Kipp & Zonen SOLYS 2 Instruction Manual
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Kipp & Zonen SOLYS 2 Instruction Manual

2-axis sun tracker
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SOLYS 2
2-Axis Sun Tracker
Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Kipp & Zonen SOLYS 2

  • Page 1 SOLYS 2 2-Axis Sun Tracker Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: Important User Information

    IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION Reading this entire manual is essential for full understanding of the proper use and safe operation of this product Should you have any comments on this manual we will be pleased to receive them at: Kipp & Zonen B.V. Delftechpark 36, 2628 XH, Delft, the Netherlands P.O.
  • Page 3 Throughout the manual and on the SOLYS 2 instrument symbols are used to indicate to the user important information. The meaning of the symbols located on the SOLYS 2 is as follows: Caution (refer to accompanying documents) Caution, risk of electric shock...

  • Page 4: Ec Type Declaration Of Conformity

    2600AM Delft The Netherlands Declare under our sole responsibility that the product: Type: SOLYS 2 Name: Sun tracker To which this declaration relates is in conformity with European Harmonized Standards as published in: Official Journal of the EC: Issue: C246 (05-10-2005)

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    3.3 CREATE A FIRM BASE TO MOUNT THE TRIPOD STAND with the K&Z logo pointing East......11 3.4 Mount the tracker on the tripod with the E on the mounting flange pointing East ........12 3.5 Level the SOLYS 2 using the integrated bubble level and tripod feet ............14 3.6 Connecting AC/DC Power ........................15 3.6.1...

  • Page 6: General Information

    SOLYS 2 does not suffer from internal clock drift because time is updated by the GPS receiver. A sun sensor is optional available for active tracking where the stability of the support platform cannot be guaranteed.

  • Page 7: Specifications Of The Solys 2

    SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SOLYS 2 SOLYS 2 Comments Performance Pointing accuracy < 0.1 º Meets BSRN requires requirements Torque 20 Nm Payload 20 kg Balanced Angular velocity 5 º/s Angular acceleration 3.6 º/s² 110 º zenith Rotation 540 º azimuth...
  • Page 8 Radiometer mounting kits All require a side mounting plate CHP 1 Pyrheliometer For PMOD-WRC PMO 6 absolute cavity Pyrheliometer For Middleton SP02 or SP01-L sun photometer For Eppley HF or AHF absolute cavity Pyrheliometer Table 2.1: Operating specifications of the SOLYS 2...

  • Page 9: Installation

    INSTALLATION The following sections provide information on the installation of the SOLYS 2. The installation consists of the following steps which will be explained step by step in the sub chapters: Required tools for SOLYS 2 mounting 3.1.1 Required tools for Shading Ball Assembly / sun sensor Minimum operating area / considerations Create a firm base to mount the tripod stand with the K&Z logo pointing East...

  • Page 10: Required Tools For Solys 2 Mounting

    REQUIRED TOOLS FOR SOLYS 2 MOUNTING For installation on site the following materials are supplied with the SOLYS 2 Allen Wrench key type 6 (for M8 bolts for tripod) Allen Wrench key type 3 Allen Wrench key type 2.5 Screws M8 x 20 plus M8 washers...

  • Page 11: 3.2 Minimum Operating Area / Considerations

    Keep in mind that the angle of Azimuth (horizontal) rotation changes during the year. A SOLYS 2 installed in the winter will rotate further during summer, so make sure no objects will block its movement. To prevent blocking from its movement a rotation lap is performed by the tracker at initial power up.

  • Page 12: Create A Firm Base To Mount The Tripod Stand With The K&Z Logo Pointing East

    CREATE A FIRM BASE TO MOUNT THE TRIPOD STAND WITH THE KIPP & ZONEN LOGO POINTING EAST The tripod feet have 11 mm mounting holes to fix the SOLYS 2 to a firm base. Illustration 4.4 will provide the necessary information to create a firm base.

  • Page 13: Mount The Tracker On The Tripod With The E On The Mounting Flange Pointing East

    Both the E mark on the bottom flange and the K&Z logo on the tripod must point East when the SOLYS 2 is mounted. Ideally the bolts should be in the middle of the slots when the tripod is mounted to the SOLYS 2.
  • Page 14 When different mounting bolts are used they must not protrude through the bottom flange Tip: When installed an initial Azimuth orientation due East with the help of a compass will do. When the SOLYS 2 is powered later on, exact positioning can be performed, when sun is available.

