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HT I-V600 User Manual

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© Copyright HT ITALIA 2023
Release EN 1.02 - 27/12/2023

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Summary of Contents for HT I-V600

  • Page 1 © Copyright HT ITALIA 2023 Release EN 1.02 - 27/12/2023...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    I-V600 TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS ............... 3 1.1. Preliminary instructions ..................... 3 1.2. During use ......................... 4 1.3. After use ..........................4 1.4. Definition OF MEASUREMENT category (overvoltage) ............ 4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................... 5 2.1. Foreword ........................... 5 2.2.
  • Page 3 I-V600 10.2. General characteristics ....................73 10.3. Environmental conditions for use ..................74 10.4. Accessories ........................74 11. APPENDIX ......................... 75 11.1. Theoretical aspects of the I-V curve measurement ............75 11.1.1. Theoretical Aspects of I-V Curve measurement ..............75 11.2.

  • Page 4: Safety Measures And Precautions

    • Do not take any measurements if you notice any abnormalities in the instrument, such as deformation, breakage, leakage of substances, no reading on the display, etc. • Only use original HT accessories The following symbols are used in this manual and on the instrument: CAUTION: follow the instructions given in this manual;...

  • Page 5: During Use

    I-V600 1.2. DURING USE Read the following recommendations and instructions carefully: CAUTION • Failure to comply with the warnings and/or instructions may result in damage to the equipment and/or its components or personal injury to the operator • Do not touch any unused test terminal •...

  • Page 6: General Description

    I-V600 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 2.1. FOREWORD The instrument is designed to carry out performance measurements (I-V curve) and quick pre-testing (IVCK) of photovoltaic (PV) modules/strings in accordance with IEC/EN60891 and IEC/EN62446-1. 2.2. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS The instrument can perform tests on Monofacial and Bifacial modules/strings up to 1500VDC, 40ADC.

  • Page 7: Preparation For Use

    I-V600 3. PREPARATION FOR USE 3.1. INITIAL CHECKS The electronics and mechanics of the instrument have been carefully checked before shipment. Every precaution has been taken to ensure that the instrument is delivered in perfect condition. In any case, it is advisable to check it for any damage that may have occurred during transport.

  • Page 8: Description Of Parts

    I-V600 4. DESCRIPTION OF PARTS 4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION CAPTION: 1. C1, P1, C2, P2 inputs 2. Front panel 3. Touch-screen display 4. Key ON/OFF 5. START/STOP key 6. Battery compartment cover 7. Battery compartment cover fixing screw 8. Input for external power supply unit 9.

  • Page 9: Description Of Function Keys

    I-V600 CAPTION: 1. Battery compartment with battery polarity indicator 2. Slot for memory card 3. Memory card 4. Position of batteries inside compartment Fig. 3: Description of instrument battery compartment 4.2. DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTION KEYS The instrument includes the following function keys: ON/OFF key→...

  • Page 10: Display Description

    I-V600 4.3. DISPLAY DESCRIPTION CAPTION: 1. System bar 2. Active menu indication 3. IV Check function icon 4. System date/time indicator 5. WiFi connection active indicator 6. SOLAR03 connected indicator 7. Battery level indicator 8. Settings icon 9. SOLAR03 icon 10.

  • Page 11: Side Menu

    I-V600 4.5. SIDE MENU Tap on the icon " " to open/close the side bar/menu shown in the figure on the left. The following icons are available: HOME icon→, used to go back to the main menu from any screen displayed on the instrument REVERSE icon→, used to rotate the display for reading the...

  • Page 12: Using Instrument While It Is Hanging And Attached To A Strap

    I-V600 4.7. USING INSTRUMENT WHILE IT IS HANGING AND ATTACHED TO A STRAP For measurements where it is useful to hang the instrument, it is advisable to remove the cover from the case. To do so, proceed as follows: 1. Open the case and turn the two locking pins as shown in Fig. 5 Fig.
  • Page 13 I-V600 Fig. 7: Removing the cover from the instrument case - Step 3 4. Connect the SP-2003 strap (supplied) to the instrument as shown in Fig. 8. In this case, it is useful to rotate the display by 180° by tapping on the REVERSE key in the side menu (see §...

  • Page 14: Main Menu

    I-V600 5. MAIN MENU instrument's main menu contains a series of icons used to access the internal measurements and settings. The instrument is controlled and programmed using touch- screen display only, with external function keys. The main menu consists of two pages.

  • Page 15: Instrument Settings

    I-V600 5.2. INSTRUMENT SETTINGS 1. Switch on the instrument using the ON/OFF key 2. Tap on the "Settings” icon on the main menu. The following screen will be displayed Fig. 10: General instrument settings 3. Drag each of the 7 thumb wheels to the right or left to set the desired value for each parameter in the “General”...

