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Related Manuals for DayStar DS-100c
Summary of Contents for DayStar DS-100c
- Page 1 E n e r g y E n g i n e e r i n g DS-100C I-V CURVE TRACER User Manual Daystar, Inc. 3240 Majestic Ridge Version 6.02 Las Cruces, NM 88011...
- Page 2 This I-V curve tracer was built to Daystar, Inc. specifications by: Raydec, Inc. 8210 La Mirada, Suite 700 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
DS-TRACER Operating Manual page i CONTENTS CONTENTS ..........................i WARNINGS ..........................iv NOMENCLATURE ........................v 1.0 Installation & Taking IV Curves ..................1 Basic Description ...................... 1 IVPC Installation ....................... 2 Precautions ....................... 2 Connecting Your Computer to the DS-Tracer ............3 Connecting a PV Module to the DS-Tracer .............. - Page 4 Transfer Curve Data “X” ..................36 7.0 Troubleshooting ......................... 38 Appendix A IV Curve ASCII File Format ................. 39 Appendix B DS-Tracer ERROR CODES ................40 Appendix C DS-100 USB Drivers ................... 42 Appendix D - DS-100C Technical Specifications ..............44...
- Page 5 DS-TRACER Operating Manual page iii PV Voltage Measurements ..................44 PV Current Measurements ..................44 RANGE switch settings ..................... 44 Temperature Measurement ..................44 Irradiance Measurement ................... 44 Power Supply ......................45 Load Capacitors ......................45 Approximate Size & Weight ..................45...
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Page 6: Warnings
page iv DS-TRACER Operating Manual WARNINGS THE IMPROPER USE OF THIS INSTRUMENT CAN PRESENT AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS INSTRUMENT SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS DESCRIBED IN THIS OPERATIONS MANUAL. WARNING THIS INSTRUMENT MAY PRESENT AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD WHICH CAN RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED: •... -
Page 7: Nomenclature
DS-TRACER Operating Manual page v NOMENCLATURE Amperes or Amp Hertz Current Current at peak power I sc Short-Circuit Current: The maximum current a photovoltaic cell can generate with the output terminals shorted Current-Voltage Photovoltaic Voltage High voltage range < 600 Volts HIGH Low voltage range <... -
Page 9: Installation & Taking Iv Curves
1.0 Installation & Taking IV Curves Basic Description The standard DS-100C Tracer has two user selectable current ranges (10 and 100 Amperes), three automatically selected voltage ranges (600, V, 60 V, and 6 Volts), two irradiance and two temperature measurement inputs. Unless otherwise noted, this manual refers to standard DS-100C models. -
Page 10: Ivpc Installation
There are several precautions to observe before using the DS-Tracer and IVPC to take I-V curves. • The DS-Tracer battery should be fully charged. The DS-100C has a universal power supply that works with AC line voltages from 85 V to 264 V 50/60 Hz. -
Page 11: Connecting Your Computer To The Ds-Tracer
However, all of these connections are electrically isolated from the PV inputs. Connecting Your Computer to the DS-Tracer The DS-100C IV Tracer provides two interfaces; an RS-232 and USB port. The RS-232 interface uses a standard female, 9 pin connector as shown in Figure 8. -
Page 12: Starting Ivpc
4 IVPC Installation & Quick-Start DS-100C Operating Manual With the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch still OFF, attach the test leads to your PV module. By making connections with the PV system disconnect switch off, the chance of electric shock is avoided. After connecting the test leads, close the PV system switch. -
Page 13: Taking An I-V Curve
DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Installation & Quick-Start page 5 Taking an I-V Curve Before taking a curve, the DS-Tracer should be turned on and connected to the PV system. Your computer should be connected to the DS-Tracer and running IVPC. From the File menu, shown in Figure 2, select New I-V Curve or press Ctrl-N (control and N keys at the same time). - Page 14 6 IVPC Installation & Quick-Start DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC will open a new curve window as shown in Figure 3. This window provides areas to enter curve information identifying the I-V curve. The DS-Tracer takes up to 12 seconds to initialize the tracer hardware. Typically you will enter curve data during this delay.
- Page 15 DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Installation & Quick-Start page 7 After initialization, the status message changes and the Take Curve button is enabled as shown in Figure 4. The status message indicates that a curve can be taken by using the mouse to press the Take Curve button or by pressing Alt-T.
- Page 16 8 IVPC Installation & Quick-Start DS-100C Operating Manual After pressing Take Curve, the DS-Tracer takes approximately 6 seconds to take the curve and plot the data as shown in Figure 5. You may save this data by selecting Save I-V Curve from the File menu. The curve is stored in the current directory and the Data Grid is updated.