  • Page 15: Level The Solys 2 Using The Integrated Bubble Level And Tripod Feet

    Prior to activating the SOLYS 2, it must be levelled on its mounting surface. To help accomplish this task, the SOLYS 2 is equipped with a high accuracy bubble on top of the housing. Adjust the levelling feet on the tripod stand to move the bubble into the centre of the level. The levelling feet can be easily adjusted using a 13 mm wrench.

  • Page 16: Connecting Ac/Dc Power

    SOLYS 2 can be operated on either 115/230 VAC or 24 VDC. In case both the AC and DC supplies are present and the AC power is within its operating range (90 – 264 VAC) the SOLYS 2 will use the AC power. If the AC power fails and DC power is present the SOLYS 2 will without interruption continue on DC power.

  • Page 17: Connecting Ac/Dc Power Cable

    Therefore it’s advisable to actually apply the power while checking chapter 3.6.4 SOLYS 2 is supplied with 2 waterproof power connectors, for both AC and DC. These connectors are in accordance with safety regulations for outdoor usage. The voltage drop over the cable should not cause the supplied voltage to be out of specifications.
  • Page 18 Female connector (included) Hirschmann: CA 3 LD Cable connections: 1 = Brown (L) 6 - 9 mm 2 = Blue = Green/Yellow (Protective Earth) 9 - 12 mm Power cable for outdoor use (not included) Outer diameter: 6 - 12 mm No.
  • Page 19 Male connector (included) Hirschmann: CA 3 LS Cable connections: 6 - 9 mm 1 = Red (+ 24 VDC) 2 = Black (24 VDC GND) 9 - 12 mm = Green/Yellow (Protective Earth) Power cable for outdoor use (not included) Outer diameter: 6 - 12 mm No.

  • Page 20: Environmental Conditions

    After the sun cycle, the SOLYS 2 will start its energy savings program and put itself to sleep mode. During this sleep mode the power consumption is 13W. 20 minutes before the sun rises, the SOLYS 2 will wake up, go to its home position and starts its active tracking mode with full power consumption.

  • Page 21: Enabling Power / Led Status

    The Power / Temperature LED shows if input power is present (AC or DC) and the colour indicates the internal temperature of the SOLYS 2. Green is above – 20ºC and RED is below – 20ºC. If this LED blinks it...
  • Page 22 The Status LED gives information about the tracker operation. RED indicates starting up or hardware errors; Orange shows the GPS information not present or lost. Green is the normal operating mode with GPS status. The tables below show this information including combinations and blinking of the LED’s. SOLYS 2 STATUS LED ORANGE ORANGE...

  • Page 23: Alignment Of The Solys 2

    -The M8 bolt which hold the tripod to the actually sun tracker should not be tightened (only by hand) -SOLYS 2 has to be leveled (3.5) -SOLYS 2 needs to be supplied with an power source (3.6) -The status LED has to be green to indicate it has received all GPS information. (3.6.5) -The power LED has to be green to indicate a correct temperature, fan and input voltage.

  • Page 24: Secure M8 Bolts

    SECURE M8 BOLTS After the SOLYS 2 is levelled, aligned, it’s time to fix the tripod feet to its firm base. Please perform a re-check of the levelling and alignment after the tripod feet is attached to its base. Tip: After the SOLYS 2 is levelled and properly secured recheck all radiometers for proper alignment and levelling.

  • Page 25: Accessory Installation

    Use the alignment target to position the side mounting plate to the sun. This requires that the • SOLYS 2 is running and a clear sun is present, or allign the second shading arm with the first one. (as described under Shading Ball Assembly) Tighten the two M6 screws inside the Side mounting Plate to securely clamp it to the shaft.

  • Page 26: 4.2 Side Mounting Plate + Pmod-Wrc Pmo6 Absolute Cavity Pyrheliometer

    4.2 SIDE MOUNTING PLATE + PMOD-WRC PMO6 ABSOLUTE CAVITY PYRHELIOMETER Figure 4.20: Installation of PMOD-WRC PMO6 Absolute cavity Pyrheliometer on side mounting plate. Important: The SOLYS2 has only one side mounting plate present as default. When ordering a PMO6 mounting kit, please check if you need an additional side mounting plate!