  • Page 16: Information

    I-V600 Fig. 11: Setting the date/time of the system 6. Drag each of the 7 thumb wheels to the right or left to set the desired value of each parameter in the "Date/Time” section. The following items are available: ➢ Year → to set the current year ➢...

  • Page 17: Operating Instructions

    I-V600 6. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS DMM – MULTIMETER FUNCTION 6.1. In this function, the instrument displays the DC voltage value between the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of the PV module/string/field being tested, as well as the irradiance and temperature values when connected to a SOLAR03 remote unit.

  • Page 18: Solar03 - Remote Unit

    I-V600 6.2. SOLAR03 - REMOTE UNIT The SOLAR03 remote unit allows measuring the Irradiance and temperature values of the module, which are indispensable for the evaluation of the I-V curve, as well as the IVCK with values referenced to @STC. In general, the instrument and the SOLAR03 unit can operate in direct connection or synchronous recording.
  • Page 19 I-V600 3. Switch on the SOLAR03 remote unit and select the "PAIRING…" menu (see the remote unit user manual) 4. Tap on the "Find” button on the instrument to start searching for the remote unit. The following screen appears on the display: Fig.
  • Page 20 I-V600 Fig. 18: Pairing a SOLAR03 remote unit - Step 4 7. From this point on, the two devices are paired and it is not necessary to repeat the above steps. To connect the instrument and the remote unit, simply switch them on, bring them close together and wait for the automatic connection.
  • Page 21 I-V600 Fig. 20: Recording Activation on Remote Unit - Step 2 icon and the message "REC” appear on the display of the remote unit 10. The 11. Tap on the "Run/Stop” button to end the recording. The following screen will appear: Fig.
  • Page 22 I-V600 Fig. 22: Deleting a remote unit 17. Tap on the key to confirm. The remote unit will be removed from the list; alternatively, tap on the key to exit without proceeding EN - 21...

  • Page 23: Db - Pv Modules Database Management

    I-V600 DB – PV MODULES DATABASE MANAGEMENT 6.3. The instrument allows defining and saving up to approx. 63.000 modules. The parameters related to 1 module and the @STC conditions that can be set are shown in Table 1 below: Symbol Description Meas.
  • Page 24 I-V600 The initial screen of the Database function is shown in the following Fig. 24: Fig. 24: Database function initial screen in which there are two sections: Left-hand side ➢ The list of PV module manufacturers in alphabetical order, as entered by the user (manually or via the management software) up to that point.

  • Page 25: How To Define A New Pv Module

    I-V600 6.3.1. How to define a new PV module 1. Tap on the "New” button on the main screen to open the programming screen. The following window will appear on the display: Fig. 25: Creating a new PV module - Step 1 2.

  • Page 26: Modification Of A Pv Module

    I-V600 Fig. 27: Creating a new PV module - Step 3 5. Tap on the "Save” key to save the defined module and return to the main screen, or tap on the "Exit” key to exit the setting without saving 6.3.2.

  • Page 27: Searching For Pv Modules In The Database

    I-V600 6.3.3. Searching for PV modules in the database CAUTION The search performed by the instrument is positional, i.e. the string entered will be searched within the lists starting from the first character to the left 1. Tap on the "Find” key on the main screen. The following window will appear on the display: Fig.

  • Page 28: Deleting A Pv Module

    I-V600 Fig. 31: Search by manufacturer 5. Use the alphanumeric virtual keyboard to enter the desired manufacturer's name or a keyword and tap on (ENTER) on the virtual keyboard to confirm. The searched manufacturer (if present) will be highlighted on the display (see Fig. 31) 6.3.4.

  • Page 29: I-V - Measuring The I-V Curve

    Irradiance measurements are performed via one or more HT305 reference cells (in the case of bifacial modules) connected to the SOLAR03 remote unit The I-V600 instrument can acquire the module temperature value (also essential for calculating values under @STC conditions) as follows: •...

