PVPM1540X

The PVPM 1540X enables the measurement of the IV-curve of photovoltaic modules as well as of strings or arrays. By a patented procedure the device can measure and calculate the peak power Ppk, the Rs and Rp directly at the installation site of the PV system. Calculation results and the diagram can be displayed on the internal colour TFT-display.

The peak power is the power of a module under Standard Test Conditions (STC). So far the very complex measurement of the peak power was possible only in particularly suited laboratories. By a patented procedure, which was developed by Professor Wagner at the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund, the measurement with the PVPM can easily be performed.

The PVPM automatically measures the IV-characteristic of the generator at a capacitive load. From the measured data it calculates the effective solar cell characteristic, Ppk and Rs. The IV-characteristic can be shown directly on the bright TFT display. After the measurement the data are stored automatically in a non-volatile storage and so they are available also later (in the office) [4]. The device can store the data of several thousand measurements.

The PVPM1540X is a mobile measuring device with integrated battery supply and external battery charger in a durable and watertight plastic housing. The device has its own industrial miniature PC and a high-contrast LCD TFT display and thus its function is independent of other devices. However if desired a PC can be attached for data transfer and further analysis of the measured values over a standard USB interface.

The PVPM is operated comfortably over the touch function of the display and an on-screen menu. The functions are defined self-describing and the user is always led by the program. So no long training activities for the operating staff are necessary.

Build in a stable and waterproof (IP67) plastic case with carrying handle, automatic pressure valve and tough front panel.

Specifications:

Measuring Unit
Industrial class PC, Flash data storage 512MB (sufficient for several 1000 measurements)
No mechanically moved parts such as fixed disks, exhaust or similar
Sampling rate max. 100kHz, resolution 12Bit
Measuring accuracy for the I-V-characteristic better 1%, for the peak performance ±5%
4-wire-measurement leads avoids systematic errors in voltage measurement
Measuring period single measurement 0.02 - 2 seconds (100 pairs of measured values)
Irradiation reference sensor (Phox) with integrated Pt1000 temperature sensor
Optional additional measurement of the back surface temperature of the module under test
Other commercially available irradiance reference sensors (i.e. from ISE Fraunhofer) can be used as well

Measuring ranges of the PVPM1540X:
Voltage: 25V / 100V / 500V / 1500V
Current: 2A / 5A / 10A / 40A
Temperature: -40°C - +120°C with Pt1000
Irradiance: 0 - 1300W/m2 (Standard sensor)
Ranges for current and voltage can be combined in any order
An optimal range is selected by the device automatically.

Display
Colour TFT display, LED backlight, touchpanel, resolution 480 x 272 Pixel, sunlight capable

Operation
Menu driven with touchscreen on the front panel
Operation and evaluation alternatively by Windows software, connected via USB 2.0 standard cable

Power Supply
Li-Ion-battery 99.6Wh (continous operation ~ 8 hours)
External power supply wide range input (90-263Vac, 47-63Hz, 40W, Out 16Vdc), UL approved
Integrated battery charger with overload protection for battery
Display of battery state with LEDs at the front panel

Kit Includes

• Measuring instrument in sturdy plastic housing with carrying handle
• Battery supply, external power supply for battery charging and line operation
• 4-wire-lead (10 meters, other on request)
• Calibrated irradiation sensor (monocrystalline) and integrated temperature sensor Pt1000 with lead
• USB cable for linking an evaluation PC
• Control software for MS Windows® XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
• Printed Users Manual
• External Santon Security Switch 1500VDC, disconnects all wires between PVPM and generator
• Aluminium case for leads and sensors