  • Page 27: Side Mounting Plate + Middleton Spo2 Sun Photometer

    SIDE MOUNTING PLATE + MIDDLETON SPO2 SUN PHOTOMETER Figure 4.21 Installation of Middleton SPO2 sun photometer adapter on side mounting plate Important: The SOLYS2 has only one side mounting plate present as default. When ordering a SPO2 mounting kit, please check if you need an additional side mounting plate!

  • Page 28: Side Mounting Plate + Eppley (A)Hf Absolute Cavity Pyrheliometer

    SIDE MOUNTING PLATE + EPPLEY (A)HF ABSOLUTE CAVITY PYRHELIOMETER Figure 4.22: Installation of Eppley (A)HF absolute cavity Pyrheliometer on side mounting plate Important: The SOLYS2 has only one side mounting plate present as default. When ordering a HF/AHF mounting kit, please check if you need an additional side mounting plate!

  • Page 29: Attaching Pyrheliometer

    ATTACHING PYRHELIOMETER Figure 4.17 shows how to install Kipp & Zonen Pyrheliometers on the Side Mounting Plate. Figure 4.17: Pyrheliometer Installation Diagram Important: Recheck the alignment using the two alignment target holes on the CHP 1 pyrheliometer Chapter 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 have detailed information how to connect a Pyrheliometer from Eppley, WRC or Middleton.

  • Page 30: Mounting Sun Sensor

    MOUNTING SUN SENSOR The optional Sun Sensor accessory consists of a four quadrant photo diode sensor fitted within a weather resistant enclosure with SOLYS 2 mounting hardware. The installation of the Sun Sensor is as follows: Figure 4.23: Preparing the mounting bracket for Sun Sensor mounting...
  • Page 31 Figure 4.24: Mounting the Sun Sensor.
  • Page 32 Figure 4.25: Adjustment of Sun Sensor Important: The indicated distance of 21 mm between the plates is for an uncompressed spring length of 19 mm. For older models this distance is 23 mm when the uncompressed spring length is 25...

  • Page 33: Alignment Of Sun Sensor

    Every time wait 10 seconds for the SOLYS 2 to update its position according to the new sun sensor angle. Adjust all three sun sensor screws until the alignment target is exactly positioned at the sun.

  • Page 34: Shading Ball Assembly

    Listed below is a recommended sequence of assembly: Install the Lower Pivot Bar on the underside of the SOLYS 2 with the designated screws, see figure 4.7 Figure 4.7:...
  • Page 35 Attach both the Shading Drive Arms with the designated screws. Ensure the counter weights are • facing down. Do not completely tighten the screws yet, some movement for installing the T-bar is required, see figure 4.8 Install the T-Bar (without ball rods). Install the plastic shoulder washers onto the threaded studs of •...
  • Page 36 Install the the Shading support Arm to the T-Bar and Shading Pivot Bar hole with the nylon washers • and locking nut shown in figure 4.9 and 4.10 Only tighten the locking nut to minimize clearances, ensure free rotational movement. Figure 4.9: Mounting of shading support arm top part...
  • Page 37 Important: To verify that the Shading Assembly will not interfere with any obstructions, move the shading ball assembly down and rotate the SOLYS 2 by hand over its entire mechanical range. (With power off) In a later firmware version a rotation lap is added in the firmware that will check this for you automatically after powering-up the SOLYS 2.

  • Page 38: Top Mounting Plate Assembly

    TOP MOUNTING PLATE ASSEMBLY Figure 4.11 indicates how to mount the top mounting plate. Figure 4.11 Mounting the Top Mounting Plate...

  • Page 39: Mounting Kipp Radiometers Without Ventilation Unit

    MOUNTING KIPP RADIOMETERS WITHOUT VENTILATION UNIT Figure 4.15 indicates the mounting holes in detail for mounting up to three Kipp radiometers Figure 4.15: Kipp & Zonen radiometers mounting holes without Ventilation unit (CVF 3) Figure 4.19 Kipp & Zonen Pyranometer Installation Diagram.

