of 300s in steps

of 1s.

Te s t t i m e : 1 0 s

5. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

SAVE to store

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without

saving and go back to the previous screen.

M

CAUTION
The settings saved for test voltage also affect the settings for the insulation measurement contained in the IVCK measurement (MENU IVCK)

EN – 26

PVCHECKs

5.5. IVCK ­ SETTINGS FOR IVCK QUICK TEST The purpose of this measurement is to verify the functionality of the connections and of the strings in a photovoltaic field, according to the provisions of standard IEC/EN62446 by measuring the open circuit voltage and the short-circuit current at operating conditions and referred to STC (via the optional measurement of irradiation) and providing immediate results regarding the measurement just carried out, both in absolute terms and by comparison with the strings previously tested. The test also allows carrying out (if selected) the continuity test and an insulation measurement in a sequence.
5.5.1. Instrument settings

1. Position the cursor onto IVCK by using the arro 15/05/12 15:34:26 (,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shoM o d u l e : S U N P W R 3 1 8 following screen:

Vdc

: 0.0

V

Irr

:0

W/

m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V = – – – M
)

Rpe (Cal)

= —

Selection

IVCK

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following options: Settings, Reset Averages (see § M o d u l e

6.3.4) and Leads calibration (see § 6.5.2).

Vdc

3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “Settings” and

confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the following I r r

: SUNPWR318

: 0.0

V

:0

W/m2

screen:

Tc

: Auto

°C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V) = – – – M

EN – 27

Rpe (Cal) = – – –

Leads calibration

Reset Averages

Settings

Selection

IVCK

PVCHECKs

4. Use the arrow keys (,) for option setting, and select 15/05/12 15:34:26

the desired option by means of the arrow keys ( , ). M o d u l e : S U N P W R 2 1 0

The following parameters can be set:

Mod.Nx Str : 01

Module type of module being tested

Te m p

Mod. N x Str. number of modules in the string.

Allowable values 1 ÷ 50

: Manual

25

°C

Temp temperature measuring method. Possible To l . V o c : 0 5 % ( + 4 % )

options:

To l . I s c : 0 5 % ( + 4 % )

“Auto” automatic measurement (recommended) I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0

V

carried out according to the measured value of the R i m i n : 1 . 0

M

modules’ Voc. “Manual” setting, made by the operator, of the known R P E Te s t : 2

temperature value of the module in the line below.

Aux temperature measurement with auxiliary probe PT1000. Tol. Voc (%) percentage value of the desired limit

SAVE to store IVCK

tolerance (set by the operator according to his/her

own requirements) for the measurement of Voc

carried out by the instrument. Allowable values: 0% ÷

25%. The value between brackets (4%) indicates the

reading error of the instrument in Voc measurement.

Tol. Isc (%) percentage value of the desired limit

tolerance (set by the operator according to his/her

own requirements) for the measurement of Isc carried

out by the instrument. Allowable values: 0% ÷ 25%.

The value between brackets (4%) indicates the

reading error of the instrument in Isc measurement.

Ins Test enabling/disabling of insulation

measurement and setting of test voltage. Possible

options: OFF, 250V, 500V, 1000V. With enabled

function, the line “Ri min” appears, which allows

setting the minimum limit threshold in the range 0.1 ÷

100M

RPE Test enabling/disabling of continuity test and

setting of the limit threshold value for measurement.

Possible options OFF, 1 ÷ 5 in steps of 1

5. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made; the

message “Data saved” will be displayed for a few

seconds. Press the ESC/MENU key to exit without

saving and go back to the previous screen.

CAUTION
The settings saved for test voltage for the insulation measurement carried out within the IVCK function also affect the settings for the single measurement (MENU M).
EN – 28

PVCHECKs EN – 29

PVCHECKs
5.6. DB ­ DATABASE MODULE MANAGEMENT The meter allows managing up to a maximum of 30 different types of PV modules, further to a DEFAULT module (not editable and not erasable) which can be used as reference case when no piece of information about the type of module being tested is available.
The parameters, referred to 1 module, which can be set are described below in Table 1 together with their measuring range, resolution and validity condition.

Symbol Nms

Description Number of modules per string

Range 1 ÷ 50

Resol. 1

Conditions

Pmax Maximum rated power of module

50 ÷ 4800W

1W

Pmax – Vmpp I mpp 0.01

Pmax

Voc

Open-circuit voltage

15.00 ÷ 99.99V 100.0 ÷ 320.0V

0.01V 0.1V

Vmpp

Voltage on maximum power point

15.00 ÷ 99.99V 100.0 ÷ 320.0V

0.01V 0.1V

Isc

Short-circuit current

0.5 ÷ 15.00A

0.01A

Impp Current on maximum power point

0.5 ÷ 15.00A

0.01A

Toll –

Negative tolerance for Pmax provided by the module manufacturer

0% ÷ 25.0% 0 ÷ 99W

0.1% 1

Toll +

Positive tolerance for Pmax provided by the module manufacturer

0 ÷ 25% 0 ÷ 99W

0.1% 1

Alpha

Isc temperature coefficient

-0.100÷0.100%/°C 0.001%/°C -15.00 ÷ 15.00mA/°C 0.01mA/°C

Beta

Voc temperature coefficient

-0.99 ÷ -0.01%/°C 0.01%/°C –0.999 ÷ -0.001V/°C 0.001V/°C

Gamma

Pmax temperature coefficient

-0.99 ÷ -0.01%/°C 0.01%/°C

NOCT Rated working temperature of cell

0 ÷ 100°C

1°C

Tech.

Effects due to module technology

STD (standard) CAP(capacitive
eff.)

Rs

Internal serial resistance

0.00 ÷ 10.00

0.01

Table 1: Typical parameters of PV modules

Voc Vmpp Voc Vmpp Isc Impp Isc Impp 100Tol-/Pnom< 25
100Tol+/Pnom< 25
100Alfa / Isc 0.1
100Beta/Voc 0.999

CAUTION

EN – 30

PVCHECKs The “Tech” item is referred to the choose of the technology of the module
on test. Select the “STD” option for test on “STANDARD” PV modules, “CAP” option for test on higher capacitive effects PV modules A wrong choice of the type of technology can lead to a negative outcome of the final test.
EN – 31

5.6.1. How to define a new PV module

PVCHECKs

EN – 32

PVCHECKs

1. Position the cursor onto DB by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the M o d e l : D E F A U LT

screen which contains: · The type of PV module

· The values of the parameters associated to the module P m a x =

185

W

(see Table 1)

Voc

=

44.5

V

2. Use the arrow keys ( , ) to select the “DEFAULT” V m p p = 3 7 . 5 V

module type and confirm with ENTER.

Isc

=

5.40

A

Impp =

4.95

A

To l l – =

0

%

Selection

DB

3. Press the ENTER key, select the “New” command (which 15/05/12 15:34:26

allows defining a new module) and confirm again with M o d e l ENTER. Use the arrow keys (,) to scroll the list of parameters.
Pmax

: D E F A U L T

=

185

W

Voc

=

44.5

V

Vmpp =

37.5

V

Isc

=

5.40

A

Impp =

4.95

A

To l l – =

0

%

New

Selection

DB

4. By using the internal virtual keyboard it is possible 15/05/12 15:34:26

define the name of the module (e.g. SUNPOWER 210) M o d e l : means of the arrow keys (,, , ). Press ENTER digit any character of the desired name. 5. Press the SAVE key to save the name of the new mod P m a x =

185

W

thus defined or the ESC/MENU key to exit without savi V o c =

44.5

V

KEYBOARD

SUNPOWER 210

ABCD E F G H I J K L M N OP

QRS T U VW XYZ – + 0 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 SPACE

DEL

SAVE / ESC

EN – 33

PVCHECKs

6. Insert the value of each parameter (see Table 1) 15/05/12 15:34:26

according to the possible datasheet of the Manufacturer.). M o d e l Position the cursor onto the parameter to be defined by using the arrow keys (,) and set the value using the arrow keys ( , ). Keep the arrow keys ( , ) pressed P m a x

: SUNPWR 210 = 0 W

to carry out a quick setting of the values.

Voc =

0.0

V

7. Press the SAVE key to save the settings or the ESC/ V m p p =

0.0

V

MENU key to exit without saving.

Isc

=

0.00

A

Impp =

0.00

A

To l l – =

0

%

DB

CAUTION
· If the value of any parameter is unknown, press and hold the HELP key for a few seconds to set the default values.
· Upon pressing the SAVE key, the instrument checks the conditions indicated in Table 1
· and, if one or more of these conditions are not fulfilled, one of the error messages listed in § 6.6 is shown on the display. The instrument does not save the configuration set before any error is solved.

EN – 34

5.6.2. How to modify an existing PV module

PVCHECKs

EN – 35

PVCHECKs

1. Select the PV module to be modified from the internal 15/05/12 15:34:26

database by means of the arrow keys ( , ).

Model

2. Press the ENTER key and select the “Modify” command using the arrow key ().

3. Confirm selection with ENTER.

Pmax

S U N P W R 2 1 0

=

210

W

Voc

= 47.70

V

Vmpp = 40.00

V

Isc

=

5.75

A

New

Modify

Delete

Delete all

Selection

DB

4. By using the internal virtual keyboard it is possible 15/05/12 15:34:26

define again the name of the module or leave M o d e l : S U N P W R 2 1 0

unchanged by means of the arrow keys (,, ,

Press ENTER to digit any character of the desired name

5. Press the SAVE key to save the name of the new mod P m a x =

185

W

thus defined or to access the new parameter setting. V o c =

44.5

V

KEYBOARD

SUNPOWER 210

ABCD E F G H I J K L M N OP

QRS T U VW XYZ – + 0 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 SPACE

DEL

SAVE / ESC

6. Change the value of the desired parameters by using the 15/05/12 15:34:26

arrow keys (,) and set the value using the arrow keys M o d e l : S U N P W R 2 1 0

( , ). Keep the arrow keys ( , ) pressed to carry out a quick setting of the values. If the value of any parameter is unknown, press and hold the HELP key for a few P m a x = 2 1 0 W

seconds to set the default values.

Voc

=

47.70

V

7. Press the SAVE key to save the settings made or the V m p p = 4 0 . 0 0 V

ESC/MENU key to exit without saving. In this case, the I s c

=

5.75

A

instrument shows the message “Data not saved”.