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Page 17: If You Get An Error
DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Installation & Quick-Start page 9 You can return to the Data Grid without closing the curve window by using the Window menu shown in Figure 6. Closing the I-V curve window will also return you to the Data Grid window. -
Page 18: Displaying Saved Curves
IVPC Installation & Quick-Start DS-100C Operating Manual COM port, such as those created by USB to serial adapters or by the DS-100C USB drivers used for IVPC version 2.X and older, it is possible that this COM port number has been inadvertently changed. -
Page 19: Summary Of Steps For Taking Iv Curves
IVPC. Refer to the IVPC manual for details. You may connect one or two thermocouples directly to the DS-100C Refer to the IVPC manual for details. Open the PV array system switch to isolate the PV array under test. NEVER try to take a curve of a PV array connected to a battery or inverter. -
Page 20: Panel Layout
The DS-Tracer generates a complete current-voltage (I-V) curve that characterizes the photovoltaic system under test. Figure 8 shows the front panel layout of the DS-100C. Each of the key components is described in detail in the following section. Manufa cture d by Raydec, Inc., Albuquerque, NM... -
Page 21: Pre-Charge Fuse
DS-100C Operating Manual page C13 Pre-Charge Fuse Note: New tracer configuration do not use a pre-charge fuse. The DS-Tracer uses a pre-charge circuit to apply a negative voltage to the DS- Tracer load capacitors before taking a curve. The pre-charge fuse (if present) protects the pre-charge circuit if it is inadvertently active while the DS-Tracer load capacitors are sweeping an I-V curve. -
Page 22: Voltage Range Switch
C14 DS-100C Operating Manual connecting or disconnecting the test leads, it becomes more important at higher PV voltages. Note: the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch is not rated to break the electrical current at the full voltage and current rating of the DS-Tracer. -
Page 23: Ac Power Entry & Fuse
DS-100C Operating Manual page C15 significant and affect the accuracy of an I-V curve. Under most circumstances, the DS-Tracer can be left in the V range. However, the low voltage range HIGH will give a better curve of low voltage, high current PV systems (for example 60 Amps, 12 Volts). -
Page 24: Aux Charge Power & Fuse
DS-Tracer command codes described in section 6.0 DS-100C Additional Capabilities. Aux USB Port This port supports auxiliary DS-100C operations This port is a standard USB Type-A port. This port is NOT used to control the DS-100C IV tracer. It is meant... -
Page 25: Irradiance Inputs
Thermocouple Inputs The standard model DS-100C is configured with two Type “T” thermocouple inputs for measuring PV array module temperatures. Refer to the IVPC manual for details on making temperature measurements and Appendix C DS-100 USB Drivers for details. -
Page 26: Theory Of Operation
Irradiance and temperature data, and array identification may be added to each data set. The irradiance and temperature data are either entered by the operator using IVPC or sampled by the DS-100C. The DS-Tracer sweeps an I-V curve by switching the PV system to a bank of capacitors. - Page 27 PV system connections. Note: In an emergency situation, it is recommended that the PV system switch be opened first. The DS-100C disconnect switch is not rated to break significant current at high voltage.
- Page 28 It is left to the user to determine if there is reason for concern. Often the PV module manufacturer can provide information concerning how quickly an I-V curve can be swept on their modules. Daystar, Inc. will also provide any assistance possible.
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Page 29: Maintenance
The DS-Tracer battery may be charged in two ways–AC line power or a DC source such as a PV module. The DS-100C has a universal AC power supply and therefore will work with single phase, AC line voltages from 85 V to 264 50/60Hz. -
Page 30: Exterior Cleaning
DS-Tracer is fully charged. This occurrence does not indicate that the battery is fully charged. During charging, the front panel of the DS-100C near the irradiance connectors may get slightly warm. -
Page 31: Transportation
NOT adequate to ship the unit as freight without using a shipping container. Because of its weight, it will likely be damaged if it is dropped or tossed. Due to airline security, Daystar does not recommend attempting to carry the tracer on board a commercial airplane as carry-on baggage A shipping container with foam packing is supplied as standard equipment with all DS-100C curve tracers. -
Page 32: Pre-Charge Precautions
C24 DS-100C Operating Manual 5.0 Pre-Charge Precautions In order to compensate for voltage drops across the test leads, the DS-Tracer pre-charges the capacitive load to -25 V. When an I-V curve is taken, the PV module voltage will start at -25 V and increase to 0 V (I... -
Page 33: Ds-100C Additional Capabilities
I-V curves. The temperature and irradiance inputs are enabled using the AUTO feature of IVPC. When a curve is taken, the temperature and iradiance inputs are sampled immediately before the DS-100C takes a curve. Refer to the IVPC operating manual for details on using these inputs when taking I-V curves. -
Page 34: Multiple Current Ranges
This is possible using the following commands sent to the DS-100C through its RS-232 serial or USB control ports. The DS-100C sends a prompt character “>” when it is ready to receive a command line. Commands should only be sent to the DS-Tracer after receiving this prompt. -
Page 35: Read I & V "B
27 Read I & V “B” This command reads the DS-100C current and voltage analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and repeatedly outputs their 16 bit integer values until another command is received. Note: Any command sent to it to stop this command is ignored. -
Page 36: Pre-Curve "E
28 IVPC Software Reference DS-100C Operating Manual and voltage values are known to be true zeros. This command is typically used for calibration purposes. Format “Z,n1,n2” n1 = Voltage gain code 0,1,2, or 3. n2 = Current gain code 0,1,2, or 3. -
Page 37: Read Analog Input "R
DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Software Reference page 29 Read Analog Input “R” The read-analog command has a form for reading a specified analog input channel, a form for auto-calibrating the gain of the analog circuits, and a form for defining the averaging period for analog readings. - Page 38 30 IVPC Software Reference DS-100C Operating Manual ”n” Description Temperature #1 Temperature #2 Irradiance #1 Irradiance #2 Battery Voltage 4 V Reference 0V Reference for 5.0 V scale 0.4 V Reference 0V Reference for 0.50 V scale 40 mV Reference...