  • Page 40: Mounting Kipp Radiometers With Ventilation Unit

    4.10 MOUNTING KIPP & ZONEN RADIOMETERS WITH VENTILATION UNIT Figure 4.13 indicates the mounting holes in detail for mounting up to three Kipp ventilation units. Figure 4.13: Kipp & Zonen radiometers mounting holes with Ventilation unit (CVF 3) Figure 4.18: Kipp &...

  • Page 41: Mounting Eppley Radiometers With Or Without Ventilation Unit

    4.11 MOUNTING EPPLEY RADIOMETERS WITH OR WITHOUT VENTILATION UNIT The next two illustrations will indicate the mounting holes required to mount an Eppley radiometer to the Top mounting plate: Figure 4.26 Mounting of ventilated Eppley instruments on the Top mounting Plate Figure 4.27 Mounting of Eppley radiometers on the Top Mounting Plate...

  • Page 42: Shading Ball Rods Assembly

    4.12 SHADING BALL RODS ASSEMBLY The position of the shading balls depends on the type (height) of the sensor. Below in figure 4.16 and 4.14 two different positions are described for the CMP / CGR radiometers with and without ventilation unit. Be sure to use the right position in your situation. Figure 4.16: Shading Ball Rods for Kipp &...
  • Page 43 Top Mounting Plate. Important: Check that all unused connectors on the bottom of the SOLYS 2 have their caps installed during normal operation. The Ethernet connection has a loose gray cap. Both power connections and the sun sensor have attached caps that should be closed when not in use.

  • Page 44: Extra Accessories

    EXTRA ACCESSORIES Kipp & Zonen always anticipates in what the market needs. Here some additional accessories that need less explanation, but can ordered for your specific needs. TILTED PYRANOMETER MOUNTING KIT TARGETING THE PV MARKET Figure 5.1: Tilted Pyranometer mounting kit...

  • Page 45: Small Top Mounting Plate For Installing A Single Kipp & Zonen Radiometer

    SMALL TOP MOUNTING PLATE FOR INSTALLING A SINGLE KIPP & ZONEN RADIOMETER. Figure 5.2: Small top mounting plate...

  • Page 46: Ethernet Communication

    Figure 3.3: Ethernet connector on the SOLYS 2 Please note that only the lower part of this connector needs to be unscrewed when removing the connector again. When turning on the upper part you can damage the Ethernet connector inside the Solys 2.
  • Page 47 The SOLYS2 can be connected to you PC directly or via a LAN. Choose one of these methods. Direct connection: connect the SOLYS2 to the PC with an Ethernet UTP cross-cable. Alternatively a switch may be used to connect both, using 2 straight Ethernet UTP cables. LAN connection: connect the SOLYS2 and the PC to the LAN using straight UTP cables.
  • Page 48 Click SOLYS2<serial> in the Bonjour window and enter username user and password solys upon request. Note that in case of a direct connection, Windows needs a few minutes to assign itself an Automatic Private IP Address. If it does not, verify that Automatic Private IP Address of the TCP/IP properties of the PC’s network connection is enabled.
  • Page 49 The SOLYS 2 communication screen will look like this: In case of problems with the SOLYS 2 please download the following four LOG files and send them to Kipp & Zonen. From the SOLYS2 User Interface: Select Logging, and then select Log Files Archive. Save the file to the PC.

  • Page 50: External Commands

    To retrieve the time at which the most recent session (reset) began. -Checkout time (CH) With this function you can actually set the SOLYS 2 in sleep mode (and home position) for a desired period. -Clear (CL) Instantly stops all motors.
  • Page 51 To retrieve or set the scaling factor for each sun sensor quadrant along with the nominal scaling of the sensor -Serial Number (SE) To retrieve the serial number of the SOLYS 2 -Sun Intensity (SI) Retrieves the current sun intensity -Sun speed (SP) To retrieve or set the current sun speed.