Impp =

5.25

A

To l l – =

5

%

DB
EN – 36

PVCHECKs

5.6.3. How to delete an existing PV module

1. Select the PV module from the internal database by 15/05/12 15:34:26

means of the arrow keys ( , ).

M o d e l : S U N P W R 2 1 0

2. Press the ENTER key and select the “Delete” command

by means of the arrow key () to delete the selected

module.

Pmax =

210

W

3. Press the ENTER key and select the “Delete all” V o c = 4 7 . 7 0 V

command by means of the arrow key () to delete all V m p p = 4 0 . 0 0 V

modules in the database.

Isc

=

5.75

A

4. Confirm the selection with ENTER or press ESC/MENU to

exit.

New

Modify

Delete

Delete all

Selection

DB

CAUTION
It is not possible to modify nor delete the “DEFAULT” PV module which is a factory setting.

EN – 37

PVCHECKs
6. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
6.1. MEASURING EFFICIENCY PV PLANTS BY USING REMOTE UNIT SOLAR-02 For the sake of simplicity, further in this section, the word “string” will be used, although often the term “photovoltaic field” would be more correct. From the point of view of the instrument, the management of a single string or of more parallel strings (PV field) is identical. The instrument PVCHECKs (Master) allows measuring the efficiency of PV installations in combination with the optional remote unit SOLAR-02, which the irradiance and temperature probes are connected to. This remote unit is capable of communicating with the Master unit (to manage data synchronization and download) via a radiofrequency (RF) connection, which is active up to a maximum distance of 1m between the units.
CAUTION
· The maximum voltage between inputs P and N is 1000VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual. Exceeding these limits could result in electrical shocks to the user and damage to the instrument.
· In order to guarantee the operator’s safety, while making the connections, disable the system being measured by means of the switches/breakers upstream and downstream of the DC/AC converter (inverter).
Fig. 4: Connection of instrument for efficiency measurement on a PV installation 1. Check and, if necessary, set the sensitivity of the reference cell on SOLAR-02
consistently with the type of PV modules which will be measured (please refer to the user manual of SOLAR-02). 2. We recommend making a preliminary evaluation of the value of irradiation on the surface of the PV modules being tested by means of unit SOLAR-02 (operating independently) and the reference cell. 3. Switch on PVCHECKs, check and, if necessary, change the instrument settings relevant to the type of remote unit, to the minimum irradiation threshold, to the full scale
EN – 38

PVCHECKs

of the DC clamp, to the integration period and to the parameters of the system being measured (see § 5.1.4, § 5.1.5, § 0, § 5.2.1 and § 5.2.2).
4. In order to guarantee the operator’s safety, disable the system being measured by means of the switches/breakers upstream and downstream of the DC/AC converter (inverter).

5. Bring PVCHECKs and SOLAR-02 nearer (maximum distance of 1m between them). All instruments must be switched on (see the User Manual of SOLAR-2 for further details).

6. On PVCHECKS, press the MENU key, select the function EFF and press ENTER; wait for the two units to start communicating with each other. This condition is highlighted by the contemporary presence of the following indicators:

Symbol Symbol

steady (not flashing) on the display of PVCHECKs steady (not flashing) on the display of SOLAR-02

7. Connect the inputs P and N respectively to the positive and negative output of the string, respecting the colours indicated in Fig. 4

8. Connect the output connector of the DC clamp to the IDC input.

CAUTION

BEFORE CONNECTING THE DC CLAMP TO THE CONDUCTORS Switch on the clamp, check the LED indicating the status of the clamp’s internal batteries (if present), select the correct range, press the ZERO key on the DC clamp and check on the display of PVCHECKs the actual zeroing of the corresponding Idc value (values up to 0.02A are acceptable).
9. Connect the DC current clamp to the positive output conductor of the string, respecting the direction of the arrow found on the clamp itself as indicated in Fig. 4
10. Position the clamp so that the jaw is not near the negative conductor.

11. The display shows the first screen which contains the 15/05/12 15:34:26

values of the output electrical parameters of the

module/string.

12. Before starting measuring, check for the presence of I r r

– – –

symbol ” ” steady on the display, which indicated a correct RF connection with the remote unit SOLAR-02. P n o m 3 . 5 0 0

Tc

45

Ta

30

Pdc

3.125

Vdc

389

Idc

8.01

ndc

– – –

EN – 39

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

PVCHECKs

Go to Start

Selection

EFF

13. Keeping the remote unit SOLAR-02 always close to th 15/05/12 15:34:26

main unit, press the GO/STOP key on PVCHECKS to

start testing. The message “Waiting start recording…

appears on the display of the main unit and “HOLD” I r r

– – –

shown on the display of SOLAR-02, together with a indication of the time remaining, expressed in second P n o m 3 . 5 0 0

until “00” is reached.

Tc

45

Ta

30

Pdc

3.125

Vdc

389

Idc

8.01

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

Waiting start recording…

Selection

EFF

14. Upon reaching “00” after pressing the GO/STOP key, th 15/05/12 15:35:00

test is started and the two units are synchronized wit

each other. In these conditions the message “Recording

running…” is displayed on the main unit an Irr

– – –

“Recording…” is displayed by SOLAR-02.

Pnom 3.500

Tc

45

Te

30

Pdc

3.125

Vdc

389

Idc

8.01

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

EN – 40

Recording running…

Selection

EFF

PVCHECKs

15. At any time it will be possible to analyze the curren1t5/05/12 15:35:00

recording status by pressing the MENU key. The followin

information will be shown: Starting date and time of recording The value set for the integration period (IP)

Start 15/05/12 15:30:00

Period:

5s

The number of periods elapsed from the beginning oIfP N u m b e r 6 1

the recording

Rec. Time

0d 1h

The remaining memory capacity for recording

Press the ESC key to exit the screen

Recording running…

16. Now it is possible to bring the unit SOLAR-02 near the PV strings to measure irradiation and temperature by means of the relevant probes. When the distance between the unit SOLAR-02 and PVCHECKs does not allow a RF connection, on the display of SOLAR-02,
the symbol ” ” flashes for approx. 30s and then disappears, while PVCHECKs continues searching for the connection for approx. 1 minute. 17. Position the reference cell onto the surface of the PV modules. Please refer to the relevant User Manual for a correct assembly. 18. Put the temperature sensor in contact with the rear side of the module and fasten it with some tape; avoid touching it with your fingers in order not to alter the measurement result. 19. Wait for a few seconds to allow the probes to reach a steady measure and then connect the irradiation probe to input PYRA/CELL and the temperature probe to input TEMP of unit SOLAR-02. 20. Wait for the message “READY” to appear on the display of SOLAR-02 to indicate that the unit has detected the data with solar irradiation > minimum threshold set (see § 5.1.5). 21. With the message “READY” shown on the display, wait for approximately 1 minute in order to take a certain number of samples. 22. Disconnect the irradiation and temperature probes from unit SOLAR-02 and bring the unit near PVCHECKs (max distance 1m).
23. The main unit PVCHECKs must be in EFF mode. If there is no flashing symbol ” “, press key to activate the RF connection search again.
24. Press key on SOLAR-02 to activate the RF connection again. Consequently, the main unit will show the message “active radio connection”.
25. To stop testing, press the GO/STOP key on the instrument and confirm with ENTER that you want to stop recording.
26. The display of the unit SOLAR-02 will display the message “SEND” to indicate that the data will be transferred to the main unit.

27. After the automatic data transfer phase, the instrument will 15/05/12 15:35:00

display:

Do not show any results if do not exist on the PV I r r

712

installation a “stable irradiance” condition more than

the minimum irradiance threshold

Pnom 3.500

Display the best performance values if during the Tc

45

recording, the Irradiance values reached the “stable” Te

30

diti

d it l

hi h th th mi i

EN – 41

W/m2 kW °C °C

PVCHECKs

condition and its values were higher than the minimum P d c 3 . 1 2 5 k W

irradiance threshold Unable to carry out the analysis if irradiance has never V d c

389

V

reached a steady value higher than the minimum I d c

8.01

A

threshold set, or if no value exists which is valid during the n d c

0.88

whole recording (nDC > 1.15).

Analys Results

Selection

EFF

Press SAVE to save the results obtained (see § 7.1) or ESC to exit the screen and go back to the initial screen.

6.2. MEASURING PARAMETERS ON PV PLANT WITHOUT USING SOLAR-02 The “PV installation efficiency” test carried out without using the optional remote unit SOLAR-02 only allows evaluating output electrical parameters of a string or a photovoltaic field (quantities, Vdc, Idc and Pdc), which can be periodically recorded with a
EN – 42

PVCHECKs programmable integration period (see § 5.2.1). In this mode, the values of Irradiation, Te, Tc, the nDC efficiency value are not evaluated and no result is provided by the instrument.
CAUTION
· The maximum voltage between inputs P and N is 1000VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual. Exceeding these limits could result in electrical shocks to the user and damage to the instrument.
· In order to guarantee the operator’s safety, while making the connections, disable the system being measured by means of the switches/breakers upstream and downstream of the DC/AC converter (inverter).
Fig. 5: Instrument connection for measuring PV installation parameters without SOLAR-02 1. Select the option “NO” as regards the type of remote unit to be used during EFF test
(see § 5.1.4), set the full scale of the DC clamp (see § 5.2.1), a possible correction factor of the DC clamp (see § 0), the integration period and the rated power of the system (see § 5.2.1 and § 5.2.2). 2. In order to guarantee the operator’s safety, disable the system being measured by means of the switches/breakers upstream and downstream of the DC/AC converter (inverter) 3. Connect the inputs P and N respectively to the positive and negative output of the string, respecting the colours indicated in Fig. 5 4. Connect the output connector of the DC clamp to the IDC input.
CAUTION
EN – 43

PVCHECKs

BEFORE CONNECTING THE DC CLAMP TO THE CONDUCTORS Switch on the clamp, check the LED indicating the status of the clamp’s internal batteries (if present), select the correct range, press the ZERO key on the DC clamp and check on the display of PVCHECKs the actual zeroing of the corresponding Idc value (values up to 0.02A are acceptable).
5. Connect the DC current clamp to the positive output conductor of the string, respecting the direction of the arrow found on the clamp itself as indicated in Fig. 5. Position the clamp so that the jaw is not near the negative conductor.

6. The display shows the first screen which contains th 15/05/12 15:34:26

values of the output electrical parameters of the module

string.