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Page 39: Pv V & I Scales Factors "S
DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Software Reference page 31 response “>” Example 3 command “R,Z,16667” Set averaging period to 1 60 Hz period. response “*” response “>” PV V & I Scales Factors “S” This command returns the floating-point conversion constant for the PV voltage and current inputs for the specified gain codes. - Page 40 32 IVPC Software Reference DS-100C Operating Manual 4 byte (32 bit) voltage constant 4 byte (32 bit) current constant response “>”...
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Page 41: Take I-V Curve "T
DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Software Reference page 33 Take I-V Curve “T” This command causes the DS-Tracer to take an I-V curve using the specified current range. The I-V curve data is accessed with the “Transfer” command “X”. Format “T,L”... -
Page 42: Get Information "G
34 IVPC Software Reference DS-100C Operating Manual response “I HI=100A” response “>” Get Information “G” This command gets various DS-Tracer information depending on the parameters used. Currently two version are define: Get Configuration “G,C” Example command “G,C” response “*”... - Page 43 DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Software Reference page 35 response “600.0123” 600V range voltage constant response “1.0” 1.0A current constant (NA) response “10.0839” 10A range current constant response “100.0529” 100A range current constant response “1000.0” 1000A current constant (NA) response “4.00183E-3”...
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Page 44: Disable Power Down "W
36 IVPC Software Reference DS-100C Operating Manual Disable Power Down “W” Normally the DS-Tracer turns itself off after 15 minutes without any activity. This command disables this feature until the DS-Tracer is reset by turning power off. Format “W”... - Page 45 DS-100C Operating Manual IVPC Software Reference page 37 Binary format. Voc; /* Curve Voc Isc; /* Curve Isc Num_Points; /* Number of data points char V_Gain; /* V gain code used */ char I_Gain; /* I gain code used */ Volts[256];...
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Page 46: Troubleshooting
page 38 Trouble Shooting DS-10/125 Operating Manual 7.0 Troubleshooting • Data is not plotted after taking an I-V curve. Proper connection has not been made to PV system (check DISCONNECT switch). • I-V curve is flat. PV short circuit current exceeds current range (check current range setting). -
Page 47: Appendix A Iv Curve Ascii File Format
DS-100C Operating Manual page A39 Appendix A IV Curve ASCII File Format Note: Each line of the “.IVA” format starts with a unique ID letter followed by a space. The ID letter and space should be used to decode this file. Line arrangements are subject to change as additional information is added to this file format. -
Page 48: Appendix Bds-Tracer Error Codes
B40 DS-100C Operating Manual Appendix B DS-Tracer ERROR CODES ERROR “I/O ERROR” RS-232 serial communications error. Baud rate, parity, number of data bits, or number of stop bits is incorrect. DS-Tracer uses 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. - Page 49 DS-100C Operating Manual page B41 ERROR “INPUT LESS THAN OR EQUAL ZERO VOLTS” The take I-V curve command cannot continue because the PV system voltage is less than or equal to 0 V. Check PV system and DS-Tracer disconnect switches. This error can also be caused by a reverse polarity on the DS-Tracer to PV system connection.
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Page 50: Appendix Cds-100 Usb Drivers
Appendix C DS-100 USB Drivers In order to use the DS-100C USB port for tracer control, the DS-100 USB drivers must be installed on the computer running IVPC. Two drivers will be installed. The primary driver will be a USB device driver labeled “DS-100 IV Tracer”. The second driver will be a virtual COM port also labeled “DS-100 Tracer”. - Page 51 DS-100C Operating Manual page C43 Note: These instructions are not specific to the DS-100C and where provided by the USB hardware manufacturer. Therefore these instructions will not refer to the DS-100 IV Tracer driver by name. When you first connect the DS-100C to your computer using the USB connection, Windows will recognize that new hardware has been connected and begin the process of installing the driver.
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Page 52: Appendix D - Ds-100C Technical Specifications
D44 DS-100C Operating Manual Appendix D - DS-100C Technical Specifications PV Voltage Measurements Gain Code = 0 Range 600 V dc. Accuracy Larger of +/- 0.5% of reading or +/- 0.28 V. Resolution 18 mV. Gain Code = 1 Range 60 V dc. - Page 53 DS-100C Operating Manual page D45 Power Supply Power 85 Vac to 264 Vac V 50/60 Hz ac. Battery 5 A-Hr sealed lead acid. (Hawker Energy Products #0809-0020) Hours of Use Up to 13 Hours on a full charge. Charge Time Less than 8 hrs.
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