  • Page 30: I-V Curve Measurement With Solar03 Unit Not Recording

    I-V600 6.4.2. I-V curve measurement with SOLAR03 unit not recording CAUTION • The maximum voltage between the P1, C1, P2 and C2 inputs is 1500VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual. • Do not perform tests on PV modules or strings connected to the DC/AC converter.
  • Page 31 I-V600 4. In the case of Monofacial modules, the Fig. 34 screen is present on the display. The following parameters are shown: ➢ VPN voltage between positive and negative pole of the string ➢ Module temperature (with PT305 probe connected) ➢...
  • Page 32 I-V600 6. Tap on the "Settings” key (Monofacial module reference). The following screen is shown in Fig. 36. The following parameters are given: ➢ References of the currently selected module ➢ Parameters of the test string to be programmed ➢ Icon...
  • Page 33 P1, C1, P2, C2 inputs of different length without performing any calibration of cable resistance. For extensions, only use accessories supplied by HT 11. Press the START/STOP key (or Start on the display) to activate the test. If there are no error conditions, the instrument will show the icon "...
  • Page 34 I-V600 ➢ Nominal values of the module being tested under STC conditions as defined in the internal DB (see § 6.3) ➢ Measurement results calculated under STC conditions as a function of irradiance values measured by the connected SOLAR03 remote unit ➢...
  • Page 35 I-V600 Fig. 40: Example of power measurement result - STC curve CAUTION • The instrument refers all the values to one module only under STC condition • The string voltage obtained at OPC indicates the total measured value. Together with the measured current, the instrument calculates the I-V curve @ OPC which is then translated to the @STC conditions 16.

  • Page 36: I-V Curve Measurement With Recording By The Solar03 Remote Unit

    I-V600 6.4.3. I-V curve measurement with recording by the SOLAR03 remote unit Irradiance and temperature measurements (if the instrument is set to temperature measurement mode "Meas.") via SOLAR03 remote unit in recording mode are recommended if the distance between the modules and the instrument is significant. On...
  • Page 37 P1, C1, P2, C2 inputs of different length without performing any calibration of cable resistance. For extensions, only use accessories supplied by HT 8. Press the START/STOP key (or Start on the display) to activate the tests. If there are no error conditions, the instrument will show the icon "...
  • Page 38 I-V600 Fig. 43: I-V curve measurement result @OPC with synchronous recording 9. Tap on the icon to save the measurements to the internal memory (see § 7.1) or on icon to exit without saving 10. At the end of the test session, disconnect the SOLAR03 remote unit and bring it back close to the instrument 11.
  • Page 39 I-V600 CAUTION The @STC results are considered calculable in the presence of: • Front-side irradiance values (also valid for bifacial modules) above the minimum threshold set on the instrument and stable (variation between start and end of measurement campaign <1%) •...

  • Page 40: Meaning Of Measurement Results

    I-V600 6.4.4. Meaning of measurement results The parameter measured and calculated by meter have the following meaning: Parameter Description Pmax Maximum module power (@STC) measured by the instrument P% Difference % of maximum measured power from nominal power (@ STC)

  • Page 41: Anomalous Situations

    I-V600 6.4.5. Anomalous situations If the instrument detects a voltage of -0.5V≤VPN≤15VDC at the P-N terminals of the string, it does not perform test, emits prolonged audible signal displays the message shown in the screen alongside. Check the tension on the string If the instrument detects a voltage <-0.5VDC at the P-N terminals of...
  • Page 42 I-V600 If, with the remote unit active and connected (even recording mode), the instrument detects an irradiance value below threshold (see § 5.2), it stops the test and returns to the main screen. Check the threshold value and carry out the tests at another...
  • Page 43 I-V600 If, during the execution of an I-V or IVCK measurement, the open- circuit voltage (Voc) value is very different from that defined in the module database, the instrument does perform measurement and displays the message shown in the screen alongside.

  • Page 44: Ivck - Commissioning Test On Pv Modules And Strings

    Irradiance measurements are performed via one or more HT305 reference cells (in the case of bifacial modules) connected to the SOLAR03 remote unit. The I-V600 instrument can acquire the temperature value (also essential for calculating values under @STC conditions) as follows: •...

  • Page 45: Ivck Test Without Remote Unit

    I-V600 6.5.2. IVCK test without remote unit CAUTION • The maximum voltage between the P1, C1, P2 and C2 inputs is 1500VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual. • Do not perform tests on PV modules or strings connected to the DC/AC converter.
  • Page 46 I-V600 Fig. 46: Initial IVCK test screen without remote unit on Monofacial modules 5. In the case of Bifacial modules, the Fig. 47 screen is present on the display. The following parameters are shown: ➢ VPN voltage between positive and negative pole of the string ➢...
  • Page 47 I-V600 Fig. 48: IVCK test parameter settings 7. Tap on the "PV Module” key to change the PV module to be tested. The instrument opens the DB section, where a new module can be selected from the list in the DB section (see §...
  • Page 48 I-V600 CAUTION When START/STOP (or Start on the display) is pressed, the instrument may give various error messages (see § 6.4.5) and, as a result, fail to perform the test. Check and, if possible, eliminate the cause of the problem before proceeding.