Irr

– – –

Pnom 3.500

Tc

– – –

Te

– – –

Pdc

3.125

Vdc

389

Idc

8.01

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

Go to Start

Selection

EFF

7. Press GO/STOP key on PVCHECKs to start the test. Th 15/05/12 15:34:26

message “Waiting start recording…” appears on the

display of the instrument until “00” is reached.

Irr

– – –

Pnom 3.500

Tc

45

Te

30

Pdc

3.125

Vdc

389

Idc

8.01

ndc

– – –

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

Waiting start recording…

Selection

EFF

8. Upon reaching “00” after pressing the GO/STOP key, th 15/05/12 15:35:00

test is started. Unser these conditions, the messag

“Recording running…” appears on the instrument I r r

– – –

display

EN – 44

W/m2

instrument’s display.

PVCHECKs

Pnom 3.500

kW

Tc

45

°C

Te

30

°C

Pdc

3.125

kW

Vdc

389

V

Idc

8.01

A

ndc

– – –

Recording running…

Selection

EFF

9. At any time it will be possible to analyze the curren1t5/05/12 15:35:00

recording status by pressing the MENU key. The followin

information will be shown: Starting date and time of recording The value set for the integration period

Start : 14/02/00 17:18:00

Period:

5s

The number of periods elapsed from the beginning oIfP N u m b e r 6 1

the recording

Rec. Time 0d 1h

The remaining memory capacity for recording

Press the ESC key to exit the screen

Recording running…

10. To stop testing, press the GO/STOP key on the instrument and confirm with ENTER that you want to stop recording.
11. Press SAVE to save the results obtained (see § 7.1) or ESC to exit the screen and go back to the initial screen.

EN – 45

PVCHECKs
6.3. QUICK CHECK ON PV MODULES AND STRINGS (IVCK) 6.3.1. Foreword This function carries out a series of quick tests on a PV module/string, measuring in a sequence:
The Voc voltage and the short-circuit current Isc according to the prescriptions of standard IEC/EN62446 with the possibility of measuring (by using the relevant probes) also the irradiance and module temperature values.
Insulation resistance measurement (if enabled ­ see § 5.5.1), only carried out in STRING mode (see § 6.4.4) i.e. by automatically producing an internal short circuit between the input terminals P and N and measuring between this short- circuit point and the input terminal E.
Continuity test of protective conductors (if enabled ­ see § 5.5.1) with 200mA between the input terminals E and C of the instrument.
Irradiance measurement can be carried out in one of the following modes:
· Reference cell directly connected to PVCHECKs · Reference cell connected to SOLAR-02 in RF connection with PVCHECKs
Irradiance measurements are always carried out in real time; it is therefore impossible to start a “remote” recording of irradiance values through SOLAR-02.
If the minimum irradiance threshold (see § 5.1.5) is: · = 0 the instrument does not control the presence of the reference cell, irradiance
changes, number of modules and does not display error messages is case it is impossible to calculate Voc and Isc values transposed under STC. This mode is suitable to carry out a test session on a considerable number of strings as quickly as possible. · > 0 (recommended >700W/m2) the instrument carries out all tests provided for I-V test, manages all conditions and error messages for I-V test (wrong num. of mod., temp. out of range, cell presence, min. irr., etc.) and calculated the values of Voc and Isc under STC. This mode is recommended whenever accurate tests are to be carried out on modules/ strings being examined.
In general, the result page will include:
· Description of the module used · Irradiance and temperature values (if available) · Average values of Voc and Isc calculated as average of the corresponding values under
OPC on the last 10 tests saved in the memory. If the number of tests is < 10, the average is calculated on the number of available tests. The first test will display dashes in the field “average values” as there are no previous tests on which to calculate an average. · The values of Voc and Isc measured under OPC as well as any partial result (only available if STC values are not available) obtained by comparison with average values. · The values of Voc and Isc calculated under STC (if available) and any partial result obtained by comparing the values calculated under STC with the nominal ones (inserted in DB modules). · The overall test outcome (OK(NO). The overall result will be calculated based on the partial results obtained: Based on partial results under STC (if these are available) Based on partial results under OPC (if STC values are not available)
The instrument will not display any overall result if no partial result is available.
EN – 46

6.3.2. Carrying out an IVCK quick test without measuring irradiance

PVCHECKs

EN – 47

PVCHECKs

CAUTION

· The maximum voltage between inputs P, N, E and C is 1000VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual
· Do not perform test on PV modules or strings connected to the DC/AC converter
· The maximum current which can be measured by the instrument is 15A. Before carrying out the measures of IVCK and Insulation in “STRING” mode, always ensure that the instrument is connected to ONE STRING and not more strings in parallel to avoid possible damage of it

1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key. 2. Check that the remote unit SOLAR-02 is not selected (see § 5.1.4 ­ setting NO) 3. Check that the value of minimum irradiance set in section “Irradiance” (see § 5.1.5) is
equal to 0.

2. Position the cursor onto IVCK by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the M o d u l e

screen to the side: The meaning of the parameters is the V d c following:

Module type of module being tested

Irr

: SUNPWR318 : 0.0 V : – – – W/m2

Vdc value of output voltage from module/string Tc

: —

measured in real time

Irr value of irradiation measured in real time

Voc,Isc:

Tc value of module temperature (see § 5.5.1)

Voc, Isc section with display of result OK/NO of R i ( 1 0 0 0 V ) Voc and Isc measurement

– – – M

Ri() the value in brackets may be NO/selected test voltage (see § 5.5.1). The value of Ri indicates the R p e ( C a l )

—

insulation resistance

Rpe() the value in brackets may be NO, Cal or

NoCal (see § 5.5.1). The value of Rpe indicates the

result of the continuity test.

Selection

IVCK

3. Press the ENTER key, select “Settings” and confirm again with ENTER. Set the instrument as indicated in § 5.5.1
4. If necessary, press the ENTER key, select “Reset Averages” and confirm again with ENTER. If necessary, carry out this operation as indicated in § 6.3.4
5. If necessary, press the ENTER key, select “Leads calibration” and confirm again with ENTER. If necessary, carry out this operation as indicated in § 6.5.2
6. Connect the instrument to the module/string being tested and, if necessary, to the main earth node of the system and to the earthed metal masses as shown in Fig. 6. In particular, connect the negative output pole of the module/string to terminal N and the positive output pole of the module/string to terminal P.

EN – 48

CAPTION: E: Green cable

PVCHECKs
Fig. 6: Connection for IVCK test without irradiance measurement
CAUTION
Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

9. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no erro15/05/12 15:34:26

conditions occur, the instrument displays the messagM o d u l e

“Measuring…” and the measure of open-circuit voltag
Vdc
between the terminals P and N and of short-circuit curre

(for Isc values 15A).

Irr

: SUNPWR318

: 548.0 V

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Measuring…

Selection

IVCK

10.When Voc and Isc measurements are complete, th15/05/12 15:34:26

message “OK” is shown in case the result of the test M o d u l e positive (measured values within the tolerances set o
Vdc
the instrument) 11. With insulation measurement selected, the instrume I r r

: SUNPWR318

: 548.0 V

:0

W/m2

goes on with the test keeping terminals P and N sho Tc

: Auto °C

circuited, and carrying out the test between this point an

terminal E for the time necessary to obtain a steadV o c , I s c :

OK

value.

12.The value of insulation resistance is shown in field “R and the message “OK” appears in case the result of thR i ( 1 0 0 0 V )

11 6

M OK

test is positive (measured value higher than the minimu

limit value set on the instrument).

Rpe (Cal)

—

EN – 49

Measuring…

Selection

IVCK

PVCHECKs

13.With continuity measurement selected, the instrume 15/05/12 15:34:26

goes on by opening the short-circuit and carrying out thM o d u l e test between terminals E and C.
Vdc
14.The value of resistance in the continuity test is shown field “Rpe” and the message “OK” appears in case thI r r

: SUNPWR318

: 548.0 V

:0

W/m2

result of the test is positive (measured value lower thaTc

: Auto °C

the maximum limit value set on the instrument).

15.The message “Outcome:OK” is finally shown by thV o c , I s c :

OK

instrument in case the result of all performed tests

positive.

Ri(1000V)

11 6

M OK

Rpe (Cal)

2.00 OK

Outcome: OK

IVCK

16.Press the arrow key to show the following page in15/05/12 15:34:26

which the values of parameters Voc and Isc areM o d u l e : shown. It shows:

SUNPWR210

The module being used

Irr

The average values of Voc and Isc under OPC

—

W/ m2

conditions

Tc ( A U TO )

— °C

The values of Voc and Isc measured under OPC andV o c A v g @ O P the relevant partial results obtained by comparison C

647 V

with the average values. In general:

IscAvg@OP C

5.43 A

Voc@OPC

647 V

O K

Isc@OPC

5.35 A

O K

Voc@STC

— V

Isc@STC

— A

Outcome: OK

IVCK

EN – 50

PVCHECKs

Esito Voc@OPC = OK

se

100 × VocAvg@OPC -Voc@OPC (Tol Voc + 4%)
VocAvg @ OPC

Esito Isc@OPC = OK

se

100 × IscAvg@OPC – Isc@OPC (Tol Isc + 4%)
IscAvg @ OPC

The overall value of the results:

o OK: if all results under OPC are OK, o NO if one of the results under OPC is NO
17.Press the key to go back to the previous screen. 18.Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or
the ESC/MENU key to exit the screen without saving and go back to the main measuring screen.

CAUTION

The average values of Voc and Isc are displayed in the results’ page. These values include the average values of Voc and Isc under OPC conditions calculated as mean of the last 10 tests previously saved. If the user has carried out and saved a number of tests <10 or reset the average values (see § 6.3.4) the average value displayed during test N+1 will be calculated on the available N values.

EN – 51

6.3.3. Carrying out an IVCK quick test and measuring irradiance

PVCHECKs

EN – 52

PVCHECKs

CAUTION

· The maximum voltage between inputs P, N, E and C is 1000VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual.
· Do not perform test on PV modules or strings connected to the DC/AC converter
· The maximum current which can be measured by the instrument is 15A. Before carrying out the measures of IVCK and Insulation in “STRING” mode, always ensure that the instrument is connected to ONE STRING and not more strings in parallel to avoid possible damage of it

1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key. 2. Irradiance measurement is carried out in one of the following modes:
Measurement by reference cell directly connected to PVCHECKs Measurement by reference cell connected to a connected SOLAR-02 unit RF with
PVCHECKs 3. Check that the settings of remote unit SOLAR-02 are consistent with the type of
measurement to be carried out (see § 5.1.4). 4. Check the minimum irradiance value set (see § 5.1.5).