  • Page 52: Interfacing With Thrid Party Applications

    To retrieve or set the range for the instrument. (Azimuth and zenith) INTERFACING WITH THRID PARTY APPLICATIONS Creating script is possible to retrieve data from the SOLYS 2 via the Ethernet port TCP/IP 15000. The SOLYS2 sun tracking application has its communication interface on TCP port 15000. Note that it can only handle one connection at a time on this port.
  • Page 53 void AddCheckSum( unsigned char command[] ) unsigned char checkSum = 0; unsigned char end = 0; /* calculate sum so far */ while ( command[ end ] ) checkSum += command[ end ]; end++; /* separate check bytes by a space */ checkSum += command[ end ] = ' ';...

  • Page 54: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE The SOLYS 2 itself does not need any maintenance. The following things can be checked on visiting intervals: Periodically check the condition of all cables and connectors. Check drying cartridges for mounted radiometers. Check if bubble level still within range.

  • Page 55: Solving Problems

    Power is supplied to the unit. Power / Temperature LED should be on and green. In case the power LED is red and running on AC power, it can take up to 30 minutes before the SOLYS 2 interior is above – 20ºC In case power LED is red and running on DC power, the SOLYS will only start when environmental temperature gets above -20ºC.

  • Page 56: Faq

    -Turning should be done using minimum amount of force. How to guide the cables and what is the advised cable legth. At initial start-up, the SOLYS 2 will make a 540 degree rotation lap. This is checking if the cable length is sufficient.

  • Page 57: Software Overview

    GPL 1 Table 7.1 ALGORITHM The algorithm the SOLYS 2 is using is a free to use algorithm developed by J.J. Michalsky. (Working for N.O.A.A.) One of the inputs for this algorithm is time! Six out of ten years the time needs to be corrected due to the earth slowing down. This is what we call the “leap second”...

  • Page 58: Firmware

    FIRMWARE UPGRADE Step 1/4: Connecting PC. Chapter 6 has the appropriate information that explains how to connect a PC/laptop to the SOLYS 2. Step 2/4: Download and save the firmware update. Please download the latest firmware from the Kipp & Zonen website.
  • Page 59 “Reboot tracker to apply update” appears. Select Reboot. NOTE : Do not power off the SOLYS 2, it may render it unusable. The SOLYS 2 will install the software update package and resume normal operation in a few minutes. To check if the correct firmware is present, select miscellaneous and click on version info V1.2 initial release...

  • Page 60: Drawing Side Mounting Plate

    DRAWING SIDE MOUNTING PLATE When optional components or instruments need to be installed on the side of the SOLYS 2, an additional side mounting plate is required. The next illustration is the mechanical drawing of the side mounting plate. This information is required to create mounting materials for optional components or instruments.

  • Page 61: Drawing Large Top Mounting Plate

    DRAWING LARGE TOP MOUNTING PLATE The Shading assembly is equipped with the top mounting plate. If a top mounting plate is required without shading assembly it can be ordered separately The Part number for the top mounting plate is 0367709. It might be necessary to adjust the large top mounting plate for suiting specific instruments.

  • Page 62: 13 Height Specifications Solys 2 Including Instruments

    13 HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS SOLYS 2 INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS The next illustration is displaying the actual height of the instruments.

  • Page 63: Partnumbers Shading Assembly

    PARTNUMBERS SHADING ASSEMBLY The next illustration shows the part numbers for each of the separate components from the shading assembly in case a part is broken or damaged.   An extra rod/ball can be purchased...

  • Page 64: How To Guide The Cables

    HOW TO GUIDE THE CABLES The next illustration shows the best way to guide all your cables. It’s strongly advised to have a cable length of xx.xx m, so that the SOLYS 2 can move freely throughout the entire year.

  • Page 65: Mounting Uvs Instrument

    MOUNTING UVS INSTRUMENT The next two illustrations are showing the location of the holes inside the top mounting plate, the setup for the shadow balls and a total view for mounting the UVS instruments on top of the SOLYS 2...
  • Page 66 Our customer support remains at your disposal for any maintenance or repair, calibration, supplies and spares. Für Servicearbeiten und Kalibrierung, Verbrauchsmaterial und Ersatzteile steht Ihnen unsere Customer Support Abteilung zur Verfügung. Notre service ‘Support Clientèle’ reste à votre entière disposition pour tout problème de maintenance, réparation ou d’étalonnage ainsi que pour les accessoires et pièces de rechange.

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