  • Page 49: Meaning Of Measurement Results

    I-V600 6.5.2.1. Meaning of measurement results In general, the result of an IVCK test on Voc and Isc measurement is determined by the following relationships. Please note the following parameters: = average of open circuit voltage calculated over the last 10 stored...

  • Page 50: Ivck Test With Remote Unit

    I-V600 6.5.3. IVCK test with remote unit Irradiance and temperature measurements (if the instrument is set to temperature measurement mode "Meas.") using a SOLAR03 remote unit connected to the device via Bluetooth are recommended when irradiance conditions are unstable or when a comparison with the nominal values of the module declared by the manufacturer is required.
  • Page 51 I-V600 SOLAR03 active and connected or active and recording 1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key 2. Switch on the SOLAR03 remote unit, pair it with and connect it to the instrument as described in § 6.2. Note the presence of the " " icon in the top right corner of the display 3.
  • Page 52 I-V600 Fig. 53: Initial IVCK test screen without remote unit on Monofacial modules 5. In the case of Bifacial modules, the screen of Fig. 54 is present on the display. The following parameters are shown: ➢ VPN voltage between positive and negative pole of the string ➢...
  • Page 53 I-V600 Fig. 55: I-V curve measurement parameter settings 7. Tap on the "PV Module” key to change the PV module to be tested. The instrument opens the DB section, where a new module can be selected from the list in the DB section (see §...
  • Page 54 I-V600 Fig. 56: Recording Activation on Remote Unit - Step 1 12. Tap on to confirm or tap on to exit without proceeding. Recording is performed with a 1s non-editable scan and the message “REC” appears on the remote unit display to indicate the operation in progress Fig.
  • Page 55 I-V600 16. Assemble the stem onto the disk of the optional accessory M304 and keep it resting on the module’s surface. Check that the shadow of the stem on the disk falls within the internal “limit concentric circle” of the disk itself (see picture).
  • Page 56 I-V600 Fig. 59: Example of a negative IVCK test result - STC values 19. The following parameters are displayed on the above screens: ➢ Model of the module being tested ➢ Nominal values of the module being tested as defined in the internal DB (see § 6.3) ➢...
  • Page 57 I-V600 Fig. 60: IVCK test result @OPC with synchronous recording 15. Tap on the icon to save the measurements to the internal memory (see § 7.1), or on the icon to exit without saving 16. At the end of the test session, disconnect the SOLAR03 remote unit, place it close to the instrument and check that it automatically reconnects to the instrument 17.
  • Page 58 I-V600 CAUTION The @STC results are considered calculable in the presence of: • Front-side irradiance values (also valid for Bifacial modules) above the minimum threshold set on the instrument and stable (variation between start and end of measurement campaign <1%) •...

  • Page 59: Meaning Of Measurement Results

    I-V600 6.5.3.1. Meaning of measurement results In general, the result of a test on a Voc and Isc measurement is determined by the following relationships. Please note the following parameters: = open circuit voltage rating @STC = short-circuit current rating @STC...

  • Page 60: Mem - Storage Of Results

    I-V600 7. MEM - STORAGE OF RESULTS The instrument can store up to up to 9999 measurement results (I-V curves or IVCK tests). Test results can be organised and grouped in a structure similar to that of the photovoltaic system being tested by associating up to 3 different levels of markers for each of the memory locations used, in order to detail the corresponding location of the measurement.
  • Page 61 I-V600 Fig. 64: Saving Measurement Result - Step 3 4. With a first-level marker highlighted, tap on the “New” key to define a possible name for a second-level marker. The following screen will appear: Fig. 65: Saving Measurement Result - Step 4 5.
  • Page 62 I-V600 6. With the second-level marker highlighted, tap on the “New” key to define a possible name for a third-level marker. The following screen will be displayed: Fig. 67: Saving Measurement Result - Step 6 7. Use the virtual alphanumeric keyboard to define the third-level marker (ex: "MODULE X") and touch the...
  • Page 63 I-V600 9. Tap on the icon again to complete the saving process of the measurement under the blue highlighted marker (ex: third-level "MODULE X") and return to the main measurement screen 10. When a new first-level marker is required, tap on the "New first level” key shown on the following screen: Fig.