5. Position the cursor onto IVCK by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the M o d u l e

screen to the side: The meaning of the parameters is the V d c following:

Module type of module being tested

Irr

: SUNPWR318

: 0.0 V

:0

W/m2

Vdc value of output voltage from module/string Tc

: Auto °C

measured in real time

Irr value of irradiation measured in real time

Voc,Isc:

Tc value of module temperature (see § 5.5.1)

Voc, Isc section with display of result OK/NO of R i ( 1 0 0 0 V ) Voc and Isc measurement

– – – M

Ri() the value in brackets may be NO/selected test voltage (see § 5.5.1). The value of Ri indicates the R p e ( C a l )

—

insulation resistance

Rpe() the value in brackets may be NO, Cal or

NoCal (see § 5.5.1). The value of Rpe indicates the

result of the continuity test.

Selection

IVCK

6. Press the ENTER key, select “Settings” and confirm again with ENTER. Set the instrument as indicated in § 5.5.1
7. If necessary, press the ENTER key, select “Average Reset” and confirm again with ENTER. Carry out this operation as indicated in § 6.3.4
8. If necessary, press the ENTER key, select “Cable calibration” and confirm again with ENTER. Carry out this operation as indicated in § 6.5.2
9. Mount the rod onto the disc of the optional accessory M304 and keep it in touch with the module’s surface. Make sure that the shadow cast by the rod onto the disc falls within the “limit internal circle” on the disc itself (see Fig. 7). If this is not the case, the incidence angle between the sun rays and the module surface is too high
EN – 53

PVCHECKs and, therefore, the measurements carried out by the instrument CANNOT be considered reliable. Repeat the same operations at another daytime. 10. Fasten the bracket to the module by using the supplied set of screws and mount the reference cell on it, if possible with output terminals facing downwards. Rotate the cell until it rests on the tang found on the bracket so that the cell is perfectly parallel to the surface of the module, then fix it with the relevant screws provided.
Fig. 7: Positioning the inclinometer M304 11. Connect the output of the cell corresponding to the type of module being tested to the
IRR. input of the instrument using the cable supplied with the cell, or to the PYRA/ CELL input of the remote unit SOLAR-02, if used (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) 12. If used, connect the temperature sensor to the TEMP input of the instrument and fasten it to the backside of the module under a cell using some adhesive tape. As an alternative, connect the sensor to the TEMP input of the remote unit SOLAR-02, if used (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) 13. Connect the instrument to the module/string being tested and, if necessary, to the main earth node of the system and to the earthed metal masses as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In particular, connect the negative output pole of the module/string to terminal N and the positive output pole of the module/string to terminal P.
CAUTION
In case the remote unit SOLAR-02 is used for measuring irradiance, make sure that the RF communication with the master unit PVCHECKs is always active (symbol ” ” on and steady on the display).
EN – 54

PVCHECKs
CAPTION:
E: Green cable C: Blue cable P: Red cable N: Black cable
1. PV module/string 2. Main system earthing 3. Earthed metal structure in the
system 4. Reference cell for irradiance
measurement 5. Te m p e r a t u r e s e n s o r ( i f
required)

Fig. 8: Connection for IVCK test with direct irradiance measurement
CAPTION:
E: Green cable C: Blue cable P: Red cable N: Black cable
1. PV module/string 2. Main system earthing 3. Earthed metal structure in the
system 4. Reference cell for irradiance
measurement 5. Temperature sensor (if required) 6. Unità remota SOLAR-02Remote
unit SOLAR-02
Fig. 9: Connection for IVCK test with irradiance measurement through SOLAR-02

14.In the initial screen of IVCK mode, the following values 15/05/12 15:34:26

are displayed in real time: Module type of module being tested

Module

: SUNPWR318

Vdc value of output voltage from module/string V d c

: 548.0 V

Irr irradiance (from a direct measurement or

SOLAR-02 connected via RF)

Irr

: 856 W/m2

Tc modulo temperature (in MAN or AUX mode) Tc and the relevant measuring mode, or “- – -” in AUTO

: Auto °C

mode

In case, the symbol ” SOLAR-02

” of RF connection with V o c , I s c : EN – 55

SOLAR-02

PVCHECKs

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Selezione

IVCK

CAUTION

Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

15.Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error 15/05/12 conditions occur, the instrument displays the message 15:34:26

“Measuring…” and the measure of open-circuit voltage M o d u l e

between the terminals P and N and of short-circuit V d c

current (for Isc values 15A).

Irr

Tc

: SUNPWR318 : 548.0 V : 856 W/m2 : Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Measuring…

Selection

IVCK

16.When Voc and Isc measurements are complete, the 15/05/12 message “OK” is shown in case the result of the test is 15:34:26 positive (measured values within the tolerances set on M o d u l e
EN – 56

: SUNPWR318

PVCHECKs

the instrument)

Vdc

:

17.With insulation measurement selected, the instrument I r r

:

goes on with the test keeping terminals P and N short-

circuited, and carrying out the test between this point Tc

:

and terminal E for the time necessary to obtain a steady

value.

Voc,Isc:

18.The value of insulation resistance is shown in field “Ri”

and the message “OK” appears in case the result of the R i ( 1 0 0 0 V ) test is positive (measured value higher than the

minimum limit value set on the instrument).

Rpe (Cal)

548.0 V 856 W/m2 Auto °C
OK
116 M
OK
—

Measuring…

Selection

IVCK

19.With continuity measurement selected, the instrument 15/05/12 goes on by opening the short-circuit and carrying out the 15:34:26

test between terminals E and C.

Module

:

20.The value of resistance in the continuity test is shown in V d c

:

field “Rpe” and the message “OK” appears in case the I r r

:

result of the test is positive (measured value lower than

the maximum limit value set on the instrument).

Tc

:

21.The message “Outcome:OK” is finally shown by the

instrument in case the result of all performed tests is V o c , I s c :

positive.

Ri(1000V)

SUNPWR318 548.0 V 856 W/m2 Auto °C
OK
116 M
OK

Rpe (Cal)

2.00 OK

Outcome: OK

IVCK

22.Press the arrow key to show the following page in which the values of parameters Voc and Isc are shown. It shows: The module being used The value of irradiance The value of temperature of the module The average values of Voc and Isc under OPC The values of Voc and Isc measured under OPC The values of Voc and Isc calculated under STC and the relevant partial results obtained by comparison with the nominal values.

In general:

EN – 57

15/05/12 15:34:26

Module:

SUNPWR210

Irr

—

W/ m2

Tc ( A U TO )

57 °C

VocAvg@OP C

647 V

IscAvg@OP C

5.43 A

Voc@OPC

647 V

Isc@OPC

5.35 A

In general:

PVCHECKs

Voc@STC

787 V

O K

Isc@STC

5.72 A

O K

Outcome: OK

IVCK

( ) Esito Voc @ STC

= OK

se

100 ×

VocNom @ STC

–

Voc @

STC

Tol Voc + 4%

VocNom

@ STC

( ) Esito

Isc @ STC

=

OK

se

100 ×

IscNom @ STC

–

Isc @ STC

Tol Isc + 4%

IscNom

@ STC

The rated values of Voc and Isc are the values found in the instrument’s internal modules’ DB (see § 5.6).

The overall value of the results:

o OK: if all results under STC are OK, o NO if one of the results under STC is NO

23.Press the key to go back to the previous screen. 24.Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or
the ESC/MENU key to exit the screen without saving and go back to the main measuring screen.

CAUTION

The average values of Voc and Isc are displayed in the results’ page. These values include the average values of Voc and Isc under OPC conditions calculated as mean of the last 10 tests previously saved. If the user has carried out and saved a number of tests <10 or reset the average values (see § 6.3.4) the average value displayed during test N+1 will be calculated on the available N values.

6.3.4. Reset Averages If irradiance values are measured, the instrument provides a result by comparing the values measured with the average values calculated according to the previously saved measured. In this case, the average values calculated by the instrument are therefore particularly important. In case a new measurement campaign is started with significant variations in irradiance or temperature, it is advisable to set the average reference values to zero in order to make new calculations based on new measurements. To reset the average values, please keep to the following steps:

EN – 58

PVCHECKs

1. In IVCK mode, press the ENTER key, select “Reset 15/05/12 15:34:26

Averages” and confirm by pressing ENTER again to M o d u l e zero the average values calculated until that moment.
Vdc

: SUNPWR318 : 0.0 V

Irr

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Leads calibration

Reset Averages

Settings

Selection

IVCK

The average values are automatically reset also modifying and then saving one of the following parameters:
Type of PV module Number of modules per string
The average values are not reset if the operator changes operating mode and then goes back to this mode.

EN – 59

6.3.4.1. Anomalous situations when performing IVCK tests

PVCHECKs

EN – 60

PVCHECKs

1. In case the instrument detects a voltage higher than 15/05/12 15:34:26

1000V at terminals P-N, P-E and N-E, it does not carry M o d u l e out the test, gives out a long sound and displays the
Vdc
message “Vin > 1000”.
Irr

: SUNPWR318

: 0.0 V

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Vin > 1000

Selection

IVCK

2. In case the instrument detects a voltage lower than 15V 15/05/12 15:34:26

at terminals P and N, it does not carry out the test, gives M o d u l e out a long sound and displays the message “Low
Vdc
voltage”.
Irr

: SUNPWR318

: 0.0 V

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Low voltage

Selection

IVCK

3. In case the instrument detects a voltage higher than > 5V 15/05/12 15:34:26

at terminals E and C, it does not carry out the test, gives M o d u l e out a long sound and displays the message “Voltage >
Vdc
Lim”.
Irr

: SUNPWR318

: 0.0 V

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

EN – 61

Ri(1000V) Rpe (Cal)

PVCHECKs – – – M —

Voltage > Limit

Selection

IVCK

4. In case the instrument detects an Isc current higher than 15/05/12 15:34:26

15A, it does not carry out the test, gives out a long sound M o d u l e and displays the message “Isc current too high”.
Vdc

: SUNPWR318 : 0.0 V

Irr

:0

W/m2

Tc

: Auto °C

Voc,Isc:

Ri(1000V)

– – – M

Rpe (Cal)

—

Isc current too high

Selection

IVCK

EN – 62

PVCHECKs 6.4. MEASUREMENT OF INSULATION ON PV MODULES/STRINGS/FIELDS (M) 6.4.1. Foreword The purpose of this function is to measure the insulation resistance of the active conductors of a module, string, of a whole PV field and of possible unearthed metal masses according to the prescriptions IEC/EN62446 guideline. In general, the instrument measures insulation in the following modes: FIELD mode used for measuring insulation resistance of a PV field (photovoltaic
generator) consisting in one or more strings connected in parallel. The instrument performs the measurement on the Positive and Negative poles of the PV field. TIMER mode the instrument measures continuously (with a max duration of 300s) on terminal “P” only, displaying the minimum resistance value obtained at the end of the selected time. It may be used for measuring the insulation resistance of more unearthed metal masses. STRING mode used for measuring insulation only on single PV modules or strings, automatically creating an internal short-circuit between the Positive and Negative poles, with no need to use an external switch to short-circuit the positive and negative terminals and measuring between this short-circuit point and the installation earthing.
EN – 63

PVCHECKs

6.4.2. Measuring insulation ­ FIELD mode

1. Position the cursor onto M by using the arrow keys15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

screen to the side:

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0

V

2. Press the ENTER key, activate “Settings” and possibly change the desired parameters (see § 5.4). The followingR i m i n

: 1.0

M

parameters are shown on the display:

Mode

: Field

Ins. Test selected test voltage (250, 500 o

1000VDC)

Vtest – – – V – – –

Ri min minimum limit threshold for insulation

measurement

Ri(+)

– – –

Mode measuring mode: FIELD

Vtest real test voltages applied respectivelyR i ( – )

– – –

between the Positive pole and the Negative pole o

the field respect the earthing

Rp

– – –

Ri (+) insulation resistance measurement between

the Positive pole of the PV field and the earthing

Ri (-) insulation resistance measurement betweenSelection

M

the Negative pole of the PV field and the earthing

Rp final value of the measurement obtained by the

parallel of Ri(+) e Ri(-) values which is compared with15/05/12 15:34:26 the Ri min limit by the instrument

key access to the second page with the

measured values of VPN, VEP and VEN voltages V P N

– – –

V M M M

V

VEP

— V

VEN

— V

Selection

M

3. Connect the instrument to the PV field being tested and to the main earth node of the system shown in Fig. 10. In particular, connect the negative output pole of the PV field to terminal N and the positive output pole of the PV field to terminal P.
CAPTION:
E: Green cable P: Red cable N: Black cable
1. Unearthed PV field 2. Main system earthing

EN – 64

PVCHECKs Fig. 10: Instrument connection for insulation measurement in FIELD mode
CAUTION

Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

4. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no erro 15/05/12 15:34:26

conditions occur, the instrument displays the message

“Measuring…” as shown in the screen to the side.

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0

V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Field

Vtest 1043
Ri(+)

1057

V

– – –

M

Ri(-)

– – –

M

Rp

– – –

M

Measuring…

Selection

M

5. When measurement (with a fixed duration of 10s) is15/05/12 15:34:26

complete, the instrument provides the values Ri (+) and

Ri (-), respectively the insulation resistance of the Positive and Negative poles of the PV field being tested Te s t I s o : 1 0 0 0

If both results are higher than the minimum limit set, theR l i m

: 1.0

instrument displays the message “Outcome:OK”;M o d o

: Campo

otherwise, it displays the message “Outcome: NO” as

shown in the screen to the side.

Vtest 1043

6. Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the

1057

instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or the ESC/MENU keyR i ( + ) to exit the screen without saving and go back to the main

100

measuring screen.

Ri (-)

100

V
M
V M M

Rp

69

M

Outcome: OK

M

EN – 65

PVCHECKs

6.4.3. Measuring insulation ­ TIMER mode

1. Position the cursor onto M by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

screen to the side.

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

2. Press the ENTER key, activate “Settings” and possibly change the desired parameters (see § 5.4). The following R i m i n

: 1.0

M

parameters are shown on the display:

Mode

: Timer

Ins. Test selected test voltage (250, 500 or V t e s t

1000VDC)

Ri min minimum limit threshold for insulation R i ( + ) measurement

Mode measuring mode: TIMER

Vtest real applied test voltage

Ri (+) minimum insulation resistance between the Positive pole and the earthing detected during the Te s t t i m e :

whole duration of measurement.

Test time test duration range of 10 ÷ 300s

which

can

be

set

within

a

Selection

key access to the second page with the

measured values of VPN, VEP and VEN voltages

— V – – – M
10s M

3. Connect the instrument to the possible unearthed metal masses and to the main earth node of the system (see Fig. 11)

CAPTION:
E: Green cable P: Red cable N: Black cable
1. Unearthed PV module/string
2. M a i n s y s t e m earthing
3. Unearthed metal mass

Fig. 11: Instrument connection for insulation measurement in TIMER mode
CAUTION
EN – 66

PVCHECKs

Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

4. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error 15/05/12 15:34:26 conditions occur, the instrument displays the message “Measuring…” as shown in the screen to the side.
I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Timer

Vtest

1020 V

Ri(+)min

– – – M

Te s t t i m e : 1 0 s

Measuring…

Selection

M

5. When measurement is complete, the instrument provides 15/05/12 15:34:26

the Ri(+)min value, i.e. the minimum value of insulation

resistance of the PV module/string (or of other metal

masses) being tested, continuously measured during the I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

whole duration of measurement. If the result is higher

than the minimum limit set, the instrument displays the R i m i n

: 1.0

M

message “Outcome:OK”; otherwise, it displays the M o d e message “Outcome:NO” as shown in the screen to the

: Timer

side.

6. Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or the ESC/MENU key V t e s t

= 1020 V

to exit the screen without saving and go back to the main

measuring screen.

Ri(+)min = >20 M 0

EN – 67

PVCHECKs
Te s t t i m e : 2 0 0 s Outcome: OK M

6.4.4. Measuring insulation ­ STRING mode

CAUTION

· The maximum current which can be measured by the instrument is

15A. Before carrying out the measures of Insulation in “STRING”

mode, always ensure that the instrument is connected to ONE

STRING and not more strings in parallel to avoid possible damage of

it

· ALWAYS disconnect the string on test from the inverter before

fo i th

t

1. Position the cursor onto M by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

screen to the side.

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

2. Press the ENTER key, activate “Settings” and possibly change the desired parameters (see § 5.4). The following R l m i n

: 1.0

M

parameters are shown on the display:

Mode

: String

Ins. Test selected test voltage (250, 500 or

1000VDC)

Vtest

Ri min minimum limit threshold for insulation

measurement

Rp

Mode measuring mode: STRING

Vtest real applied test voltage

Rp final value of the measurement obtained by the

parallel of Ri(+) e Ri(-) values which is compared with

the Ri min limit by the instrument

key access to the second page with the

— V – – – M

EN – 68

key access to the second page with the measured values of VPN, VEP and VEN voltages Selection

PVCHECKs
M

3. Connect the instrument to the PV module/string being tested and to the main earth node of the system as shown in . In particular, connect the negative output pole of the PV field to terminal N and the positive output pole of the PV field to terminal P.
CAPTION:
E: Green cable P: Red cable N: Black cable
1. Unearthed PV module/string 2. Main system earthing

Fig. 12: Instrument connection for insulation measurement in STRING mode

CAUTION

Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

4. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error 15/05/12 15:34:26 conditions occur, the instrument displays the message “Measuring…” as shown in the screen to the side.
I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Stringa

Vtest

= 1020 V

EN – 69

Rp

= – – – M

PVCHECKs

Measuring…

Selection

M

5. When measurement is complete, the instrument provides 15/05/12 15:34:26

the Ri value, i.e. the minimum value of insulation

resistance of the of other objects being tested,

continuously measured during the whole duration of I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

measurement. If the result is higher than the minimum

limit set, the instrument displays the message Ri min

: 1.0

M

“Outcome:OK”; otherwise, it displays the message M o d e “Outcome:NO” as shown in the screen to the side.

: Stringa

6. Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the

instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or to exit the screen without saving and

the go

ESC/MENU key back to the main

V

t

e

s

t

= 1020 V

measuring screen.

Rp

= >10 M

0

Outcome: OK M

EN – 70

PVCHECKs

6.4.4.1. Anomalous situations

1. In any operating mode, in case the instrument detects a 15/05/12 15:34:26

voltage higher than 1000V at terminals P-N, P-E and N-

E, it does not carry out the test, gives out a long sound

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

and displays the message “Vin > 1000”.

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: String

Vtest

= — V

Rp

= – – – M

Vin > 1000

Selection

M

2. In STRING mode, in case the instrument detects an Isc 15/05/12 15:34:26

current higher than 15A, it does not carry out the test,

gives out a long sound and displays the message “Isc

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

current too high”.

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: Stringa

Vtest

= — V

Rp

= – – – M

Isc current too high

Selection

M

3. In STRING mode, in case the instrument detects a 15/05/12 15:34:26

current < 0.2A between terminals P and N, it does not

carry out the test, gives out a long sound and displays

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

the message “Current < Lim”.

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: String

Vtest

= — V

EN – 71

Rp

= – – – M

PVCHECKs

Current < Lim

Selection

M

4. In STRING mode, in case the instrument detects a 15/05/12 15:34:26

voltage < 15V between terminals P and N, it does not

carry out the test and displays the message “Low

voltage”.

I n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0 V

Ri min

: 1.0

M

Mode

: String

Vtest

= — V

Rp

= – – – M

Low voltage

Selection

M

EN – 72

PVCHECKs

6.5. MEASUREMENT OF CONTINUITY ON PV MODULES/STRINGS/FIELDS (LOW)
6.5.1. Foreword The purpose of this measurement is to test the continuity of protective conductors and equipotential ones (e.g. from rod to earth and connected foreign earth) and earth rods of SPDs on PV installations. The test must be carried out using a test current > 200mA according to the prescriptions of IEC/EN62446 guideline

6.5.2. Calibration of measuring cables

1. Position the cursor onto LOW by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

screen to the side.

Rpe max :

Fig. 13: Compensation of the measuring cables’ resistance

Connect the measuring cables as shown in Fig. 13:

Rcal

:

1 —

Compensation of the measuring cables’ resistance

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Selection

LOW

Fig. 13: Compensation of the measuring cables’ resistance

2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following options: Settings and Leads calibration

3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “Leads calibration” R P E m a x : and confirm with ENTER.

Rcal

:

1 —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

EN – 73

PVCHECKs

Leads calibration Settings Selection

LOW

4. Press GO/STOP to start calibration. The message 15/05/12 15:34:26

“Measuring…” is shown on the display.