  • Page 64: Displaying Results

    I-V600 7.2. DISPLAYING RESULTS 1. Tap on the "Memory” icon in the main menu to display the data. The following screen shows an example of displayed data Fig. 71: Displaying results 2. Tap on the desired marker on the left-hand side of the screen. On the right-hand side, the current memory location is shown, along with the measurements stored for that marker.
  • Page 65 I-V600 5. Tap on the "Current” key to display the I-V @STC curve. The following screen will appear: Fig. 73: Retrieving the I-V curve measurement results - Current curve @STC 6. Tap on the "Power” key to display the I-V @STC power curve as shown in the figure below: Fig.
  • Page 66 I-V600 8. Tap on the "Current” key to display the I-V @OPC curve. The following screen will appear: Fig. 76: Retrieving the I-V curve measurement results - Current curve @OPC 9. Tap on the "Power” key to display the @OPC power curve. The following screen will appear: Fig.

  • Page 67: Deleting Results

    I-V600 7.3. DELETING RESULTS 1. Tap on the "Memory” icon on the main menu to display the data (see Fig. 71) 2. Select (highlight in blue) a test on the screen and tap on the "Delete” key. The following message will appear on the display: Fig.
  • Page 68 I-V600 Fig. 81: Deleting an internal marker 7. Tap on the key to confirm the deletion of the marker together with any measurements it contains, or on the key to exit without proceeding EN - 67...

  • Page 69: Anomalous Situations

    I-V600 7.3.1. Anomalous situations If a highlighted top-level marker containing some measurements is to be removed, the instrument will not proceed and will display the message shown in the figure. Remove all lower-level markers first If an attempt is made to delete a marker with the word "Markers"...
  • Page 70 I-V600 If, during saving, you try to associate a measurement with a marker in which the maximum number of possible measurements present (max 500), instrument shows the message shown in the figure on the side and does not carry out the operation.

  • Page 71: Connecting The Instrument To The Pc

    CAUTION To transfer data to a PC, first install the management software downloadable from the www.ht-instruments.com Website Connection via USB-C cable 1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key 2. Connect the instrument to the PC using the supplied USB-C C2010 cable 3.

  • Page 72: Maintenance

    • Only use the supplied HT power supply unit to recharge the batteries in order to avoid possible damage to the instrument Replacing internal batteries 1.

  • Page 73: Technical Specifications

    I-V600 10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 10.1. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Accuracy stated as ± [%reading + (num. dgt*resolution)] at 23 °C ± 5 °C, <80%RH MULTIMETER FUNCTION DMM – DC Voltage Range [V] Resolution [V] Accuracy 3  1500 (1.0reading + 2dgt) I-V CURVE MEASUREMENTS AND IVCK TESTS...

  • Page 74: General Characteristics

    8x1.2V type AA rechargeable NiMH batteries External power supply: 100-440VAC/15VDC, 50/60Hz external power supply CAT IV 300V (use HT power supply only) Battery charging algorithm: via P1, C1, P2, C2 inputs Battery Management System (BMS): energy recovered from I-V curve measurements Consumption: symbol “...

  • Page 75: Environmental Conditions For Use

    I-V600 10.3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR USE Reference temperature: 23° ± 5°C (73°F ± 41°F) Working temperature: -10°C ÷ 50°C (14°F ± 122°F) Permitted relative humidity: <80%RH Storage temperature: -20°C ÷ 60°C (-4°F ± 140°F) Storage humidity: <80%RH Max operating altitude:...

  • Page 76: Appendix

    I-V600 11. APPENDIX 11.1. THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF THE I-V CURVE MEASUREMENT The instrument is designed to perform tests and measurements on PV modules consisting of a suitable number of PV cells in order to determine their I-V (Current-Voltage) characteristic, which identifies them constructively, based on the reference standard...

  • Page 77: Typical Errors On I-V Curves And Troubleshooting

    I-V600 11.2. TYPICAL ERRORS ON I-V CURVES AND TROUBLESHOOTING Measurement Event Troubleshooting • The measured curve extrapolated • No error, save data and Good measurement to STC (blue) and the curve as move to next string to test declared manufacturer (black) of the modules match.
  • Page 78 I-V600 • Voltage drop on cables to PV • Check cables, connectors, Low voltage ratio Vmpp/Voc module string contacts, and string wirings • Check cable length cross section • Check modules connections or oxidation • Replace affected modules • Small or partial shading of one •...

  • Page 79: Service

    I-V600 12. SERVICE 12.1. WARRANTY CONDITIONS This unit is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship in accordance with the General Conditions of Sale. During the warranty period, all defective parts may be replaced and the manufacturer reserves the right to repair or replace the product.
  • Page 81 HT ITALIA SRL Via della Boaria, 40 48018 – Faenza (RA) – Italy WHERE T +39 0546 621002 | F +39 0546 621144 WE ARE M ht@ht-instruments.com | ht-instruments.com...

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