5. At the end of the compensation procedure, in case the measured value of resistance is lower than 5, the R P E m a x :

instrument gives out a double sound to signal the positive R c a l

:

1 —

result of the test. The following screen appears on the

display:

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Measuring…

Selection

LOW

6. The value of compensated resistance of the cables which 15/05/12 15:34:26

will be subtracted from all subsequent continuity

measures is shown next to “Rcal” and the message

“Calibration OK” appears on the display.

RPE max :

7. To delete the value of compensated resistance, carry out a R c a l

:

1.0 0.02

new compensation procedure with a resistance higher than

5 such as, for example, with open leads. The value in R p e Rcal is zeroed on the display.

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Calibration OK

Selection

LOW

EN – 74

PVCHECKs

6.5.3. Measuring continuity

1. Position the cursor onto LOW by using the arrow keys 15/05/12 15:34:26

(,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the

screen to the side.

RPE max :

2. Press the ENTER key, activate “Settings” and possibly

change the desired parameters (see § 5.3.1). The R c a l

:

1.0 —

following parameters are shown on the display:

RPE max maximum threshold for continuity R p e

measurement, which can be selected in a range 1 ÷

5 in steps of 1

Itest

Rcal the value of resistance of the measuring

cables after calibrating them

Rpe the result of continuity measurement

Itest real test current

= — = – – – mA

Selection

LOW

3. Press the ENTER key, activate “Cable calibration” (see § 6.5.2) to carry out the initial calibration of the measuring cables.
4. Connect the instrument to the PV module/string being tested and to the main earth node of the system as shown in Fig. 14
CAPTION:
E: Green cable C: Blue cable

1. PV module/string 2. Main system earthing 3. Earthed metal structure in the
system

Fig. 14: Connection for continuity measurement on structures of the PV installation
CAUTION
EN – 75

PVCHECKs
Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

5. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error 15/05/12 15:34:26

conditions occur, the instrument displays the message

“Measuring…” as shown in the screen to the side.

RPE max :

1.0

Rcal

: —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Measuring…

Selection

LOW

6. At the end of measurement, the instrument provides the 15/05/12 15:34:26

value of resistance of the object being tested. If the result

is lower than the maximum limit set, the instrument
Rpe max :
displays the message “Outcome:OK”; otherwise, it

displays the message “Outcome:NO” as shown in the R c a l

:

1.0 —

screen to the side.

7. Press the SAVE key to store the test result in the R p e instrument’s memory (see § 7.2) or the ESC/MENU key

= 0.23

to exit the screen without saving and go back to the main

measuring screen.

Itest

= 210 mA

Outcome: OK

EN – 76

PVCHECKs

Selection

LOW

6.5.3.1. Anomalous situations

1. In case the instrument detects a voltage higher than 5V at 15/05/12 15:34:26

its terminals E and C, it does not carry out the test, gives

out a long sound and displays the message “Voltage >

Lim”.

RPE max :

Rcal

:

1 —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Voltage > Lim

Selection

LOW

2. In case the instrument detects that the calibrated 15/05/12 15:34:26

resistance is higher that the measured resistance, the

instrument gives out a long sound and displays the
RPE max :
message: “Calibration not OK”

Rcal

:

1 —

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

EN – 77

PVCHECKs

Calibration not OK

Selection

LOW

3. In case the instrument detects a resistance higher than 15/05/12 15:34:26

5 at its terminals, it gives out a long sound, zeroes the

compensated value and displays the message RPE max : “Calibration reset”.

Rcal

:

1 0.00

Rpe

= —

Itest

= – – – mA

Calibration reset

Selection

LOW

EN – 78

6.6. LIST OF DISPLAY MESSAGES

PVCHECKs

MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION

Function not available

The selected function/characteristic is not available

Data not saved

The instrument was not able to save the data

Wrong date

Set a correct system date

RADIO transmission error

The instrument does not communicate via RF with external units

SOLAR-02: Firmware incorrect

Inconsistent SOLAR-02 FW. Update firmware.

Firmware incorrect

Unsuitable instrument FW. Update firmware.

Error 4: contact service

Internal instrument error

Database full

The number of modules added to the internal DB is > 30

Module already added

The name of the module has already been added to the DB

Memory full

Instrument memory full upon pressing the GO key

Error: Vmpp >= Voc

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Impp >= Isc

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Vmpp * Impp >= Pmax

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Alpha too high

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Beta too high

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Gamma too high

Check module settings inside DB

Error: Toll too high

Check module settings inside DB

Wait data analysis

Download data from SOLAR-02 and wait for the result of PV efficiency test

Download error

Contact service department

Error while saving

Problems with the access to memory area

Remote unit undetected

The instrument does not detect any remote unit SOLAR-02

Unable to perform analysis Problems with the data downloaded from SOLAR-02. Check settings.

Data unavailable

Generic error. Repeat the test.

Negative voltage

Check the polarity of the instrument’s input terminals

Low voltage

Check the voltage between input terminals P and N

Vin > 1000

Voltage between input terminals > 1000V

Wrong no. of modules. Continue?

Set no. of modules inconsistent with measured Voc

Ref. cell temp. exceeding limits

Temperature measured by reference cell too high

Cell temp. undetected (ENTER/ ESC)

Measurement not carried out on module cell

Low battery

Low battery charge. Insert new batteries.

Please wait for cooling…

Instrument overheated. Wait before resuming the test.

Irradiance too low

Irradiance value lower than the minimum threshold set

NTC Error

Internal NTC efficiency jeopardized. Contact service department

EN – 79

PVCHECKs

Isc current too high

Measured Isc current > 15A

Current < Lim

Current between P and N lower than the minimum detectable value

EEPROM error: contact service

Internal instrument error

FRAM error: contact service

Internal instrument error

RTC Error: contact service

Internal instrument error

RADIO error: contact service

Internal instrument error

FLASH error: contact service

Internal instrument error

IO EXP error: contact service

Internal instrument error

Voltage > limit

Voltage between terminals E and C > 10V

Label already assigned

Change the numeric reference of the marker associated with the measure

Isc current < Lim

Isc current lower than the minimum detectable value. Contact service department

CAUTION: internal short-circuit

Contact service department

CAUTION: blown fuse

Contact service department

Reset calibration. Press ENTER.

Resistance value of input cables > 2

Calibration not OK

Calibrated resistance value > measured resistance

Error: Isc offset measurement

Internal instrument error

Rcal > measured R

Calibrated resistance value > measured resistance

CAUTION: AC voltage at P-N terminals

Presence of AC input voltage

Wait for condenser discharge

Wait for discharge of tested object after insulation

EN – 80

PVCHECKs
7. STORING DATA
The instrument allows saving max 999 measured values. The saved data can be recalled at display and deleted at any moment, and can be associated to reference numerical markers relevant to the installation name, the PV string and the PV module (max 250 markers).
EN – 81

PVCHECKs

7.1. SAVING EFFICIENCY MEASURES

1. Press the SAVE key with a measured result shown on 15/05/12 15:34:26

display. The instrument shows the screen to the si

containing a virtual keyboard.

Use

the

arrow

keys

(,)

and

(

,

)

to

add

a

Irr
sh

description (max 13 chars) relevant to the test performeP n o m

712 3.500

3. Press the SAVE key again to confirm data saving or ESTCc

45

MENU to exit without saving.

Te

30

W/m2 kW °C °C

Pdc

3.125

kW

KEYBOARD

PV PLANT

A BCD E FGH I J K LMNOP

Q R S T U VW X Y Z – + 0 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 SPACE

DEL

SAVE/ESC

7.2. SAVING IVCK, M AND LOW MEASURED RESULTS

EN – 82

PVCHECKs

1. Press the SAVE key with a measured result shown o 15/05/12 15:34:26

display. The instrument shows the screen to the M E A S U R

containing the following items:

E

:

The first memory location available (“MEASURE”) A r e a

:

The 1st marker level (ex: Area) The 2nd marker level (ex: Field)

Field

:

The 3rd marker level (ex: Inverter)

Inverter :

The field “Comment” in which the operator can incl a short description (max 13 char) for the system. C o m m e n t :

004 0 0 1
001 001

M o d i f i c a t i o n SAVE

2. Each marker level can be assigned to different labeInverter

labels are built-in and 5 labels can be customized). SeArea the desired marker level using the arrow keys ( ,

press the ENTER key to get available strings.

Building

Select one of the items available (,) and confirm with ENTER.

using

the

arrow

Field

Plant

Comment :

004 0 0 2
001 001

M o d i f i c a t i o n SAVE

4. Before performing a test, by mean Topview PC softwSolar Power

it’s possible to add custom strings into the list of maPVPlant level strings. In this case, the new values ma factory

selected as an alternative to the buil-in ones, as showH

T

the screen to the side.

instruments

HT ITALIA

EN – 83

004 0 0 2
001

PV installation Inverter Area Building Field Plant

PVCHECKs
001

M o d i f i c a t i o n SAVE

CAUTION
· Marker strings can be uploaded into the instrument by mean of the TopView software through a PC connection (“Marker manager”).
· It is possible to add up to 5 custom strings for each marker, further to the 5 provided as default values.
· Deletion of custom strings can only occur through the TopView software. (The buil-in strings cannot be eliminated.)

5. Use the arrow keys (,) and ( , ) with the virtu 15/05/12 15:34:26

keyboard to add a short description (max 13 chars) in thM E A S U R E :

“Comment” field. Press ENTER to digit any character H T I TA L I A :

the desired name.

StringT

:

004 0 0 2
001

Module1 :

001

Comment :

TA S T I E R A

T E S T I M P. H T

A B CD E FG H I J K LMNOP

Q R S T U VW X Y Z – + 0 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 SPACE

DEL

SAVE/ESC

6. Press the SAVE key again to confirm data saving or ESC/MENU to exit without saving.

EN – 84

7.3. OPERATIONS WITH RESULTS 7.3.1. Recalling on the display the PV efficiency results

PVCHECKs

EN – 85

PVCHECKs

1. Press the ESC/MENU key to go back to the main menu 15/05/12 15:34:26

select “MEM” and confirm with ENTER to access theMEM section where saved values are displayed. The screen to the side is shown by the instrument and contains the001

TYPE SMP 08/04/2012

saved tests.

002

REC 13/05/2012

2. Using the arrow keys (,) and the arrow key , select003 “Recall”, then “Efficiency” and confirm with ENTER to

*REC 14/05/2012

display the results of test only.

3. Using the arrow key it is possible to display the E f f i c i e n c y

following labels:

Re IVCK,M, LOW

TYPE indicates the type of data saved: “REC” for ac

check with a precise final result YES/NO, “*REC” whenO p e n

the instrument does not have temperature values recorded by

the irradiance SOLAR-02 and

“IaSnTdDe

l

e

t

e

for saving the instant conditions on the display.

Selection

MEM – EFF

DATE indicates the date and time in which the

datum has been saved in the instrument.

DESCRIPTION indicates the description provided by

the user when saving the datum.

4. Select the type of “SMP” datum, the item “Open” and

confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the following

screen

5. Select the type of “REC” datum, the item “Open” and15/05/12 15:35:00

confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the screen

containing the final results.

Irr

6. Selecting the “*REC” datum type, the item “View” and

confirming with ENTER, the message “Unable toP n o m

712 3.500

perform analysis” is displayed due to the irradiance Tc

45

temperature values recorded by SOLAR-02 missing Te

30

The partial values of this measurement are onlyP d c

visible after downloading the data onto the PC (see §

8. using TopView.

Vdc

Idc

3.125 389 8.01

ndc

0.88

W/m2 kW °C °C kW V A

Analysis Results

Selection

EFF

7.3.2. Recalling on the display the results of IVCK, M and LOW measurements EN – 86

PVCHECKs

1. Press the ESC/MENU key to go back to the main menu 15/05/12 15:34:26

select “MEM” and confirm with ENTER to access theMEM DATE

TYPE

section where saved values are displayed. The screen to

the side is shown by the instrument and contains the001 08/04/2012 10:38 LOW

saved tests.

002 13/04/2012 12:15 M

2. Using the arrow keys (,) and the arrow key , select003 15/05/12 12:20 IVCK

“Recall”, then “IVCK” and confirm with ENTER to display

the results of the I-V curve only.

3. The field “DATE” indicates the date/time in which the

Efficiency

result of measurement has been saved, the field “TYPE”R e c I V C K , M , L O W

indicates the type of test carried out (LOW, M, IVCK).
Open

Delete

Selection

MEM- IVCK

4. Use the arrow key to go to the “Comments” label

15/06/12 15:34:26

5. The instrument will display the comment inserted by theMEM

operator during the saving procedure (see § 7.2) as

regards the system.

001

Comments PV PLANT 1

6. The symbol “” next to the measurement number indicates002

PV PLANT 2

that the instrument has performed the tests with recording

of irradiance and temperature values through the remote

unit, but these values have not been transferred or are no

available. For these measurements, the values

translated to STC will not be available. Press ESC/MENU to exit the screen and

go

back

to

theSelection

MEM- IVCK

main menu.

EN – 87

7.3.2.1. Accessing the data saved in the memory ­ Numeric display

PVCHECKs

EN – 88

PVCHECKs

1. Select a line corresponding to a saved result and pre15/05/12 15:34:26

ENTER.

MEM

2. Select “Open” and press ENTER to open the sect

where measurement results are displayed as:

001

Comments PV PLANT 1

Numeric screens of measured parameters un 002*

PV PLANT 2

standard (STC) conditions and under opera

(OPC) conditions for IVCK tests

Numeric screens of measured parameters w measuring insulation (M) and continuity (LOW). O p e n

Re c a l l
Delete

Selection

MEM-IVCK

3. For IVCK test, there are the values of the followi 15/05/12 15:34:26

parameters: The module being used

Module:

SUNPWR210

The value of irradiance

Irr

The value of temperature of the module

903

W/ m2

The average values of Voc and Isc under OPCTc ( A U T O )

57 °C

conditions

VocAvg@OP

The values of Voc and Isc measured under OPCC

– – -V

conditions

IscAvg@OPC

The values of Voc and Isc calculated under STC and

the relevant partial results obtained by comparisoVno c @ O P C

– – -A 647V

with the nominal values.

Isc@OPC

5.35A

Voc@STC Isc@STC

787V

O K

5.72A

O K

Outcome: OK

Selection

IVCK

4. For M test in FIELD mode there are the values of 15/05/12 15:34:26

following parameters:

Set rated test voltage

Minimum threshold set on insulation measurementI n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0

V

The type of mode·selected The real value of the applied test voltage

Ri min

: 1.0

M

The insulation value of positive pole Ri (+) The insulation value of positive pole Ri (-)

Mode

: Field

Vtest 1065

1064

V

EN – 89

Ri (+)

100

M

PVCHECKs

Ri (-)

100

M

Rp

72

M

Outcome: OK

Selection

M

5. For M test in TIMER mode there are the values15/05/12 15:34:26

the following parameters:

Set rated test voltage

Minimum threshold set on insulation measurementI n s . Te s t : 1 0 0 0

V

The type of selected mode The real value of the applied test voltage

Ri min

: 1.0

M

The Ri(+) minimum value of insulation resistancMeo d e of the PV module/string (or of other met

: Timer

masses) being tested, continuously measure

during the whole duration of measurement. The set measuring time

Vtest

1020 V

Ri(+)min

200 M

Test time:

10s

Oucome: OK

Selection

M

6. For M test in STRING mode there are the values of the 15/05/12 15:34:26

following parameters:

Set rated test voltage Minimum threshold set on insulation measurement The type of mode selected

I n s . Te s t Ri min

: 1000 : 1.0

V
M

The real value of the applied test voltage

Mode

: String

The Rp final value of the measurement obtained by

the parallel of Ri(+) e Ri(-) values which is V t e s t compared with the Ri min limit by the instrument

1020 V

EN – 90

PVCHECKs

Rp

200 M

Outcome: OK

Selection

M

7. For LOW test, there are the values of the following 15/05/12 15:34:26

parameters:

Limit threshold set for continuity measurement Value of calibration resistance of test cables The value of resistance of the object being tested

RPE max :

Rcal

:

1.0 —

The real value of the applied test current

Rpe

= 0.99

Itest

= 212. mA

Outcome: OK

Selection

LOW

7.3.3. Deleting data from the memory

1. Within the list of saved results, press ENTER to display 15/05/12 15:34:26

the submenus.

MEM

2. Select “Delete”, then press . The instrument allows

selecting the following items:

001

TYPE SMP 08/04/2012

Delete Last deletes the last saved test

002

REC 13/04/2012

Delete All deletes the whole memory content

3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select the desired option,

then press the ENTER key to confirm selection

4. Press ESC/MENU to exit the screen and go back to the R e c a l l main menu.
Open Delete Last

Delete Delete All

Selection

MEM EFF

EN – 91

8. CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT TO THE PC

PVCHECKs

EN – 92

PVCHECKs

CAUTION

· The connection between instrument and PC is realized by means of cable C2006.
· In order to transfer the data onto a PC it is necessary to install beforehand both the management software Topview and the drivers of cable C2006 on the PC itself.
· Before connecting, it is necessary to select the port to be used and the correct baud rate (57600 bps) on the PC. To set these parameters, launch the TopView software provided and refer to the programme’s on-line help.
· The selected port must not be engaged by other devices or applications, e.g. a mouse, a modem, etc. Close any applications running using the Microsoft Windows Task Manager function.
· The optical port emits invisible LED radiations. Do not directly observe with optical instruments. Class 1M LED apparatus according to standard IEC/EN 60825-1.
To transfer data to the PC, follow this procedure:
1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key. 2. Connect the instrument to the PC via the provided optical/USB cable C2006. 3. Press the ESC/MENU key to open the main menu. 4. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “PC” to access data transfer mode and confirm
with ENTER.
15/05/12 15:34:26

IVCK Test mod./strings

LOW PE Continuity Te s t

M I n s u l a t i o n Te s t

E F F E ff i c i e n c y Te s t

SET DB MEM PC

Settings Archive modules Recall Memory Trasf. data to PC

Press Enter to sel.

MENU

5. The instrument shows the following screen:

15/05/12 15:34:26

EN – 93

PVCHECKs
Connecting to PC
MENU
6. Use TopView controls to activate data transfer (please refer to the on- line help of the programme).
EN – 94

PVCHECKs
9. MAINTENANCE
9.1. GENERAL INFORMATION The instrument you purchased is a precision instrument. While using and storing the instrument, carefully observe the recommendations listed in this manual in order to prevent possible damage or danger during use. Do not use the instrument in environments with high humidity levels or high temperatures. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Always switch off the instrument after use. In case the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid liquid leaks that could damage the instrument’s internal circuits.
9.2. BATTERY REPLACEMENT When the low battery symbol ” ” appears on the LCD display, or if during a test the instrument shows the message “low battery”, it is necessary to replace the batteries.
CAUTION
Only expert and trained technicians should perform this operation. Before carrying out this operation, make sure you have disconnected all cables from the input terminals.
1. Switch off the instrument by pressing and holding the ON/OFF key. 2. Remove the cables from the input leads. 3. Loosen the battery compartment cover fastening screw and remove the cover. 4. Remove all the batteries from the battery compartment and replace them only with new
batteries of the same type only (see § 10.5) making sure to respect the indicated polarities. 5. Restore the battery compartment cover into place and fasten it by means of the relevant screw. 6. Do not scatter old batteries into the environment. Use the relevant containers for disposal.
9.3. CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT Use a soft and dry cloth to clean the instrument. Never use wet cloths, solvents, water, etc.
9.4. END OF LIFE
CAUTION: this symbol indicates that the appliance, its accessories and the internal batteries must be collected separately and correctly disposed of.
EN – 95

PVCHECKs

10.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
10.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR PV INSTALLATION EFFICIENCY Accuracy is indicated as [%reading + (no. of digits) * resolution] at 23°C ± 5°C, <80%HR

DC voltage Range [V] 5.0 ÷ 199.9
200.0 ÷ 999.9

Resolution [V] 0.1 0.5

Accuracy ±(1.0%rdg + 2dgt)

DC current (by means of external clamp transducer)

Range [mV]

Resolution [mV]

Accuracy

-1100 ÷ -5 5 ÷ 1100

0.1

±(0.5%rdg + 0.6mV)

The value of current is ALWAYS displayed with a positive sign: the value of current transduced in a voltage lower than 5mV is zeroed.

FS DC clamp [A] 1< FS 10
10< FS 100 100< FS 1000

Resolution [A] 0.001 0.01 0.1

Minimum read value [A] 0.05 0.5 5

DC power (Vmis > 150V) Clamp FS [A]

Range [W]

Resolution [W]

1< FS 10

0.000k ÷ 9.999k

0.001k

10< FS 100

0.00k ÷ 99.99k

0.01k

100< FS 1000

0.0k ÷ 999.9k

Vmis = voltage at which power is measured; Imis = measured current

0.1k

Irradiance (with HT304N reference cell)

Range [mV]

Resolution [mV]

1 ÷ 40.0

0.02

Accuracy ±(1.5%rdg + 3dgt)
(Imis < 10%FS) ±(1.5%rdg)
(Imis 10%FS)
Accuracy ±(1.0%rdg + 0.1mV)

Temperature (with probe type PT300N)

Range [°C]

Resolution [°C]

-20.0 ÷ 100.0

0.1

Accuracy ±(1.0%rdg + 1°C)

EN – 96

PVCHECKs

10.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE IVCK FUNCTION DC Voltage @ OPC

Range [V]

Resolution [V]

Accuracy

5.0 ÷ 199.9
200 ÷ 999
Minimum VPN voltage to start the test: 15V
DC Current @ OPC Range [A]

0.1 0.5
Resolution [A]

±(1.0%rdg + 2dgt) Accuracy

0.10 ÷ 15.00

0.01

±(1.0%rdg + 2dgt)

DC Voltage @ STC Range [V] 5.0 ÷ 199.9 200 ÷ 999

Resolution [V] 0.1 1

Accuracy ±(4.0%rdg + 2dgt)

DC Current @ STC Range [A] 0.10 ÷ 15.00

Resolution [A] 0.01

Accuracy ±(4.0%rdg + 2dgt)

Irradiance (with HT304N reference cell)

Range [mV]

Resolution [mV]

1 ÷ 40.0

0.02

Accuracy ±(1.0%rdg + 0.1mV)

Temperature (with probe type PT300N)

Range [°C]

Resolution [°C]

-20.0 ÷ 100.0

0.1

Accuracy ±(1.0%rdg + 1°C)

10.3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY Continuity of protective conductors (LOW)

Range []

Resolution []

Accuracy

0.00 ÷ 1.99

0.01

2.0 ÷ 19.9

0.1

±(2.0%rdg + 2dgt)

20 ÷ 199

1

Test current >200mA DC up to 5 (cables included), resolution 1mA, accuracy ±(5.0%reading + 5digits) Open-circuit voltage 4 < V0 < 10V

Insulation resistance (M) ­ Mode TIMER

Test voltage [V]

Range [M] Resolution [M]

Accuracy

0.01 ÷ 1.99

0.01

250, 500, 1000

2.0 ÷ 19.9

0.1

±(5.0%rdg + 5dgt)

Open voltage Short circuit current Generated voltage

20 ÷ 199

1

<1.25 x nominal test voltage < 15mA (peak) for each test voltage resolution 1V, accuracy ±(5.0%reading + 5digits) @ Rmis> 0.5% FS

EN – 97

PVCHECKs

Rated current measured

1mA with 1k @ Vnom

Insulation resistance (M) ­ Mode FIELD (*), STRING (**)

Test voltage [V]

Range [M] Resolution [M]

Accuracy (***)

0.1 ÷ 1.9

0.1

250, 500, 1000

2 ÷ 99

1

±(20.0%rdg + 5dgt)

(*) For FIELD mode

if VPN >1V the minimum voltage VEP and VEN for the calculation of Ri(+) and Ri(-) is 1V

(**) For STRING mode

minimum VPN voltage to start the test: 15V

Open voltage

<1.25 x nominal test voltage

Short circuit current

< 15mA (peak) for each test voltage

Generated voltage

resolution 1V, accuracy ±(5.0%reading + 5digits) @ Rmis> 0.5% FS

Rated current measured (***) For FIELD mode:

1mA with 1k @ Vnom
{ } max R+ , R- 100 { } min R+ , R-
add 5 dgts to the accuracy if

10.4. REFERENCE STANDARDS

10.4.1. General

Instrument safety:

IEC/EN61010-1

EMC:

IEC/EN61326-1

Safety of measuring accessories:

IEC/EN61010-031

Measurements:

IEC/EN62446 (IVCK, LOW, M)

Insulation:

double insulation

Pollution level:

2

Measurement category:

CAT III 300V to earth

Max 1000V between inputs P, N, E, C

10.5. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Display and memory

Type of display:

LCD custom, 128×128 pxl, with backlighting

Saved data:

max 999

PC interface:

optical / USB

Characteristics of radio module
Frequency range: 2.4835GHz R&TTE category: Max transmission power: Max RF connection distance: PV system efficiency Integration Period: Memory of SOLAR-02:
Power supply Battery type: Low battery indication: Battery life: Automatic power off:
Mechanical characteristics Dimensions (L x W x H): Weight (batteries included): Mechanical protection:

2.400 ÷
Class 1 30µW 1m
5,10,30,60,120,300,600,900,1800,3600s approx. 1.5 hours (@ PI = 5s) approx. 8 days (@ PI = 600s)
6×1.5V alkaline type AA LR06 MN1500 the display shows symbol ” ” approx 120 hours (PV efficiency) after 5 minutes
235 x 165 x 75mm (9 x 6 x 3in) 1.2kg (2.5lv) IP40
EN – 98

PVCHECKs

10.6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR USE

Reference temperature:

23°C ± 5°C (73° ± 41°F)

Operating temperature:

0°C ÷ 40°C (32 ÷ 104°F)

Allowable relative humidity:

<80%RH

Storage temperature:

-10°C ÷ 60°C (14 ÷ 140°F)

Storage humidity:

<80%RH

Max operating altitude:

2000m

This instrument satisfies the requirements of Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU (LVD) and of EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
This instrument satisfies the requirements of 2011/65/EU (RoHS) directive and 2012/19/EU (WEEE) directive

10.7. ACCESSORIES See the attached packing list

EN – 99

PVCHECKs

11.APPENDIX ­ THEORETICAL OUTLINE
11.1. EFFICIENCY TEST ON PV INSTALLATIONS According to the requirements of the laws in force, DC efficiency test on a PV installation depends on the type of correction used to compensate the effects of the module’s temperature and on the mathematical relationship used to calculate the nDC parameter (see § 5.2.3).

Cor r.

Tcel value

Tm Tcel = Measured module

od

temp. value

Tcel = Calculated module

Ten

temp. value

v Tcel = Tamb + (NOCT – 20)× Gp

800

Mathematical relationship for nDC calculation

Rfv2

=

11-

(Tcel

–

×

100

(se Tcel 40°C) (se Tcel > 40°C)

hence

nDC =

Pdc

Rfv2

×

Gp GSTC

×

Pn

Standard Result

Italian guideline
CEI 82-25

OK/NO

nD Tcel = Measured module temp.

C

value

( ) nDC

=

GSTC Gp

×

1 +

100

×

Tcel

–

25

×

Pdc Pn

– – –

– – –

where:
Symb ol

Description

G p Irradiance measured on PV module surface

Measuri ng unit
[W/m2 ]

G STC

Standard Irradiance = 1000

[W/m2 ] [ ] P Rated Power = sum of all Pmax values of the section of the PV plant being kW n measured

Pdc DC power measured at the PV generator’s output

[kW ]

Rfv2 Correction factor depending on the Temperature of PV Cells (Tcel) measured or
calculated according to the type of selected correction relationship

[ ] Absolute value of the thermal coefficient of Pmax of the PV modules included in the
plant section being measured.

%/°C

[ ] NOCT

(Normal Operating Cell Temperature) = Temperature the cells under reference conditions are brought to (800W/m2, 20°C, AM=1.5, air speed =1m/s).

%/°C

The previous relationships are valid if Irradiance > Min Irradiance (see the User Manual of the MASTER instrument) and the irradiance values are “steady”, i.e. for each sample taken, with IP 1min, the difference between the maximum and minimum irradiance values measured must be < 20W/m2
The final OUTCOME can be:

EN – 100

PVCHECKs Non-displayable: if the obtained values are inconsistent (e.g. nDC

1.15) or if
irradiation has never reached a steady value > minimum threshold set. The maximum performance of the system
EN – 101

PVCHECKs
12.SERVICE
12.1. WARRANTY CONDITIONS This instrument is warranted against any material or manufacturing defect, in compliance with the general sales conditions. During the warranty period, defective parts may be replaced. However, the manufacturer reserves the right to repair or replace the product. Should the instrument be returned to the After-sales Service or to a Dealer, transport will be at the Customer’s charge. However, shipment will be agreed in advance. A report will always be enclosed to a shipment, stating the reasons for the product’s return. Only use original packaging for shipment; any damage due to the use of non-original packaging material will be charged to the Customer. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for injury to people or damage to property.
The warranty shall not apply in the following cases:
· Repair and/or replacement of accessories and battery (not covered by warranty). · Repairs that may become necessary as a consequence of an incorrect use of the
instrument or due to its use together with non-compatible appliances. · Repairs that may become necessary as a consequence of improper packaging. · Repairs which may become necessary as a consequence of interventions performed
by unauthorized personnel. · Modifications to the instrument performed without the manufacturer’s explicit
authorization. · Use not provided for in the instrument’s specifications or in the instruction manual.
The content of this manual cannot be reproduced in any form without the manufacturer’s authorization.
Our products are patented and our trademarks are registered. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in the specifications and prices if this is due to improvements in technology
12.2. SERVICE If the instrument does not operate properly, before contacting the After-sales Service, please check the conditions of battery and cables and replace them, if necessary. Should the instrument still operate improperly, check that the product is operated according to the instructions given in this manual. Should the instrument be returned to the After-sales Service or to a Dealer, transport will be at the Customer’s charge. However, shipment will be agreed in advance. A report will always be enclosed to a shipment, stating the reasons for the product’s return. Only use original packaging for shipment; any damage due to the use of non-original packaging material will be charged to the Customer.
EN – 102

PVCHECKs EN – 1

PVCHECKs EN – 2

Y A M U M 0 0 5 3 H

HT INSTRUMENTS SA
C/ Legalitat, 89 08024 Barcelona – ESP Tel.: +34 93 408 17 77, Fax: +34 93 408 36 30 eMail: info@htinstruments.com eMail: info@htinstruments.es
Web: www.htinstruments.es
SRL
Via della Boaria, 40 48018 Faenza (RA) – ITA
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eMail: ht@htitalia.it
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